Since getting my fixed gear a few weeks ago, I have been using a small brake near the stem the way many people do. However, I ride almost exclusively in the drops of my handlebars and it is difficult for me to get to my brake in case of an emergency (which is why I have the brake in the first place). I've considered a traditional aero lever like a road bike might have, but I don't like the idea of running a dead lever and I'm not sure how it would look if I only had one. More than anything, I'm considering using a "reverse" aero brake lever on the end of the bar. I know most people think reverse aeros on drops look lame, but is there someone out there who likes it? Or, are there any other options for levers that can be used from the drops that you like?

I think two working levers are cooler than any of the other scenester mutations.

Aero levers are the easiest to reach from the tops, hoods or drops, plus you get another hand position with hoods. I would be worried about reaching for a bar-end lever when you're on the tops.

Connect your unused brake lever to a bell. Great conversation piece.

With a cable splitter you could theoretically have all your levers operate the same brake(up to 4 levers, if the ones near the stem are in-line levers)!

You could get some bar end levers like those used on TT bikes or bullhorns and put them in the ends of your drops. You can route em under the tape for a cleaner look too.

That was what I meant by "reverse" aero bars... I wasn't sure what to call them. I've read that people don't like how those look on drop bars. I don't personally dislike them, but I haven't seen many pictures either. I was just curious if anyone had them and liked them.

Thanks for the replies!

Well you should get a set of brakes (theres a really cheap full set on BikeIsland) and throw em on there, tighten them down just enough so you can grab em and see what position you like the best, then run the lines and there you go.

I'd be intrigued to see drop bars with brake levers on the end of the bar with the hinge facing back and the end of the lever facing forwards. could be pretty cool.

I did this for a couple of days, and it worked decently except the cable routing was kind of annoying (under the tape). It was really hard to get to from the tops, though. Also, everyone told me that the lever was going to get caught on something and hurl me into the path of oncoming traffic, which resonated a little.

install both road levers, and cut the right lever off leaving only the hood. That gives you the much desired hood position, without the hastle of a dead lever flopping around.

Call me crazy, but you could run a rear brake.

Thank you for that picture. I guess I don't really mind the way it looks, but I too am kind of curious if it is actually more dangerous for getting caught on things. Also, my bike hasn't been drilled for a rear brake, and I'd rather not drill my own hole.

I do like the idea of having two hoods with only one lever, as that isn't something I thought of. Has this been done before? I guess I'm just curious what you do with the hood that you take the lever out of, are you left with just a hole?

Connecting the brake lever to a bell is way cooler than any other ideas here. Chicks totally dig it.

Haha, I do like the idea of a bell. What about an air horn?

2 levers, 1 brake, nothing wrong with that whatsoever.