Description:The Paul Love Levers are made in USA from billet 6061-T6 aluminum, The Love lever uses the traditional pivoting handle to pull the brake cable. The clamp piece is cut from a single piece of aluminum with a 3" length, a 1" height and just over a 1/2" width. The clamp itself is cut leaving a 1.5mm thick wall to surround the handlebar. The handle section is nicely machined leaving smooth edges and lines. Unlike the mass produced lever sets, the Love Levers don't have a return spring so the springs in the brake arms will have to close the lever. The area for finger grip is 65mm long and intended for three fingers.
Submitted by
TurboWookiee
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington Pa usa Date Reviewed: November 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
bavington 5pts loop
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
wheelcraft ltd
Strengths:
lightweight, bike art, sexy, quality,craftsmenship
Weaknesses:
soft aluminum, very ease to break if ur a abusive rider,
Similar Products Used:
avid's shimanos, sram's kooka,
Bike Setup:
trek steel hardtail, fisher FS race bike
Bottom Line:
i recieved my love lever as a 18th bday gift from my dad, i love them i've had them for over 10yrs now and they still rock as much as the day i got em, too boot there anodized red which are uber rare now. paul makes such a amazing component period. customer service is top notch i just lost a piece to my moto litles and they had me a new brake 4days later. pauls a awesome dude to deal with make top notch american made parts. A+++
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Submitted by
jules biker
a Racer
from lions desert Date Reviewed: March 28, 2008
yes theyre light and pretty, but function like crap without a return spring, they feel sluggish and my xtr v brakes felt like loosing power, never felt confident with the pauls. If these lever had a return spring, they would be the best. To me the pauls are like a ferrari that has a weak engine, or a nice designed hluse that doesen´t work, how good is a pretty design and perfect craftmanship if it don´t work???, bought new xtr levers and feel back at home again. Sorry Paul.
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Submitted by
Adam Hunt
a Cross Country Rider
from Berkeley CA Date Reviewed: August 4, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Various places and times
Strengths:
Light, well made, can be rebuilt. Works best with Paul brakes but works well with others too.
Weaknesses:
Soft aluminum, can scratch or be easily if over torqued.
Similar Products Used:
Shimanos, Avids, Suntours, DiaCompes, just about every lever out there for mechanical brakes.
Bike Setup:
Too many but never enough.
Bottom Line:
I've used Paul's original short pulls with Stop Lites and Cross Tops, and their new long pull Love Lever 2.5s and Love Levers Compacts and I've had good experience with them they may not be for ever one. The Compacts work great for a single speed because you don't need to have the lever reach around a shifter.
One of the things Paul recomends is to help prevent damage to the levers in case of a crash is to have just enough torque to keep the levers in place on the bars but loose enough to move if you really smack them with the palm of your hand.
I'd love to see Paul make a long pull lever for road bikes because the Dia Compe long pull road levers suck.
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Submitted by
james
a Cross Country Rider
from castro Valley CA Date Reviewed: December 14, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
Lightweight, simple, looks great, comfortable, great anodization
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
shimano LX, avid, magura
Bike Setup:
Kona Pahoehoe
Bottom Line:
great product, great looks reliable design
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Submitted by
loonyOne
a Cross Country Rider
from Waterloo, IA, USA Date Reviewed: January 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Ulrich & Sugarbottom
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
GuitarTed's basement 'o rama
Strengths:
Very light, great anodizing, solid feel, great modulation, bombproof.
Weaknesses:
A tad 'catchy' on the CNC'd void on the back of the lever, older style with brass bushings
These were on my Bontrager when I bought it and I just never really had any urge to replace them, so I kept 'em...the next best bike decision I've made outside buying the Bontrager. These are damn fine brake levers! The only thing I would really do to them is replace them with a new set that have cartridge bearings. For anyone willing to spend the coin to get them, they are an excellent product that will last a lifetime. You get what you pay for. Great product made in the good ol' USofA.
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Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from branford, ct Date Reviewed: May 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Fruita baby
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
good lookin, smooth and simple.
