The Tourmalet is a cool bike, and I like the idea of converting a fairly modern frame....but the brake levers scared me and made my head hurt.

I would not want to need an emergency stop with this setup.

The more usual thing is of course drop bar levers mounted at the very end of these bars. But that may interfere with the idea that

"the curve in the end of these bars that makes them so pleasing and provides the perfect nook for your hands makes any kind of bar-end accessory impossible."

Bar-end shifters are perfect for bullhorns...do you park your palms over the brass caps??

Beautiful wrap btw!
And I'm really sorry you lost your mate.

cheers -mathias