Brake levers for road bikes

Mechanical or electronic Di2 brake-shifter

On a road bike, the brake lever is combined with the gear shift control: it’s the brake-shifter, which Shimano calls STI. On an Ultegra mechanical eleven-speed, you brake by pulling the lever and shift to a larger cog by pushing it inwards, with a paddle behind pulling the chain back to the smaller cogs. The main Ultegra lever assembly replaces this lever and its mechanism after a crash, without changing the entire brake-shifter. The Dura-Ace Di2 lever replaces the shift cables with buttons: each press sends a wireless signal to the rear derailleur, and a battery housed in the lever powers it for one and a half to two years.

The rest of the braking system

Road braking is also available as follows:

• Brake calipers.
• Disc brakes.
• Brake pads.
• Cables and housings.

All braking information is collected on the braking page.

Time trial levers at the end of base handlebars

On a time trial or triathlon bike, the brakes are controlled from the ends of the base handlebars, and the hands only leave the extensions when approaching a turn. The Dura-Ace chrono lever slips into the end of the handlebar and is secured by an expander; its carbon blade, with adjustable reach, is sold individually, meaning you need to order two for the front and rear. It pulls the cable in sync with the Dura-Ace mechanical calipers. The Tektro lever, from the Taiwanese brake specialist, is the original part of a Argon 18 triathlon frame, a Quebec brand: it is replaced identically.

Pull, fluid and speeds: matching lever and caliper

A lever should never be chosen alone: it must match the pull of its brake. Road levers pull a small amount of cable, which is suitable for double pivot calipers; if mounted on long-pull brakes, they would provide a spongy and weak braking. In hydraulic systems, the lever and caliper share the same circuit and fluid, using mineral oil for Shimano, never DOT fluid. The brake-shifters Microshift, a Taiwanese brand, offer a compatible alternative with most road Shimano derailleurs, except for some generations of the Tiagra group: compatibility is indicated. Finally, the number of speeds of the lever must correspond to the cassette.

Good deals

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Frequently asked questions

How to change a brake lever on a road bike?

Peel back the bar tape, remove the brake cable and unscrew the collar hidden under the cap before sliding the lever out. Install the new one at the same height, re-cable, adjust the tension, then re-wrap the bar tape.

What to do when the lever stays stuck after braking?

The cable is often stuck in its housing, or the caliper spring is worn out. Clean and lubricate the cable and the pivot of the lever, then replace the housing if it is pinched, rusty, or split.

Can hydraulic levers be used on a rim brake bike?

No, a hydraulic brake-shifter pushes oil to a disc caliper and cannot pull a rim caliper cable. Switching to disc brakes also requires a frame, fork, and wheels designed for it.

How to bring the lever closer to the handlebars for small hands?

Most brake-shifters have a reach adjustment screw, accessible under the cap, which brings the blade closer to the handlebars. Adjust it so you can reach the lever effortlessly from the bottom of the handlebars, then re-tension the cable.

What’s the difference between a Dura-Ace lever and an Ultegra lever?

Dura-Ace is Shimano's top-end competition group, lighter due to more carbon parts. Ultegra retains the essentials of its technologies, with a slightly higher weight, for a more budget-friendly option.