Weaknesses:
Traumatic clamp failure (see below)
Similar Products Used:
Pauls Motolite, Pauls Stoplight MC, orig Love lever, Love compact, Pauls R. derailleur, Avid Arch Deluxe, Shimano XT
Bike Setup:
Ti Hardtail, XT drivetrain, Raceface Cranks, Hugi Wheelset, Time pedals, Black fork
Bottom Line:
I'm a devotee to Pauls after a brief hiatus. My old Ibis SS was set up with stoplights and love levers (circa 1993) and were in my view the best there was. This was at a time when I was a very informed and competitive mechanic and endurance racer. After getting a Ti hardtail frame I was a little short and settled for XT's when I built the frame. Nice, won't kill you....but never gave you a great sense of confidence. Now that I'm back on Pauls the world and it's dirt are a bigger more beautiful place. One word of warning... follow the directions and DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN THE CLAMP BOLT. The lever needs to be able to turn under force. If not it will break should you hit it in a crash or in my case (on the original pair) the handlebar spins around and the lever smacks your toptube. Pauls is for the purist. If you use vice grips on a regular basis you will hate these brakes and they will hate you. If you love elegantly designed equipment that works flawlessly, you're who they are named for.
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Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Dillon,Co,USA Date Reviewed: April 29, 2003
Favorite Trail:
West Ridge
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Strengths:
Incredibely strong and very light. Very well made.
Weaknesses:
Nada, zilch, nothing.
Similar Products Used:
Shimanos
Bike Setup:
XTR V brakes with pauls levers
Bottom Line:
Ive owned these levers for 6 years and ridden probably 7000 miles on these levers from 24 hour races to leisure rides without doing anything to then and I weight 205 lbs. They have a very comfortable feel and good modulation.I can not say enough good things about then.
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Submitted by
Matt Donnelly
a Cross Country Rider
from Aspen, CO Date Reviewed: September 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Some trail in CB near Taylor Resevoir, can't remember the name
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Wrench Science
Strengths:
Not shimano
Weaknesses:
The two T nuts at the lever pivot fell out on both levers within the first 2 rides. Nearly lost the levers on both F and R. Luckily I was able to save the bottom part of the assembly and loc-tite'd it when I got home. Not sure if this is an inherent product flaw or lack of detail assembling.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
Titus, SRAM XO, RS Sid, Eggbeaters
Bottom Line:
Really sketchy brake levers. Didn't know whether they'd be there for the whole ride!
Haven't yet to contact manufacturer about it though. Hopefully they can send some replacement nuts for the levers so I don't loose mine on a ride!
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Submitted by
Clay
a Cross Country Rider
from yuma-az Date Reviewed: February 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:
telegraph-towers
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$105.00
Purchased At:
twowheeltransportation
Strengths:
Lightweight,easy reach,style,smooth operation,+I like em'
Weaknesses:
Was cost,but I've found em cheaper elsewhere.(If I need more)
Similar Products Used:
Tektro,XT,Avid s-d mag.and assorted junk
Bike Setup:
Cad-1 usta' have lotsa secert weapons.(Daily rider)But I'm slowly moving them off to go on to a new bike.
Bottom Line:
They provide better leverage,than you would imagine. This bike is road ridden mostly,and I have the brakes set up tight with little modulation.(When I need brakes I need em' now!)on avid S-D mag v brakes.Yet I feel I have better control over the braking on this bike than my outhers.And I can brake a cable just as easy with these levers as I can with my XTs. Even though these are compact levers,I feel they provide better access with twister's than the avid s-d,or the xt.(Which "I feel" all three are designed for pods) I've had no trouble with them at all.since I put them on july,15,2000 and after 25673 miles.They show very little wear.though I'll probably order anouther pair of bronze pivots,when it comes to mind just to be safe. If you can find them,buy them.XCs-urban assualt.Downhillers might want a duece and a half lever.But nowdaze most of them use disc's *****Bottom-line***** They're light,They're strong,You can reach em',They work good,They look good. Buy em' They're as close to "perfect" as anything I've tried.*****
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Submitted by
Little H Bakker
a Cross Country Rider
from PA Date Reviewed: January 14, 2002
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Bikeline
Strengths:
Weight, size.
Weaknesses:
Adjustment screw contact
Similar Products Used:
Avid 1.9, LX, XT
Bike Setup:
M2pro,mavic crossmax, XTR.
Bottom Line:
My adjustment screw went through the lever. The metal was too thin were the reach adjustment screw hits the lever and left a hole so the brake now gets stuck all the way open. Not sure what Paul will do about it. No crashes involved just light use. WIll repost when I get info back email back from Paul. Worked great for years!
