Straitline Levers

[cam@nsmb.com]

Some treats for your ride.

Check 'em (http://www.nsmb.com/gear/straitlevers_01_07.php)

[connor]

Straitline has some other cool bits too, I really like their stem. Instead of trying to make mediocre brakes less mediocre I'll just stick to my Louise FRs which are the most comfortable, powerful, least expensive brakes I have used.

[DaveM]

I've been using the Straightline levers on my Juicys for a couple months now. I've never thought levers were worth the $$ as an upgrade, and the value is still in question for me (for any brand of lever) but I had some extra cash laying around and these things looked real purdy. They definitely feel better, it's a more natural grip for one finger braking, the lever is broader and has a firmer feel. It's a noticeably better feel, if you can justify the dollars it's a worthwhile upgrade.

[TWIGGY]

That was a great atricle. I had a chance to look at some of the other products, and I must say, they are some of the most nicely crafted components I have ever seen. Straitline has a great thing going.

[A.C.]

I have to echo what DaveM said, I didn't think there was much I could do to improve the feel of my Juicy 7's, but I can't believe how much of a difference the Straitline levers make over the stock levers (I also never thought I'd pay $90 for brake levers, but they are definitely worth it if you have the cash). I find the wider lever more comfortable, and it has a more positive feel when engaging the brakes. On a side note, I just got a look at their pedals in the X-ray finish, something I might consider upgrading to when my current platforms bite it.

[stuart@nsmb.com]

We'll be posting a Gear Shots on the complete Straitline catalogue in the near future, and will be doing a long-term test on several of the products as well.

Stay tuned for that.

[sheffy]

The two look exactly the same???? has anyone ridden with both...any comparisons between the 2????

[seand]

The two look exactly the same???? has anyone ridden with both...any comparisons between the 2????

I am in the process of doing just that. I have been running DB levers for a season and am now in the process of testing out the SL levers.

With each pair in each hand they feel amazingly similar and to the eye there is little difference. Of course, it only takes a teeny change between the two and a world of difference may be noticed.

I love my DB levers. I don't see how one can improve on this design (this is one of the main reasons I am interested in doing a comparison for myself...if they truly are a better solution, I will be putting the DBs in my spare parts box).

[mudpuppy]

The reviewer of that article had DB levers before the straitlines and WAY prefers the straitlines....he could go into more detail about the differences (there are differences)....but as I have ridden neither (soon to have some red straightlines) I can't comment on them.

[sicklines.com]

I have ridden both DB and SL levers as well and while they look the same on the surface, as others have noted, this is where their similarities end. The Straitline levers are superior imo. Try em out if you get a chance and you'll see.

[Geologyboy]

I ride danger boys, but I could only justify the cost after I had bent the heck out of my original levers. Love the feel and the strength.

[Wayne P]

I've got the whole kit and yes the levers are great. The only problem is that I love the stock Avid levers too. Straitline is a company with the resources and the drive to make big steps in mountain biking. Keep an eye out for them.

[Scoobydoo]

The "shorter aftermarket" levers were Dangerboys. I ran them for about 2yr+.
Although from a picture point of view they do look similar, up close and personal..there are many differences.

Just want to thank the boys again for modifying the levers to fit my purple hayes brakes. This was a special mod. Not a big deal...the hole for the lever was drilled out wider.

Patrick

[Jeff M]

Forget the gaudy brake levers, let's see some more pics of that bike Patrick!

I always wanted that Super 8/Monster T combo back when they were current.

[thedude]

The interesting thing about Straightline is that they manufacture other components for different markets and there expertise is not only limited to levers or pedals or even the bike industry.

Have a look at another sister company of theirs http://www.mxrcomponents.com/

They make fork crowns for MX at a very fair price $149 and carbon fibre ignition covers. Like Wayne P eluded to, I have a feeling that there are going to be some very cool parts coming from this company.

[Dom@nsmb.com]

The main company and its subsidiaries

http://www.straightlineprecision.com/

[M@M]

Straitline has some other cool bits too, I really like their stem. Instead of trying to make mediocre brakes less mediocre I'll just stick to my Louise FRs which are the most comfortable, powerful, least expensive brakes I have used.
http://www.dangerboyusa.com/pages/dbproduct/lever.htm
just for the likes of a magura whore such as you or me...

[Wayne P]

The interesting thing about Straightline is that they manufacture other components for different markets and there expertise is not only limited to levers or pedals or even the bike industry.

