TRP RRL SR Alloy Drop Bar Lever - Drilled - Pair

If you've been to the bike shows or cast your eyes round the city streets you'll have noticed that retro is very much the modern thing and bike bits don't come much more retro-modern than the drilled version of TRP's RRL  drop bar levers.

Fixed gear bikes are still going strong, steel frames and quill stems are springing up all over the place but, the problem is, modern components don't always blend in with your classic looking frame. So, you're looking for something a little bit special and don't need STI levers, these TRP levers could be just the thing. Harking back to a time when everything was drilled to aid lightness, the retro looks intertwined with modern ergonomics are just the ticket. Utilising drilled levers and black or gum coloured hoods, they will add a touch of class to a modern frame or an old school restoration project.

The levers offer an excellent position when in the drops and are ideal for the smaller hand, offering a pronounced kick out sideways from the drops of the bar. The hood shape is similar to STI and very comfortable, not too much bulk to hold on to while providing a good platform for out of the saddle efforts.

Braking performance is good with no flex at all through the minimalist lever, in this case being paired up with some far from powerful side pull callipers on one of the aforementioned new but retro fixies.

You'll find quick release buttons are built into the side of the hoods, enabling you to drop the wheels out easily and resetting is just a quick pull of the lever.

To fit, just a single hex key socket and band arrangement like virtually all brake levers with scope to fit a range of bar sizes. Cable routing is internal creating a clean look to the cockpit, the only minor downside is if, like me, you're using bars that are lacking the grooving for cables is the inevitable lump under the bar tape.

For those who prefer their modern stuff to look er, modern TRP also make a carbon version of the RRL yours for just a tenner more. If you want the levers without the holes your needs are catered for too with a non-holey aluminium version that, the cost of filling in the holes is a 10g weight penalty on the other hand you will save £20. I do like those holes though.

Verdict

Overall the TRP's are a top quality brake lever, while definitely top end price wise there is very little on the market like them, the two that spring to mind are the similarly priced Shimano R600 levers and the Tektro R200s from the same stable as the TRPs - neither of them have holes though. The RRL SRs are possibly an extravagance but they look great and they perform, go on treat your pride and joy!