road bike brakes

[Ozzrahog]

Why dont modern road bikes have brake levers on the top of the bars like 80's racers,seems like a backward step to me

 

[Deleted member 20519]

http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-230757

 

[Norm]

The Tricross does, as do many cyclo-x-styled bikes. I liked them so much that I've added them to my road bike.

And, unlike the "suicide levers" on 80s racers, modern interrupters work as well as the main levers.

 

[mrandmrspoves]

Indeed an easy and relatively cheap after market addition. Cost about £20 a pair. Look for "top mount levers" or "auxiliary levers" Road bikes don't have them because they're not fashionable, would cost extra money, add ounces to the weight, and make the bike look less sporty.
Fitting them requires basic skills and usually involves stripping the brake inner cable, cutting and shortening the brake outer cable,and reapplying bar tape. A good pair of cable cutters is a must.

 

[Rob3rt]

Why dont modern road bikes have brake levers on the top of the bars like 80's racers,seems like a backward step to me

Because they are not needed, especially if the bike is used as intended!

 

[gavintc]

Why dont modern road bikes have brake levers on the top of the bars like 80's racers,seems like a backward step to me

I have never found that I wanted additional brake levers. My wife's bike came with them fitted and she quite likes them in traffic. But, if you want them you can get them added quite easily. And, I think you will find the modern ones a lot better than the one's on a '80's racer'. Not so much a backward step, more progressive and the choice is with the consumer.

 

[ianrauk]

Found I have never needed them on my road bike.
Modern brake systems/levers are much better compared to years ago.

 

[vickster]

My roadbike does - I have to say they are very useful for commuting - much more comfortable for me to use as have tennis elbow. They don't brake as well due to the shorter cable apparently?

 

[Norm]

Found I have never needed them on my road bike.

Ah, but is that lack of need not down to excellent forward vision, anticipation and planning. For us numpties, on the other hand...

I agree that they are not needed but, for the sacrifice of a few ounces of weight and a handful of style points, I like them. And, because they are so much better than the brakes of the 1980s and because I'm a small gorilla, I can brake hard enough to lock the wheel from the tops, which does give me some additional perceived security when riding in traffic.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Because they are not needed, especially if the bike is used as intended!

I was actually wondering about this this morning. I am unable to actually reach my brake levers as they are currently. Apparently they can't be adjusted to be any closer. I don't have particularly short fingers in the slightest, so am also left wondering, how am I meant to brake?
Currently the only thing I can come up with is to change the brake levers to something I can reach or that is more adjustable. Never remember having that issue with my old BSA racer as a teenager...

 

[fossyant]

so am also left wondering, how am I meant to brake?

Your feet will do

I feel you may need to change your levers or their position ! If STI, may be a bit expensive though.

 

[BSRU]

I had those levers on my Ridgeback Panorama, took of them off as they were annoying and I never used them.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Your feet will do
I feel you may need to change your levers or their position ! If STI, may be a bit expensive though.

if STI is do they change gear as well, yes... but only 1 way, (its one of those cheap and cheerful triban 3's!)
feet - need to protect that bad leg of mine and suspect shoe leather will cost more in the long run and I am not leaving my tourer at college (just signed up for adult spanish classes) no matter how much it costs to get the other bike more easy to use (currently could be a change bike option, pain as I have only just bought this one, but it was bought for another reason (turbo trainer, so brakes where not a problem!) which it was fine for, now I have started to use it for something else...

 

[AnythingButVanilla]

My road bike has them on top and that's why I chose that bike over the others that I looked at. My fingers are too short to properly reach the brakes on the drops and I often find myself accidentally changing gear rather than stopping.

 

[fossyant]

if STI is do they change gear as well, yes... but only 1 way, (its one of those cheap and cheerful triban 3's!)
feet - need to protect that bad leg of mine and suspect shoe leather will cost more in the long run and I am not leaving my tourer at college (just signed up for adult spanish classes) no matter how much it costs to get the other bike more easy to use (currently could be a change bike option, pain as I have only just bought this one, but it was bought for another reason (turbo trainer, so brakes where not a problem!) which it was fine for, now I have started to use it for something else...

If it's a reach issue, then some of the higher end shifter/brake levers do have reach adjustment. - Or indeed you could fit interupter levers. It could also be the bars/lever position - a compact bar may be better ?