Drop bar brake lever hoods: shape and dimensions
07-20-20, 08:40 AM
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Drop bar brake lever hoods: shape and dimensions
Does anyone have some comparative size and shape dimensions for various non-shifter drop bar brake levers? it seems that the shape varies greatly but manufacturers don't publish any relevant dimensions to their hoods.
My personal goal is to find a new lever with a more compact reach. I have Tektro Hylex brakes and the hoods on them are LONG. this may be ideal for some people but as a personal preference, I want something shorter. (yes, I know I will need to change over to a mechanical brake if I want a different lever. that's fine.) with no way to comparing the sizes in person, I need some dimensions or photos showing them for scale.
My personal goal is to find a new lever with a more compact reach. I have Tektro Hylex brakes and the hoods on them are LONG. this may be ideal for some people but as a personal preference, I want something shorter. (yes, I know I will need to change over to a mechanical brake if I want a different lever. that's fine.) with no way to comparing the sizes in person, I need some dimensions or photos showing them for scale.
Last edited by mack_turtle; 07-22-20 at 06:51 AM.
07-20-20, 12:17 PM
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bill nyecycles
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I'm a smaller guy with smaller hands and I use the Cane Creek SCR-5c (c for compact) levers - but apparently upon doing a search, they no longer make the SCR-5 levers at all - regular or compact. So, that's a total bummer because they're perfect for me. I don't have any measurements for them though.
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07-20-20, 01:28 PM
#3
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Suntour and Dia Compe levers tend to have short hoods, around 2 1/8".
Last edited by specialmonkey; 07-20-20 at 01:40 PM.
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07-20-20, 08:33 PM
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Clark W. Griswold
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My favorite levers are SRAM S500s I have used them on a bunch of bikes and would personally love to figure out a way to build Gevenalle style "brifters" with them (my last attempt failed) They are comfortable for my hands but I don't have small hands but they are certainly not the same reach as the TRP Hylex which are loooooong to fit the hydro reservoir without going up like SRAM did (which look terrible, ATMO)
It is a real shame SRAM uses DOT fluid and in the past haven't made great brakes because they make fantastic mechanical brake levers.
It is a real shame SRAM uses DOT fluid and in the past haven't made great brakes because they make fantastic mechanical brake levers.
07-22-20, 09:14 AM
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Just shorten your stem by 5-10mm. Are you already using a short reach handlebar? The only levers that you'll find that have a shorter hood will either be non-aero or the basic Shimano ones.
07-22-20, 09:21 AM
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I am 5'9" and riding a 52cm frame that has a 545mm ETT. The handlebar is a Salsa Cowbell 3, which is already pretty darn compact. I have a 60mm stem on the bike, which seems ridiculously short and I hate it, aside from being almost in the right spot to reach the ends of the hoods. if I wanted to set it up for just the hoods position, I need a 40mm stem, but that would put the bar will be in my lap and I'll hit my knees on the handlebar when I stand up. if I go longer, the handlebar is in a great place to reach the ramps, drops, hooks, and tops, but the ergo bump on the hood is 2" longer than I can stand to ride for more than a few minutes for each hour I spend on the bike. I want a brake hood to rest my hands, not aero bars.
Last edited by mack_turtle; 07-22-20 at 10:08 AM.
07-22-20, 02:36 PM
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Isn't the Hylex a hydraulic brake? They're longer because they're hydraulic. My hydraulic RS505's are about an inch longer than my regular mechanical Ultegra's. The Tektro RL340's on my Wabi are 3.25 inches measuring the same way you did. And they actually feel like Campy hoods.
07-22-20, 02:56 PM
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I have some old Sora shifters that I am going to stick on my bike in the trainer for comparison. (a friend needs these for a bike build.) measured the same way as above, they are over an inch shorter. if I can find a lever that is closer to that, that's what I need. of course, that means buying a whole new brake setup, which is worth the hassle to me. I'd rather not have the stopping power of hydros, which is overkill for this application, than a bike that doesn't fit well.
Last edited by mack_turtle; 10-26-20 at 08:26 AM.
07-23-20, 07:03 PM
#10
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My favorite levers are SRAM S500s I have used them on a bunch of bikes and would personally love to figure out a way to build Gevenalle style "brifters" with them (my last attempt failed) They are comfortable for my hands but I don't have small hands but they are certainly not the same reach as the TRP Hylex which are loooooong to fit the hydro reservoir without going up like SRAM did (which look terrible, ATMO)
It is a real shame SRAM uses DOT fluid and in the past haven't made great brakes because they make fantastic mechanical brake levers.
It is a real shame SRAM uses DOT fluid and in the past haven't made great brakes because they make fantastic mechanical brake levers.
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07-23-20, 07:59 PM
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OT, but, you might find this useful: https://imgur.com/a/mpGarUU
07-25-20, 03:52 PM
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I’m using old Weinmann non-aero levers with the extension levers removed, bolts cut flush and Cane Creek hoods. Much shorter reach on the same bar than, say, my Shimano Tiagra or old 105 aero levers.
Of course I’m using these with single bolt, caliper brakes, so the standard short pull lever may be totally wrong in your situation.
Otto
Of course I’m using these with single bolt, caliper brakes, so the standard short pull lever may be totally wrong in your situation.
Otto
