2 weeks ago I dropped my '13 696 in a parking lot, just pulling into a spot. Don't even ask me how. Bike fell on me and bruised my ribs up a bit. Finally feeling good enough to ride now. I debated on trying to bend the brake pedal back, or get a new one. I decided to get a new one this weekend, figured that I needed some more tools. Made a fun trip to Lowes to load up on a good tool kit and set out on my task tonight. Took about an hour once I got started. Wasn't bad at all really. I left the whole side assembly on, and worked from the underneath, no jack stand either. I was a little intimidated by resetting the spring that so many others have talked about, but used some pliers to hold it in place, and got it on there without too much sweat.
Anyhow, I was feeling pretty distant from my mistress since the drop, but some quality TLC and we are back on good terms. Also, very glad I didn't start screwing with bending the old one, and making it look ghetto. I think she is a lot happier too. We have a date tomorrow.
[thumbsup]
Bending the old one wouldn't have been bad, but it's not something you'd just put in a vice and try to muscle. The best way is to use a mallet (rubber or poly) to beat it back into shape. Much less chance of snapping the lever.
Well now that I have the old one off, I am going to experiment with a few different ways to bend it back. It will be nice to have a spare - just in case