Brake levers are very important, but I just can’t get too excited about them.  However, since I live my life by the motto that you can’t have too much carbon, I just had to give these carbon handled levers a try. 

So I swapped out Cane Creek’s standard version 200TT levers for its new carbon handled version.  I could not be more disappointed.  First, let me state that the all aluminum 200TTs are outstanding brake levers; they’re inexpensive, good looking, easy to mount and perform flawlessly.  Since they are so good, I thought the carbon version would perform just as well while adding the touch of carbon and shaving a slight amount of weight.  Unfortunately, at more than double the price, the carbon levered version feels mushy, squeaks/rattles and the return springs don’t work as well.  Moreover, that little piece of carbon is hardly noticeable and the weight savings is less than an ounce.  Even before comparing price - $30 vs. $75 – there’s no contest; the less expensive all aluminum levers are far superior.  I’ll be switching back to the aluminum 200TTs ASAP.

I've listed Cane Creek's specifications for both products below.

Specs:	200TT
materials:	cold-forged aluminum levers, die-cast aluminum bracket, and rubber "ergo" plug
weight:	162g per pair
colors:	anodized black with laser etched logos
U.S. MSRP	$30
Specs:	200TT Carbon
materials:	natural carbon levers, die-cast aluminum bracket, and rubber "ergo" plugs
weight:	136g per pair
colors:	anodized black with laser etched logos
U.S. MSRP	$75

KDG

P.S.  For those of you wondering about Blackwell Research’s carbon TT brake levers, I believe they are made by Cane Creek.