mounting a 3rd brake lever on the aero bars

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2010-11-12 6:23 PM

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Extreme Veteran
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Overlea/Fullerton Maryland
Subject: mounting a 3rd brake lever on the aero bars
So some friends at work and I were having a conversation about mounting one brake lever to one of the aero bars out towards the shifters to give some braking ability while in the aero position.

The thought was to run the brake cable down to the front brake (or rear) and run it in conjunction with the original cable. The way they are connected would probably cause both levers to move at the same time. Not really a problem

would it be worth it?

any thoughts on why this would or wouldn't work?

2010-11-12 6:31 PM
in reply to: #3208994

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Master
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Subject: RE: mounting a 3rd brake lever on the aero bars
There are at least one or two products made for this already.  Reviews seem to be love it or hate it.

The third brake ties in to one of the originals and one will become a full brake and the other not as strong. (You can set it up so your third brake is the strong one or the original it connects to is, depending on how it is attached.) 

http://www.hedcycling.com/aerobars/third_brake_lever.asp 
2010-11-12 6:32 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: mounting a 3rd brake lever on the aero bars
HED makes a brake lever specifically for this. If you're going to do it, I strongly encourage you to do it with your rear brake.

scott
2010-11-12 7:09 PM
in reply to: #3208994

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Subject: RE: mounting a 3rd brake lever on the aero bars
I guess i wasnt the only one to think of this.  Yes I was thinking the rear brake because the front would probably cause a loss of control while braking.
2010-11-14 8:38 PM
in reply to: #3208994

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Subject: RE: mounting a 3rd brake lever on the aero bars
Interesting ... I was thinking of installing this for Savageman.
2010-11-14 10:13 PM
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Subject: RE: mounting a 3rd brake lever on the aero bars
windandsurf - 2010-11-14 9:38 PM Interesting ... I was thinking of installing this for Savageman.


You won't need to be in aero going downhill at SM.  In fact, I thought (not sure) the rules state that you can't.  Even if you could, you will be braking frequently for the turns and sometimes rough road conditions. 

2010-11-14 10:20 PM
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Subject: RE: mounting a 3rd brake lever on the aero bars
I had one installed so I could scrub speed on 10 K descent into Keene on the IMLP course. I rode the course summer before and had wind hit me where I went from sun to shade and it was a little scary so I thought this was a good idea. Complete waste of about $150....took it off.

I'd never recommend it.

Save your money.
2010-11-15 5:28 AM
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Subject: RE: mounting a 3rd brake lever on the aero bars
I asked the same question about a year ago.  There is a HED product that exists, but the overwhelming opinion of folks was that it didn't work and didn't give the control I (you) was looking for.  In fact, I don't recall anyone saying "Do it, its great".
2010-11-15 10:48 AM
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Master
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Subject: RE: mounting a 3rd brake lever on the aero bars
I think of it this way - if I want to slow down, then there is no reason why getting out of aero is bad (it will slow me down some with wind resistance).  Usually when I want to slow down it is because I am approaching something like a curve where the better handling available on the base bar would allow me to go faster (or brake harder if necessary) than would be available while in aero with a 3rd brake.
2010-11-15 4:49 PM
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Subject: RE: mounting a 3rd brake lever on the aero bars
I did this on my first TT/tri bike. Reason for me was here in NJ lots of the soccer moms/dads on cellphones like to roll right turns. While aero made me more comfy in aero position. Once comfy aero removed it. Run it like a cross lever inline with rear brake. Use tandem inner brake cable. Braking is a little mushy due to all the outer cable and loops. If you are interested I still have the FSA lever needed to do this. Would let it go cheap.
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2010-11-15 5:26 PM
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Subject: RE: mounting a 3rd brake lever on the aero bars
JoshKaptur - 2010-11-15 5:48 AM I think of it this way - if I want to slow down, then there is no reason why getting out of aero is bad (it will slow me down some with wind resistance).  Usually when I want to slow down it is because I am approaching something like a curve where the better handling available on the base bar would allow me to go faster (or brake harder if necessary) than would be available while in aero with a 3rd brake.


I agree. 

I'm surprised the opposite has not been explored.  To somehow put a second rear deraileur shifter on the right brake lever.  I would be much more interested in being able to shift while I'm on the horns (while climbing or doing a technical area) than to brake while I'm in aero.

I'd doubt I'd pay money to install it even if it were available...being that reaching to shift isn't that hard...but still something that's more appealing than an aero bar brake IMO.

2010-11-15 5:50 PM
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Expert
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Subject: RE: mounting a 3rd brake lever on the aero bars
x3 if you need to bleed off speed while aero, its probably a good idea to get onto the wings.
2010-11-15 5:54 PM
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Subject: RE: mounting a 3rd brake lever on the aero bars
I had the JTek (which is actually the manufacturer of the HED 3rd brake...) installed on my bike and somewhat mixed feelings about it...

Yes, you can use it to bleed off some speed (which is all it's really designed to do anyway), but the return spring on my brakes just wasn't strong enough to efficiently pull the brake cable back, so at times I had to reach over to the "standard" brake lever just to give a quick squeeze to and through that open up the brake again.

Guess it did what it was designed to do, but turned out being more of a pain than the benefit I got from it.
2010-11-15 6:59 PM
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Subject: RE: mounting a 3rd brake lever on the aero bars
I'm surprised the opposite has not been explored.  To somehow put a second rear deraileur shifter on the right brake lever.  I would be much more interested in being able to shift while I'm on the horns (while climbing or doing a technical area) than to brake while I'm in aero.


How about  Dura Ace Di2 TT Shifters?
2010-11-18 12:26 PM
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Seattle
Subject: RE: mounting a 3rd brake lever on the aero bars

My wife and I both have Cervelo Tri bikes. She had talked about wanting a brake lever on her aero bars so I bought a set of smaller levers that go 'inline' with the current brake cables and headed to our bike mechanic.

Basically the cable runs from the main R hand brake lever (back brake), then around and forward to the end of the R aero bar where the 2nd lever is. The cable then loops between the aero bars in front, down the L aero bar and then to the back brake. Its sweet. And she uses it when shes in aero and needs to drop some speed. She doesnt use it on downhills and knows its limitations. With the second lever installed it has most of the braking power and the original lever loses some 'feel' due to the added curves in the brake cable itself.

As a side note Fabian Cancellera had the same setup on one of his bikes. And hes the best TT rider in the world....

2010-11-18 1:26 PM
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Subject: RE: mounting a 3rd brake lever on the aero bars
The purpose of being able to brake in aero comes moreso into play if your in a peloton.  IF your following someone close in aero and they brake or slow down, it may take too long to get up onto the horns.  can be cause of a serious accident depending on how close you are following.

If i ride in groups, i always have to ride atleast 1 bike length behind.  The distance gives me time to get up and brake.  I wish i had the ability to brake in aero so i could follow closer, or ride wheel to wheel.  BUt like i said, its only benefit would be in group rides. 

What i'd really like to see is a cheap alternative to be able to shift while on the horns.   

2010-11-18 1:38 PM
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Subject: RE: mounting a 3rd brake lever on the aero bars
One reason I've heard behind not having brakes on aerobars is that you're in a more stable position when on the bullhorns or handlebars. You have better control of the bike when braking in those other positions. Also if you're going to be needing to brake then there's no point in being in aero as you're slowing down. Those are what I've heard. I don't know how valid this information is. 
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