Sticky, tacky hoods are one of those details that separate a well-maintained bike from one that's just functional. The Shimano Ultegra ST-R8000 Dual Control Lever Hoods replace the rubber covers on your mechanical Ultegra shifters when the originals have worn smooth, torn from a crash, or developed that hardened texture that comes from years of UV exposure and hand contact. Fresh hoods restore the grip and cushioning that make spending hours in the drops or on the hoods comfortable rather than fatiguing.

These hoods fit the ST-R8000 Ultegra mechanical levers with rim brake actuation. They also work on the 105 ST-R7000 levers since Shimano uses the same hood design across both groupsets—what Shimano calls an "A" match, meaning identical materials, dimensions, and appearance. If you're running either of those lever models, these are the correct replacement. They won't fit the hydraulic disc brake versions like the ST-R8020 or ST-R8025, which use different hood shapes to accommodate the hydraulic master cylinder.

Installation doesn't require tools. Peel the old hoods off starting from the lower edge, working them over the lever body carefully to avoid tearing if they're brittle. The new hoods slide on from the same direction. Some mechanics spray rubbing alcohol inside the hood to help it slide over the lever body more easily—the alcohol evaporates quickly and doesn't leave residue. Once positioned, work the hood material into the recesses around the shift paddles and brake lever pivot until everything sits flush.... Read More