Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site druri.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxj!ihnp4!drutx!druri!isiw
From: isiw@druri.UUCP (WattIS)
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Re: ATB: brake lever positioning.
Message-ID: <956@druri.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 22-Oct-84 11:27:37 EDT
Article-I.D.: druri.956
Posted: Mon Oct 22 11:27:37 1984
Date-Received: Tue, 23-Oct-84 02:03:38 EDT
References: <2385@sdcc3.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Information Systems Laboratories, Denver
Lines: 26

Alright! Finally, some practical discussion amidst all the brouhaha.
I've noticed the same problem with brake lever setup that you did -
the hard way. Mine are set up about 5 degrees less than parallel,
more a matter of personal preference. As to the positioning along
the handlebars, I find I have much more control if I use my 
*inside* two fingers on the lever, and have adjusted my levers
accordingly (further in). Most people have greater strength
with their index and middle finger, and with this setup you can
still maintain control with all of your palm, your thumb, and
the last two fingers - and in extreme cases (or "yeehaw!" hills),
you can just use one finger on the brake, your index finger.

Another bit of gear I've seen is a sort of ratchet brake designed
for long downhills and tandem mountain bikes (they do exist - go
to Crested Butte). The brake stays put once you set it, and to 
disengage it, you slap it with the back of your hand. I'm sure
it's expensive, though.

Davis Tucker
AT&T Information Systems
Denver, CO

P.S. - "Shrimp Cocktail", eh? Here's another obscure NatLamp...
       "About his or her physiognomy, it suffices to say, that
        since it occupies a position on the front of his or her
        head, it must be a face."