Questions tagged [brake-levers]

Hand control for actuating your bike's brakes.

Questions with this tag should be primarily about the control that activates the brakes.

You should also include one of [disc-brake] or [rim-brake] because the technology is significantly different. Also include whether your disc brake is [hydraulic-disc-brake] or [cable-disc-brake] aka mechanical.

Some day we might have electronic brakes, but that's not yet a thing.

If your brakes are pedal-based then use the tag [coaster] because there is no hand lever.

158 questions
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Are brake lever reach limit screws necessary for any reason?

I have some generic cantilever brake levers on my MTB. The brake reach adjustment screws are normally fully wound out, so are not limiting the brake's reach at all. Can I remove them permanently ? I can't see any downside? Generic image showing…
Criggie
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Clips/extenders for road bike brake levers?

While on the hoods, I'd like to have a bit more surface area, or leverage, for engaging the brakes. I saw somewhere that there are clips or extenders that attach to the standard lever, providing a small protrusion perpendicular to the lever…
Jason
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Need advice for my brakes on vintage Torpado

I got nice Torpado as birthday present. I am not sure if the brake levers are too big for my hands, or too old. They seem very tight but also not that easy to reach. I am 5.3 tall, the frame is 49cm. I was looking at maybe getting Weinmann Dia-Compe…
4
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1 answer

Short Pull Brake Levers

The brake levers on the bike for my son are too far apart for him to grab comfortably; can the lever be changed to adjust for his smaller hands? His bike is a Magna Hardtail with a linear pull system. I understand that I can replace them with short…
Otis
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How much cable can I pull with a brake lever in another custom mechanism, and how can I achieve it?

I am not sure if this is the correct community for the answer, but since this part is about a bicycle part, I thought it's okay. If this is better posted in physics, or anywhere else, please let me know. I am working in a custom mechanism for a…
FairLight
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Brake levers for non-cycling application

I would like to purchase and install 2-finger brake levers to operate the diff-lock and brake on a walk-behind garden tractor. Okay, it's not a bike but it is a two-wheeled vehicle. The most economical option appears to be to purchase brake levers…
Pzy
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Alternative to traditional brake hoods?

I have some Tektro RL520 and have had them for a WHILE. The hoods split at some point, I forgot exactly when. I want to replace my bartape and I want to either: Buy new hood replacements Find an alternative to using traditional hoods I used…
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My hydraulic Hayes brake lever comes down and clicks, and it doesn’t retract?

My Hayes “Purple” hydraulic brake lever doesn’t work. I thought the reservoir was empty, so I put some brake fluid in and it didn’t work. The lever comes down too far with no response to the brakes, then sorta clicks. What should I do? Any…
Ridge
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Shimano ST-3300 brake lever doesn't return fully

My Shimano ST-3300 brake lever doesn't return completely, leaving a one inch gap instead of being completely closed. It is off of the bike and there are no cables attached. Any ideas? Thanks.