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Submitted by
Justin
a Cross Country Rider
from Ohio
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Strengths: | They do thier job and look kind of cool | | Weaknesses: | They wore out after only one season | | Similar Products Used: | avid, cane creek, lots of shimano stuff, the cheap levers you get from the bike shop when you ask for "cheap levers" | | Bike Setup: | 04 GF HKEK W/ everything upgraded (I run cane creek direct pull levers now) | | Bottom Line: | They worked great for about half a season before I began to notice play in the vertical plane of motion. Seemed like bushing wear. I take immaculate care of my bike, and these levers have had no impact in any crash. Just felt like garbage afer one full season. Too much play in the lever. I also noticed the same thing from the lx brakes. However, these levers fit great with rapidfire. I have since switched to cane creek levers (same price) w/ avid brakes and will try my best to steer clear of shimano LX parts. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Waters
a Cross Country Rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | www.wiggle.co.uk | | Strengths: | Cheap. Piss easy to fit. Comfortable to use. | | Weaknesses: | A little bit flexy. I don't like the way the cable lock in to the end of the lever. | | Similar Products Used: | LOADS | | Bottom Line: | A good set of levers for the money i paid (£20UK) I can't stand integrated pods so i made sure that i was buying separate levers. These were a good buy. Not as good as the XT's or some of the Avid's but a good lever nonetheless. They have a nice finish. Not a huge amount of space to reach the shifter lever. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel
a Cross Country Rider
from Kivik, Skane, Sweden
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Good quality and the feeling pulling them is fine. | | Weaknesses: | They handle froze once so i couldn't pull the brake however that would have happend with any brake lever so that's not really its fault. | | Similar Products Used: | Tektro V Brake, Shimano XT Brakes, SRAM | | Bike Setup: | Parkepre frame, Shimano LX in the front and Shimano Deore in the back 7 speed(yes 7 speed:)), SRAM 7.0 V Brakes(except for the levers, Shimano LX), Spinergy SM-3 rims and Continental Twister Pro Tires. | | Bottom Line: | They are good for almost every condition and affordable.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dougal
a
from Lichfield, Staffs, England
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Good feel, adjustability, cable clamp | | Weaknesses: | Do you like your fingers? Mine have nice dents in where they scrape off your skin.... | | Similar Products Used: | dia compe | | Bottom Line: | Good feel, light, easy to set up and adjust but they really WRECK your fingers | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mos
a Cross-Country Rider
from n. cal
Date Reviewed: September 26, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
light
durable
nice color combo | | Weaknesses: |
not much room b/n fingers and levers
back side of lever left open | | Similar Products Used: |
old dia-comp motorcylce style levers | | Bike Setup: |
rigid single speed
xtr brakes | | Bottom Line: | these levers work great and are inexpensive. what too better things are there. crashed and moved levers a quarter around the bars and still held together fine. they do what they are supposed to do and do them very well. what else can you expect from break levers. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr. K2
a Cross-Country Rider
from CA
Date Reviewed: September 2, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Rim Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Similar Products Used: |
LX, XT, XTR, Avid 1.0, hayes | | Bike Setup: |
K2 | | Bottom Line: | Let's face it, when it comes to levers (as long as they don't fall apart), it all boils down to a matter of personal preference. Some people complain about them being too short, so buy longer levers. Personally, I like them better than any levers I've ever tried. Plus I've heard they work great for cable actuated disc brakes, something I've wanted to try. People with smaller hands should give these a shot because the reach adjuster goes pretty far back. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross-Country Rider
from State College, PA
Date Reviewed: August 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
all | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
None | | Weaknesses: |
Typical Shimano garbage
tons of play up and down | | Similar Products Used: |
Dia Comp | | Bike Setup: |
hard tail | | Bottom Line: | I think I stripped every bolt on these goofy things.
