Tektro R200 drop levers

Tektro’s R200 are perfect for anyone seeking modern Campag pattern levers on a Cinderella budget and great for stopping laden tourers, lightweight crossers, winter trainers and frisky fixers or indeed any other mount that doesn’t require STI/Ergo shifters.

They are basically blue-collar copies of Campagnolo’s classic design right down to the push-button quick release. Closer inspection suggests Cane Creek SC5 without the cute lizards scurrying over the hoods and with slightly less refinement where it doesn’t show but in fairness to the SC5s fittings might not be to the same quality.

Riders with smaller hands are better served by Tektro's R100A and the R200's bulkier resin bodies can feel slightly alien if you're used to the slender and relatively angular profiles of Shimano and Dia Compe levers. Some critics would suggest this bulk is a consequence of using lower strength materials but in practice, wearing densely padded gel mitts or full-finger winter weight gloves this is academic and the thick hoods provide excellent cushioning from road and light trail shock too.

Installation is much easier than their linear pull specific siblings thanks to shallower Allen bolts but can still prove a little tricky with “kitchen sink” multi tools. Shapely silver anodised levers look really classy with performance to match thanks to light, yet progressive springs delivering superb modulation and feel married to both mid range (105 equivalent dual pivots) and older style cross cantilevers. Copy cat Campagnolo quick release buttons have a reassuringly solid feel, yet are easily operated on the fly for taming buckles and punctures alike.

There’s a gloss black option should you wish to coordinate your bike’s livery but brand snobs will prefer silver as the Tektro decals are easily removed using nail varnish remover or T-cut. Similarly, the inevitable everyday nicks, scrapes and good-times are easily polished out with a soft cloth.

Verdict

Classic levers with a Cinderella price tag