Shimano brake lever compatibility

sam218 said:

Is a vintage Duraace brake lever (non-aero) compatible with a new Shimano brakeset?

Yeah..........

For the last word on Shimano gear compatability, check:
<http://www.sheldonbrown.com/dura-ace.html>

In general, only Shimano 9- and 10-speed equipment is completely compatible across all model ranges. Dura Ace 8-speed is slightly different from all their other 8-speed stuff. It is somewhat compatible but limitations are shown in the article referenced above.

For what it's worth, I am using Shimano 600 front and rear derailleurs and a Shimano 600 crank & rings (8-speed forerunner of Ultegra) with Dura Ace 9-speed STI levers and a SRAM 9-speed cassette on one bike successfully. I am using Shimano 105 9-speed rear derailleur, Dura Ace 7400 (8-speed) front derailleur, Cannondale 9-speed crank & rings, Ultegra 9-speed cassette and STI levers on another bike. Both work quite well. The 8-speed front derailleur cages are wider than 9-speed versions (wider chain and wider-spaced rings). And if you need a replacement rear derailleur, the Shimano 600 (6400 series) is the best deal around. Used ones go for as little as $10 and are fully compatible with all 9- and 10-speed groups. Looks pretty also, with the grey/silver/polished aluminum finishes.

tomasbikes said:

For the last word on Shimano gear compatability, check:
<http://www.sheldonbrown.com/dura-ace.html>

In general, only Shimano 9- and 10-speed equipment is completely compatible across all model ranges. Dura Ace 8-speed is slightly different from all their other 8-speed stuff. It is somewhat compatible but limitations are shown in the article referenced above.

For what it's worth, I am using Shimano 600 front and rear derailleurs and a Shimano 600 crank & rings (8-speed forerunner of Ultegra) with Dura Ace 9-speed STI levers and a SRAM 9-speed cassette on one bike successfully. I am using Shimano 105 9-speed rear derailleur, Dura Ace 7400 (8-speed) front derailleur, Cannondale 9-speed crank & rings, Ultegra 9-speed cassette and STI levers on another bike. Both work quite well. The 8-speed front derailleur cages are wider than 9-speed versions (wider chain and wider-spaced rings). And if you need a replacement rear derailleur, the Shimano 600 (6400 series) is the best deal around. Used ones go for as little as $10 and are fully compatible with all 9- and 10-speed groups. Looks pretty also, with the grey/silver/polished aluminum finishes.

Turn the comprenhension switch to the on position ! The question was about brake levers! . AFWIW, the DA shifter RD incompatibility covers all pre 9 speed, not just 8 speed.

sam218 said:

Is a vintage Duraace brake lever (non-aero) compatible with a new Shimano brakeset?

Yes. But the old Dura-ace levers don't have a return spring in them. The new calipers have a weaker spring in them and are designed to be used with a lever that has a return spring. This is not absolutely required, though. I run Dura-ace dual pivots with levers that don't have a return spring. Works fine.