They also move up and down too much to make me happy. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Foley
a Racer
from Clarks Summit, PA
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mammoth | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Very good stopping power. Also very light. | | Weaknesses: |
levers are very small. | | Similar Products Used: |
avid | | Bike Setup: |
Gary Fisher Tassajara. Rock SHox Jett C. | | Bottom Line: | Great Brakes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross-Country Rider
from Pittsburgh, Pa
Date Reviewed: June 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Cooper's Rock, WV | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Lasted this long | | Weaknesses: |
Too short
Ugly
Servo-wave means nothing | | Similar Products Used: |
Magura, Avid | | Bike Setup: |
Klein Pulse Race, Indy XC | | Bottom Line: | OK, but just ordered 9.0 brake levers by Sram. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross-Country Rider
from Montana
Date Reviewed: April 25, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
They work | | Weaknesses: |
Ugly & not comfortable | | Similar Products Used: |
Xt,Xtr,Tektro | | Bike Setup: |
GT hardtail with a Z2 | | Bottom Line: | They came stock on my bike and I didnt like them from the start. I recently ordered some Avid 1.0's from speedgoat, and life is good. The 1.0's are the Avid equivalent to the LX's and are far superior in form & function. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: March 19, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
- Cheap, simple | | Weaknesses: |
- Maybe a little heavy, and a little short | | Similar Products Used: |
-Magura levers, alivio | | Bike Setup: |
KHS team w/98 Judy XC with a booster | | Bottom Line: | They work fine. I weigh 200 and no problems in 2 years (different bikes). Maybe a little short but if you got these on your bike, you should probably upgrade something else as these work just fine, but nothing exceptional. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Crash
a cross-country rider
from Radford, VA
Date Reviewed: March 3, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I've ridden the LX levers for a few weeks now, running with a Avid Single Digit up from and an Arch Rival 40 in the rear. So far I can't complain too much. They work, the lever pulls in and the brakes hit the wheel. I gotta admit that the Servo Wave Action adjusters do precisely jack as far as brake modulation goes. Also, they aren't the best looking or feeling levers around. The ergenomics are fine from my standing, and I've got average size hands and can stop my bike easily with just two fingers. (thank God for Vbrakes!) What it boils down to are they've got decent feel, although cosmetically they could use some work, and no modulation adjustment. But, they do what they are supposed to do; pull the brake arms. For the $, you can't go wrong, but if you like shiny fancy gadegtry to adourn your bike then cough up the $$$. If you want something to get the job done, drop 17 clams off at Cambria. 3.5 Mr Hankeys, cause they work and the price | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
UNgasha
a racer
from College Station, Texas
Date Reviewed: February 9, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, after a little more than a year on these brakes and levers, I'd have to say that they are going to have to go. The levers have developed play just from normal use, giving exception to the occasional crash. (By the way, if you're not crashing at times, then you're not riding hard enough!) The crashing doesn't seem to know the brakes loose. I belive that they just got that way after riding with them for a year. I have ESP 9.0 sl's, and I'd have to say that these levers suck for twist-shifters because they don't extend farther than the shifter does for comfortable operation. You have to cock your hand to this unnatural position to gt a good grab on the brake lever. These things are soooo gone! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
aMpHibIaN
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: January 23, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
eeyy.......
these are the best goddam levers ever!!!Shimano have made vast improvements on the old lx levers dat suck like the black holes dey have in outer space.Buy 'em
The cable endings dat are on the end of the lever are a nice touch
To all who say this levers suck......
