Shimano Ultegra R600 Brake Levers

Review from road.cc

While combined brake and gear STI units remain the default option for new and production road bikes, they're not ideal for everyone-especially crossers, rough stuff tourists and single speeders, so it's a relief to find good quality classic aero brake levers such as these Shimano 600 are alive and well-particularly should losing an older groupset prove too great a wrench.

Shapely classic lines meet with modern detailing to complement bikes from the Eighties onwards. Anodising and build quality are excellent and unless wantonly abused shouldn't tire quickly. Responsive return action springs are a boon for riders with smaller hands but those like myself raised on the more positive springs associated with Campagnolo, Modolo, Sachs might find them a touch light. Good performance isn't limited to modern dual pivot side-pulls, I've paired the R600s to various brands of traditional wide arm cross cantilevers and old fashioned centre-pulls without compromise - they are standard equipment on some multi use road bikes with cable operated discs too. However those with a fondness for Vs are better served by dedicated drop levers from brands like Dia Compe and Cane Creek.

They fit on most bar shapes ranging from classic Maes pattern drops through to the more extreme, flared variety popular amongst the fixer/cross fraternity thanks to the widely adaptable band clamp accommodating bars between 23.8 and 24.2mm and those with a preference for the pursuit/cut down variety will be pleased to learn these fit nicely-useful for time trialists and road fixers, especially given their modest (260gpr) weight. However, working bikes and/or conversions are better served by its cheaper Tiagra sibling.

Sixty odd quid seems quite a bit to shell out for levers but remains a very cost effective way of retaining an older, prized groupset and considerably cheaper than replacing a broken STI lever. Taking a tumble along a forest trail aboard my rough stuff tourer resulted in only very minor cosmetic damage.

In conclusion...

Good value and extemely versatile performance road levers

Rating: 8/10