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Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from BUCKTOWN PA Date Reviewed: May 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
FRENCH CREEK
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
BIKELINE O' POTTSTOWN
Strengths:
LIGHT, SUPER STRONG, STIFF, FEELS REALLY NICE IN HANDS, NOT SHIMANO, COOL SMALL AMERICAN COMPANY
Weaknesses:
UMMMM....AFTER A YEAR CAN'T THINK OF ANY
Similar Products Used:
STX-RC, XT, AVID
Bike Setup:
KONA HEI HEI, MARS, CANE CREEK WAM WHEELS, XTR/XT/NEXT LP DRIVETRAIN, PAUL BRAKES
Bottom Line:
IF YOUR IN NEED OF A NEW SET OF BRAKE LEVERS, LOOK NO FARTHER....THE LOVE LEVERS ARE EVERYTHING GOOD LEVERS SHOULD BE...LIGHT, STIFF AND AFTER DOZENS OF CRASHES THEY STILL LOOK NEW SO THAT PROVES THEY'RE STRONG
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Submitted by
Rodeo King
a
from Hopkins, MN, USA Date Reviewed: May 20, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Erik's Bike Shop
Strengths:
Attention to detail. Superb Modulation even without return springs. Grinds the big S into the ground.
Weaknesses:
None to be found
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Super Crap
Bike Setup:
Custom Amp-Research B5, check under full suspension bikes
Bottom Line:
I like These levers so much that I can't believe how poor the Amp disc brakes performed compared to these. Take it from someone who learned the hard way that disc brakes are not always the better performing alternative. For a bomb proof setup that doesn't require as much maintenance buy a set of Love Levers and Motolite brakes. Cross country riders you will be amazed with this setup I promise.
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Submitted by
Martin Torres
a Weekend Warrior
from Boise, ID Date Reviewed: July 17, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
They're LITE, work with gripshift(well), Good looks, and a unique feel.
They feel awesome, work incredible, Lite weight, Crisp CNC goodness!
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Submitted by
arun kashyap
a Racer
from falls church, va Date Reviewed: July 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
avalon area-patapsco
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
these are really light weight and feel better than shimano's and avids, they have cartrige bearings that only the avid ultimates have. I had the avids on my other bikes and these feel as smooth
Weaknesses:
I did an endo and the levers snapped, the bolt stripped out. paul uses some tiny bolts, I had to tap the lever and put a bigger bolt in it..
Similar Products Used:
avid ultimates, shimano xtr's
Bike Setup:
IF single speed with king wheelset, xtr cranks and brakes, gore cables, marzochhi x2 atom 80
Bottom Line:
Great levers and you can get them cheap on line, for around 70 from speedgoat. The feel great and are light weight, but this set was not duriable at all. I don't endo much at all but I bunny hopped a log and there was a mud puddle on the other side, my front wheel got stuck and I endoed. The lever bent and the bolt stripped out..... if you want something different and feels great, and is light weight; try these. If you want something that is not as smooth but duriable try the xtr's or if you can afford them the avid ultimates...
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Submitted by
Jon Ostroushko
a Cross Country Rider
from Apple Valley, Mn, USA Date Reviewed: January 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Lutsen Mountains
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Look like works of art, Feel amazing, absolutely no slop.
Weaknesses:
Price, but this is your ride, don't skimp.
Similar Products Used:
real x-levers, dia-compe dp-7's
Bike Setup:
Salsa Ala Carte, XT, Amp research F3
Bottom Line:
When I received my levers i truly didn't expect such unrivaled greatness. They feel like butta, and look like a monet. Paul really hit the button with these. Who needs return springs if you have good quality brakes and cables. These are truly amazing rush out and buy some now.
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Submitted by
Byrce Wright
a Downhiller
from Flagstaff, usa Date Reviewed: September 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
all of mine
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
These levers are built to last. Adjustable pivots, nice finish, and Pual to talk to personally.
Weaknesses:
Don't really have any. I've crashed them, set them on fire, and even shot my .45 at 'em(I'm a terrible shot)
Similar Products Used:
all the rest
Bike Setup:
used on X bike, Xc bike, Cruizer, on my friends bike, 24 cruizer.....