U dunno wat u r talkin bout | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
WildFrog
a downhiller
from South Africa
Date Reviewed: January 23, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I think these brake levers are really good, they are lite, and adjustable, reasonablly priced and look cool, the cables are real easy to replace. They are much more powerful than ordianry non-servo wave levers, i noticed that when i replaced some others on my 99 trek 6000. For all the guys who say they are weak metal- all i can say is that your not supposed to crash in the first place!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Coop
a cross-country rider
from Illinois
Date Reviewed: January 5, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
These levers suck! I have had them on my Trek 7000 for a while now, and I recently started riding trials. Anyway they are adjusted they hit my knuckles when I get up on my back wheel. They are no where near bottoming out and I still can't keep them from busting open my knuckles. Check out my page My knukles are even hitting in the second picture of the My Pictures Section And let me tell you it doesn't feel good. I will be getting some XT levers here around the 19th. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andy
a weekend warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: November 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the DX version of these for BMXs, the same lever but painted red and black. I have been able to compare these to my old Kona levers, cos I ran a V at the back and a standard canti at the front. The lever its self works well, and is responsive, although like many others I find it a little too short for my gripshift SRT-400s A good lever if your on a medium to low budget but not as good as many others, plenty of adjustment though, reach, cable tension, and the sloted front makes changing cables quite easy. a reasonable buy | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a cross-country rider
from Wellington, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: September 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These levers are good for only one thing: the price. The ergonomics are CRAP. They will be an improvement over your old cantis though. The adjustment doesn't do much and the levers also look pretty crap with the cable end secured at the end of the lever. Buy XT and notice a world of difference. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jai
a weekend warrior
from Essex-England
Date Reviewed: August 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Do their job but are tiny, flimsy and feel mushy and gooey in a big way. I had them for 6 months before I bought ESP 9.0 levers. But these they get five stars! The LX levers are OK and cheap but I would save a bit..... . . . . . .. . . . ... . . ..... .. . . .. . . . . . .. . . . Two for doing their job.... .. . . . . | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
monkeyboy
a cross-country rider
from Redfield, SD
Date Reviewed: August 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My dad bought a complete set of lx v's. The brakes are good, but the levers suck. Its not that they are too short, I like short levers, its that the way the position my fingers when I am riding. It tucks them in funny behind the lever. I hate the position it puts my index finger in, I think they are made specificaly for rapid fire type shifters. I'm not sure, but since they are a good brake, I give them 3 flaming bananas. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ungasha
a racer
from USA
Date Reviewed: August 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These levers are junk. They don't reach far enough out to be used well with GripShift, they are made from a weak metal, and they have little modulation. I bashed a tree a few months ago, and my left brake lever is bent!! I've seen other people on this website who claim that they've bashed their levers, and they haven't broken. From what I've seen and heard, the SRAM 9.0's are looking really good right now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a downhiller
from Vermont
Date Reviewed: July 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
They served their purpose for a little while, but after some time they got sloppy, the barrel adjusters broke, and the pivot had more play than a barney show. they are okay as temporary levers, or on a bike that is ridden in the city, but I crashed in my town, taking out half a fence, and they pretzeled! Since then I got some sram ESP 9.0 levers, and love em. I'm giving em two chilies because they work for their purpose, and they were moderately cheap at the time. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chaz
a cross-country rider
from amherst
Date Reviewed: July 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
these levers suck. first off, they're too damn short. sure, maybe one finger is enough to lock up the wheel, but so what? i'm not comfortable with only 1 finger on the lever, so i hafta have one finger on the middle of the lever, and the other one kinda hanging off the end of the lever. becuz of the end curve, my finger barely reaches. also, the levers lock up the wheel really poorly. throw in the extra dough and get XT levers with the LX brakes. they work together better. SO THE LX LEVERS SUCK! DON'T BUY THEM! THEY SUCK! im only giving them 1 chilli cuz they offer that stupid adjustment thing that i've never used becuz the bolt is so small that i'll probably strip it | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a cross-country rider
from Greece
Date Reviewed: June 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been using these levers for a year now and they are not what I expected from Shimano quality. The pivot has too much play and the tiny alen screw used to change the power modulation needs to be replaced by Shimano with a bigger one. The deference in power output between the H and L positions is not enough to make a deference on the trail. they also look ugly to me. Anyway, they are cheap and what you pay is what you get I guess. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Divebomber
a downhiller
from Malaysia
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These brake levers are great! After i purchased them i had no trouble with my braking system at all. These levers are cheap and reliable. First....they are small
and save much space in the handlebars. Second....they work great with anytype of V brakes. I just say GET OUT THERE AND GET A PAIR OF THESE THINGS!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zaron
