Brake Levers Review

One of the most common issues with any kind of serious bike rider is having a crash. Not only can you get injured, but your bike can be damaged as well. Unfortunately, the bike handlebars and brake levers stick out like a sore thumb. Even if you have top brands like Paul Components brakes, those two parts on your bike are probably the most damaged parts when it comes to any kind of crash.

Brake levers, including popular brands like Avid levers, come in a variety of styles and colors. You can purchase direct replacement parts from your bike’s manufacture, or you can buy aftermarket products as well. Some bike brake levers are short in design on purpose to allow a one or two finger control, while other riders may like a longer lever for larger or longer fingers. This is a personal choice, depending on your own needs. The compact brake lever models are more popular though because they don’t stick out so far and are less prone to break in a crash situation. 

What It’s For

Brake levers, for example SRAM brake levers, control the cable assembly that leads to your caliper or discs brakes, located at each wheel. Pulling the brake lever toward you applies the brake a certain amount, depending on how much leverage you apply to the brake lever . Brake levers are adjustable to some degree, but more expensive aftermarket models provide many features that stock brake levers just don’t have.

First off, more expensive brake levers are feather light in design. This means less weight for your bike. This also means less weight for you to have to pull with one or two fingers. The less drag, the easier it is to apply your bike brakes and shifters to make your bike slow down or stop. Another feature available on some brake lever models is that they can be adjusted on-the-go without any tools. The adjustment is usually located right at the rear of the brake lever in order to make it as easy as possible to adjust. Another cool feature with high end brake levers is they also have a dial that lets you adjust how much leverage it takes to slow or stop the bike. One final must have feature on any bike lever is what is called a “bend Zone,” which means that the lever can actually bend to some degree without breaking. Some levers now have replacement ends only, without having to replace the entire brake lever assembly.

Major Manufacturers

Avid, Cane Creek, Shimano brake levers, Tecktro levers.

Pricing

Pricing on brake levers is wide open. Basic units can start out at $15 while some high end brake levers for European racing bikes can cost $300 or more.