Linear pull brake levers with caliper brakes
08-17-23, 04:13 PM
#1
Linear pull brake levers with caliper brakes
Is it ok to use linear pull brake levers with caliper brakes? I'm shopping for a pair of levers but can only find "v-brake compatible" stuff at my usual shop, at least it's what it says in the specifications section. In this case am talking about shimano deore bl-t610 levers.
Thanks!
Thanks!
08-17-23, 06:55 PM
#2
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Sure but your brake system will suffer. The lever pull will feel very firm at the point of pad/rim contact. But the linear pull levers will have less mechanical advantage then the calipers are likely intended for so the brakes won't have as much "power" as intended. Andy
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AndrewRStewart
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08-17-23, 07:11 PM
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You could sort of do it but really just get the correct levers. I see 8 short pull flat bar levers on QBP as of august 17th 2023. The BL-4700 would be the same as your Deore option but in short pull or if you want the better option Paul still makes the Canti Lever which is one of the nicest flat bar levers out there.
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08-17-23, 07:17 PM
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I bought a pair of Shimano "SORA" levers and found that there is a choice of cable position to allow these levers to work with either short-pull or long-pull brakes. There may be other levers with this feature.
The SORA brake lever.
Close-up of the adjustable cable attachment.
The SORA brake lever.
Close-up of the adjustable cable attachment.
08-19-23, 11:01 AM
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gonna need to know which levers you're wanting to buy.. Road/drop bar? MTB/flat bar? "Brifters"?
08-25-23, 02:05 AM
#6
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I bought a pair of Shimano "SORA" levers and found that there is a choice of cable position to allow these levers to work with either short-pull or long-pull brakes. There may be other levers with this feature.
The SORA brake lever.
Close-up of the adjustable cable attachment.
The SORA brake lever.
Close-up of the adjustable cable attachment.
Two early model Trek FX I own came stock with Avid FR-5 levers (which, so far as I know, are long-pull) and Tektro "mini" V brakes (with 85mm brake arms, having a similar short-pull ratio to that of your typical road caliper) and they've been fine, with strong stooping power and the kind of solid contact feel that's almost like that of a nice mechanical disk brake.
