is there a better brake lever?

[classicrocker]

I am trying more trail braking, on my rides. Problem is my fingers ain't too long. I CAN reach the lever, but not to comfortably when on the throttle.
Is there a better brake lever? Maybe one with a bit more bend?
I appreciate any input....

ride safe

 

[RossKean]

I am trying more trail braking, on my rides. Problem is my fingers ain't too long. I CAN reach the lever, but not to comfortably when on the throttle.
Is there a better brake lever? Maybe one with a bit more bend?
I appreciate any input....

ride safe

All kinds of aftermarket brake levers. Have you tried the range of adjustment on the OEM levers?

 

[Whooshka]

Generally the rear brake is used in trail braking. If you're using the front brakes then all you are doing is late braking. And it gets "complicated" with linked brakes. If you are turning in and leaning over and use that front lever you're inviting a low side.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Lots of lever options available, use your google-search-fu to weed them out. Pazzo makes nice pieces. Beware of some CHN knock-offs as the anodizing will fade over time. YMMV

~G

 

[mcatrophy]

FWIW - I use the OEM lever on its closest setting (5), and only ever use my first two fingers to brake. Easily activates the front ABS when on a good, dry tarmac surface, so plenty of available strength even in my 81-year-old fingers.

I also find it gives me a finer control of the braking, rather than using a full hand grasp.

Enables me to have the fingers resting on the brake lever ready for instant action should it be necessary, leaving the third and fourth fingers available to help the thumb with the throttle.

 

[RedRiderMN]

I got this tip from taking the on-line ChampU course: ride using my index and middle finger on the front brake lever at all times (thumb, ring, and little finger control the throttle). I can't believe how much finer control I have now on the throttle and braking!

Of course, this won't help much if your fingers don't easily reach the levers!

 

[harper]

Just remove the lever. It's excess, unnecessary weight. And using the brakes is over-rated.

 

[Mr_Canoehead]

On my KTM, the CHN knockoffs caused the brake to drag.