The best bike brake levers are the ones that you don’t think about at all. They’re not pulling at your wrists with every turn of the bars, and they’re not constantly making you search for the brake pads to make sure they’re actually working. They’re just there, doing their job and helping you stop and start confidently.
However, finding the right bike brake levers does require a bit of thought. There are a lot of different styles and mechanisms out there, and what works for one person’s bike may not be the best for another’s.
Read on to learn more about our favorite bike brake levers and how they work.
Our Editor’s Best Bike Brake Levers Reviews
![Universal Bicycle Brake Lever/Bike Brake Handle, 22mm Compatible, Suitable for Most Bicycles, Road Bike, Mountain Bike and More [Black - Pair]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31SandumtuL._SL160_.jpg)
- Universal fit for 2.2cm diameter handlebar
- Automatic lever position restoration ensures rapid recovery after a crash
- Lightweight design with easy installation
- Compatible with a wide range of bicycles, including mountain bikes, road bikes, kids' bikes, and more
- Constructed from high-quality materials: stainless steel covered by ABS for superior durability and strength
- ▲ Universal for 2.2cm diameter handlebar
- ▲ Automatic lever position restoration provides quick recovery from the crash
- ▲ Lightweight and don't add any burden to your bike
- ▲ Made by Aluminium Alloy material, high hardness, durable for use
- ▲ Suitable for most bicycles, such as mountain bike, road bike, kids bike, etc.
- Specification: 7/8 inch or 22.5mm handlebar
- Compatibility: Compatible for most of Electric Bicycle and Scooter
- Ergonomic design: The ergonomically friendly V-Brake design and mechanical disc brake have a comfortable grip and supports you to cut power to the motor when the brake is pressed.
- Package include: 1×Brake Lever pair，2x Brake cable in a 1PZ Brand Box
- 【Please note】Please confirm the model number before purchasing, After making a purchase, if you have any questions or concerns, Please feel free to contact us. We're here to assist you and resolve any issues as quickly as possible.
- Compatibility: Designed to fit handlebars with a diameter of 2.2cm, ensuring a secure and universal fit for various bicycle models.
- Crash Recovery Mechanism: Equipped with an innovative auto-repositioning lever that quickly resets itself after a fall, allowing for swift recuperation and continuation of your ride.
- Lightweight Construction: Engineered to be lightweight, it ensures minimal additional load on your bike, preserving the bike's performance and handling.
- Durable Material: Crafted from high-grade Aluminium Alloy, this component offers exceptional hardness and long-lasting durability, standing up to the rigors of regular use.
- Versatile Compatibility: Suitable for an array of bicycle types including mountain bikes, road bikes, and kids' bikes, enhancing the usability across a wide range of cycling needs. If there is any problem with this Bike Brake Levers, please contact customer service in time, and you will get a satisfactory result.
- Color: Black
- Weight: 155
- Brake Lever Actuation: Long Pull
- Brake Lever Use: Pair
- Defined Color: Black
- Designed for caliper & cantilever brakes
- Cold forged double bent lever blade
- 1 finger
- 22.2mm (7/8") clamp
- Short blade design
- Compatible with V-brakes, road calipers and road mechanical disc brakes
- Adjustable reach
- Brake cable and housing set included
- Compatible with road bike brakes, v-brakes, and road disc brakes
- Aluminum construction with anodized finish
- Brake Lever Actuation: Short Pull, Lever Color: Black/Silver, Weight: 129g, Weight: 258g
- Right Front Disc Brake Handle Lever Dirt Bikes Peace Taotao SunL JCL Roketa Apollo
- Please note the thickness at the bolt holes of this hydraulic brake lever is 12mm thick.
- Package Included: 1 x Brake Lever
- Note:Please compare your part with our picture to make sure.
- Diameter of installation hole:8mm/0.31",Length 152 mm/6.0";(As the picture shows)
- FULL ALUMINUM ALLOY: Made of full aluminum alloy, it is very hard and thick, resistant to collision and not easily deformed.
