[QUOTE=big boy phil][QUOTE=nihonric] Not so lucky with the Tektro BX3 brakes that were suggested as a solution to using drop bars and I would not recommend them except possibly on the rear and then only if you don't want to use fenders. The brakes don't have enough stopping power and the brake lever bottoms out on the handlebar when coming down a steep hill. The cable interferes with a fender and there's no way to fine tune the cable adjustment without resorting to an in-line adjuster. Tire removal is difficult as a result. I'm going to try traditional cantilevers next.
Are the tektro's that you tried the mini v brakes? Or are they the long reach dual pivot caliper brakes?
After reading through the entire thread again, I thought I had a better idea of what route to take with my swift. I was still hoping to use brifters, with the mini v brakes, but if you're still not getting enough stopping power with those (if those are the brakes you're reffering to) , I will go with the 287V levers and the stock v brakes w/ a bar end shifter.
I assume the bar end shifter is still indexed, but since I have no experience with them, can someone claify that for me.
I'm using PRoblem solvers' travel agents on both my road bike and swift, they work fine. You just have to dial them in. The problem with the 406 tires and the swift frame is you need a REALLY long reach brake. This was explained by Peter Reich as a compromise so you could get nice fat tires and/or fenders. The other option is to go w/ longish reach brakes and a 451mm wheelset. Obviously the simpler route would be to purchase a couple of travel agents.