Rubber hoods deteriorate faster than the levers underneath them. UV exposure, hand sweat, sunscreen residue, and simple age turn supple rubber into hardened plastic that cracks at the flex points. The SRAM Doubletap Brake Lever Hoods replace worn covers on SRAM's mechanical road shifters, restoring the grip surface and cushioning that disappeared somewhere around year three.

These hoods fit SRAM's Doubletap mechanical shift/brake levers, which includes Force, Rival, and Apex groups from the 10-speed era. The rubber compound matches the original equipment specification, providing the same texture and flexibility as the hoods that came on the levers. Installation requires removing the bar tape, sliding the old hoods off, and working the new ones into position over the lever bodies. Most mechanics warm the hoods slightly to make them more pliable during installation.

Replacement hoods are one of those maintenance items that riders forget exists until the original covers start flaking apart mid-ride. If you're rewrapping bars anyway, checking hood condition makes sense. Cracked or hardened hoods compromise grip security and make long rides uncomfortable, especially in wet conditions where the rubber's tackiness matters most. Fresh hoods also eliminate that sticky, degraded surface that develops when old rubber breaks down.... Read More