- LIGHT WEIGHT: Light weight brake levers, will not add too much burden to your bike, keep your bike's balance performance.
- EASY TO INSTALL: Easy to install with hexagon screwdriver, finish the installation of 2 brake handles in 5 minutes.
- WON'T FADE: Stubborn digital paint, not easy to fade or crack even if it falls or collides.
- GOOD SPRING: There is a good quality spring, when you release the handle, it can quickly return to its original position.
Best Bike Brake Levers Buying Guide
Before choosing the best bike brake levers you should consider following options:
1. Brake Levers and Calipers Compatibility: Your first step should be to check the compatibility of the levers that you’re looking to buy with the brakes on your particular bike.
Most brakes have an “ International Standard” or IS mount, which as the name suggests is standardized internationally. You will usually find this mount on either all or some of the brakes on your bike.
Other mounts that you might come across are “Post” or “Side Pull” which are both equally common in the UK. The “Post” mount is the most common type in North America.
It’s important that you check your particular bike before buying new levers to avoid any unnecessary compatibility issues.
2. Cable Length: You should also check that the cables are long enough to reach both brake pads when the brakes are applied.
This is especially important if you’re replacing your original cables with new ones. Without the right length it’s impossible to set the brakes up correctly.
You should also check that there is enough length to allow the lever to move freely enough to reach both pads. If there isn’t enough length, the lever will start to either rub against itself before reaching both pads, or will not be able to return to its original position without manually pulling it back.
You can usually work this out from the length of the cables that the new levers come with, but it’s always worth double checking.
3. Lever Feel: Your new levers may look perfect, but if they don’t feel right, then they’re likely not to be the right choice for you.
What feels right for one person may not necessarily feel right for someone else. The lever should have a smooth action, but not be too light or too heavy.
It should be easy to modulate the brakes, with enough resistance to pull the lever without accidentally locking the brake. The lever should also have a comfortable position for your hand and be easy to reach.
4. Ergonomics and Design: The function of the lever is obviously important, but aesthetics and ergonomics also play a big part in your buying decision.
You want something that looks good, and that you’re happy to have on your bike. You also want something that fits in with the style of the bike.
Some levers are designed to be as light and small as possible, while others are built to be as heavy and wide as possible.
Other levers are made from materials such as carbon fiber, while others are made from steel. So there are lots of different features and options to choose from if you’re on the lookout for new levers.
What else you should know about bike brake levers
How do I replace my bike’s brake levers?
1. Remove the old brake levers by unscrewing the retaining bolt and pulling the lever off the handlebar.
2. Insert the new brake levers onto the handlebar, making sure that they are in the correct position for your hands.
3. Tighten the retaining bolt to secure the levers in place.
How do I adjust my bike’s brake levers?
There are a few ways to adjust your bike’s brake levers. One way is to simply loosen the screws that hold the levers in place, and then move them to the position that you want. Another way is to adjust the cables that connect the levers to the brakes themselves.
What is the difference between a drop bar and a flat bar brake lever?
A drop bar brake lever is designed to be used with drop handlebars, while a flat bar brake lever can be used with either flat or drop handlebars. Drop bar brake levers are typically narrower than flat bar brake levers, which can make them more comfortable to use when riding in the drops. Additionally, drop bar brake levers often have a slightly different shape than flat bar brake levers, which can make them easier to reach when riding with drop handlebars.
How do I install disc brakes on my bike?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the process for installing disc brakes on a bike can vary depending on the make and model of the bike. However, in general, you will need to remove the bike’s existing brakes, as well as the wheels, before you can install the new disc brakes. Once the old brakes are removed, you will then need to install the new disc brakes according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
What is the difference between rim brakes and disc brakes?
Rim brakes are brakes that use pads to grip the wheel rims. Disc brakes are brakes that use pads to grip a disc that is attached to the wheel hub.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best bike brake levers. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best bike brake levers will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.