TRP RRL SR Retro Brake Levers

Pretty, quality, not too comfortable

I have used a left side one for a couple of years and many thousands of miles. I use a shimano Ultegra nine speed rear shifter for the right brake. I have been very happy with the quality of the TRP and how lovely it looks. However, the ergonomics have been much less comfortable for me than the ultegra in all areas - the hood, and how the lever feels on my fingers. I have tried it With and without the shim. If the shimano is a 10 for me in comfort, then the trp would be a 6 or so. It is of good quality and looks really nice though

Pros: Quality, looks

Cons: Not very comfortable

Would Buy Again: No
Reviewed on: June 29, 2015
Reviewed by: aku a.

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Excellent levers

I've been riding with these for about 9 months now on a steel road bike that I've been using for randonneuring and long day rides. The levers are both comfortable and effective at braking.
Not mentioned in the description is that the brakes include an optional wedge that sits between the top of the hood and the bar that allows you to set up the levers in either the "classic" style mostly perpendicular to the mounting point on the drops or the more modern style where the hoods sit at a downward angle to allow a flatter platform area on top of the bars (similar to many STI-style levers). This was a major perk for me and with the wedge inserted the levers incredibly comfortable on top of the drops on long rides.
As for braking, the levers are fantastic. They feel strong from the top with pleasant curves for finger grabbing. The hoods aren't so large that they get in the way of reach, though smaller-handed riders may have a hard time reaching. My favorite, though, is how good they feel in the drops. The flare outward about halfway down the lever makes for easy and strong braking riding in the drops. With the increased leverage the articulation is great and they can be downright powerful.
I use gloves on long rides and have not had the "gummy" issues some other reviewers have had. I've seen plenty of older gum levers that have turned sticky and gross and hand sweat is a key factor in this. Worth the cost of eventually replacing the rubber to have the awesome retro look, in my opinion.

Pros: beautiful
super comfortable
braking power and articulation
wedge for setup options

Cons: something inside rattles when braking (this would annoy some)

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: September 17, 2014
Reviewed by: Sean B.

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Endurance problems

I'm Dave G from above. Apparently you can't edit/change your reviews. I still love the ergonomics of these levers but about month 5 they started to really earn their "gum" moniker. The hoods have started to, I don't know, melt (?) into a gummy, play-doh like substance. Not my black ones, mind you, just these tan ones. Still great levers, I'm just not sure what to do about the hoods.

Pros: Super comfortable, stylish, quick-release, no-non-sense

Cons: Kind of expensive, could be big for some smaller hands, gummy means gooey.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: May 07, 2014
Reviewed by: David G.

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