Inverse Brake Levers. Why? Is it something other than style?
 

I was thinking of putting inverse brake levers on a new old bike I'm working on, mainly because i've never had a bike with this style and thought "why not?"

But is there any reason to use inverse brake levers? Is there some advantage to them on a cruiser handlebar? For ergonomics? Or are they worse for any reason? Or is it simply just for style?

Here are some inverse brake levers for clarification in case they're called something else (c/o zaphod beeblebrox on this thread)

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=417298

Well, for one the bike pictured would need the leather grips cut to enable regular levers to be fitted. If using tape you could have an uninterrupted wrap all the way to the end.

Inverse levers give another option for internal cable routing, and extends the potential grip area inwards.
Some like the feature that it puts your strongest fingers where you also have maximum leverage.
Or the ergonomics of it.
OTOH, on a back swept bar, you get more chances of snagging things.

Inverse levers are most useful for cowhorn or the forward position on Tri-bar extensions. They allow the use of various hand positions along the length without the clamp being in the way.

If you're using classic grips on an upright bar they're of little benefit, and can even be a handicap because of cable routing issues. However, in a case like the long leather grips, they make sense if you prefer not to cut the grip.

Like with most things, you have choices, and can select the one most appropriate to your needs and tastes.

Inverse levers don't typically have much lever travel (and therefore cable pull). So a well true wheel, a brake mech. that uses a short cable pull and good maintenance are all required.

The photo looks to show a drum brake equipped bike. Some of these brakes want to have more cable pull then a classic side pull caliper. Is the OP the rider of this bike? If so how is the brake action? Andy.

Used a set on the bull horn ends of a combination ski tip bend bullhorn/ aero Bar setup I did , the cables wrap under the tape.
(Brakes: Mafac cantilevers)

I would not compromise a handlebar by drilling a Hole in It.

Looks like sweaty hands will slip forward off the levers while braking.

The functional reason is that the clamp doesn't break up the gripping area. The desire for an uninterrupted grip can be functional or aesthetic.

Not if installed in the front of a handle bar that is compatible, example:
the upturned bend the brake goes into, is the significant feature. (+ non slippery bar tape )