Auxiliary brakes on Butterfly handle bars

trug
trug Posts: 8
edited September 2016 in Workshop
HI
Has anyone done this : Auxiliary brakes on Butterfly handle bars I quite like my new Butterfly handlebars and did a good 112 miles at the weekend with them. Really noticed the difference. It would be really good if I could fit extra brakes. I know you can do it on drop handlebars but I can't seem to find anything about Butterfly bars and that set up as it seems to be a bit more different due to the handlebar shape.
My Bike is a land rover hybrid 633

Cheers
Peter

Comments

  • slowbike
    slowbike Posts: 8,498
    Rather depends on where the brake cables run - on the drop bar bikes the brake cable runs under the bar tape - so the extra lever goes inline with the existing run. You may be able to re-do your brake cables - although getting them to go right round a butterfly bar may introduce too much friction for it to be usable.
  • trug
    trug Posts: 8
    Thanks I was expecting to have to re do the cable and cable sleeve. On my brakes the cable comes out the front of the brake/gear lever housing. The issue is that when I add the extra lever it is not 'inline' like it would be on a drop handle bar. It sort of has to double back and around so that the fitting is not so straightforward. I guess this is a common problem and just hoping that someone has done something similar. Loads of stuff online about fitting them to racing handle bars but not touring/butterfly bars.
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    The 'crosstop' style lever has to go inline in the cable from the other lever (and can be used as a sole lever) , so if you can move your existing lever forward and put the crosstop lever in the new cable run that could work.

    They also only work properly with road brakes, yours has MTB v-brakes, they will work but will have a long lever travel and then rather an abrupt engagement.
    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.
  • trug
    trug Posts: 8
    Cheers that is good info.
    I will have a think before I do anything and bear that in mind. it would be nice to have brakes in the slightly 'dropped' position as well as the upright. I wouldn't mind the abrupt engagement but I have a feeling the cable and cable sleeve and actually fitting etc might not be practical. I can always try it and put it back how it was if it is all too much :)
    Thanks again.

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