Gravel shift levers

How to choose your gravel shift levers

On a gravel bike, the lever has two jobs: shifting gears and braking, almost always hydraulically. It’s available individually, as a pair or supplied with a calliper. And what the left-hand lever does depends on whether you ride 1x or 2x.

The left-hand lever: single or double

• In 1x, the left-hand lever is a single-chainring : it brakes but does not shift gears, since there is no front derailleur. Its shape remains symmetrical with the right-hand lever.
• In 2x, the left-hand lever is a dual-sided, which operates the front derailleur.
• Switching from 2x to 1x therefore means replacement of the left-hand lever, not just the crankset.

Lever only or lever and calliper

SRAM and Campagnolo hydraulic levers are sold with their calliper and hose already filled and bled. There’s no need to bleed the brakes, but the hose length is fixed. These sets come without a rotor, and specify the calliper mount — Flat Mount on recent frames, Post Mount on older models. Shimano GRX levers are also sold separately, so you can keep your existing callipers.

Compatibility

• The number of speeds of the right-hand lever must match the cassette and derailleur.
• A lever mechanical cannot operate an electronic derailleur, and vice versa.
• SRAM also offers a Apex for mechanical disc brakes, cable-operated — a simple option that’s easy to repair while travelling.

Auxiliary brake levers

The GRX RX812 mount on the tops of the handlebars, near the stem, and let you brake with your hands on the tops — a position you naturally adopt on technical descents and long days out. They connect in series to the hydraulic system of certain GRX levers: check compatibility with yours before ordering.

Ergonomics

GRX levers are designed for gravel: taller hoods, textured grip surfaces and a repositioned lever pivot make braking easier in the drops, where you have the best control of the bike on rough terrain.

To find out more: Which drivetrain should you choose for gravel riding?

See also: Gravel brake callipers · Complete gravel brakes · Gravel handlebars