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: May 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I don't know what all you people with gripshifts are complaining about. I own a Proflex 757 and asked for gripshifts (i can't stand rapidfire) and the bike came stock with LX brakes and levers, i find that the lever is exactly the right lenth. The brakes, i have a problem with, grat stoping, but after a while of riding, the springs loosen, and my brakes rub on the rim. If you have anny suggestions, please e-mail me by clicking on my name. As for the levers though, the big 5! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JamesX
a cross-country rider
from Syracuse, Utah
Date Reviewed: May 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had these levers for a good year now. They are durable. They are extremely adjustable. They are very short...intended to be a one or two finger lever...but this is a plus for me. If you have grip type shifters and short fingers stay away. I love'em. I put Lizard Skins grips on them and they are wonderful! I recommend these to someone with long fingers and wants bang for the buck! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Quinton-Tulloch
a weekend warrior
from Somerset. Engand
Date Reviewed: April 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These brake levers are probably the best value for money ever. The shape is just right and, despite what some people may say, I can easily fit two fingers on the brake lever without altering my riding position and without any discomfort whatsoever, and I've got pretty big hands. In fact, I aways ride with two fingers on the break levers rather than just one. I haven't ridden XT or XTR levers but I shoud think that they're slightly better, although not noticably, but at £20 who cares. For a slightly trickker look, buy the DX levers, they're exactly the same but are red and black. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Deadly Tedly
a cross-country rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: April 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These levers came on my new bike and they are basically shaped wrong. The bulge at the pivot rubs the inside of my index fingers constantly, and the aluminum there isn't exactly rounded so they get raw on a long ride. I have to keep my hand there in order to be able to reach my shift lever (XT pods), so I don't think I can relearn my riding style to accomodate that bit of metal sticking out. I can't get the shifters any closer to the grips, so I'll just have to live with it until I upgrade.Functionally they seem to work great, good cable pull, modulation and the adjuster is pretty neato. It's also very easy to get the cable in and out. I haven't had them long enough to comment on the people below who developed slop in the pivot. I would give them four chiles for funtion but anything that makes you uncomfortable while you ride deserves nothing higher than two. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank B.
a weekend warrior
from Quebec,QC CANADA
Date Reviewed: April 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These Levers are incredible for the price! Why change for more expensive levers that will do the same job...They are a little bit small but that makes them a bit lighter and the v-brakes work very good.Modulation is good too.Why pay more!
Spend the money on good v-brakes and they'll do the job. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DICK
a cross-country rider
from MAINE
Date Reviewed: April 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love the brakes but the levers do suck
so i bought KOOKA which kick some serious butt they rip XTR
KOOKA RULES KOOKA RULES I HAVE KOOKA CRANKS LEVERS STEM SEATPOST
and CHAIN RINGS I LOVE THEM AND GRIP SHIFT RULES 9.0SL
KOOKA KOOKA KOOKA AND KORE RULES TOO AND SO DOES ROCK SHOX and SO
DOES MARZOCCHI AND SACHS | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Petros Koyvas
a cross-country rider
from Coanada
Date Reviewed: March 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently purchased a bike with '98 LX V-Brake Levers on it (paired up with XT Parrallel push V-Brakes) and I must say I love these levers. There is more than enough room for two fingered usage but you don't need to with these things, you can get full power off one finger. I've tried XT's and XTR's and they are both excellent. LX is less expensive, but definately not garbage. I don't know what you guys expect down there but these things (for this model year anyway) are solid, have mice modulation and are pretty well designed. It's a classic case of you get what you pay for and there levers are pretty amazing considering their cost. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave E
a weekend warrior
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: March 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These levers are great. They have excellent feel, give lots of power, nice and smooth (won't cut up your hands), the adjustment thingy is cool, but it would be nice if you didn't need such a small hex key to adjust it. All these comlpaints about bot working with Gripshift: of course they aren't designed to work with Gripshift. SRAM ar probably Shimano's biggest enemy! They aren't too short, cos you can easily get two fingers on them, even with really chubby fingers, and the rest of your fingers can't actually give much more force anyway. Who needs any more force when you've got V-brakes?? If you've got these levers with gripshift and you don't like it, don't whine about Shimano, cos it's your bike shop that should have told you they're desgined to be used with rapidfire. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Oronde Armstrong
a weekend warrior
from Boston MA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
