Grail Brake Levers!
04-13-18, 01:16 PM
#51
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20180413_210159-1.jpg
Waiting for a frame with no recessed nuts that deserve these.
Waiting for a frame with no recessed nuts that deserve these.
03-13-20, 09:35 PM
#52
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M-140 First generation Dura-Ace levers are my favorite for a clean classic look on Japanese restomod builds, I like the lever feel with late dual pivot brakes.
: Mike
: Mike
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03-13-20, 10:31 PM
#53
elcraft
VeloBase.com - Component: Weinmann AG Type 730
03-13-20, 11:48 PM
#54
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I prefer non-aero levers for road bikes prior to '86 or so. To me, they look best, and just feel "right." I've tried pretty much everything from the '70s, and, for whatever reason, this is the combo that feels the very best to my hands/wrists: Philippe Franco Italia bars and Modolo levers.
I'm not sure it matters to me what model Modolo's -- Speedy, Pro, Corsa, etc. -- as long as they're drilled. I do like 'em in black.
As far as "grail" -- a phrase I really don't think about in any context outside Monty Python (sorry) -- I do wish my campy equipped bikes had Record NOS levers. The original anodization on those absolutely g l o w s. And, along with a 3ttt quill stem, they define "sexy" for c&v. For now, I'll be plenty content with my polished sets.
I'm not sure it matters to me what model Modolo's -- Speedy, Pro, Corsa, etc. -- as long as they're drilled. I do like 'em in black.
As far as "grail" -- a phrase I really don't think about in any context outside Monty Python (sorry) -- I do wish my campy equipped bikes had Record NOS levers. The original anodization on those absolutely g l o w s. And, along with a 3ttt quill stem, they define "sexy" for c&v. For now, I'll be plenty content with my polished sets.
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03-20-20, 07:18 AM
#55
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Since I've participated in this thread in the past, I'll add this to the mix:
Last October I purchased from the original owner a 1983 Lotus Super Pro Aero that is equipped with Dura Ace AX group. Of course the original hoods for the DA Aero brake levers were long gone and replaced with a non-aero Weinmann on one side and a DiaCompe on the other. AX hoods are basically unobtanium. I watched one pair bid past $120 on ebay. So I went about stitching my own from goatskin (and making my own leather bar cover as well).
These are my 4th rendition and I'm close to what I think I can achieve using leather. I'm planning to make a few refinements for the next pair. Just for comparison, here is a closeup of an original AX hood.
Last October I purchased from the original owner a 1983 Lotus Super Pro Aero that is equipped with Dura Ace AX group. Of course the original hoods for the DA Aero brake levers were long gone and replaced with a non-aero Weinmann on one side and a DiaCompe on the other. AX hoods are basically unobtanium. I watched one pair bid past $120 on ebay. So I went about stitching my own from goatskin (and making my own leather bar cover as well).
These are my 4th rendition and I'm close to what I think I can achieve using leather. I'm planning to make a few refinements for the next pair. Just for comparison, here is a closeup of an original AX hood.
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03-20-20, 09:57 AM
#56
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I would put the anodized & drilled Modolos at the top of my "grail" list for appearance, but I'm pretty pleased with this set I found for my Nishiki...
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03-20-20, 11:05 AM
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Don't you mean 7401? These are on my list too. They go with my long, thin piano-player/typist hands. I even have a pair, which I'd love to put on my 650b rinko Trek, but I can't find any freakin hoods for them!
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Last edited by scarlson; 03-20-20 at 11:09 AM.
03-20-20, 12:01 PM
#58
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You can include those as well. 7401 and 7402 levers were almost identical. 7401s require an internal ferrule for the brake cable housing while the 7402s do not. Minor details here and there separate them, and I have worked with both. Looks like the image I used was mislabeled.
03-20-20, 12:13 PM
#59
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You can include those as well. 7401 and 7402 levers were almost identical. 7401s require an internal ferrule for the brake cable housing while the 7402s do not. Minor details here and there separate them, and I have worked with both. Looks like the image I used was mislabeled.
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Owner & co-founder, Cycles René Hubris. Unfortunately attaching questionable braze-ons to perfectly good frames since about 2015. With style.
Owner & co-founder, Cycles René Hubris. Unfortunately attaching questionable braze-ons to perfectly good frames since about 2015. With style.
03-20-20, 03:51 PM
#60
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Sorry I missed those 2 years ago. They are Universal Mod. 39 corsa levers in aluminum. A rare bird indeed. If you ever consider selling them, I would pay strong.
