Brake levers

I intended to reuse the original Olimpic levers but their hoods had gone for ever long ago and couldn't get hold of a suitable replacement so... I opted to press into service a good pair of Campagnolo Record I bought second hand in a second hand store (just the levers, no brake arms though).

If you take some time to study the picture you can make quite an idea of what brought Campagnolo components to a legendary status. It was not performance but quality, design and a carefull stylish look.

Now, compare both levers. I'm not saying the original ones are not a fair device that will do the job. It's just, well, it's just that when put them  side to side the others look crude... they're not Campy.

What about the hoods? The original ones were from natural rubber and natural rubber though looks well is not celebrated for aging well. Original Campagnolo hoods were long out of production but I was able to get hold of a pair of Alonga hoods and make some unauthorised modifications.

The Alonga were intended for aero levers so first thing was drilling the exit hole for the cable. In fact, drilling is not the word since I used a soldering iron to melt through. It doesn't look bad at all.

After some minor modifications in the underside this is the final look.