WHat can I say these levers suck. There way to small for big hands, the sharp edges of the pressed break leaver cuts your knuckles. When used with LX shifters there is no room to adjust the brakes position and still be able to shift. The may slow you down using 1 finger but to lock the rear wheel up you need 2 or to set the torque to H and then you end up with bloody knuckles because the damn perch bends so much. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a weekend warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: February 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Anybody who says these brakes are rubbish is stupid. Well, if you've tryed XT and XTR they are comparitevaly rubbish, but if you haven't they're great.They aren't the best buy around fro trick riding, but if you're on a budget they're great. These brakes have got very good stopping power compared to canti's or the lower grades.I got these standard with my GT Zasker, 16in, and they suit it perfectly. Only use these breaks with rapidfire though, i've tryed them with gripshift and I have to admit they don't work very well. If you've got a bar that is longer than 24in they are too short, so get another pair of levers.Overall, if you're on a budget they're great levers. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a cross-country rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: February 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got these levers stock on my bike. I've had them for about 8 months and about a month ago play started to develop where the lever connects to the body. Now it has gotten really bad and my braking is really mushy. Best I can do to fix these is to have the lever set up for as little movement as possible when you squeeze it. Never will I by an LX piece of crap again. If I could I'd give them zero chillies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Timothy White
a cross-country rider
from NY
Date Reviewed: February 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
To all those who see fit to think these levers and gripshift do not mix, go back and try it again. I am sick of hearing the just don't work when used with gripshift or the equivalent. I have a pair and use them with SRAM 7.0 shifters and they work great. They aren't as good as others, but they are less expensive and do a decent job. Nuff said.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a weekend warrior
from australia
Date Reviewed: January 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i think that the LX lever is one of the best upgrades you can make (except of course the XT or XTR) i have been using them for quite a while so if there is something wrong with it i would have to say that it would be the fact that these arnt too good with gripshift and that part of it is plastic..(but a strong plastic) anyway these levers put together with LX V'brakes and rapid fire are a dream come true.. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken Sechler
a weekend warrior
from Frederick, MD
Date Reviewed: January 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I use LX levers with grip shift and I haven't had A SINGLE problem. Sure the levers LOOK short but who cares. You really only need to get one finger on them anyway. The modulation is fine. The only problem I have had is the bolt for adjusting the lever between it's three settings is too soft and has stripped, But really what do you expect for $20? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
embarrassed
a
from usa
Date Reviewed: January 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Sorry about that stupid v-brake review. Shimano doesn't opress kids, I was just pissed. The real review: I have a number of problems with my shimano LX levers. First of all, they really are too short. Way too short. I constantly have to reach for em.. Accrding to shimano, I should relearn the way I ride (source: see mountain bike magazine's trailhead). I don't plan to. The three part switch is nice, but you should be able to fine tune more, and the modulation is lacking.. Not bad for the price, I guess, but still disappointing. I sold em and bought some XTs, great things.. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rebel
a racer
from usa
Date Reviewed: January 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Don't buy these pieces of shit! No modultation, no control, nothing useful. Plus, you're helping Big Brother oppress 3rd world workers. They beat children to create these sewatshop pieces of crap. Broke in a second. Buy usa, save the world. Rebel against the machine! Rebel against the machine! Rebel against the machine! Fight back. Protest! Disobey! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Master H.
a cross-country rider
from Montreal
Date Reviewed: January 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
LX levers at the first glance they are a very very short levers but when you put your hands on the handlebar it feels like a glove. For those who are complaining about the length: GET NEW shifters and make sure that it's NOT gripshift style levers! They work perfectly well when they are paired up with Rapifires spend that measely 50$ can(for stx-rc) or 70$can(for LX) or even better get XT or XTR. These levers are designed to work with Rapidfires and Rapidfires only! If you have Die-hard Gripshift rider get longer levers but stop complaining about it's length when they're not made for Gripshift shifters! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al-amanster
a cross-country rider
from Montreal
Date Reviewed: January 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Yes, I know that the LX brakeset is powerful and reliable, but the levers are just too short for use with twist-shift style shift, therefore resulting in very awkward hand positions. That's not safe at all. Manufacturers should spec bikes properly. Next time I go brake lever shopping, I will not be considering LX levers. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The KickaSS Canadien
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver,BC,CANADA
Date Reviewed: December 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I don't know what everyone's complainin' about... they're short but if you use more than 1 finger you'll end up on the ground, so what if they don't work with gripshift, gripshift sucks! I like these and for '98 they're all metal. My only complaint is that they aren't quite as comfy as XT but they cost a hell of a lot less too! DEATH TO GRIPSHIFT!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dibo
a weekend warrior
from oz
Date Reviewed: December 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
i was riding my friend's bike last night, he's got DX levers on XT v's (he bought it second hand, it's how it came) and i was just sorta mucking around, doing crappy trialsy s***, anyhoo, the levers are really uncomfortable to do any sort of repeated hard braking. the power's fine, and one finger braking isn't that hard, but the're just uncomfortable. they're really short, so you need to put more effort in, unlike longer levers where you get even more nonchalant stopping power.
