Non-aero brake levers shaped like aero brake levers?
#1
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Non-aero brake levers shaped like aero brake levers?
I prefer to have the ability to change my brakes without having to retape my bars, but I find vintage non-aero brake levers somewhat uncomfortable. Any modern or vintage options that you all would recommend that have a shape closer to the Shimano aero brake lever?
Thanks.
Thanks.
#2
Yes! Shimano made two series of SLR (modern pull) design brake levers, 1050 (105 series) and 6400 (tricolor 600 series).
Both have hoods shaped more like peer-period aero levers and they work very well with both single and dual pivot SLR calipers.
Mainly used in early series bikes sold in Europe, but occasionally show up in the US.
Both have hoods shaped more like peer-period aero levers and they work very well with both single and dual pivot SLR calipers.
Mainly used in early series bikes sold in Europe, but occasionally show up in the US.
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#3
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Yes! Shimano made two series of SLR (modern pull) design brake levers, 1050 (105 series) and 6400 (tricolor 600 series).
Both have hoods shaped more like peer-period aero levers and they work very well with both single and dual pivot SLR calipers.
Mainly used in early series bikes sold in Europe, but occasionally show up in the US.
Both have hoods shaped more like peer-period aero levers and they work very well with both single and dual pivot SLR calipers.
Mainly used in early series bikes sold in Europe, but occasionally show up in the US.
#4
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Campagnolo made levers that could be used either way in the late eighties-early nineties, pre ergo power brifters. C Record, chorus, athena...
#5
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#6
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#7
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Yes! Shimano made two series of SLR (modern pull) design brake levers, 1050 (105 series) and 6400 (tricolor 600 series).
Both have hoods shaped more like peer-period aero levers and they work very well with both single and dual pivot SLR calipers.
Mainly used in early series bikes sold in Europe, but occasionally show up in the US.
Both have hoods shaped more like peer-period aero levers and they work very well with both single and dual pivot SLR calipers.
Mainly used in early series bikes sold in Europe, but occasionally show up in the US.
For SLR single pivot brakes, is there any difference between 1050, 6400, and 740x brakes? Or do they all have the special bearings and such that make their action supah smooth.
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My 89 Miyata 1000 came with the SLR 1050s. They look nice, feel nice, and work nice. I believe the tech aspect of the SLR was a return spring in the brake lever so there could be a lighter return spring in the calipers. I could be mistaken though.
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#9
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I've read some hub-bub about there being special ball bearings and washers to facilitate extra smooth action at the caliper as well. Just wondering if all of the regular SLR single pivot brakes had them. I'd assume so, but there are always exceptions.
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#11
As an update to this thread...there are actually three!! shimano brake levers that are SLR + non-aero. The third option are Exage Sport levers. BL-a450. Just found some on ebay for a reasonable price and couldn't believe my eyes. Out came the wallet.
For SLR single pivot brakes, is there any difference between 1050, 6400, and 740x brakes? Or do they all have the special bearings and such that make their action supah smooth.
For SLR single pivot brakes, is there any difference between 1050, 6400, and 740x brakes? Or do they all have the special bearings and such that make their action supah smooth.
It's called 'thrust bearings' by Shimano, little balls imbedded in the bushing that don't really rotate but just reduces friction with the coated washers that sandwich it. Same system that is used by many of their 'nicer' dual pivot calipers that followed it.
Per the below not all SLR single pivot had it (this is from 1986), so not on the 'L', don't know if this changed later. Also, for dual pivot, not all had the thrust bearings in all generations.
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#12
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If you're referring to the bearing system as pictured below, then the 3 calipers above does have it. BR-1050 pictured.
It's called 'thrust bearings' by Shimano, little balls imbedded in the bushing that don't really rotate but just reduces friction with the coated washers that sandwich it. Same system that is used by many of their 'nicer' dual pivot calipers that followed it.
Per the below not all SLR single pivot had it (this is from 1986), so not on the 'L', don't know if this changed later. Also, for dual pivot, not all had the thrust bearings in all generations.
It's called 'thrust bearings' by Shimano, little balls imbedded in the bushing that don't really rotate but just reduces friction with the coated washers that sandwich it. Same system that is used by many of their 'nicer' dual pivot calipers that followed it.
