So here's the situation: a recently bought Rossin RLX frame in Look colour scheme (1988), to be built up according to period with C-Record parts. I already have Delta brakes, chainset, seatpost, rear derailleur. I've strayed from the straight and narrow on the following: headset (Shimano 600, came with the frame), bottom bracket (Nadax with sealed bearings, came with the frame), Athena front derailleur (looks OK after extensive polishing). In the wheels department I've used what I got: Suntour Superbe hubs (the old Record imitation) on Wolber TX Profil rims. Because the frame has 126 mm rear spacing this is the perfect fit. Pedals will be Campy Record Look-type (the white ones).

The dilemma concerns the brake levers. My choices seem to be:

- use the ones that came with the calipers: covers look dirty and worn, one is torn, levers are drilled in the front, from memory I know they don't work too well anyway,
- buy a pair of Campy Record Carbon levers: pricey, look terrific, work terrific, but is carbon appropriate?
- get NOS C-Record levers: pricey, still don't work very well,
- get something else: Dia Compe f.i., has a return spring, never mind it doesnt have the release button.

So, what is the way to go?

I should add that with the scratches on the frame and the state of most of the parts, this will not be a concours entry; motto would be: hard used bike from 1988!

I would try and find some NOS C Record to match.

Some cheap Shimano levers (Exage, Edge?) from the '89-90 time period came in silver and included the release buttons...they would be a cheaper functional alternative. As far as Record levers, skip the $$$ NOS levers and find some regular used ones...like you said, the bike is well used.

I tend to agree with you; if I find some levers like you mentioned, can even do without the release buttons ( I used 7400 Dura Ace levers for years with new Record calipers), that might be the best option.
And yes, everything has a well used appearance!

I tend to agree with you; if I find some levers like you mentioned, can even do without the release buttons ( I used 7400 Dura Ace levers for years with new Record calipers), that might be the best option.
And yes, everything has a well used appearance!

Cane Creek SCR5 levers.

These are made by Tektro, and I have their version on my bike. These are a little more polished, but I find them much more comfortable than the Shimano aero levers:

http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/brake-levers-drop.html

So here's the situation: a recently bought Rossin RLX frame in Look colour scheme (1988), to be built up according to period with C-Record parts. I already have Delta brakes, chainset, seatpost, rear derailleur. I've strayed from the straight and narrow on the following: headset (Shimano 600, came with the frame), bottom bracket (Nadax with sealed bearings, came with the frame), Athena front derailleur (looks OK after extensive polishing). In the wheels department I've used what I got: Suntour Superbe hubs (the old Record imitation) on Wolber TX Profil rims. Because the frame has 126 mm rear spacing this is the perfect fit. Pedals will be Campy Record Look-type (the white ones).

The dilemma concerns the brake levers. My choices seem to be:

- use the ones that came with the calipers: covers look dirty and worn, one is torn, levers are drilled in the front, from memory I know they don't work too well anyway,
- buy a pair of Campy Record Carbon levers: pricey, look terrific, work terrific, but is carbon appropriate?
- get NOS C-Record levers: pricey, still don't work very well,
- get something else: Dia Compe f.i., has a return spring, never mind it doesnt have the release button.

So, what is the way to go?

I should add that with the scratches on the frame and the state of most of the parts, this will not be a concours entry; motto would be: hard used bike from 1988!

Since it is not going to be a show stopper, just pickup a used set of levers on eBay. I got some NOS Athena levers on eBay last year for around $50, they are not quite Record, but close enough. Used Record and C Record parts are generally quite affordable on eBay.

Clicked the Sheldon Brown link above and I like those. The fact they come with the Campy-style release is even better. Will find an excuse to buy a pair myself sooner or later.