The Cure for Brake-Cable Clutter The messy-looking brake area is probably a problem shared by every fixed-gear rider. To be honest, most of us barely touch the brake levers except in an emergency. And yet, two cables are still flying around the front of the bike, making the clean, simple look of a fixie feel slightly less clean and simple. This double brake cable is the answer. We still have no idea why it comes packaged in what looks like a ziplock bag, but somehow one brake lever can pull two cables at once. If your goal is a cleaner cockpit, this is an easy recommendation. Yes, Dual-Pull Brake Levers Exist, But... DIA-COMPE does make brake levers designed specifically to pull two cables. They certainly work. We just rarely use them at Masterpista. Why? Because they are bulky. Very bulky. They enter the room before the rest of the bike does. Making the cables look cleaner only to replace them with a giant brake lever feels like paying one aesthetic problem to solve another. For the exceptionally demanding fixed-gear rider who says, “I want fewer cables, but I also refuse to use a chunky lever,” this double cable is ready to support your unreasonable level of commitment. PAUL also makes a dedicated dual-pull lever that costs around ¥30,000 each. So, naturally, if the budget allows, that is probably the more luxurious answer. Compatible with MTB-Style Cable Ends There is one important thing to know. This cable does not work with every brake lever. If your immediate reaction is, “Wait, seriously?”—yes, seriously. But if you are truly pursuing a cleaner cockpit, replacing one small brake lever is a sacrifice you may simply have to accept. The inner cable uses an MTB-style barrel end, so please choose a brake lever compatible with MTB brake cables. For DIA-COMPE, something like the MX122 is a good option because of its relatively compact size. Right or Left? Once you decide, “Right, I am going to convert my bike to a dual-pull setup,” the next question is obvious: Which brake lever should you keep? Based on the many dual-pull setups we have installed at Masterpista, the answer is approximately: Left: 80% Right: 20% In Japan, cyclists ride on the left side of the road. When checking behind for approaching traffic, holding the right brake lever can slightly restrict how far you can rotate your upper body. With the lever on the left, it is generally easier to turn and look behind you. You can test this on your bike—or perform the movement in the air and look slightly ridiculous in the privacy of your own home. On the other hand, I, Grandpa Nakase, rode motorcycles for many years, so using the right-hand lever is deeply programmed into my body. For that reason, riders with a motorcycle background often prefer the right side. Specifications Outer cable lengths: 1450 mm / 1300 mm Inner cable lengths: 1600 mm / 1450 mm Cable end: MTB type Color: Black Compatible with brake levers featuring a brake-adjuster screw thread diameter of 5.6 mm or less.