1. How are Hudz different than the original brake hoods on my bike?
Other than color, Hudz also provide improved ergonomics. This allows you to rest your hands on the brake hoods, or really grab them when you are out of the saddle with greater comfort, and efficiency. The largest differences are found in the Shimano-compatible Hudz, which add about 6-8m of additional height to the lever, making them easier and more comfortable to grab. Sram-compatible Hudz feature very similar shape to the original hoods, but with a more squared off underside to allow better grip when you are out of the saddle. And finally, Campy-compatible Hudz provide a flatter top section with a more gradual sweep up to the rounded point on the front of the lever to allow better pressure distribution.
2. Will DA7800 Hudz fit my 9 speed Dura Ace levers?
No. Shimano made a number of changes between the two body shapes, and even if you can stretch the new 10spd version onto the old 9spd body, you shouldn't.
3. Will DA7800 Hudz fit my Ultegra 10spd levers?
No. While the DA7700 hood will not for an Ultegra body, the ULT6600 Hudz will fit 10spd Ultegra, Ultegra SL, R700, and 105 levers - any lever with the replacement part Y-6K2-98100.
4. Will ULT6600 Hudz fit my Tiagra levers?
Shimano lists Tiagra with the replacement part Y-6K2-98070 and Y-6K2-98100 for ULT6600 compatible levers. That said, we have never tried it, and have been told by people who own Tiagra levers that "they look like they should fit."
5. Will the Campagnolo-compatible Hudz fit my old 8spd Campagnolo levers?
No. If you have 7, 8, or early 9 speed Campagnolo levers (pointed tips above the brake blade rather than rounded like the 10spd levers) Hudz will not fit your brake levers.
6. There is no distributor in my country, how can I get Hudz?
Fortunately, we have added e-commerce capabilities to our website and you are now able to order from us directly. Alternately, we have a number of mail-order retailers that would be happy to help you, and if you do a web search for "Hudz bicycle brake," a few hundred of them should come up.
7. How do you install the Hudz?
That varies with each lever. Sram and Campagnolo compatible Hudz can be replaced without un-wrapping the bars. Simply fold the hood over like you do when wrapping the bars, and then hook a finger under the top side of the hood and carefully, but forcefully slip the hood over the front of the lever body. Install new Hudz the same way, folding the hood over in half, sliding it up the brake blade and then carefully, but forcefully, slipping it over the front of the lever body.
Shimano requires that you remove the brake levers from the bars, and unfasten the brake cables to have access to the hood. Once you have freed your levers, simply 'unbutton' the tab at the front over the brake blade, and then gently slide the current hood back off the lever body. To get your new Hudz on, start by sliding the hood over the lever body on the top side first, and then once you have the hood hooked on the lip at the back of the lever body, pull the lower edge of the hood onto the lower edge of the brake lever body. Once the top and bottom are on the lever body, just carefully wiggle the hood forward into position so that the lugs on the inside mate with the recesses in the lever body, then 'button' the top and you are ready to reinstall the levers onto your bike and re-attach the brake cables.