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Hudz SoftGrip Shimano Dura-Ace 7800 brake hoods

By:
Emily Wren/www.emilywren.com
Published:
November 12, 2009, 11:04,
Updated:
November 15, 2009, 00:15
Molded-in finger grips on the underside of the Hudz provide a secure place to grab on to

Molded-in finger grips on the underside of the Hudz provide a secure place to grab on to

  • Molded-in finger grips on the underside of the Hudz provide a secure place to grab on to
  • As compared to the stock Shimano Dura-Ace 7800 hoods, the Hudz version fills in the dip in the top to provide a flatter perch that doesn't put as much pressure on the hooks of your thumbs
  • Hudz offers its replacement brake hoods in fourteen colors (not all of which are pictured here) and two rubber compounds.

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Specification

Brand:
Hudz
Price:
$29.95
Description:
To make our Dura-Ace 7800 compatible Hudz we have added nearly a centimeter to the overall height of the hood while creating a flatter transition from the tops of the handlebar and a more gradual rise to the tip of the lever. On the underside you see our
Weight (g):
44g

Full specifications

Cyclingnews Verdict:

Rating:
5 out of 5

Improved ergonomics, tight fitting seams, wide range of colours and two durometer options, all at a reasonable price

Better ergonomics and a surer grip

Hudz' replacement brake hoods for Shimano's ubiquitous Dura-Ace 7800 STI Dual Control levers differ from the stock items in several key areas: the tops are notably flatter, the upper tips aren't quite as pointy, and the underside features nifty moulded-in finger grips. 

The effect is a more secure-feeling and level 'shelf' for your hands that doesn't concentrate pressure on the hooks of your thumbs as the stock hoods do, plus a bigger and generally more substantial feel.

This is great for those with larger hands, but the increase in size isn't so dramatic as to make them unusable for smaller folks. In addition, the ridges on the underside of the Hudz make for a more natural-feeling place to put your fingers, particularly when you're out of the saddle and climbing hard. 

Our lower-durometer SoftGrip version seemed perfectly suited to the rigours of cyclo-cross racing.  The tacky surface, combined with the modified shape, requires less hand pressure to maintain a secure grip on the bars and there's more security when you hit the bumps.

In spite of expectations, the softer material is also firmly attached to the underlying substrate, with a snug fit and no twisting to speak of.

Our earlier experiences with Hudz have included ugly mould flash lines and ill-filling edges but these latest editions have improved substantially on the originals with tight gaps and nearly invisible seams. 

The end product is far improved in overall quality and there's still the same generous array of 14 colours.  If you can't find something to match the rest of your bike, you're simply not trying hard enough. 

A more natural grip, a wide array of colours, a high-quality fit and feel, two durometer choices, and even a reasonable price (at $29.95 USD)  if there's a downside to Hudz' latest little bits of rubber, we haven't found it yet. 

Hudz offers its replacement brake hoods in fourteen colors (not all of which are pictured here) and two rubber compounds.: hudz offers its replacement brake hoods in fourteen colors (not all of which are pictured here) and two rubber compounds.

Full Specifications

Brand:
Hudz
Price:
$29.95
Description:
To make our Dura-Ace 7800 compatible Hudz we have added nearly a centimeter to the overall height of the hood while creating a flatter transition from the tops of the handlebar and a more gradual rise to the tip of the lever. On the underside you see our
Weight (g):
44g
Features:
Available fitments: Shimano Dura-Ace 7900, Dura-Ace 7900, and Ultegra 6600; Campagnolo Ergopower v2 and v3; SRAM DoubleTap (all) Available colors: Bastogne Blue, Bordeaux Gold, Brugge Black, Eroica Celeste, Geelong Purple, Ghent Grey, Lausanne Clear, L