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I want to change my cowboy flat handlebar to a drop bar. I have Tektro HD-M290 brakes and I'm searching for a compatible model of drop bar levers.

The bicycle has automatic speeds, so I just need brake levers.

I can't find any info on what is compatible with the hydraulic brakes and I would like not to change all the brake system.

Any Tektro drop levers compatible, or another brand maybe?

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The issue of cross-brand hydraulic lever-caliper compatibility has been discussed here previously. See this question and its answers: Hydraulic disc brake - lever compatibility. TLDR: no evidence for compatibility between brands.

Drop bar brake-only levers almost do not exist. All Shimano and SRAM drop bar levers integrate shifting and braking functions. The only product I know of is the TRP Hylex levers. These are designed for single-speed cyclocross bikes, which of course do not need gear shifting.

It's possible Tektro makes a similar product that is compatible with their brake calipers, but I could not find anything on their site.

What I would do is replace both the levers and calipers with TRP Hylex, and have the confidence that they are compatible and will not degrade or fail.

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  • Tektro and TRP (Tektro Racing Program) is one single company with TRP being just a premium brand. There is a decent likelyhood it might work (but who knows, that's why I did not post an answer). Oct 16, 2020 at 12:38
  • @VladimirF that's good info. What the OP could do is contact Tektro/TRP and ask about compatibility. Oct 16, 2020 at 12:51
  • Tektro and TRP use the same fittings. trpcycling.com/product/olive-and-barb-set Shimano and SRAM both make a considerable number of drop bar brake-only levers: BL-U5010, BL-RX600, BL-RX810. SRAM: Rival 1, Force 1, Apex 1, S-900 (aero and std.), S-500 (aero and std)
    – thelawnet
    Oct 16, 2020 at 13:25
  • @thelawnet I was not aware of the Shimano and SRM brake-only levers, Thanks for the info. Oct 16, 2020 at 13:30
  • @thelawnet, thank you for the info, it is another path I'll certainly take a look at. Oct 16, 2020 at 13:44

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