I'm asking what brake levers fixed audax riders use. Might be another board that's more tech, but posting here as an audaxer and I know long distance fixed riders will "get" this one.
Background:
I've just restored my 1970s peugeot PX10 as a fixed conversion. I've fitted some period brake calipers - Shimano 600 (pre-ultegra equivalent} but single pivot and a lot less power but adequate when used with modern STI levers. The best looking period levers I have are some of the earliest concealed cable dia compe and these have been fitted. The cable exit is quite a tight turn in the cable and is probably increasing friction.
Having done a few hundred km on it the bike is a really enjoyable ride but the brakes aren't up to it, predominantly the levers. I'm a senior vet and want two adequate brakes and the ability to trail brake on descents and with either hand when signalling on descents. The levers were originally fitted with mafac centre pull calipers and I guess the mechanical advantage/ pull may be different. Also as race levers they are made to be mounted low on the drop of the bars and this offers poor leverage when mounted higher riding mostly on the hoods. They are angled too far out from the bars. Also having got used to chunky STI?Ergos the hoods seem uncomfortably small both as handrests and honking levers although I expect to get used to that.
In a perfect world I'd find a lever with more of a cant back towards the bars for better leverage from the hoods, smooth cable exit and chunkier hoods. Oh yeah. just need them in silver! Simples.