Have a look at another sister company of theirs http://www.mxrcomponents.com/

They make fork crowns for MX at a very fair price $149 and carbon fibre ignition covers. Like Wayne P eluded to, I have a feeling that there are going to be some very cool parts coming from this company.

I'm trying to get them to get into full size MX bikes. Dare to dream.

[C.C.]

Nice and informative review. It reminded me of my old highschool essays where I would define each key concept/term before beginning my essay.

I'm glad you didn't mention the shorter lever you tried specifically as a Dangerboy lever as it would be unfair to compare a shorty lever vs a full length one. Hopefully we'll get a back to back shoot out review comparing full length Dangerboy and Straitline levers on the same bike and brake set up.

Personally I'm happy with my Dangerboy levers on my Juicys. Like some have already posted, they were more of a want rather than need item. The Dangerboy levers feel ergonomically comfortable, but come with a pretty steep price tag too.


The "shorter aftermarket" levers were Dangerboys. I ran them for about 2yr+.
Although from a picture point of view they do look similar, up close and personal..there are many differences.

Just want to thank the boys again for modifying the levers to fit my purple hayes brakes. This was a special mod. Not a big deal...the hole for the lever was drilled out wider.

Patrick

[connor]

http://www.dangerboyusa.com/pages/dbproduct/lever.htm
just for the likes of a magura whore such as you or me...

yeah, i've seen them, but I really like the stock lever feel.

[sheffy]

I have ridden both DB and SL levers as well and while they look the same on the surface, as others have noted, this is where their similarities end. The Straitline levers are superior imo. Try em out if you get a chance and you'll see.

What makes them superior???? Im curious because im going to get a set of etiher DB or SL and im undecided
thanks

[DUDEONABIKE]

are the deore or xt levers the same as saints? because if either of them are i would love to get a pair of these levers

[sicklines.com]

are the deore or xt levers the same as saints? because if either of them are i would love to get a pair of these levers

Yea they'll work fine and should bolt right up (here's a pic for ya)

http://www.sicklines.com/review/straitline/brakelever/shimano_remove.jpg

What makes them superior???? Im curious because im going to get a set of etiher DB or SL and im undecided
thanks

The lever is a lot fatter and it feels so solid. DB's are awesome, but these while they may look the same are not. Its hard to see in any sort of picture.

They're perfect for 1 finger braking and have a much more solid feel in my opinion. The broader face helps to modulate the brakes a lot nicer and the end wraps quite nicely for 1 finger braking.

If you can get some, or know someone that has some that you can try out you'll be sold. They're some $ though but if you were gonna get levers anyway these win hands down.

[M13]

To me the aftermarket levers are such a 2AM move at the bar. You can do alot of things with 90+ dollars that will improve your bike MUCH more. I am sure the levers are slight upgrade in terms of strength and "bling". I'm not saying it is a waste of money; it DOES improve your bike's feel, your "confidence" and overall value. But, you can spend that money on things that can improve your bike much more. IE: better tire, full overhaul or two, new drivetrain, tubeless kit, etc. Then again, if you had that all, it's an adventure.

[Mic]

http://www.dangerboyusa.com/pages/dbproduct/lever.htm
just for the likes of a magura whore such as you or me...

i could imagine them on my gustav m. :) thanx for the post. they are definitely on my want it list :D

[Desloc]

Nice levers, but I wish DB or Straitline would put out a lever set that doesn't have that 'silly' bump in the middle. The DB Shorty levers are nice, but I like the leverage of a slightly longer lever. The bump in the middle, to me, is just for marketing and serves no real purpose.

Des

[superchief]

To me the aftermarket levers are such a 2AM move at the bar. You can do alot of things with 90+ dollars that will improve your bike MUCH more. I am sure the levers are slight upgrade in terms of strength and "bling". I'm not saying it is a waste of money; it DOES improve your bike's feel, your "confidence" and overall value. But, you can spend that money on things that can improve your bike much more. IE: better tire, full overhaul or two, new drivetrain, tubeless kit, etc. Then again, if you had that all, it's an adventure.

I was able to ride some of Germantown cycles Demo's at Wisp this weekend. Daves personal VP free and V-10 had these levers, the Feel of the straightline levers and the confidence in one finger braking are a very legitimate performance upgrade. One finger brakeing lets me keep three fingers on the grip to control the front of the bike and brake. as soon as I get a rear hydro I am getting a set of these levers.