Brake lever hoods

[hopefield]

Hi, I am new to theHub and have a tech question...

 

I have an old road bike with downtube shifters. The brake lever hoods has become soft and sticky and needs to be replaced. How easy is it to find hoods that will fit on the levers? Will any brand do or do I need to look for something specific? Brakes are old shimano 105.

[David Marshall]

They are specific to the model. You need to get the series number off the brake eg 5500 or whatever and then see if you can get them. Agent may not have the older stock but can possibly get them.

[hopefield]

I had a look, the series number is BR 1055. Wont it rather depend on the type of lever? I bought the bike second hand and have no idea what parts the previous owner might have replaced.

[javadude]

Those old brake hoods can be found on ebay, but not that cheap.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Old-Stock-Shimano-Aero-Brake-Lever-Hoods-Black-/390474779514?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5aea1c4b7a

[hopefield]

For a few dollars more...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-Super-SLR-105-BL-1055-Brake-Levers-Champagne-Color-White-Gum-Hoods-/120991000612?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c2ba02824

Maybe worth buying these, as I just noticed (through all the scratches) that my levers are suntour

[javadude]

Shimano still makes similar levers, as well as a few other companies. Maybe you're better off buying new. Have a look here:

 

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=553

[LeTurbo]

Tried CRC (Chain Reaction Cycles)? I have the same dilemma and ended up just polishing the metal - it's harder on the hands, but it'll make a man of you (like your 5/6 speed cluster and probably 52/42 tooth chainrings will do).

 

Welcome to the Hub, post pictures in the retro bike thread, and enjoy the bike!

[hopefield]

I replaced the 42 with a 39 some years ago, maybe time to put it back. Thanks for all the input, I will probably get the 105's on ebay to have the complete groupset.