MileHighMark

Has anyone used the SRAM S500 brake levers? I'm looking for a stand-alone lever that has a modern fit/feel, and all the Tektro units I've tried (RL200, RL340) have very sloppy levers/blades (i.e., lots of side-to-side play).

SRAM levers: https://www.rivbike.com/products/show...-levers/15-164

rccardr 

I have the Tektro Ergo-style levers on a couple of my own bukes and wouldnot say that they have any side-to-side slop at all. Make sure the lever is not in it's extended position before testing. Love mine, I've also put 'em on many built-to-order bikes.

HillRider

I have Tektro R200 levers on my Surly Cross check and find the sideplay and slop in the levers minimal and, in fact, on par with the Campy Chorus 10-speed Ergo levers on another bike.

They are also much less expensive than the SRAM levers you linked to. The Tektros also have a quick release built into the levers (ala Campy) which can be useful if you use them with cantilever brakes and need the extra slack to disconnect the stradle cable.

thirdgenbird

another r200 fan.


i almost bought the sram levers but the lower price and campy shape sold me on the r200s.

Bianchigirll 

they are not very good looking. looks like they gutted a brifter and stuck a makeshift lever on it.

Werkin

I have them, fit and function are great.

MileHighMark

Thanks. Do you notice any play between the lever/blade and the body/hood?

Chris_W

I like the Tektros: very comfy, and good brake feel.

Werkin

Yes for side movement on one lever, but minimal. Unless the lever is purposely wiggled, you wouldn't know it existed.

X-LinkedRider

I use the Tektro RL520's on my Giant and to me they feel exactly how a brake lever should feel. Virtually no side to side motion on my set.

bb1

@werkin,

was doing some research when i came to this thread, i know it's been almost a year old, but i hope you (or the others) can answer my question regarding the sram s500 singlespeed road brake lever

will it work with a different brand of brake caliper, say shimano 105/ ultegra?

the reason i ask is because the recommended caliper reach for my bike frame is standard reach, but it seems that sram calipers only come in short reach versions

i really like the shape of the sram s500 compared to older aero levers (i have older ultegra non aero levers)

thanks

HillRider

Generally any standard road brake lever will work with any other maker's caliper brakes (or cantilevers for that matter) so you can mix and match pretty much at will. I'm using Campy Ergo brifters with Shimano brake calipers on two bikes and they work perfectly. The Tektro or SRAM levers discussed above should work with nearly any road caliper.

Shimano has changed the geometry of their latest brakes (5700, 6700, 7900) and corresponding brifters and say they should be used together but I've heard reports that say you can satisfactorily use either the new brifters or calipers with their former designs.

Werkin

Yes

bb1

thanks

milesbeyond

I put some S500's in black on my 88 Schwinn Tempo. Paired them with some Force brakes and they work amazing. Seems like the levers angle out a bit further than my rival setup on the other bike, but I love the shape of the hoods.

I paid $60 shipped from eBay brand new for my S500s. Which is still more than some Tektro, but they look great (was able to yellow levers to match my bike)

Tunnelrat81

I've been riding the R200A's on my commute bike for a couple of years now (at least) and they are amazing. When I discovered/bought/installed them and put them to use I was amazed that I never found their fault. I'd assumed that any leverset that I can pick up for around $20 online can't possibly also be the best part available for the job. Over 2 years later and I've never had a single issue with them. They still move smoothly, work flawlessly with my 105 calipers, and haven't shown any signs of wear beyond the smoothing out of the texture on the rubber hoods from regular use. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone, and the low price is just the icing on the cake, as there seems to be no real sacrifice to make with these.

-Jeremy

Siarhei

Hello. I choose brake levers for my single speed. What is the difference between Sram S500 and Sram Rival 1? Interested in ergonomics. Double the price difference

veganbikes

Keep in mind this is a 13 year old thread. In terms of levers just get the S500s I have been using them for years (I have had 3 sets still two mounted) and they are just fine, I think the Rivals just have different logos and maybe a different blades however if you want a nicer blade and lighter set up just get the S900s which are carbon.

I think the weight was pretty similar if memory serves but I wouldn't worry about. Really the only SRAM single speed brake levers I would want gruppo branded would be Red just because it generally looks good and the older logos would work on some planned builds.