When I decided to put this bike together (both in the original UO-8 incarnation and the current Gran Sport) it was intended as both a practical in-town commuter for lunch hour errands, and, as a deliberately retro bike harking back to the pre- and post WWII era in Britain through the 1950's. Which means, those handlebars and brake levers.

If I was just looking for practical, I'd have put on mountain bike bars and brake levers. However, I was looking as much for a style statement as a practical bike. Now, the question will be, how well will I adjust to the bike? Since the early 1970's I've always set my brake levers just at the top of the curve, as I normally ride with my thumb and forefinger curled around the levers with the heel of my hand flat on the bar. I never ride in the drops, even when climbing, and have always wondered why I've run classic road bars on my bikes. I guess it's just because they look 'right'.

I can see where there's going to be some serious adjustment when riding in city traffic. Or . . . . . they're going to go away, and I'll settle for 1964 rather than 1944.

This is my first experience with the Nashbar rims, and I was impressed with what I got. Nicely straight right out of the box, built up easily, and trued down very nicely. I can see using them again when I need 27" wheels in the future. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to someone else needing a good utility rim.