So I bought the VT aero brake levers, and since I’ve never installed/replaced brake levers before, how do you do it? Do I need to replace the entire brake cable and run it thru the internal routing ports or is it a relatively simple operation? I read the thread about fitting the levers on the bar end, but it said nothing specifically about connecting the cables or adjusting the tension, etc.
Also, the current brake setup on my Dual (diacompe w/ cervelo calipers) feels rough and mushy, not crisp, smooth, and responsive like the Ultegra STI’s on my road bike. What’s the deal? Will this upgrade produce a noticeable difference?
Yes you will have to replace the cables and housing. The VT levers need the VT cables they have a very small end tab. Its not that hard to do the switch but if you have never recabled a bike it will take you some time. I like to do one at a time so I don’t get mixed up when running the housing. I have Oval A700 bars so I did not need the VT lever adapter but if you don’t have Oval or VT bars you may need the adapter for the end of the bars.
You will need to loosen the clamping screw on the new levers so you can slip them on the end of the bars. If you have internal cable routing on your bars I like to slid the old housing out but live the old cable in the bars and use it to pull the new housing through the bars, then when you have the new lever on and the new housing cut to length take out the old cable and install the new. You can use the old housing to cut to length the new housing,
And setting the cable adjustment just takes time and a third had tool is helpful for this if you don’t have one. And as for them feeling like your road STI levers, that’s not going to happen aero levers are always a compromise.
And most of the “smooth” feeling is the caliper.
Have fun and don’t cut your cable and housing till you know it right!