Thanks for helpful info, Road Fan. I'll have a look at the Tektro and Modolo lever options, and probably go with the 40cm Noodle. I do agree with your "hard pull" assessment of the 600.

Also, if anyone is interested, I came across this helpful thread re. Nitto Noodles that more or less answers my questions on those:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...t=nitto+noodle