Road brake lever angle?

[jrenaut]

So I think I want to slide the brake lever on my drop bar fixie a little closer to my hands. But I fear if I do this, the lever is going to be pointing straight out like a bullhorn and look terrible. Do they make the levers at different angles? Or is there some other measurement to look at? Pull length or some such thing?

[ImaCynic]

>>Do they make the levers at different angles?
Not that I am aware of.

>>Or is there some other measurement to look at?
Yes. The general guideline is that the most that you want to move the levers should be dictated by whether or not you can still fully grab the levers while in the drops. Of course, this can varies from one person to another due to hand/finger size. If this still does not provide the desired position, then I suggest loosen the stem clamp and rotate the handlebar in the stem for further adjustments.

Hope this helps!

[n18]

See if this video helps:

https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair...ning-drop-bars

[jrenaut]

Problem is this is my pretty nice day bike. I don't mind if the bars on my daily rider are a little goofy, but this bike has a higher bar for aesthetics. So I'm trying to balance everything.

It sounds like from what you're saying, though, that I need bigger hands. I'll get on that.

[mstone]

The most important thing is that it feels right. If you put aesthetics above that, you get what you deserve.

[jrenaut]

the most important thing is that it feels right. If you put aesthetics above that, you get what you deserve. :d

no i want it all

[jrenaut]

Ha I forgot the forum uncapitalizes everything if you type in all caps

[ImaCynic]

Whatever you do, just don't end up looking like this...

[jrenaut]

Whatever you do, just don't end up looking like this...

Whoever did that is a monster

[EasyRider]

Problem is this is my pretty nice day bike. I don't mind if the bars on my daily rider are a little goofy, but this bike has a higher bar for aesthetics. So I'm trying to balance everything.

It sounds like from what you're saying, though, that I need bigger hands. I'll get on that.

I'm not sure which way you want to slide the levers. Down lower, so that they are easier to reach when your hands are in the drops? Or up higher toward the ramps, for riding on the hoods?

If you want to move them lower, you could consider replacing the levers with ones designed for smaller hands. For example, the Cane Creek SCR-5 comes in (or came in) regular and compact versions. I think the TRP RRLs are pretty easy to reach from the drops and my hands are normal-sized. They are easier for me to reach than were Shimano Tiagras.

If you want to move the levers higher on the ramp, maybe it's the overall reach of your setup that is bothering you, and a shorter stem or raising your handlebars a bit would make the existing brake levers and placement more accessible. I use a compact bar and short stem myself.