Brake Levers... Different "pulls"?

yoothgeye · Feb 3, 2013

I found an old Lee Chi brake lever that came on an old Murray MTB and I'd like to use it on a project. The Murray had side pull caliper brakes but I plan on using center pull canti brakes.

So my question is, with side pull, canti, v-brakes, drums, discs, etc did some brake levers have a different pull (distance I guess) than others making them non compatible with other brake styles?

Also, if you have an 80s right side MTB Lee Chi brake lever (large, looks like a motorcycle lever) let me know, I'm looking to match a set.

Walker · Feb 3, 2013

V brakes require a longer pull lever than older cantilever, bmx side pull or really old "U" brakes. if you use a regular lever with "V" brakes the feel will be mushy at best.

yoothgeye · Feb 4, 2013

OK, so how about my old Lee Chi pulling for a disc brake?

bikejunky · Feb 4, 2013

It will work if you use an Avid BB7 road version. I have had them on 2 different bikes in the past. The road version has a different ratio at the pull arm for short pull levers.

yoothgeye · Feb 4, 2013

bikejunky said:
It will work if you use an Avid BB7 road version. I have had them on 2 different bikes in the past. The road version has a different ratio at the pull arm for short pull levers.

What if I just use whatever junk I have laying around on the shop floor? :lol: