Just finished stripping the bars, stem, and 105 STI stuff off my Soma Double Cross and installing a Nitto UI-5GX stem, Nitto Noodle bars, Tektro 221a aero brake levers and Shimano Dura Ace 9 speed barcons. I wrapped the bars with yellow cloth tape (finished with hemp twine), and then applied two coats of Bullseye amber shellac. After the first two coats have had a chance to cure thoroughly, I'm going to add several coats of clear shellac to build up the finish, as I think the color match with the Brooks is pretty good as it is.

I like the way it looks, and at least for me the barcons are a real breath of fresh air. I never did like the Shimano 105 brifters. They worked really well, but the sideways motion of shifting hurt my wrists, and I never ever got the front shifting in indexed mode as smooth and rub-free as I prefer. With the friction mode barcon for the front, I can trim it perfectly any time, very easily.

I'm pleased, and I think I'm done with all my build and mods on this thing now.

-- Michael

San Francisco, CA