Bottom Line:
These will be the last set of conventional levers you will buy. They are approiately named, and if you know someone with connections, are worth the price. The edges may be a little sharpe at first, but are you really wrapping your whole finger under the lever, or just pulling it with that first nub......try em, you'll love em
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross-Country Rider
from TX Date Reviewed: September 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
any in real mountains (not here)
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Light, Beautiful, Functional
Weaknesses:
Sharp edged tips: just round them off with sandpaper, no big thang. List price
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, diacompe, Racha, Avid
Bike Setup:
nice FS
Bottom Line:
I wouldn't pay list price on these for any lever, but at 50% off had to try. Never saw Avid's or other high end this cheap ($60). When they arrived, the looks were worth the price of admission, assuming they worked. They worked. I like them...a lot. They are 2.5 Z's, and are not as minimal, nor as light as advertised, but are light. With Paul's Motolite Z's, work very well, no need for return spring. Shimano's require more force because of spring, but they probably work as well, at least at first. But the Paul's should outlast the Shimano's (these are nearly 2 yrs old)...and if Paul stays in business the brakes could probably be rebuilt with new bushings, etc. I did sand off the sharp edges at the ends of the levers, no real problem, and since mine are silver, you cannot tell they underwent such surgery. Levers are wide, which makes them very comfortable. 4 chili thangs, I don't give 5's; besides there is the price and sanding thing. But they just feel good.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from atlanta Date Reviewed: September 5, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
light
Bottom Line:
there light and work well. not as good as avid ultimate.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ward
a Cross-Country Rider
from Putney, VT Date Reviewed: June 28, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Light and Beautiful
Weaknesses:
Pivot tends to bind, no return spring = sticky brakes. Levers somewhat uncomfortable with sharp ends.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, SRAM 9.0SL
Bottom Line:
Love the weight and looks, still could use some design work.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron Walton
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bend Oregon Date Reviewed: June 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Light, simple, reliable, good feel
Bottom Line:
These levers are light and hassle free. The slop adjust pivot works great, even years later.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Na Joisey Date Reviewed: May 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Light, Responsive, Slop-free, Sick Looks
Weaknesses:
price
Similar Products Used:
Shitmano, Tektro
Bike Setup:
two wheels
Bottom Line:
These levers kick ass. Don't tighten them too much on your bar, or else they will break if you crash. A return spring would be nice, but apparently, it isn't necessary (I guess I just have crappy brakes).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gary
a Cross-Country Rider
from jewett city CT Date Reviewed: March 31, 1999
Favorite Trail:
arcadia RI
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Bottom Line:
they work very well
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Grand Forks, ND Date Reviewed: March 19, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Weight Strength Looks Power
Weaknesses:
Ummm... none so far
Similar Products Used:
Kooka Racha V levers XTR V levers
Bike Setup:
XTR V brakes rigid XC steel bike Mavic 517 ceramic rims WTB razor blade dual pads
Bottom Line:
I have been using a set of Paul's Love Levers Deuce & a Half for a little over a year in all kinds of conditions. I have them set up with XTR Vs, Mavic 517 ceramic rims, and WTB dual compound pads. This combination has produced outstanding power, consistent modulation, and has plenty of life left. In comparison, my single speed has the same rims (non ceramic), brakes and pads, but Kooka Racha levers. They are horrible levers.The Paul's were reasonbly priced ($130??? Who's paying THAT much??) at $70, they seem to be working just fine, and are plenty strong. The lack of return spring is a PERSONAL PREFERANCE, and I think they work fine. Great levers.
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Submitted by
justin miner
a weekend warrior
from usa Date Reviewed: January 18, 1999
Bottom Line:
these levers look trick but they are not not good set up and if they bend they don't go back? I spent a lotta cake for these cause a racer machanic suggested them sell's to I know I know new to the game please spend time money elsewhere two peppers minus one for price
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Submitted by
Kiwi Master
a racer
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: November 10, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have to disagree with most people on this review this levers don't work as good as the shimano xt's or xtr's they just are very slow due to the fact that they don't have a return spring as the cable gets dirty or sloppy the lever slows down especially the rear brake then you have to crank the springs on the brakes all the way to make them work nice. The only advantage this lever has over others is the weight but at to much expense feel and return is no good, If you don't believe just try shimanos after using Paul's you will see what I mean. 2 chilis for the design and the weight.
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Submitted by
John Richardson
a cross-country rider
from Ma Date Reviewed: October 15, 1998
Bottom Line:
Ilike these Levers (LPZ) alot they are very light and simple they look and feel great. very little slop in the pivot and lots of cable pull. the only thing that I do not like is that there is a lot of flex in them. this could be eliminated easily by the manufacturer and may have since I got mine about a year ago. Adjustment is really easy. The large barrel adjusters come in handy to pick up the slack of the phenomenon of v brake pad eating.
