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recommend a brake lever

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Old 04-24-08 | 11:05 AM
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recommend a brake lever

I have a Tektro RL570 on 22.2mm diameter risers using a beer can & electrical tape shim. Everything works just fine but the shim is ugly and I would prefer an all chrome lever/clamp. Plus, the Tektro just feels cheaply made. I am more interested in levers that are designed for one/two fingers like the DiaTech Goldfinger or the Paul E-Lever, but those examples are not chrome. And as far as I can see, the Goldfinger is only available as a right side. Any recommendations for a new lever that will fit a 22.2mm bar (on the slope near the grips) and is chrome as well as a quality component (not cheaply made)?

I suppose I could get either the Goldfinger or the E-lever and remove the anodization and polish it to a chrome. Has anyone does this before with these levers? Which lever is more solid and lasting component?

Last edited by bionnaki; 04-24-08 at 11:12 AM.
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Old 04-24-08 | 12:23 PM
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the paul.

go with it.
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Old 04-24-08 | 12:29 PM
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The Shimano BL-R770 would be a good choice. The 550 is cheaper, but comes in black. You get two, so find someone to split with.
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Old 04-24-08 | 12:52 PM
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I just bought this.
https://www.trpbrakes.com/xl950.php

It's really solid. Best lever i've ever owned... Cost about $25 but worth it
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Old 04-24-08 | 12:53 PM
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Originally Posted by TurntheScrew
the paul.

go with it.
+1
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Old 04-24-08 | 01:11 PM
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Originally Posted by bionnaki
And as far as I can see, the Goldfinger is only available as a right side.
Flip it over and it magically becomes a left.
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Old 04-24-08 | 01:18 PM
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BMX brake lever. I'm running the tech99 from diatech and this thing is heavy duty as it gets. I saw they had them in white and other colors, didn't look for chrome but they do come in 22.2 and 25.4mm sizes.
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Old 04-24-08 | 03:41 PM
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anyone successful in de-anodizing the paul e-lever? how solidly-built is that lever? I dont mind paying extra for quality parts, so if it's sturdy and likely to last awhile, I'll pay the cost. my tektro just feels like a flimsy part from taiwan.
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Old 04-24-08 | 04:37 PM
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Most of the best parts come from Taiwan these days, just so you know.
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Old 04-24-08 | 04:40 PM
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Bikes: '05 pista, early 90's cannondale track (project bike)

I've got no issues with my tektro cross lever, paying over $10 for a lever seems pretty outrageous to me especially if you use it minimally (not saying you do, but I do).
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Old 04-24-08 | 06:35 PM
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Originally Posted by barba
Most of the best parts come from Taiwan these days, just so you know.
I guess that was written in haste. I stand corrected. But my tektro does feel poorly made...

I only really use my brake in emergencies, but still I'd like a lever that is a quality piece.
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