Brake levers Bicycle brake

brake levers on drop handlebars of road bike integrated shifters

brake levers mounted on handlebars within easy reach of rider s hands. may distinct or integrated shifting mechanism. brake lever transmits force applied rider through either mechanical or hydraulic mechanism.

bicycles drop handlebars may have more 1 brake lever each brake facilitate braking multiple hand positions. levers allow rider work brakes tops of bars, introduced in 70s, called extension levers, safety levers or, reputation being unable actuate full range of travel of main brake lever, suicide levers. modern top-mounted brake levers, called interrupt brake levers, use entirely different method of actuation , considered safer.

the mechanical advantage of brake lever must matched brake connected in order rider have sufficient leverage , travel actuate brake. using mismatched brakes , levers result in mechanical advantage , hence not enough travel actuate brake (v-brakes conventional levers) or little mechanical advantage, requiring strong pull apply brakes hard (v-brake levers other types of brake).

mechanical (cable) brake levers come in 2 varieties based on length of brake cable pulled given amount of lever movement:

standard pull levers work brake designs, including caliper brakes, traditional cantilever brakes, , mechanically actuated disc brakes branded road .
long pull levers work direct-pull cantilever brakes, such shimano v-brakes , , mechanically actuated disc brakes branded mountain .

adapters available allow use of 1 type of lever otherwise incompatible type of rim brake. brake levers have adjustable leverage can made work either type of brake. others vary mechanical advantage lever moves move pad @ first, provide more leverage once contact brake surface. hydraulic brake levers move piston in fluid reservoir. mechanical advantage of lever depends on brake system design.