Brake levers

Brake Levers

When you are riding, brakes provide the power to slow down or come to a complete stop in a controlled and safe manner. The braking system refers to both the levers located on the handlebars and the mechanism that prevents the bike wheels from turning. Brake levers are the mechanisms on the handlebar that transmits the force to stop the bike when you apply pressure on them. It is essentially what activates your brakes.

At Velomio, there are different options of brake levers for you to choose from depending on the type of riding you wish to undertake and the type of your bike.

Types of Brake Levers

The brake levers MTB and road bikes use can either have a cable or hydraulic fluid system to bring the bike to a halt. There are several reliable bike levers available in the market. However, they can be grouped into two broad categories:

Drop-Bar Brake Levers

• Cross-top (Interrupter) levers – Unlike levers mounted on the drops, these brake levers are clamped onto the drop-bar. Although they can work alone (not recommended), they can be used in conjunction with integrated levers and other standard drop-bar brake levers.
• Integrated levers - These are a combination of shifters and brake levers into one mechanism. Braking is actuated when you pull the lever towards the bar while pushing it to the side actuates the derailleur.
• Standard drop-bar levers – These brake levers are the most common and come in many different styles and shapes. Their design accommodates accessibility to the levers when your hands are either on the top portion of the handlebars (riding the hoods) or on the lower portion of the handlebars (in the drops).

Upright or Flat-Bar Brake Levers

• Short-pull brake levers – These levers have a short distance between the end of the cables and the pivot point. As a result, they pull a shorter length of cable when you move the lever. They are ideal for Cantilever Brakes and Road Caliper Brakes.
• Long-pull brake levers – These levers have a great distance between the end of the cable and the pivot point. This results in pulling a longer cable length when you move the lever. They are optimal for Disc Brakes and V-Brakes.
• Flat-Bar levers – These types of brake levers are sometimes clamped on the same mounting bracket that holds the shifter.

Regardless of the type of bike part you require bike levers bike riders should ensure they are safe.

Here at Velomio, you can find a collection of some of the best bike brake levers for you to compare.