Raleigh Lenton brake levers

[ren531]

I have been experimenting with drop bar levers on my Lenton, the brakes work better and the hand position /comfort is better too, it also looks more in keeping with a drop bar bike, the original Lenton ones are just flat bar levers, but i am thinking of putting the original ones back on to keep it original, so i am torn between practicality and originality, i realy like riding the Lenton its not just a museum piece, what does anyone else think, am i guilty of crimes against vintage bikes by changing them or should we put up with minor inconveniences like poor brakes for the sake of keeping it original, ps the brakes themselves have not been changed.

 

[Drago]

I had a similar dilemma with my Claud. I went with new levers on the basis that I actually ride it. I kept the originals so it can be returned to stock if ever desired.

 

[ren531]

That's just what I have done ,put the originals in a safe place ,the brakes are hugely improved and made it much more ridable in the hills we have around Lancaster .

 

[Drago]

Aye, same here. I fitted Tektro aero levers which actual,y loom quite handsome on the bike, and the difference in braking performance is marked.

 

[midlife]

If you like to ride on the hoods then more modern levers are a sensible choice, if not then some vintage style steel / alloy levers for dropped bars should work and look a bit more period.

 

[ren531]

If you like to ride on the hoods then more modern levers are a sensible choice, if not then some vintage style steel / alloy levers for dropped bars should work and look a bit more period.

Yes that's the thing ,I spend most of the time on the hoods, only using the drops into a head wind .The levers I am using are CLB ones that look the part and are the same diameter as the steel Lenton bars ,probably from the 70s or earlier .

 

[Illaveago]

I too have a similar problem but I am trying to keep the brakes and levers to a similar period as the frame to within a decade or so .
Sometimes things can be justified as previous owners may have upgraded components as things wore out or when the owner could afford them .
The other thing is that your modification can easily be returned to how it was without too much trouble, and if it improves your braking and safety then it is a worthwhile change .

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

I'd say it's the hoods that can look a bit out of period on a vintage bike, rather than the brake levers themselves. Also bar tape shouldn't be too chunky. Looks better if fairly thin and lays flat when wrapped without a bumpy surface where it overlaps the previous layer.

 

[raleighnut]

I quite like the original levers on the Lenton,

 

[Illaveago]

I quite like the original levers on the Lenton,

View attachment 497816

Those look a bit like Mafac ones to me .

 

[midlife]

Look like GB ?