Ways to install an extra set of brake levers for my mechanical disk brakes
#1
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Ways to install an extra set of brake levers for my mechanical disk brakes
Hi, everybody.
I've already done some research and inquiries to this point, and it seems there are mainly 2 approaches to this problem
1. So called "inline brake levers" often used on CX bikes. It's fairly tested solution but it's limiting you a bit in regards to where you can place the 2nd set of levers (it must be somewhere along the path of cables from your main levers)
2. Adapters like this one: https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/cables/p...le-doubler-21/
That 2nd option is what I liked the most, as it doesn't seem to have a location limitation I mentioned before. But the prices set for the device is a bit staggering... Especially in the light of the fact you need 2 of those, 1 per each group of coupled levers.
When I look at this item, it just seems like the only thing it does is joining 2 cables coming from levers into one going to one of the brakes. I just can't believe the only way to do it is to use such an expensive device. Are the cheaper options, perhaps? Can I simply use some kind of 5$ clamp to securely fasten 2 incoming cables to one outgoing?
I've already done some research and inquiries to this point, and it seems there are mainly 2 approaches to this problem
1. So called "inline brake levers" often used on CX bikes. It's fairly tested solution but it's limiting you a bit in regards to where you can place the 2nd set of levers (it must be somewhere along the path of cables from your main levers)
2. Adapters like this one: https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/cables/p...le-doubler-21/
That 2nd option is what I liked the most, as it doesn't seem to have a location limitation I mentioned before. But the prices set for the device is a bit staggering... Especially in the light of the fact you need 2 of those, 1 per each group of coupled levers.
When I look at this item, it just seems like the only thing it does is joining 2 cables coming from levers into one going to one of the brakes. I just can't believe the only way to do it is to use such an expensive device. Are the cheaper options, perhaps? Can I simply use some kind of 5$ clamp to securely fasten 2 incoming cables to one outgoing?
#2
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Found another similar solution https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/cables/j...ublecontrol-s/
But again, 40 euro for 1 item (you need 2). Why it must be that expensive? It seems to me like a job some kind of 10-15$ specialized clamp could do.
But again, 40 euro for 1 item (you need 2). Why it must be that expensive? It seems to me like a job some kind of 10-15$ specialized clamp could do.
#3
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What handlebars do you have or want to use?
What brake levers do you currently have?
What sort of setup do you want to have?
What type are your mechanical disc brakes, mountain or road?
What brake levers do you currently have?
What sort of setup do you want to have?
What type are your mechanical disc brakes, mountain or road?
#4
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That's still not decided. I have clear vision of what I would like to use, but I'm still searching for proper parts to implement it. Ideally, I would like to have a regular straight, wide enough (at least 60cm) handlebar positioned pretty high, thus allowing me to assume a riding position with almost straight back, like it's usually done on city bikes - and at the same time have some horns attached to it, pointed down, which would allow me to assume a more leaned forward posture for situations when I need to traverse a rougher terrain than regular city's pavement. This is where I want to have an additional set of brake levers.
I've reviewed a lot of regular road bull-horn bars, but they all are too narrow for my taste (not a single one wider than ~50cm), so I'll need to assemble something custom.
I have a set of 2 long levers which came with my V-brakes. I'm planning to substitute those brakes for a set of mechanical disk brakes very soon.
Not sure what you mean. I've described my desired handlebar setup already, so hope this was what you are asking for.
It's Avid BB7 which is road brakes, I believe.
I've reviewed a lot of regular road bull-horn bars, but they all are too narrow for my taste (not a single one wider than ~50cm), so I'll need to assemble something custom.
I have a set of 2 long levers which came with my V-brakes. I'm planning to substitute those brakes for a set of mechanical disk brakes very soon.
Not sure what you mean. I've described my desired handlebar setup already, so hope this was what you are asking for.
It's Avid BB7 which is road brakes, I believe.
Last edited by Morimorimori; 07-21-18 at 08:54 PM.