also, when i was mucking around (for about 2 hours), my two outer fingers on each hand got REALLY bad cramps...not bad, prefer longer levers though... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a weekend warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: December 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
These levers suck , they are way too short , YES i know that they will stop you with one finger , but u people who say this probably arent into tricks and jumps in a big way; the point is , it is uncomfy to use one finger , especially when you are front - or- back hopping , your fingers slip off, also if you are doing tricks , and you pivot up onto the back wheel (eg After an endo)
if u r doing this with one or 2 fingers ,then your other fingers get knocked or crushed by the lever , even when the whole set up is real tight , they are half , plastic , very sloppy , the adj. bolts on both the levers + brakes are very soft , and round off after a few adj. I am using RF+ and they still suck , with gripshift they are even worse , and what sort of freak changes really nice avid levers to crappy , cheap shimanos - get a life. All i can say is , obviously none of you people who actually like these levers have tried any others , or u dont ride your bike properly . THESE REALLY SUCK , I would give them no dog shits , but i cant | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sid
a cross-country rider
from
Date Reviewed: November 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
What a joke. Market a great product like the LX V brake and throw a set of cheap garbage like this into the mix. I think Shimano new that a good lever with these brakes would make it obvious that the extra linkage on the XT/XTR's didn't benefit the consumer to any great extent. Keep life simple and go with the LX's or Avid simple V brakes, and invest in good levers. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan baverstock
a cross-country rider
from east sussex, uk
Date Reviewed: October 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Bring fairly new to mtb & accociated products I am hopefully going to review these brakes levers objectively after I test them out. After reading most of the above postings, mostly negative re the length & durability not to mention the incompatibility with grip shift, I am quite pessimistic but let's wait & see. I have just recently bought the m600 lever/v-brake pack for my alloy bike which has a cheap set of gripshift on it & yes the levers definitely aren't supposed to be compatible. Perhaps the bike shop from which I perchased them from could have mentioned this in the beginning. However, since I was planning on getting some rapid fire shifters in the next few weeks or so, (I hate gripshift after riding with them for 5 months), it really isn't a long term problem.
What rapid fire shifters would anyone out there recommend? I have rated the levers on the look & feel from what I have experienced so far. This may well change dramatically either way, depending on the results when used with gripshift compared to rapidfire.On a lasting note it appears to me that the most negative point echoed here is the length & gripshift incompatibility alongside the hand size factor. Do the levers therefore perform much better when combined with shifter other than gripshift with riders who have bigger hands? Also what is the difference in cost between LX & XT levers? Do they have the same incompatibility with gripshift mounts? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ZoomBoy
a cross-country rider
from Ma
Date Reviewed: October 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
These levers aren't constructed very well but they work. Replace when they break that's all. As far as them being too short, I have never and I repeat never needed more than one finger to stop. Even in panic situations one finger gives me rim-crushing power. Maybe it's just me . I will swap them eventually. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Manacsa
a
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: October 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I got rid off my canti's and added lx v-levers with xt v-brakes. The lx lever may be short for some people depending on their shifters. I have Gripshift 600 8spd shifters and I reach my brakes with a good 2 fingers. I think they're pretty good. Adjusting them is quite easy. I did feel a difference in play at first but it did alright after adjustments. The price is hard to beat at $20. I might consider just getting xtr instead. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
peter sellers
a cross-country rider
from wales
Date Reviewed: September 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I,ve had these levers for about 9 months and all I can say is that they are really badly made. The right hand lever has about 1/4 inch of play in it and as a result braking isnt up to standard. Basically adjustment is appalling as if you change the set up you need more cable, so if you have it setup to squish and then want to set it to firm at the rim there isnt enough cable to do it. I think I'd be better of with some avids but they've been reviewed badly too oh welll | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben A
a weekend warrior
from Nyack, NY
Date Reviewed: September 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I know that once I get used to my Specialized Rockhopper I'll get a better feeling of the levers too. So far they have performed well and efficiently. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Biff
a weekend warrior
from Silicon Valley
Date Reviewed: September 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
As has already been said, these things are just way too short to be used with GripShift, Sachs, etc.If anyone feels they've found a good alternative in a 2-finger lever, please post it here. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wayne
a cross-country rider
from La Verne, CA
Date Reviewed: September 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
These levers work fine. I admit I like my friends XT levers better but I have no problems with the LX. One finger is all you need--and the price is right.
