How to Replace Brake Hoods

The brake hoods on your bike are the rubber covers that sit over STI brake/shifter levers. Brake hoods are designed to make holding the handlebars above the shifters comfortable and ergonomic. Unfortunately, like the rest of the rubber on your bicycle, brake hoods will wear out over time and eventually need to be replaced. Rather than ride with torn up and tattered brake hoods, or pay the local bike shop to fix them, replace your brake hoods at home.

Things You'll Need

• New brake hoods

Instructions

1. Set your bike on its kickstand. If it does not have one, you can set it in a dedicated work stand or a stationary trainer to keep it from moving while you work.

2. Remove the brake hoods from their packaging and inspect them carefully. Be sure that they are the correct hoods for your STI shifter/brake levers. There are many different types. The new brake hoods should look identical to the old ones.

3. Stand in front of the bike and grab the rear of the right brake hood on both sides of the lever. Pull firmly until the brake hood separates from the top of the brake lever then move the hood around the lever and off of the shifter. Remove the left brake hood in the same fashion.

4. Mount the bike as if you are waiting at a stop light. Slide the right brake hood up and over the lever and onto the body of the shifter. Grab both sides of the brake hood and pull firmly until the brake hood is in place. Install the left brake hood in the same manner.

References

• "The Big Blue Book Of Bicycle Repair"; Park Tools; 2009