Long Distance Cycling - Good Non STI brake levers

I'm building up a road bike (drop bars) that I plan to use bar end shifters on rather than STI as on my other bike. That said, are there any options for good brake levers? Until a crash I had a pair of 25 year old dura ace brake levers that were great. They were smooth, had no side to side play in the lever, and felt nice. Everything I can find in bike shops now feels cheaply made. What do you guys suggest for modern equivalents, or do I need to go searching for an old pair?

Thanks in advance.

Shimano R-600 levers. Should be a close-enough replacement for the D-A levers you had.

The Record Carbon Brake levers are supposedly great. I know a bunch of people who have built up long-distance touring bikes with them. A bonus is that they are carbon, so they don't get cold like aluminum.

I have the Carbon Ergos, and would use the Record Brake levers. I like the carbon - keeps the cold from seeping into my fingers.

I like the Salsa levers too - similar shape to the Ergos.
I've had the Cane Creek's - they were a bit thicker.

I didn't like the Salsa levers much but I'll look into the Cane Creeks and R600s. Given the cost of the Campy Record levers I'm going to pass unless they have built in hand warmers for the winter and air conditioning for the summer. Thank you for all of the suggestions so far.

I didn't like the Salsa levers much but I'll look into the Cane Creeks and R600s. Given the cost of the Campy Record levers I'm going to pass unless they have built in hand warmers for the winter and air conditioning for the summer. Thank you for all of the suggestions so far.

I bought the Campy Record used and they are great even though they are a few years old

I have a set of the Shimano R-400 levers. These are virtually identical to the R-600 Dura-Ace levers at about half the price. They are a solid performer and very reliable. They are narrower than STI levers, so if you like to ride on the hoods a lot, you might be happier with the Cane Creek SCR-5 levers.

I have the Carbon Ergos, and would use the Record Brake levers. I like the carbon - keeps the cold from seeping into my fingers.

I like the Salsa levers too - similar shape to the Ergos.
I've had the Cane Creek's - they were a bit thicker.


I should have said 'Soma' levers... not Salsa.

I like the Cane Creek SCR-5 levers and find them more comfortable than Shimano levers.

Why not get some old levers?

http://www.cafedevelo.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=719

Or perhaps you'd rather have aero levers:

http://www.cafedevelo.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=412

(Unfortunately they're not cheap)