Per the below not all SLR single pivot had it (this is from 1986), so not on the 'L', don't know if this changed later. Also, for dual pivot, not all had the thrust bearings in all generations.
Very nice, thank you for the diagrams and everything. I'm going to pair the a450 brake levers with regular old CLB professional calipers to start with and see how it goes. They've been wonderful, very powerful with Super SLR brake levers. After doing some reading I expect that the regular SLR brake levers will require more brake lever movement but should have more mechanical advantage...hopefully I've got that right...if indeed the combination doesn't work, it'll be an easy trade with someone here on the forum, my CLB calipers for a pair of 1050 brake calipers.
Believe it or not, I have yet to actually experience SLR calipers and levers working together, and all of the shimano marketing and anecdotes on the forum (and Sheldon loved them) has me itching to try despite how nice the weight weenie CLB calipers are. The light and smooth action along with good modulation of brake force sounds quite nice.
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edit: very comfortable on my hands/wrists
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Last edited by Wildwood; 03-02-24 at 04:14 PM.
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#14
Must be symmetrical
The Exage calipers don't have a quick release, it is in the lever, the bulge is a button. So if you use the calipers with other Shimano levers that don't have a lever based quick release then its problematic.
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#15
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In 1984, Galli offered the Aerodynamica KL brake levers that could be used either as hidden brake cable or top feed. Accordingly, they recommended to drill the handlebar for internal cable setup.
Its a nice lever with good leverage.
At the same time, they offered the Criterium brake lever which was top cable feed only. Drillium styled.
Its a nice lever with good leverage.
At the same time, they offered the Criterium brake lever which was top cable feed only. Drillium styled.
#16
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Very nice, thank you for the diagrams and everything. I'm going to pair the a450 brake levers with regular old CLB professional calipers to start with and see how it goes. They've been wonderful, very powerful with Super SLR brake levers. After doing some reading I expect that the regular SLR brake levers will require more brake lever movement but should have more mechanical advantage...hopefully I've got that right...if indeed the combination doesn't work, it'll be an easy trade with someone here on the forum, my CLB calipers for a pair of 1050 brake calipers.
Believe it or not, I have yet to actually experience SLR calipers and levers working together, and all of the shimano marketing and anecdotes on the forum (and Sheldon loved them) has me itching to try despite how nice the weight weenie CLB calipers are. The light and smooth action along with good modulation of brake force sounds quite nice.
Believe it or not, I have yet to actually experience SLR calipers and levers working together, and all of the shimano marketing and anecdotes on the forum (and Sheldon loved them) has me itching to try despite how nice the weight weenie CLB calipers are. The light and smooth action along with good modulation of brake force sounds quite nice.
Looking back- I guess it just kicked me into the next decade.
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#18
You should be able to change cables on an aero lever without removing the tape. And brake housing should last longer than tape does...
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I have a couple sets of the Planet Bike Taurus gloves- I like them plenty, and they're $15:
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I believe it is the Middle Fork.
Not the Carbon River at MRNP.
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#23
#24
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You're really asking that here? You know as well as I do that cyclists change components for any reason, none more rational than the last: weight, shiny, color, perceived performance benefit, actual performance benefit, adherence to C&V, etc.
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I ran Dura Ace 7400 non-aero levers for many years. They are very nice levers, but like any 80’s Shimano levers, hoods are not easy to find. Dia Compe 202/204 we’re close enough for me.
80’s lever might be better than 70’s, but not close to modern wider hood levers. If comfort is what you want, you might need to look at Tektro type levers. I’m using an RL341, which is for small hands, and I’m pretty happy with them.
On a side note, decent brake housing lasts a really long time. I’ve replaced my tape a couple times.
But if you are enterprising enough, it “might” be possible to mod the cable routing and add a cable stop to the top of the hood to run it as non-aero. Lever pivot point and cable pull would have to be verified, or moved.
John
80’s lever might be better than 70’s, but not close to modern wider hood levers. If comfort is what you want, you might need to look at Tektro type levers. I’m using an RL341, which is for small hands, and I’m pretty happy with them.
On a side note, decent brake housing lasts a really long time. I’ve replaced my tape a couple times.
But if you are enterprising enough, it “might” be possible to mod the cable routing and add a cable stop to the top of the hood to run it as non-aero. Lever pivot point and cable pull would have to be verified, or moved.
John