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BB7's come in road and mountain versions.
https://www.sram.com/avid/component/...al-disc-brakes
The cable pull of a brake lever needs to match the brake, road brakes use short pull brake levers, mountain brakes use long pull brake levers
https://www.sram.com/avid/component/...al-disc-brakes
The cable pull of a brake lever needs to match the brake, road brakes use short pull brake levers, mountain brakes use long pull brake levers
#7
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BB7's come in road and mountain versions.
https://www.sram.com/avid/component/...al-disc-brakes
The cable pull of a brake lever needs to match the brake, road brakes use short pull brake levers, mountain brakes use long pull brake levers
https://www.sram.com/avid/component/...al-disc-brakes
The cable pull of a brake lever needs to match the brake, road brakes use short pull brake levers, mountain brakes use long pull brake levers
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These were the ones I bought: https://www.bike-components.de/en/Av...oseout-p25564/
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v-brake levers are long pull levers
road brake levers are short pull brake levers
V-brake levers and mountain mechanical discs are compatible, road mechanical discs aren't made to be used with v-brake levers.
If you use the wrong type of brake lever with a certain type of brake, you can either have spongy brakes or a brake that needs the brake lever to be squeezed very hard.
#11
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Hm, I may need to review my setup then... What bother me now is whether I can use a regular brake lever with the brakes I bought at all?
I mean something like this one (yes, I know this one is for hydraulic brake): https://static.bike-components.de/ca...481258610.jpeg
Or are those road BB7 brakes are only compatible with levers used on bull-horn handlebars and to use the regular levers I'll need to buy the MTB set? When I try to browse Road disk brakes category at bike-components, this seem to be the only type they have listed there.
I mean something like this one (yes, I know this one is for hydraulic brake): https://static.bike-components.de/ca...481258610.jpeg
Or are those road BB7 brakes are only compatible with levers used on bull-horn handlebars and to use the regular levers I'll need to buy the MTB set? When I try to browse Road disk brakes category at bike-components, this seem to be the only type they have listed there.
Last edited by Morimorimori; 07-21-18 at 09:45 PM.
#12
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Your road mechanical discs can be used with flat bar road brake levers like the Shimano BL-R550 or the SRAM S-700, they can also be used with drop bar brake levers, bull horn brake levers and inline cross levers.
You have more brake lever options with the road mechanical disc brakes.
You have more brake lever options with the road mechanical disc brakes.
#13
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One thing to clarify. Brakes my bike is using atm is a variation of those: https://www.tektro.com/products.php?p=173
Sorry for the confusion, I'm not very knowledgeable about brake types, so I refer to such designs as "V-brakes"
Regarding the road vs mtb types of BB7, I see some feedback here and there that when used in conjunction with Avid Speed Dial 7 levers, it doesn't matter which type of brakes you have, you can adjust levers to fit both. Is it true?
Sorry for the confusion, I'm not very knowledgeable about brake types, so I refer to such designs as "V-brakes"
Regarding the road vs mtb types of BB7, I see some feedback here and there that when used in conjunction with Avid Speed Dial 7 levers, it doesn't matter which type of brakes you have, you can adjust levers to fit both. Is it true?
#14
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One thing to clarify. Brakes my bike is using atm is a variation of those: https://www.tektro.com/products.php?p=173
Sorry for the confusion, I'm not very knowledgeable about brake types, so I refer to such designs as "V-brakes"
Regarding the road vs mtb types of BB7, I see some feedback here and there that when used in conjunction with Avid Speed Dial 7 levers, it doesn't matter which type of brakes you have, you can adjust levers to fit both. Is it true?
Sorry for the confusion, I'm not very knowledgeable about brake types, so I refer to such designs as "V-brakes"
Regarding the road vs mtb types of BB7, I see some feedback here and there that when used in conjunction with Avid Speed Dial 7 levers, it doesn't matter which type of brakes you have, you can adjust levers to fit both. Is it true?
