Bending the springs on V brakes is commonly done if the adjusting screws won't center the brakes, just don't over do it. As far as the grips go, best to just replace the shifters. I can't quite read the model, but it is no doubt matched to SRAM derailleur. I also don't know how many speeds it is, SRAM grip shifters are pretty cheap; Nashbar has a bunch, some $13- $18 http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/SubCate..._202327_202346. as far as cutting the bars, as long as you have a straight section for the shifters your good. I might add it looks like about 1 inch of grip is already hanging over end of the handle bar and could be the end of an old cut grip. Your particular shifters had a long shifting body (called a Half Pipe; possibly a 7 speed 4.0?)and the melting part of the grip is actually part of the shifting body and the short section is the replaceable section