If you're on a budget -- buy these. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a weekend warrior
from MA
Date Reviewed: September 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
These levers came stock with my bike. From the first ride I thought they were shit. Yes, they do pull the cable, but we'll leave it there. That is the only good thing I got to say about them. I replaced them with XT's after three rides, and am now happy. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a cross-country rider
from Nagoya, Japan
Date Reviewed: September 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
After 8 rides these levers have developed major slop in the blade and on one side a small plastic piece is coming loose which interferes with the return motion of the lever. As for length and feel, they are just fine with me. I can lock up either end with one finger and thats all I usually use. Sometimes 2 fingers for better modulation and control. Overall though, these should be lasting a lot longer than 8 rides, the quality is disappointing, if you buy these just to upgrade to V's, plan on getting some better ones within a couple months. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chucko
a weekend warrior
from Silicon Valley, USA
Date Reviewed: August 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Got these as an upgrade to replace the cheap-ass Tektro levers on my Big Sur. The adjustability is a neat feature, but IMHO a gimmick. I've got mine set on the middle position at this writing.They work OK, but as I found out earlier this week, the aluminum finish on the lever itself is a little slippery when it rains. The other gripe I have is the cheesy anchor for the cable; that little plastic cover just doesn't inspire confidence. For those reasons I say only 3 chilis. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tommy
a cross-country rider
from Davis
Date Reviewed: August 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
These things are short, but one finger is all you need to lock up the brakes.
There are also adjustments for leverage (that's what shimano calls it) and it does affect the modulation a bit. I read some comments on these levels being incompatable with gripshift. That is true, but if the levels are brought in closer to the bar then there shouldn't be any problem. The cable outlet for the gripshift does interfere with level, so make sure they don't bind, or else it will break the gripshift housing if you crash. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler
a weekend warrior
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I don't know why every one is upset about the size of the levers. I have big hands and I use them with gripshift and they work fine. And I don't know if anyone else has noticed that one finger is all you need to throw yourself over the handlebars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Hylka
a cross-country rider
from Joliet, IL USA
Date Reviewed: May 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Like some here, I use grip shift with the LX v-levers. No problem. So you can't put 3 or 4 fingers on the lever. You do not need to. This is a good thing. I also like the adjustability of these. It's dummy proof, which may say something about me. Anyway, I wouldn't trade these in. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
the oak
a weekend warrior
from the loops
Date Reviewed: May 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
doesn't even come close to the xt v's, however, for the price and simplicity these are an excellent choice | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
seth
a cross-country rider
from Lancaster CA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The rear brake lever developed MAJOR slop after 5 months of hard riding. The front is on its way out also. Brakes are great. I give the brakes the highest possible praise. The levers are not well made at all. I'm going to replace both with XT levers soon. I expected better... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
King Kikapu
a cross-country rider
from Salem, MO
Date Reviewed: May 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The LX levers rule!! Everyone's always bitching because they are too short, but I think they're just fine. I have had them on my bike for a few months now, and they are doing great. If you're going to do the switch to V's, I'd suggest going with the LX brakes, and the LX levers if you have small hands, or the XT if you have bigger hands. The LX brakes work just as good as the XT and XTR brakes, and they don't sound like a squealing pig. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred Sunderman
a racer
from Lafayette, LA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I just replaced these levers with XT ones for a couple reasons. First, they developed an unacceptable amount of slop after 4 months of hard riding and racing. Second, the clamping fixture didn't allow them to mount flush against my XT shifter pods. My advice: go with the XT levers, and get the XT brakes while you're at it. The difference in price between the two kits isn't enough to merit the ceap solution. Remember: 'The sting of poor quality lasts much longer than the glow of low price'.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike GT
a cross-country rider
from Slovakia, Europe
Date Reviewed: May 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
These levers work great with my older '96 XT V-brakes. Before I was using the Avid SD 2.0 levers, but they were too long with weak performance. May be the LX levers are too short for GripShit, but I use rapidfires. They pull a lot of cable on the beginning and then they can be smoother on the end, if you wish.
