I looked up what they are. I found them referred to cross-top brake levers. The advantages I see is they work on any handlebar configuration, and can be added to any bike. The advantage of brake extensions like the Le Tour has is they use the same brake levers that are on the drops so there is only one adjustment to worry about and they require no space on the handlebars. When I rode, the term suicide levers was not heard, they were referred to as city brakes. The one thing I know I want, when I'm sitting up, which is a lot, I want brakes to be available now, not 1 1/2 seconds from now after I change to a more vulnerable position.

Maybe that's what I'll do. It has brand new tires, brakes, and it shifts fine. It already has city brakes and someone already added a 13-tooth 6th sprocket, exactly what I need, and I could transfer most of what I buy to a new bike. The only investment I have in it at this point is pedals. It came with plastic pedals and on the first time out the moment I pulled down and put some power to it, I felt and heard something happen and the pedals suddenly felt strange and tipped and my feet wanted to slide off toward the ends, so I limped to a nearby Schwinn shop where my dad bought his first bike and I bought my first bike. I learned both pedals had both broken around the bearings. They recommended I get their metal ones with sealed bearings, charged me $5 to put them on, and I walked out $37 poorer. They also cleaned and lubricated my sprockets, chain, and hubs. It was a different bike when I left. I also learned over that day and the next that the seat is not going to work.
Good to know.


That is my concern.