Dual Discs and one Lever

[Hootervill]

I am currently in the midst of a Loderunner build and am hoping to use a single lever to activate both rear disc brakes. I remember seeing somewhere a cable adapter that allows the single lever cable to attach to the two individual disc caliper cables. I am hoping to retain the existing lever assemblies so I don't have to buy a dual cable lever.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

[John Lewis]

Here in Aus both Greenspeed and Trisled sell a dual mechanical brake lever. There is a photo on the Trisled site. I'm sending for one.

Should be readily obtainable with a bit of a search on the net or ask the LBS.

John Lewis

[kytrikes]

How about this device: http://www.brakedirector.com/index.htm

[John Lewis]

How about this device: http://www.brakedirector.com/index.htm

This looks easier. Scroll down about half way. Two into one balanced brake lever.

http://www.trisled.com.au/shop/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=21&cat=Braking+systems

John Lewis

[kytrikes]

This looks easier. Scroll down about half way. Two into one balanced brake lever.

http://www.trisled.com.au/shop/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=21&cat=Braking+systems

John Lewis

And much cheaper too. Only problem is the website forces one to choose a shipping zone but makes no provision for outside Australia. I'm trying to find out the shipping cost. Thanks for the link John.

Regards,
Kevin

[TheKid]

These work quite well, and are easy to adjust evenly, for less than 1/3 the price:

http://www.bikepartsusa.com/bikeparts/item/01-90291/brake-brake_levers/Pyramid--Set%2C-Duel-Cable%2C-Alloy-Brake-Lever&category=brake-brake_levers

BTW, the last two times I ordered from bikepartsusa.com, I received the orders the very next day, drop shipped from J&B Importers.

[kytrikes]

HEY, now you're talking Kid! Thanks! And thanks to Brad for making this fantastic website and these forums available!

[John Lewis]

And much cheaper too. Only problem is the website forces one to choose a shipping zone but makes no provision for outside Australia. I'm trying to find out the shipping cost. Thanks for the link John.

Regards,
Kevin

Greenspeed sell them too. About $5 AUD dearer. They ship to US. You can download their catalogue. I've always had good service from them.

John Lewis

[John Lewis]

These work quite well, and are easy to adjust evenly, for less than 1/3 the price:

http://www.bikepartsusa.com/bikeparts/item/01-90291/brake-brake_levers/Pyramid--Set%2C-Duel-Cable%2C-Alloy-Brake-Lever&category=brake-brake_levers

BTW, the last two times I ordered from bikepartsusa.com, I received the orders the very next day, drop shipped from J&B Importers.

Look the same as the ones I saw. Somebody's making a big profit. Wonder if bikepatrsusa ships to Aus? Have to check.

Edit. Just checked. $42.10 AUD on todays rate. 17.95 US for delivery.Probably not making so much after all.

John Lewis

[TheKid]

The levers are made in Taiwan and shipped under private label brand names worldwide. I would imagine the various import duties etc. have a great affect on the price.

[nineball]

You can make a splitter pretty easy, just take a piece of metal and drill three holes in it and use the cable clamp bolts from the sqeeze brakes.

[nineball]

HYd brakes are a bit trickyer, and I've been told that you can't just "T" into the line as the master cyl, does"nt have enough to do two. So I made a dual bracket by stacking tube sizes to get tho this...

[nineball]

Back side, tube that slips over handle bar, two more handle bar sections in the brake levers, then stacked tubing to get clearance/ distance between the two.

Tack weld and adj, then you can adj. the lever distance after to get an equal pull on both with one finger. Works the nuts. I tried cable with a splitter, but didn't stop to my likeing.

The hyd set up stops great.

[vrooom3440]

What I wonder...

Using a splitter or a dual cable lever (same physics involved) will divide the force generated in half. Given a brake that is designed for single lever forces, same lever force becomes 1/2 the intended design pressure. I would expect a proportional reduction in brake effectiveness, in theory at least.

So how accurate is the theory? Given a dual disc setup how well does one lever into two brakes work?

[Locutus]

You can create your own cable splitter from a small hunk of steel plate and a cable knarp. This method is cheap, simple and I've found that the pressure on both brakes to be even. You can find knarps at your LBS or here:

http://www.danscomp.com/512027.php

I bought one locally for $1.00. Here's a closeup shot of the splitter on my Maurauder, which has two V-brakes for the rear wheel, but I imagine would work equally well with cable operated disc brakes:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g292/Locutus59/Workshop/Bikes179.jpg?t=1239421303