Ray,
I think we had this discussion a couple of years ago on the list - but it still is a source of confusion. I have always used right-front (I personally think that makes a nicer looking cable run). I am not sure why I use this configuration - perhaps as Sheldon suggests to use my dominant hand to control the front brake. Perhaps also my British background. Perhaps also the fact that the Ilkeston Raleigh frameset which was my only bike for 20 years had the rear brake cable brazeons running down the left underside of the top-tube. Who knows? Cycling friends I have here in Canada always point to my "British" configuration. I guess it is now a familiarity thing.
Paul Williams, Ottawa (where only the brave or nutters would now be on bikes - 25cm of snow and damn cold), ON, Canada
> Reading the query about the Benelux gear I took a look at Sheldon Brown's
> advice on cables. He discusses why there are differences that may be
> related to which side of the road is used. So far so good but what about
> the Italians? I think it is self evident that a Campag front brake gives a
> nicer cable run with a left hand lever yet Italians use the right. What
> was Campag thinking of. Why didn't they design the brake to suit the home
> market?
> Just to be contrary I use a left hand front brake here in the UK mainly to
> copy Eddy Merckx but also because I think I can control the bike better
> with the front brake while signalling a right turn across traffic.
> Ray Green, Brighton, England
>
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