Changing from drops to flat bars

[colinbow]

Hi I have a Dave Marsh 700c road bike built 1980 with downtube shifters and Weinmann side pull brakes. Levers are Exage.Following heart surgery I am finding bending over a problem and want to install some flat riser bars and bar ends. Can I still use my Exage brakes on the flat bars or will I need different levers? Colin Thank you for reading

 

[grantoury]

I would change the brake levers. Makes for better ergonomy. Doesn't have to be expensive. I have these, got them for 22 euros (18 pounds):

 

[KermitGKona88]

Any Cantilever brake lever will work with your brakes, but you will have to change the inner cables too.

 

[colinbow]

What inner cables would I need?

 

[KermitGKona88]

Barrel type like this.

 

[colinbow]

Thank you

 

[grantoury]

the tektros are for cantilever/calipers, but work with road cables, just to be clear.

 

[KermitGKona88]

the tektros are for cantilever/calipers, but work with road cables, just to be clear.

Sorry did not realise that...

 

[non-fixie]

I would suggest getting bars with a bit of a bend, instead of flat bars. They offer more hand positions, and as a consequence are more comfortable on longer rides. And you can still use your drop bar levers.

Google "Cinelli priest bars", and you'll see what I mean.

These bars work well, too:

 

[colinbow]

Thank you