Recommendation for brake setup

I'd like to know what brake setup people would recommend using witha bike that has no brakes currently. I'm not wanting an aero brake mounted on the drop. Just a normal (maybe a bmx one?) on the flat bit (any name for this part? crossbar?). As for cables do you just buy a road set and discard all the rear stuff or is that way too long because of the aero lever cable running. I'm wanting something relatively cheap but quite like the look of the Shimano 105 caliper which doesn't seem to be too bad.

cables can be cut as do cable housings.
BMX/cross levers will do.
you can buy just a front either off ebay or kiwicycles.com or brick lane bikes

andrewleitch86 I'd like to know what brake setup people would recommend using witha bike that has no brakes currently. I'm not wanting an aero brake mounted on the drop. Just a normal (maybe a bmx one?) on the flat bit (any name for this part? crossbar?).

'flat bit' works for me.

andrewleitch86 As for cables do you just buy a road set and discard all the rear stuff or is that way too long because of the aero lever cable running.

Just chop the cable to the length you want with a hacksaw/dremmel/wire cutters/pliers etc.

You don't need to be super accurate, just make sure the cable is long enough to go from your handle bars to your front brake, take a look at some bike picture to get an idea.

andrewleitch86 I'm wanting something relatively cheap but quite like the look of the Shimano 105 caliper which doesn't seem to be too bad.

The 105s are pretty good and pretty cheap at wiggle.co.uk or chainreactioncycles.com

Thanks for the feedback. I think that's cleared it up for me. I have enjoyed the brakeless riding and think I'll only use the brake in emergencies

I've got an unused 105 going spare... Think my gf threw out the box... Grrrr... Whisper if yer interested...

I was looking at the 105's any real need to go more fancy? - it's only for a fuji track commuter

andrewleitch86 on the flat bit (any name for this part? crossbar?).

That would be the 'tops' (then you've got your 'curves', 'hooks', and 'drops').

andrewleitch86 the flat bit (any name for this part? crossbar?).

"Tops" of the bars you mean.

On the "tops", on the "hoods" and on the "drops".. but BMMF is probably stating the UK version of this.

Ooops, I forgot the hoods and then some - soooo, it's: bulge, tops, curves, flats, hoods, hooks, drops/ends.

Let's face it, positions on the drops are infinite - aside from the aesthetics, that's why they're the paradigmatic handlebar :)

I've ordered a set of these (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=19498). They should be here by Monday, I'll let you know how they work out. I'm not really a fan of the aero either as I usually ride the top.

Nicholas they are the ones I've got, seem to stop okay don't really fit my bar but bodged a solution

get a cyclo cross fork with disk mount. Endo city!

Nicholas they are the ones I've got, seem to stop okay don't really fit my bar but bodged a solution

Cool.. I don't mind bodging. You should see my crankset!

the benefit of the long bolt from the bell that surprisingly came with my fuji track

ah I found that funny as well.. A track bike, therefore no brakes.. but still includes a bell and reflectors!

My Tektro levers arrived today, I had trouble getting it to work myself. Took it up to my mates in the LBS and they found the problem to be the brake itself, not the lever so they gave me a few tools showed me what to do. Worked out grand. Had to shim the lever to get onto the handlebars but now it's good and tight.

Sure I've only had it on a few hours but I think it's a good piece of kit.