Moutain bike - clutch/brake lever??

Pablo · #1 (**permalink**) 12-29-2007, 08:34 AM

What have folks done for mountain and other left lever pull brake bikes - when it comes time for the clutch lever mounting?

I see stuff like this: http://www.bicycle-engines.com/dual-...tle-p-148.html

But I'd like to know what works. What other options are out there?

**CRUISER** · #2 (**permalink**) 12-29-2007, 08:59 AM

i purchased the duel brake levers but not with the throttle. i have to say the duel break levers are worth their weight in gold. What happens when you want to stop fast in an emergancy. with separate brake levers you are going to grab one or the other in panic thus flying over the handlebars or skidding to a crash. These take time to adjust so both brakes engage at the same time but when adjusted right one handle and both breaks engage and the stopping power is awesome. I highly recommend them

**RedB66** · #3 (**permalink**) 12-30-2007, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pablo

What have folks done for mountain and other left lever pull brake bikes - when it comes time for the clutch lever mounting?

I see stuff like this: http://www.bicycle-engines.com/dual-...tle-p-148.html

But I'd like to know what works. What other options are out there?

I've read reviews about this product......Good idea, but very poorly made...machine and materials.

**CRUISER** · #4 (**permalink**) 12-31-2007, 06:53 AM

this is like the one i got. it is all steel construction and pretty nice. its not a shimano xtr or anything like that but works good http://cgi.ebay.com/Handicapped-Bicy...QQcmdZViewItem

Pablo · #5 (**permalink**) 12-31-2007, 09:42 AM

Yeah I think I'll avoid the throttle built in one and just go with a dual pull and use the supplied throttle.

On the dual pull - have any of you heard of problems with bottom mount mountain bike brakes?

MotorbikeMike · #6 (**permalink**) 12-31-2007, 10:26 AM

Hi guys, I would like to tell you something I've learned from an old farmer, and that is "don't NEVER put all yer eggs in one basket!". Up till now I've not heard of an accident, but figure this, you break that lever, or injure that hand and you now have exactly NO brakes.

I don't like the geometry of Mountain Bikes, in part because I have no interest in looking straight down at the front tire, when I should be driving 3-4 carlenghts (actually bike lenghts) in front of me.

When I did build a couple of mountain bikes I used the rotary clutch handle locking the clutch on left, front brake right lever, rear brake left lever. I still have some of those rotating clutch handles in stock! Then I changed the bars for "touring" or "cruiser" type, and the saddle to "Touring" now the MTB is pretty close to a hybrid type bike.

I will never build a bike, relying on only one lever to stop it. I have actually at times, considered putting a caliper, or other rim pull brake, on coaster bikes just as an extra saftey measure.

Mike

ChrisHill · #7 (**permalink**) 01-01-2008, 10:32 PM

I have to definitely agree with Mike on this topic.
The what-if's of having anything happen to that single brake lever leave to much to my over active imagination.

If you mount your clutch lever over your front brake lever, you can quickly become accustomed to using your front brake as you pull in your clutch. I instinctively pull my front brake with my first finger or two as my clutch lever gets pulled in...the rear brake I seem to use a lot less but it is still there. If the brakes are adjusted properly you don't need much travel on the lever to get them grabbing on.
With having a MTB with front suspension you can hammer on that front brake pretty quick and hard and still not do any endo's...even at 30-35 mp/h.

Personally, I would never put my trust for both brakes onto one lever...just to many bad things run thru my mind when even thinking about it...scary, lol.

TheLoneRanger · #8 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 10:43 AM

Can a 15-speed street bike be converted into a motorized bike and what do you have to modify or is it better to buy a coaster type and go from there?

Pablo · #9 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheLoneRanger

Can a 15-speed street bike be converted into a motorized bike and what do you have to modify or is it better to buy a coaster type and go from there?

LR -Yes it can be. My kit on the way is for my Diamond Back MB. My buddy has done his (same kit). I'm fine with the geometry, some folks think it's too upright. Your choice.

MotorbikeMike · #10 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 02:12 PM

Hi Lone Ranger, I am an experianced motor-bicycle builder. Did you notice that the pic of Old No.6 that I posted here in this thread started out its life as a Ladies 10 speed mountain Bike?

Furthermore, I used the rotary clutch on it, along with the 2 handbrakes which were the origional topic.

Functionally there is very little difference wheather bike is 10, 12, 15, 18, 21 or more speeds. In some cases it becomes necessary to remove "people sprocket? derailer mechanism, if it will hit the engine, elsewise raise the engine.

It's all rather simple, really it is.

BTW do feel free to ask away, I am aware that all learning starts somewhere.

Mike