dual brake levers

[brucers]

I like the idea of a racing bike, those with the curly handlebars but I don't greatly like the bent over position, so prefer to have the secondry brake levers for use whilst holding the top of the handle bars. My question is are they easy enough to fit as an addition or are dual brakes a single unit. Also, I only see them on older bikes, is there something that prevents having them on more modern bikes?

 

[alicat]

They are easy to fit and not a single unit. I have some on my touring bike. Just make sure they are for calliper brakes and the same circumference as your handlebars.

 

[G3CWI]

I fitted some yesterday. It was quite straightforward using the proper tools and instructions on the Internet. They are great!

 

[accountantpete]

Also, I only see them on older bikes, is there something that prevents having them on more modern bikes?

Do you mean suicide levers like these?

 

[mrandmrspoves]

There are two separate possibilities: In the 80's a lot of bicycles were fitted with " Dual levers" these were single units with a side extension to a standard brake lever. Leverage was poor on these and so they soon got the name of " suicide levers"
Many serious cyclists would look upon these with scorn. One of the other problems with them was the extension lever meant you couldn't ride "on the hoods"
Newer bicycles sometimes have a secondary brake lever often referred to as "top levers, auxiliary levers, or even frog legs" These are particularly popular on touring bicycles - and can easily be retro fitted to most other bicycles. They cost appx £20 and are much better than the old suicide levers - they are separate from the original brake levers.

 

[brucers]

Haha, yes I do....I know I should'nt laugh given what the title implies . Luckily though speed is not really my thing, more 0f a brisk stroll sort of rider!

Do you mean suicide levers like these?

View attachment 21419

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Yes - they are a good idea. I have them on my bike Tektro RL721's.

They are fantastic for riding round town or steep descents if you want to shift your weight to the rear and still be able to reach the brakes.

I'm surprised more people do not use them tbh.

Make sure the exit cable (ie to the brake) is straight out (as near as dammit) - mine were not routed correctly and exited at a sharper than correct angle and were rough and draggy - easily solved though.

 

[brucers]

Excellent, thanks guys and gals

 

[robgul]

Another plus for the secondary levers - the cable just passes through them. I have one (only) fitted to each of my two touring bikes for just the rear brake.

Rob

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Haha, yes I do....I know I should'nt laugh given what the title implies . Luckily though speed is not really my thing, more 0f a brisk stroll sort of rider!

Please consider the modern frog leg, interruptor levers for the bar tops, have a google for Cyclocross bike's they usually have this type, they are to all intents and purposes normal brake levers that act directly onto the cable and transfer all of your braking power down the cable.

The suicide levers shown in accountantpete's picture are quite aptly named, they only work to push onto the dropbar lever but have no contact to the cable that pulls the brake, when you factor in a bit of flex in the lever itself and play in the pivot, you've got a lot of wasted braking energy not slowing you down when you need it.

 

[brucers]

I understand exactly what you are saying and when I do get a racing bike I will be going for the modern alternatives. This was a fact finding mission and all the help is greatly appreciated.

Please consider the modern frog leg, interruptor levers for the bar tops, have a google for Cyclocross bike's they usually have this type, they are to all intents and purposes normal brake levers that act directly onto the cable and transfer all of your braking power down the cable.

The suicide levers shown in accountantpete's picture are quite aptly named, they only work to push onto the dropbar lever but have no contact to the cable that pulls the brake, when you factor in a bit of flex in the lever itself and play in the pivot, you've got a lot of wasted braking energy not slowing you down when you need it.

 

[TheDoctor]

Those interruptor levers are good enough to use as brake levers in their own right, rather than just as an add-on. My fixed has got them.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

I have fitted to cross levers to my road bike and much prefer them. Easy to fit as well.