03-20-20, 03:56 PM
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If I had to pick a grail lever, I'd go for the Bartali le Roi des Grimpeurs
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03-20-20, 08:49 PM
#62
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my vote for dual slotted Gran Compe levers
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03-20-20, 09:05 PM
#63
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They are in there somewhere.
03-20-20, 09:53 PM
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Considering the fact that I'm currently looking for another pair of these levers, and that the darn adjusters are so hard to come by since they're detached, this is definitely grail material for me...
First generation alloy GB levers - shown here on a Carlton Continental from around 1950.
First generation alloy GB levers - shown here on a Carlton Continental from around 1950.
03-20-20, 11:52 PM
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Kilroy1988 Those levers are elegant.
03-21-20, 08:33 AM
#66
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Since there hasn’t been any love for mountain bike levers, here’s my two bits:
Avid Ultimates
Untitled by Stuart Black, on Flickr
I have two sets
Paul Love Levers
Untitled by Stuart Black, on Flickr
Untitled by Stuart Black, on Flickr
The blue ones are 2019 models but the design is timeless.
Avid Ultimates
Untitled by Stuart Black, on FlickrI have two sets
Paul Love Levers
Untitled by Stuart Black, on FlickrUntitled by Stuart Black, on FlickrThe blue ones are 2019 models but the design is timeless.
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03-21-20, 04:16 PM
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I dunna know wha’ exactly ‘Grail’ means, and...
I refuse to quest for specific parts (excellent tires on Sale aside)....
but it it has to be classic and shiny.
so these (presently bare) Galli win over the clear hooded no-name (Universal?). Founded in Turin in 1930s, Galli claimed to produce earliest alloy calipers ( per CR ).
Different only as a trial on a project bike, their mates are similar. Shame the bodies are not the same size, clear hoods almost fit. And no bar tape while playing switcherooo!
Galli may be nos. Came to me shiny and unmarred. Right brake lever well worn and a bit floppy.
but it it has to be classic and shiny.
so these (presently bare) Galli win over the clear hooded no-name (Universal?). Founded in Turin in 1930s, Galli claimed to produce earliest alloy calipers ( per CR ).
Different only as a trial on a project bike, their mates are similar. Shame the bodies are not the same size, clear hoods almost fit. And no bar tape while playing switcherooo!
Galli may be nos. Came to me shiny and unmarred. Right brake lever well worn and a bit floppy.
Last edited by Wildwood; 03-21-20 at 04:24 PM.
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03-21-20, 04:51 PM
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03-21-20, 05:59 PM
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Origin8 classique sport road bike Attachment 599512levers.
A little on TRP RRL levers division, they're a cheaper with good modulation. Perfect shape for my hands.
A little on TRP RRL levers division, they're a cheaper with good modulation. Perfect shape for my hands.
03-21-20, 06:00 PM
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Origin8 classique sport road bike Attachment 599512levers.
A little on TRP RRL levers division, they're a cheaper with good modulation. Perfect shape for my hands.
A little on TRP RRL levers division, they're a cheaper with good modulation. Perfect shape for my hands.
03-21-20, 11:29 PM
#71
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Not big on glamour or prestige but the Weinmann Carrera brake levers from the 70's were as light as they came, with Cane Creek hoods (Weinmann hoods are 6 grams lighter) this set weighs in at 183 grams a set ready to go. Classic weight weenie parts.
: Mike
: Mike
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03-21-20, 11:56 PM
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Carbon RRL's are fairly light for such a large lever at 263 grams a set. These are for my Bike Friday.
: Mike
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11-06-20, 03:29 PM
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Mirror on Shimano Brake Levers
Hi Dave,
Just wondered...What mirrors are those your'e using with the Shimano brake levers in your first photograph?
Thanks.
David
Just wondered...What mirrors are those your'e using with the Shimano brake levers in your first photograph?
Thanks.
David
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11-06-20, 08:15 PM
#74
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That's the Original Mirrycle Mirror!
https://www.mirrycle.com/product/ori...rrycle-mirror/
They're still made- cost around $20- and you can find used ones, sometimes people will just give them to you if you ask nicely!
What I love about those- is it's just in your peripheral vision so you just have to glance over, no turning your head- you know where the mirror is so you don't have to locate it, and it's always pointing directly behind you so you don't have to try to orient the mirror- it's just a great mirror.
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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.
11-07-20, 08:34 AM
#75
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Hee hee,
I've sitting on a metal pair of those, just waiting for a french upright
