Some will cock a snoot at the prevalence of resin composite, keeping the weight and production costs low but in practical terms, in the RL520s seem as durable as levers costing considerably more and their shape, complete with thick, shock absorbing rubber hoods provide day long comfort when cruising on the tops or honking up climbs.
The adjuster screw dialling them closer to the bars is equally irksome- a moot point if you’ve got long, lean fingers but riders with smaller hands and shorter reach could feel slightly stretched. Subjectively, lever action is identical to their more refined Cane Creek cousins, very light but stopping short of remote or mushy when pulling mid range linear pull/cable discs, although pairing these to traditional cantilever, side and centre-pulls is an absolute no-no, ejecting you over the bars at the first hand-full.
Campagnolo pattern quick release buttons are easily operable from the hoods, compensating for unexpected buckles or providing some welcome slack for wheel removal without disconnecting the callipers- an otherwise tricky task wearing full finger gloves. Sentimental attachment to older levers aside, given their asking price it’s difficult to see why anyone would want to use Travel Agent cable gizmos that spoil a bike’s clean lines and make for more convoluted cable replacement. More accessible lever adjustment would broaden the appeal to women and juniors with smaller hands but otherwise there’s a lot to like.
Very likeable levers for a very modest buck.
road.cc test report
Make and model: Tektro RL520 V-brake compatible drop levers
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
The RL250 are V brake specific drop levers allowing touring/cross and converted mtbs to run V brakes without needing to fit Travel Agents. Simply put they're remarkably good in terms of performance, finish and good old value for money.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Resin bodies, thick rubber hoods, high polish silver anodized aluminium aloy levers.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
8/10
Rate the product for value:
8/10
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
The Rl are a super comfortable lever that (whisper it) works ever bit as well as other, costlier brands providing great modulation and feel paired with Vs but might be considered a bit fierce with their junior siblings. Campag design is reassuringly familiar too and the well positioned quick release button opens the brakes to counter buckles on the fly or facilitate wheel removal.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Lovely design, great feel.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Deeply recessed mounting bolt is a devil to reach unless you've a really long 5mm Allen key.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Age: 36 Height: 1m 81 Weight: 70 kilos
I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,
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