Aardwolf

Hiya Folks,
I've only just discovered my Weinmann brake levers probably have a 'quick release' feature.
They're on a 1982 bike but I can't see any date code on the levers, and the hoods are original so I don't want to remove them.
So I'm wondering what model they are since they're also drilled:




According to Velobase that's "Weinmann AG (drilled levers)": https://velobase.com/ViewComponent.a...m=118&AbsPos=7
But that page doesn't show a quick release.

This catalogue page from 1981 shows 'part 4' (161-1) which looks like my levers.



Is it the case that Weinmann did many variations so I've got a "Weinmann AG (drilled levers) with QR"

And can anybody tell me what the quick release actually does ?
I'm probably being stupid but I can't see how it helps

alcjphil

The release on the brake lever allows the brake calliper to open wider to make it easier to remove the wheel. Many brake callipers have a release lever on the calliper itself, but withe these brake levers you don't need one. Shimano also made levers with a similar feature and all current Campagnolo brake levers also use a release feature on the brake lever

juvela

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Weinmann also offered this lever with larger oval cutouts as on this Raleigh model RRA of 1973

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(yellow accent colour is an owner addition)

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Aardwolf

Yep, I had read that, but I can't work out how to actually use it
I can't seem to move the quick release bit when the brake cable is installed (at both ends).

79pmooney

Those lever quick-releases can be a real blessing in a race. I crashed in one that I wanted to do well in. Got back on and chased but the front rim was hitting the brake shoe. I was also feeling a little shaky. Reaching for the caliper release would have been scary (and left me with half my braking power). Flipping the release on the lever was easy, both hands stayed on the bars and braking wasn't affected at all other than needing to reach a little more. Diacomp levers so the release was a little different but the effect as the same other than the Diacomp stays off until you reset it and as I recall, those Weinmann ones snap back when you squeeze the lever.

79pmooney

Squeeze the lever. Then push down? Back? on that tab. Sorry, I haven't done it since 1978 but once you've squeezed it should be pretty obvious.

BFisher

Squeeze the lever, push the little tab upward while releasing the lever, allowing the little tab to travel up into the body. Squeeze lever to reset. They came stock on one of my bikes. Nice levers, but i switched to a different style with no built-in release, as my calipers have a release of their own.

noobinsf 

When the cable has tension, the tab sits out and the top of A rests against B. When you press A, it snugs under B to give you more space at the caliper. I had these on my Motobecane a couple of years ago, and I thought it was an elegant solution. I was also a little confused about how they worked until I installed them.

Aardwolf

Yay, great explanation noobinsf.

I've now 'got them working', and as you say quite a simple solution.
Thanks everybody, there's always something new to learn