Bullhorn Brake Lever Options

labarum

I have just removed a pair of moustache bars from my second bike - a 531 Rayleigh fast touring frame with chunky tyres making it almost a 29er. The bars were great fun for half an hour or so, but then became uncomfortable.

If I buy some new brake cables I can re-use the non-aero levers I used formerly, and I can point the levers forward or backwrd, or I can buy some TT levers like

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/dia ... s-ec006123

That might look smarter, but the product linked says the cables passes through the core of the bars. That must mean I would have to drill the bar to get the cables out near the stem. Does that weaken the bar?

The alternative seem to be some bar top levers with finger pulls - I have the likes of those as secondaries on my best bike which has drops. My thinking is that on rough ground I will want my hands wide apart and need access to the brakes in critical circumstances - the bar top option would therefore not be a good choice for a be which may go off road.

Your thoughts please.

Monty Dog

The 188 levers run the cable on the outside of the clamp / under the tape, not inside the bars - I've fitted a number of pairs over the years.

k-dog

You have to watch the calibre of the bar too - I've had a couple that wouldn't take those sorts of levers because the internal diameter was too small.

Depends on the levers a bit too.

labarum

It has just occurred to me I will have to stick with my old levers - I am using old style centre pull brakes and they need a quick release on the lever.