Can I add cross brake levers to Shimano DuraAce shifter brake lever combo?

I have a bike that has a Shimano DuraAce shifter/brake combo, attached to a high-end Avid v-brake. It is augmented by a travel agent for appropriate pull.

 

Since I ride with my hands on the flats most of the time, I wanted to install some cross levers to have ready access to braking power.

 

Do cross levers exist in the market that provide the same amount of pull that the DuraAce shift/brake levers provide?

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Permalink Reply by Chucko on September 19, 2011 at 3:47am
As long as you have a travel agent, I think any cross lever should work. But no cross lever will ever provide as much stopping power as a regular brake lever, just because of how they pull the cable. That being said, as long as your brakes are dialed in well, stopping with them should be easy.
Permalink Reply by Will on September 19, 2011 at 3:47am
As long as the travel agent isn't a problem (never used one, so I'm not sure) then yes, you should be fine. Cross top levers are compatible with Shimano STI levers, all of them. Personally though, unless you're racing, I would just ride in the hoods for quick brake access.
Permalink Reply by Duppie on September 19, 2011 at 4:30am

Thanks guys.

Your answers made me look into it some more. As usual, Sheldon Brown has the best information:

http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_bo-z.html#brakelever

 

And yes, it seems like I will be OK with cross-levers

Permalink Reply by Juan 2-3 or more mi. on September 19, 2011 at 5:41am
Paul components also sells a pair of levers. I have had it installed on the same dura ace setup you are thinking of. They worked well.
Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on September 19, 2011 at 2:55pm
Cross levers work with most any areo lever.
Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on September 19, 2011 at 3:43pm
Just make sure you properly file the cable ends flat and use metal cable stops. It'll make a big difference because the cross levers aren't actually pulling cable, they're displacing the housing.

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