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Submitted by
Kevin
a cross-country rider
from Akron, Ohio Date Reviewed: September 28, 1998
Bottom Line:
SWEEEEEEET!! Thes levers saved my life. I hit a tree at about 30mphon a wicked descent. All my weight and speed conected with this tree right on my lever and it didnt even break!!! lots of smooth pull LOVE.buttery smooth movementand really easy to set up... nice and simple... finish held up better than any other colored parts.
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Submitted by
James
a weekend warrior
from Sicily Alaska Date Reviewed: August 18, 1998
Bottom Line:
these levers SUCK. i busted a pair and PAULS just said that it must have been my fault and that i must have done something to cause this, so they will not warranty them! These levers suck, the company sucks and i give these damn levers 1 star. i would not recomend buying apair, they have them on sale everywhere, but there is a reason why! Because these levers suck and are not worth half of what i payed!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ST
a cross-country rider
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: August 17, 1998
Bottom Line:
I recently bought these brake levers. They are fantastic. I use them along with the XTR V-brakes. The feeling is nice and smooth. And with the XTRs, they stop my bike on a dime. I have been using Onza cantilivers for a few years. They are good brakes. But the V-brakes are excellent. I wish I made the change earlier. The Pauls are light and beautiful. The CNC process really shows its detail on these levers. If you can afford a set, they are worth it. 5 stars.
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Submitted by
tony
a weekend warrior
from maine Date Reviewed: March 11, 1998
Bottom Line:
i had these set up wiht my xtr v's they are unreal i love them. just looking at them gives me wood i recomend these to anyone . I had to part with them becaused i need some extra cash it was the worst decision i have ever made 5 chilies baby!!!!!!!!
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Submitted by
Lancer
a weekend warrior
from Northridge, CA Date Reviewed: March 2, 1998
Bottom Line:
I purchased Love levers to go with my Avid cantis. Great lever, works I don't see any reason to upgrade to v-brakes. Light too. Interesting how I get very positive remarks about the brakes and levers from LBS as I am upgrading other components. If you want great brakes and levers and not follow the crowd, buy Love levers. 5 stars.
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Submitted by
michael jackson
a downhiller
from mexico Date Reviewed: January 13, 1998
Bottom Line:
i bought a set for a little boy who comes over on the weekends i'm givin it 5 stars because he keeps coming back every weekend he can ride forever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever
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Submitted by
dave
a racer
from Pa Date Reviewed: January 6, 1998
Bottom Line:
Agree with most other reviews; lite, pretty etc. Didnt find the edge of the blade to be a problem.Whilst the blade is rigid, the body of the lever is too thin and flexs quite alarmingly. Brakes+flex=mush, aluminum+flex=fatigue. Mail order places have em for $60-70 now so price isnt such a concern. For some dumb reason messages now have to be 50 words long, which means its pointless typing a concise review like I just have cos then you have to type lots of blah blah blah to get it processed. I really think Francois needs to re-consider this improvement. But hey hes paying for the web space.
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Submitted by
John Steinbeck
a weekend warrior
from Melland Date Reviewed: November 22, 1997
Bottom Line:
Very worthwhile levers if you can get them cheap. I have the rasta colored ones and they are very nice. Always keep the levers loose. I found this out the hard way in a crash. Both of the levers are bent but still wirk fine. The minimalist design is very nice. Athough the lever could use more pull, i give It 5 stars
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Submitted by
Mike McKeand
a downhiller
from Mankato MN Date Reviewed: November 19, 1997
Bottom Line:
I love my LPZ levers. I guess that is why they are called Love Levers. The shape is perfect. They are so smoooooth. Nice brass slop adjust pivots. The only minor thing wrong with them is the sharp edges at the end of the lever. No big deal though. Everything is machined so nice. Way to go Paul.
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Submitted by
Scottie
a cross-country rider
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: November 11, 1997
Bottom Line:
These levers are pure functionality. Light, stiff, strong and fully adjustable. The tensionable brass bushing means they will stay tight! No return spring but they work sweeet with LX V-brakes. A few sharp edges but it's a hard road finding the perfect woman/lever. I love 'em...
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Submitted by
Don Ferris
a cross-country rider
from Colorado Date Reviewed: October 30, 1997
Bottom Line:
They're a great set of levers, seem to be better quality than Avids Ultimates. They don't have a ret
$ 130.00
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