Very controlable! But they are not very well made, they have some excesive play, but doesn't matter so much.
Four Red Hot Chilli Peppers | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Butcher
a weekend warrior
from Cardiff, Wales
Date Reviewed: April 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Short? Yes, they're V-brake levers
Too short? Not for me and I haven't got big hands, but DO have grip shifts.
I use these levers with one or two fingers and they are in exactly the right place for me. If and when the levers or the LX V-brakes wear out I may upgrade to the XT or even the XTR but at the moment they do everything I ask from them and more. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ira Blumberg
a weekend warrior
from Redwood City, CA
Date Reviewed: April 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The levers are a bit short, especially when paired with Grip Shift since the construction of the lever requires that mounting about 1/4 - 1/2 inch further in than the Grip Shift. Nonetheless, they are comfortable for me, and I can get plenty of braking power with one or two fingers. While I agree that these are not the highest precision parts in the world, they get the job done and seem fairly well built. Overall, a reasonable budget lever. Where else can you get a pair of levers and cables and housing for $30? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy Martin
a cross-country rider
from Fort Worth, Texas
Date Reviewed: April 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Although they really don't seem too short, and they do seem to work pretty well with my GS800's, they just don't seem to be quality brake levers.
These things just flat feel cheap. There's gobs of slop and flex with every lever action. When Shimano says entry level they tend to mean it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Bless
a cross-country rider
from Colorado Springs, Co
Date Reviewed: April 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I'll have to echo the too short complaint. They were obviously designed to be incompatible with grip Shift. The bulge on the pivot bolt forces you to mount them 1/4 inch inboard, effectively shortening an already short lever by that much more. After one ride I called BikeWorld (where I ordered the brakes & levers as a set), and ordered the GripShift SRAM ESP 9.0 levers. They wouldn't bite when I suggested returning the levers (only), but I don't blame them. So now I've got a spare set of levers. I've yet to mount the GripShift levers but they are beautiful, way better than the LX's.Something I haven't seen mentioned yet is the weight. These things are relatively heavy. As mentioned above I purchased them as a set with the brakes, and when you heft the bag that everything is shipped in, Geez, I'm clamping all this to my bike? comes to mind. Granted there's a plastic bag and some long cables and cable end hardware, but that only amounts to a few grams. So anyway, after one ride, I'm replacing them. That says a lot. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derrick
a weekend warrior
from S.F. Bay Area, CA
Date Reviewed: April 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Too short? They're friggin 1-finger levers godamit! I happen to be using these levers with GripShift 600's and well, they *could* be a little longer. However, if you adjust your hand position properly, you can still find a comfortable position that allows you to shift and brake properly.
Tip: Adjust the screw such that the lever arm its resting position is drawn closer to the bar. That way, you won't need to reach as far with your finger to brake. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tie B
a weekend warrior
from White Rock B.C.
Date Reviewed: April 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
At first I was sceptical about purchasing these levers but I had no choice as they came with the brakes as a complete set. I had heard from many sources about the length or lack of I should say regarding the levers. I installed them along side my grip shift (oh no) and found them to be too short but ample enough for temporary use. Well I just got back from a ride in my local trails which are not very lengthy but technical anyhow. As I was riding home on the road I crashed (don't ask how) and the levers cracked my Grip Shift 800s , now I am pissed so I'm writing this to vent my frustrations. Now when I first installed them I took a look at how they where designed and it is appearant that they way they designed them was to purposely make them incompatible with Grip Shift. I guess Shitmano thought this would make people have to buy rapid fire but it cost them mucho $$$, just look at all the bikes speced with LX V brakes combined with other after market levers. As a business student I have some advice for Shimano grow up and concentrate on producing superior products instead of taking the so called easy way out and screwing not just the customers but yourselves cause lets face it shifters come first then brake levers in terms of inmportance and if people want Grip Shift they will buy it use other levers as I should have. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Winebrenner
a weekend warrior
from MI
Date Reviewed: April 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The lx levers are a great product!! People say that they are to short and that may be true but you don't need large brake levers for these. They don't need to be pulled hard to work. I like the easy change for the tightness. I would recomed them to any one looking for good brake levers. | | Overall Rating: |
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