ATB levers with sidepull brakes

[kfp5200]

I'm converting my wife's old, old Trek 1000 road bike to a commuting bike. She'd like ATB-style handlebars, so among other things (e.g. new stem) she'll need new brake levers. The brakes are Dia-Compe sidepulls, so my question is whether ATB levers that are designed for cantilever or V-Brakes will also work for sidepull brakes. I've noted on our other bikes that ATB levers travel much further than road-style levers for sidepull brakes so I guess the end result will be that her sidepull brakes will be much more sensitive unless I adjust them a bit looser.

Is this a wise combination? I can't convert the brakes themselves because of course there aren't braze-ons for V brakes.

Any info is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Retro Grouch]

Try to find canty compatable brake levers. They'll have a cable pull ratio that more closely matches standard road brake levers.

 

[gclark8]

Shimano make Flat Bar levers for road calipers. BL-R440, Bl-R550, BL-R770: http://www.shimano.com.au/catalog/c...<>ast_id=1408474395181400&bmUID=1168203741340

 

[kfp5200]

Thanks for the input. I'll try those Shimano levers.

Cheers!
Karl