Non-aero brake levers shaped like aero brake levers?
03-28-23, 12:22 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,455
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 795 Post(s)
Liked 746 Times
in
407 Posts
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.
03-28-23, 07:17 AM
#2
aka: Dr. Cannondale
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,725
Mentioned: 234 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2152 Post(s)
Liked 3,401 Times
in
1,203 Posts
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.
__________________
Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
Likes For rccardr:
03-28-23, 10:46 AM
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,455
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 795 Post(s)
Liked 746 Times
in
407 Posts
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.
03-28-23, 11:39 AM
#4
Not so New
Campagnolo made levers that could be used either way in the late eighties-early nineties, pre ergo power brifters. C Record, chorus, athena...
03-28-23, 01:26 PM
#5
señor miembro
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 6,602
Bikes: '70s - '80s Campagnolo
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3869 Post(s)
Liked 6,457 Times
in
3,193 Posts
Likes For SurferRosa:
03-28-23, 05:26 PM
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,455
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 795 Post(s)
Liked 746 Times
in
407 Posts
You've bought this brand and like the quality and feel? For the price, of course, I don't expect the world for $15.
03-02-24, 12:08 PM
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,455
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 795 Post(s)
Liked 746 Times
in
407 Posts
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.
Likes For Piff:
03-02-24, 12:42 PM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Toledo Ohio
Posts: 1,493
Bikes: 1964 Huffy Sportsman, 1972 Fuji Newest, 1973 Schwinn Super Sport (3), 1982 Trek 412, 1983 Trek 700, 1989 Miyata 1000LT, 1991 Bianchi Boardwalk, plus others
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 582 Post(s)
Liked 697 Times
in
393 Posts
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.
Likes For sd5782:
03-02-24, 01:50 PM
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,455
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 795 Post(s)
Liked 746 Times
in
407 Posts
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.
03-02-24, 02:54 PM
#10
Happy With My Bikes
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 2,180
Bikes: Hi-Ten bike boomers, a Trek Domane and some projects
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 880 Post(s)
Liked 2,304 Times
in
1,114 Posts
__________________
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
03-02-24, 03:10 PM
#11
Senior Member
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.
Likes For KCT1986:
03-02-24, 03:31 PM
#12
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,455
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 795 Post(s)
Liked 746 Times
in
407 Posts
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.
Likes For Piff:
03-02-24, 04:07 PM
#13
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,327
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3897 Post(s)
Liked 4,828 Times
in
2,228 Posts
edit: very comfortable on my hands/wrists
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Last edited by Wildwood; 03-02-24 at 04:14 PM.
Likes For Wildwood:
03-02-24, 04:23 PM
#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.
Likes For Frkl:
03-02-24, 04:33 PM
#15
Full Member
Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 484
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 175 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 435 Times
in
229 Posts
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.
03-02-24, 07:48 PM
#16
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,642
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Mentioned: 84 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2607 Post(s)
Liked 1,694 Times
in
933 Posts
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.
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
03-02-24, 07:51 PM
#17
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,642
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Mentioned: 84 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2607 Post(s)
Liked 1,694 Times
in
933 Posts
https://www.benscycle.com/planet-bik...RoCumYQAvD_BwE
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
03-02-24, 08:57 PM
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,455
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 795 Post(s)
Liked 746 Times
in
407 Posts
I have a couple sets of the Planet Bike Taurus gloves- I like them plenty, and they're $15:
https://www.benscycle.com/planet-bik...RoCumYQAvD_BwE
https://www.benscycle.com/planet-bik...RoCumYQAvD_BwE
Likes For Piff:
03-02-24, 09:25 PM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Burien WA
Posts: 510
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse, LeMond Victoire, Bianchi Campione d'Italia, Kona Hei Hei, Ritchey Ultra, Schwinn "Paramount" PDG, '83 Trek 640
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 267 Post(s)
Liked 324 Times
in
210 Posts
03-02-24, 10:05 PM
#22
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,327
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3897 Post(s)
Liked 4,828 Times
in
2,228 Posts
I believe it is the Middle Fork.
Not the Carbon River at MRNP.
Not the Carbon River at MRNP.
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
03-02-24, 11:07 PM
#24
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,455
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 795 Post(s)
Liked 746 Times
in
407 Posts
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.
Likes For Piff:
03-02-24, 11:13 PM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Mission Viejo
Posts: 5,801
Bikes: 1986 Cannondale SR400 (Flat bar commuter), 1988 Cannondale Criterium XTR, 1992 Serotta T-Max, 1995 Trek 970
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1943 Post(s)
Liked 2,164 Times
in
1,323 Posts
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