switching hydraulic brake levers

RapidRosie29
RapidRosie29 Posts: 7
edited March 2015 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi guys

I recently bought a new bike which has some Formula R1 racing brakes, however the front brake lever is on the left and rear brake lever on the right (Europe style).

I am used to the motocross or UK style with front on the right and rear on the left and I would be worried that I would pull the wrong lever in an emergency and go over the handlebars!!!

Does anyone know how easy it is to switch them over, I have found very few details on the internet to solve this particular problem.

Any help would be greatly appreciated :)

Comments

  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    Are they not flip flop?
  • RapidRosie29
    RapidRosie29 Posts: 7
    They may be. To be honest I haven't had time to have a good look at them.

    Is flip flop usually the case with Formula R1 brakes?
  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    It was with other formula. Like the Oro series. If the lever and cylinder looks the same both side then it will be.
  • RapidRosie29
    RapidRosie29 Posts: 7
    Ok thanks, thats much more simple than I expected!
  • lpretro1
    lpretro1 Posts: 237
    Even if they are not it's an easy job - if you are careful! Undo the hose fitting at the lever end. Carefully pull out the hose (should come out with olive & insert attached) - get somebody to hold it up so you don't spill any fluid - on no account squeeze lever at this point!!) do same on other and then swap over pushing each hose firmly into the master cylinder. When doing the hose fitting back up should be nice & snug but not overtightened. If you are careful you will not need to bleed.
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,816
    Better still you pump the pistons out before you do it, so when you push the pistons back any air 9and there will be some) is pushed out into the reservoir.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • RapidRosie29
    RapidRosie29 Posts: 7
    Cheers guys - All the info is very much appreciated.

    Fortunately Formula R1's are flip flop designed so took me all of one minute to swap them over. Quite thankful I didnt have to go through the process of bleeding the system!

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