I am looking at some brake levers for a pair of pursuit bars. I found the Dia Compe 188’s for $20, but was wondering what the other options out there were and whether they were worth it. For example, I was looking at the Syntace levers, but they are $50 more than the 188’s, and I am just not sure if they are worth it.
I’ve had both the 188s and now the Syntace Space Controls. There is not much comparison in the quality of these products. The 188s are more than servicable for the application, but the Syntace levers are so much smoother, and don’t have the aggravating rattle that the 188s have. You can correct that rattle in the 188s, but that’s a pain and leaves marks on the lever. The Syntace has internal cable routing giving the option of a really clean look when combined with bars like Vision Tech or Profile Carbon Xs. The 188s are external. The syntace uses slick bushings to smooth out the action. Neither have spring loaded return, which you would probably find necessary if combined with after market brake calipers like the BRS-200 SLs. But with standard Shimano dual pivots, there is no problem. You can adjust the action stiffness on the Syntace to allow the caliper’s springs the ability to do all the work. Of course, you’ll need decent cables and housings. Bottom line, are the Syntace worth the extra $50? I absolutely think so. Also, check out the new (forthcoming?) Profile quick stop 2s which are like the Syntace levers, but I think have spring return in the lever. Either of these are quality products that are worth the extra $$ over the 188s.
I will also chime in and say the Syntace Space Control levers are the way to go. I use them with a Syntance Statos base bar for internal cable routing. I also have the Cane Creek BRS200SL calipers and don’t have any problem with the lever returning. I did ‘spread’ the spring in the caliper a little the last time I had them off for maintenance.
I got these Tektro RX 4.0 aero brake levers from chucksbikes.com for $12. I think performace is selling them under their own name for about $20. There’s another site selling the all black version for $25. But I can’t remember off-hand.
http://www.chucksbikes.com/bk087.jpg
Just thought you might like to explore this other option.
Anybody actually seen the Profile QS2 levers yet? I have a set on order from my LBS but they haven’t come in yet.
Dan
another vote for the syntace. the 188 rattle was a real problem for me. I saw the QS2 at the expo at WF. they looked nice. more organic looking than the edgy syntace. they were setup w/o any cabling on one of their handlebars. the spring action was much lighter than I expected. nowhere near as strong as a traditional road lever. or maybe the spring was worn out from everyone squeezing it! quality looked good. but everything does compared to the 188!
they also had the new sonic stryke. it looked cool, and low.
I have the Profile QS2 and really like them. Smooth, quiet, quality and the spring return is nice. Note that these levers are only compatable with internal cable routing systems,unlike the 188’s…(don’t like those). Also, the handle reach is adjustable to fit all hand sizes.