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#15
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That Tektro brake is a road caliper.
V-brakes look like this: https://www.tektro.com/products.php?p=160
Speed Dial 7 levers are a long pull lever that are made to be used with v-brakes or mountain mechanical discs, they have a bit of adjustment with the amount of cable pull but they don't pull the same amount of cable as a road lever.
V-brakes look like this: https://www.tektro.com/products.php?p=160
Speed Dial 7 levers are a long pull lever that are made to be used with v-brakes or mountain mechanical discs, they have a bit of adjustment with the amount of cable pull but they don't pull the same amount of cable as a road lever.
Last edited by cobba; 07-21-18 at 11:30 PM.
#16
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Thank you, both, you helped immensely. I would never noted my mistake until I would take it to the local shop for installing them.. So it seems to correct my mistake I just need to additionally order those levers I've selected: https://www.bike-components.de/en/Sh...L-4700-p43856/
Seems like they are intended for road brakes and have a good quality tier as well. As for the 2nd set of brakes, it will probably be something like this (mounted on a pair of horns attached to my straight main handlebar) https://www.bike-components.de/en/SR...shebel-p34939/
Seems like they are intended for road brakes and have a good quality tier as well. As for the 2nd set of brakes, it will probably be something like this (mounted on a pair of horns attached to my straight main handlebar) https://www.bike-components.de/en/SR...shebel-p34939/
#17
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Actually, it seems I don't need to buy those new levers. From some other discussions, quotes:
So it seems like calipers are in the same "pull category" as other road brakes. That I believe means my current levers should work ok (I like them a lot, they are quite long and comfortable).
Cantilever/road levers pull about 21mm
V-brake levers pull about 42mm
Speed dial levers pull something like 37mm to 42mm
V-brake levers pull about 42mm
Speed dial levers pull something like 37mm to 42mm
A long pull lever (i.e. for V-brakes, mountain mechanical discs) pulls the cable about twice as long (but about half as hard) as a short pull lever (caliper, cantilever, road discs).
#18
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As for the 2nd set of brakes, it will probably be something like this (mounted on a pair of horns attached to my straight main handlebar) https://www.bike-components.de/en/SR...shebel-p34939/
Sounds like you want a setup with bull horn levers and cross levers: https://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/...DSC00757.0.jpg
Do you have gears on the bike?
#19
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Those are for drop bars.
Sounds like you want a setup with bull horn levers and cross levers: https://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/...DSC00757.0.jpg
Do you have gears on the bike?
Sounds like you want a setup with bull horn levers and cross levers: https://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/...DSC00757.0.jpg
Do you have gears on the bike?
Last edited by Morimorimori; 07-21-18 at 11:36 PM.
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and things like this one attached to it at around 10-15cm apart from each its end: https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/handleba...ar-ends-black/
https://forums.mtbr.com/29er-bikes/dr...l#post10751504
What's the bike you have?
#21
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Yes, that guy's setup is what I would like to build. And yes, I would like to additionally install brake levers at drop bars as well, these ones: https://www.bike-components.de/en/Sh...griffe-p43604/
My bike is Montague Urban, but I'll be heavily modifying it soon (internal gear hub, disk brakes, new handlebars setup etc)
My bike is Montague Urban, but I'll be heavily modifying it soon (internal gear hub, disk brakes, new handlebars setup etc)
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Looks like you'll need a couple of cable splitters/doublers.
* Those Jtek splitters come in 2 versions for different cable pull
short: https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/cables/jtek-doublecontrol-s
long: https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/cables/jtek-doublecontrol-l
* Those Jtek splitters come in 2 versions for different cable pull
short: https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/cables/jtek-doublecontrol-s
long: https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/cables/jtek-doublecontrol-l
#23
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Yes, already ordered them. Short ones, as I believe they are the ones intended to be used with regular road brakes (the other ones are advertised as compatible with V-brakes)