Road lever hoods

Choosing your lever hood

The lever hood is the rubber cover over the lever body. It's where your hands rest most of the time, and it's a wear part : it cracks, peels away and eventually slips. You can replace it on its own without touching the lever.

Choose it by model number, not groupset tier

This is the key point when choosing from this range. A lever hood fits a specific lever-body shape. Two levers from different generations of the same groupset tier do not use the same hood, and a mechanical lever differs in shape from its hydraulic or electronic equivalent.

• Shimano : look for the code ST- engraved underneath the lever — ST-R7020, ST-R8000, ST-R8170, ST-R9270… The first digit identifies the groupset tier (7 = 105, 8 = Ultegra, 9 = Dura-Ace); the rest indicates the generation and type.
• SRAM : check the generation and system — 10- or 11-speed Red/Force/Rival, then eTap AXS, with a separate version for hydraulic levers.
• Campagnolo : Ergopower versions vary by era — before 1999, 1999–2008, then Ultra-Shift from 2009 onwards.

How to identify yours

The code is usually found under the lever body, visible once the handlebar tape is unwound, or on the bike's original invoice. If the bike is still in its original complete specification, the groupset tier and year are often enough to find the model number. If in doubt, the shape of the upper cover — flat, raised, with or without a button recess — is the best visual clue.

Replacing it

You need to unwind the handlebar tape around the top section, then slide off the worn hood. A little soapy water makes it easier to fit the new one. Add new tape to your basket too: unwound tape rarely goes back on neatly.

Why you shouldn't wait

A split lever hood lets water and dust into the lever mechanism — and the electrical connections on an electronic groupset. It also becomes slippery in the rain, right where you brake. This is one of the few parts where spending a few pounds can prevent a major repair.

To find out more: Understanding the differences between Shimano 105, Ultegra and Dura-Ace

See also: Road brake and shift levers · Handlebar tape and bar-end plugs · Road bike brake cables and housing