Shimano brake-only levers... help!

[KnottedYet]

Ok, now I'm feeling really stupid.

I've peeled up the hood covers from the bottom; no bolt for the hood.
Peeled off the top on the hooky part; no bolt for the hood.

How the heckle do I get the brake hoods off?

I see one teeeeeny tiny flathead screw (if it even is a flathead screw, maybe it's a brake cable stop) but I can't believe that's what's holding the hoods on.

Anybody gotta link or helpful words of wisdom?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Squeeze the brakes as though you are stopping- then use a flashlight and look INSIDE the gap you create when you squeeze the brake levers. Should be an allen hole or a groove in there somewhere. You'll need a long stem allen wrench of the right size, you know the kind with a "T" plastic handle on the end. I think it's a 5mm wrench needed.

[sgtiger]

BIAK posting as SGTiger

Pull your brake levers back like you are putting the brakes on, and look through the space between the top of your brake lever and body. There is a bolt back there somewhere. Usually 5mm allen. Unscrew that and your brakes will come off.

[KnottedYet]

ah HAH! I see it!!!

Thanks you guys!

I don't have a T handled Allen, and I can't get enough leverage with the Allen I have... gee, guess I'll have to go to the bike shop and do a little tool-shopping on my lunch break tomorrow! Wheeee!

[boy in a kilt]

for quicker service

I always keep my computer on when I'm working on bikes and it's something I don't do often enough to do in my sleep. I got into that habit when I pulled the star nut out of my forks thinking it was a good idea.

[DebW]

ah HAH! I see it!!!

Thanks you guys!

I don't have a T handled Allen, and I can't get enough leverage with the Allen I have... gee, guess I'll have to go to the bike shop and do a little tool-shopping on my lunch break tomorrow! Wheeee!

Be glad it's an allen. Those things used to use flat blade screwdrivers, and a T-handled screwdriver was absolutely required.

I had the opposite problem recently. Wanted to straighten an STI lever and disconnected the cable and looked inside - no allen fitting for the bar clamp. Finally went to the Shimano website and found that that clamp screw is on the OUTSIDE. Never would have guessed that in a million years.

[boy in a kilt]

Campy ergo powers are the same way. You have to peel the brake hood back like a banana to get to the bolts.

Given that the internally routed cables go where the screw used to go, I suppose it's the best way to deal with the problem.

Still, I wouldn't trade my ergo powers for a set of down tube shifters. I rode those for like 10 years and while they have their advantages like not having to index the derailleur, I've been spoiled by them.

[roadfix]

ah HAH! I see it!!!

Thanks you guys!

I don't have a T handled Allen, and I can't get enough leverage with the Allen I have... gee, guess I'll have to go to the bike shop and do a little tool-shopping on my lunch break tomorrow! Wheeee!

You don't need a T handled allen wrench. Just grab the allen wrench with a pair of pliers instead.

[boy in a kilt]

I think Knot was justifying buying tools. Or just going to Recycled. Maybe both.

I'd love to have a set, but it never occurs to me when I have the money.

[KnottedYet]

More tools, more happiness! I don't have the coordination to hold an Allen wrench with a pair of pliers.

(actually, I went to Velo. The store I'm trying to like...)

[boy in a kilt]

Works better if you use the hole at the end of a crescent wrench or a box wrench.

I've never been to velo. Bunch of my bike punk friends take a dim opinion of the place but I'm leaving my options open.

Sort of moot really. If I'm in the area and I need something, I usually hit Ti, Recycled or head over to West Seattle and pay Aaron a visit.

[KnottedYet]

yeah, I'd rather go to Recycled, Ti, or Free Range.

Someone said 20/20 on Capitol Hill is good. Wonder if I can walk there from work?

[boy in a kilt]

What I really need is a solid bike shop up north somewhere.

Greggs in Lynnwood is so-so, the Bicycle Centre in Mill Creek is Ok.

I'm guessing there isn't much in your neck of the woods if you are riding down to Recycled.

Also, the Branford Bike retail store is over there somewhere. I've been meaning to make my way over there and have a look.