Why would it entail a different stem and bar set up?
Long, complicated story, but suffice it to say that this is a Frankenbike. And so, nothing is quite so simple as it could be. It is an old (and French, no less) MTB that I have converted for urban use. Strange bar set up; fixed gear; odd brakes, etc. All put together from parts hanging around. $15 invested in it, and I would like to keep it that way.
But I will use the proper levers as per everyone's advice.
jim