Re: [CR] brake levers (Tobit Linke)

(Example: Framebuilding:Technology)

From: "tobit linke" <tobitlinke@hotmail.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2009 09:37:49 +0000
In-Reply-To: <mailman.1982.1232232709.55131.classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References:
Subject: Re: [CR] brake levers (Tobit Linke)


Hi, Bicycles with two hand actuated brakes customarily use the "continental" se tup also in Germany. If pictures in "Der Radfahrende Athlet" (1974) and "Fahrradtechnik" (1983) are an indication, this is true for utility ten-speeds as much as for performance bikes.

Only coaster brake bikes place the front brake lever on the right. There is (or was in on-topic times) no standard for brake or lever placemen t. The law (StVZO) only required 2 independent brakes. A discussion between Marek Utkin and Sheldon Brown about the merits of eith er setup in Bicycle Culture Quarterly was supposedly spawned by an EU regulation requiring "continental" setup that I've never heard of any other place.

Sheldon Brown has the (to me) most plausible explanation for customary leve r placement:"

In countries where vehicles drive on the right, it is common to set the brakes up so that the front brake is operated by the left lever.

In countries where vehicles drive on the left, it is common to set the brakes up so that the front brake is operated by the right lever.

The theory that seems most probable to me is that these national standards arose from a concern that the cyclist be able to make hand signals, and still be able to reach the primary brake. This logical idea is, unfortunately, accompanied by the incorrect premise that the rear brake is the primary brake. "

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/brakturn.html

Tobit Linke Dortmund, Germany

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