They don't brake as quite as well but do work decently however looking at what you might have the levers like that aren't great. The modern cross levers are great as they are a pass through essentially but I find the leverage isn't quite a good but plenty enough for my usage on my touring bike. My other bikes don't have them but I do like them on my touring bike for whatever reason.

If you really aren't using your drop bars you might consider going to a flat bar set up but it is also possible maybe it is time to get a bike that is more practical for your riding. Carbolite 103 is their hi-tensile steel (which is just basic almost gas pipe steel) used on the bottom of their line up unfortunately. Pumping a bunch of money towards it could be less sensible unless it really has some extreme sentimental value to you then you cannot really put a price on that but for converting to a flat bar set up while not super expensive will likely exceed the value of the bike.