Yo, muchachos -

Hat in hand here, for advice.

I plan to purchase an '05 Bianchi Pista in a couple weeks and will make changes on the stock set up. For starters, I'll be swapping Bontrager bullhorns for the classic drop bars and adding a front caliper brake (to be determined).

My question regards levers. I desire a compact trigger-style brake lever, like those made for mountain bikes or bmx. I've seen them on bikes at fixedgeargallery.com.

However, I've been told that mtn levers won't make it around the bends in the bullhorns. I don't plan on going all the way to the top with it, but to hang one on the left side, halfway between the top curve off the stem and the bar end. So it would really only have to navigate that first turn on the bar end.

Also - and this may be the deal-killer, if true - I'm told that they will not work properly with a road caliper brake. Rats!

But I don't necessarily believe that. Anyone with experience here to help a guy out? I'm willing to chop some of the bar ends off to make the curve, but will they work at all and if so, must I get a specific feature or brand with the brake lever?

Roll on. Thanks so much.