I am pretty sure the brake levers are the same as my Shetland and I an actually like them. I actually ordered another pair from Bike Island (they have some great stuff). I would try a pair of better brake pads before spending any money on new brake calipers. I just put some Kool Stop Mountain pads on the front calipers tonight and I can now lock up my wheels even with the junk pads still on the rear. The difference was pretty amazing.