Not sure which way to go on my Bridgestone Rando build. So far, its been a mix of modern and original components.
Does anybody have some experience where non-aero levers interfered with comfort or bags?
Which lever would you go for and with what bartape?
by Extra-Phase7840
11 Comments
I live my rando with aero levers. No hassle to get into the front bag that way. And IMHO bartape should match or be the same as the saddle.
Go with what feels/looks good to you. I personally prefer aero. Cables get in the way(to me). I also prefer the look of aero. Clean. This is MY opinion. There will be MANY.
Classic, they work much better with cantis and they are not a PITA if you need to change your cables.
They look much better too
i personally like the modern setup
Aero hoods are usually more comfortable
I suspect the 600s may have better performance with cantilever brakes as they look like Super SLR. Matches the modern wheels a bit more as well.
Era correct for frame
Aero levers for sure.
To counter the claims so far for the classic levers- aero levers also work great with canti brakes and aero levers arent a PITA when a cable needs to be changed(its both simple and incredibly rare, to the point that it really doesnt make sense to even use this as a basis for deciding).
Use the levers that are the most comfortable- this is a rando bike, after all. If that means some Tektro RL340 levers, then use those, even if they look more modern.
Comfort should be prioritized. It makes no sense to prioritize appearance on something you will be using for hours on end.
If both levers in the picture are comfortable, then the aero lever with a fork mounted cable stop will look better and reduce the chances of fork shudder.
As for bar tape- something with comfort that matches the saddle. Bar tape that looks cool or unique or ‘classic’, but isnt comfortable, is absurd. Its cosplaying. Its posing. Just buy some tape that matches the saddle color and is comfortable.
There are so many types of bar tape- price, thickness, texture, material, etc- it is pointless to suggest without you providing some parameters.
Just get black bar tape that is 3mm – 5mm thick, depending on what you want for feel and comfort.
If you wanna travel with it —-> Non-Aero for maintenance reasons
Classic with brooks leather bar tape
For looks: classic for sure. The Ice Grey Shimano 600 levers look a bit odd on this build.