Bent brake lever/gear changers

[livpoksoc]

I noticed today that my left gear changer/brake set looked a little bent inwards. This photo doesn't really show it but as I've had the bike nearly 3 years, I'd like to think I'd have noticed it before now, so really my questions are:
1. What could have caused it? (Has anyone else had this happen to them)
2. Is it going to effect my riding?
3. How/can I straighten it out myself?

The bike hasn't been serviced for a couple of years now, my ride is a daily 10 minutes either side of a 40 minute train ride (using the hanging bike rack). I haven't taken it for a long ride in over a year due to moving home, so i can't see what could have caused it.
Cheers
Livpoksoc

 

[livpoksoc]

 

[ianrauk]

That's easy to fix, just pull it straight.

 

[grumpyoldgit]

Looks like it has been knocked across.Disconnect the brake cable from the caliper,pull the brake lever fully,you will be able to see a bolthead,or screw,loosen this a touch,re position the lever & tighten again.Put brake cable back on & test brake.Done

 

[gavintc]

Pull back the rubber on the STI on the outside of the bar. Look inside and you will see an allen (hex) socket. Loosen, move and then re-tighten. Job done.

 

[livpoksoc]

Cheers all, i'll give it a whirl later

 

[Globalti]

While you're at it, take out the front wheel skewer and replace it on the left, then set it so that it closes snugly and securely pointing up at the front of the fork leg, not sticking out forwards on the wrong side of the bike like that. Tsk!

 

[alicat]

And consider getting the bike serviced in case there is anything else wrong that doesn't show in the photo...

 

[grumpyoldgit]

While you're at it, take out the front wheel skewer and replace it on the left, then set it so that it closes snugly and securely pointing up at the front of the fork leg, not sticking out forwards on the wrong side of the bike like that. Tsk!

If he catches the qr hard enough to open it,I would guess he is all ready in deep sh1t,it may look neater pointing up,on the same side as the rear,but that is about it.

 

[migrantwing]

While you're at it, take out the front wheel skewer and replace it on the left, then set it so that it closes snugly and securely pointing up at the front of the fork leg, not sticking out forwards on the wrong side of the bike like that. Tsk!

+10