Again – this is an update to my pre-2013 Brompton with no real need behind the modification. But who needs a reason for new bike parts :)
I never liked the look and feel of the old brake levers and there were several expensive options (Paul Component Engineering) but I never touched those.
My old levers after removing my Ergon grips. Very basic design and a lot of flex from the old soft aluminium lever in it’s plastic housing. They do work but there must be a better option to stop my loved Brompton …
Starting 2013 the Brompton comes with new aluminum brake levers. They became available as spare parts in mid 2013 for around 40 EUR (pair) and now I finally got mine. I like the nice and environment friendly packing.
The Brompton does use a different cable length with the changing height of the S-, M- or P-Bars. I ride a M-Type Brompton. Before you start mounting the new brakes get yourself new cables and cable housings since the cable housing lengths will change with the new brakes.
The inner brake cable nipple and housing is different too for the new brakes. A second reason why new cables have to be installed together with the new levers.
I use the Park Tool BT-4 “Third Hand Brake Tool” here. It helps to mount the cable – but you don`t need it. Notice that the cable gaiter is missing on the picture – don’t forget to remount it. I always add some grease into the gaiter to prevent water from entering my cable housing.
That`s the finished first new brake lever together with the grip. The ergonomics are much better then with the old levers. You can adjust the reach too with the new levers. Do it before you fix the cable on the brake.
Save your cable gaiter if you got no new one. It helps to stop water from entering you cable housing.
The new levers need less room on the bar then the old ones. You can spot the cut out for the old levers on my Ergon cork grips. Aren’t they lovely – the new ones?
A Trailer for my Brompton