Looking to take some of my holiday earnings and spruce up my Paddy Wagon. What are the best non-shifting brake levers you can buy now? (besides new records obviously). Would I be better off just getting some old records off of fleabay than something new? I'll probably also grab some 105 calipers at some point. Is there anything else I could upgrade for cheap(ish) that would make the ride quality better? I already have a nice tri saddle that works with my butt.

Looking to take some of my holiday earnings and spruce up my Paddy Wagon. What are the best non-shifting brake levers you can buy now? (besides new records obviously). Would I be better off just getting some old records off of fleabay than something new? I'll probably also grab some 105 calipers at some point. Is there anything else I could upgrade for cheap(ish) that would make the ride quality better? I already have a nice tri saddle that works with my butt.

Define "best."

(And good luck with that)

Here's my vote, regardless:
http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=6368&category=2229

Probably should have clarified - something with better response and comfort than the stock no-brand levers that kona specs. (pretty much anything aftermarket, I just want to know what people here use)

The Cane Creeks Val links to are nice... they have the engagement switch that Campy levers have so they'll work with either Shimano or Campy. For better actual performance how about just upgrading the pads? A Koolstop salmon or black pad will give you the best bang for your buck upgrade in the braking department. Otherwise... new bar tape? Tires?

I like Cane Creek levers as they have that same Campy feel to it when you grab the hoods. Lever action is very good. Even for my smallish hands Shimano and DiaComp hoods feel too small.

This is the same problem that I am having right now. I am going for light weight over comfort hand have the Tektro brake levers that come stock on my Specialized Langster. I do have a pair of the over non STI Shimano levers but will have to weigh them to see if they are lighter than the Tektro levers.

I would love to get a pair of the Record Carbon levers but man are they hard to find used. There is no way my budget would allow for a new pair.

Shimano R400 levers (Sora level) aren't anything special, but they're extremely smooth feeling, and after three years, show no lateral flex. It's not going to pimp your ride much, but I'll take dependable performance at a fair price anyday :)

if you don't need black levers, gum hoods, or little geckos, Tektro = Cane creek

http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/images/brakelevers-modologold.jpg
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/brake-levers-drop.html
NOS Modolo, old non-aero style. gold levers, gum hoods, tasty.

Slow day at work so I was able to find a pair of the Record carbon levers that a friend is selling at his store for hopefully a good price. If I can get them, it would be great but if not then that is fine. They would be light and look great.

I bought a Kona Paddy Wagon two weeks ago and like you I want to upgrade so I took off the cranks and sold them for forty dollars and I have ordered ENO cranks. This will save some weight and make the bike look better Seat, seat post and stem will be next. I will replace everything else as it begins to die and need replacement. Though I like your idea of Record brake levers.

Slow day at work so I was able to find a pair of the Record carbon levers that a friend is selling at his store for hopefully a good price. If I can get them, it would be great but if not then that is fine. They would be light and look great.The black Cane Creeks that I run on my SS look like Campy carbon levers from 15 feet away.

yet another vote for the Cane Creek levers, they are as comfortable as the Campy levers on my geared bike as the size and shape are nearly identical. If your crankset is not (almost) perfectly round a quality track crankset is well worth it, it is much easier to adjust chain tension and the bike is smoother and quieter running.

Oh my...those modolos are fantastic looking...I might have to pull the trigger. I would replace the cranks, but I feel like the increase in ride quality would be minimal. Purposely trying not to bling the bike out for the sake of bling (thomson, king, eno, etc would be wonderful, but not enough cash). Whatever makes the ride more fun comes first..

EDIT - modolos are "gone forever" according to harris cyclery website...

Shimano 600 brake levers are the nicest I have seen and very high quality.

The Modolos are nice but they are retro levers. I doubt if you like the cables exiting from the top of the hoods on your fixed bike just like these:

Most vintage non-aero levers are very nice when running moustache or similar type bars.

Most vintage non-aero levers are very nice when running moustache or similar type bars.
I believe you are right.
Moustache bars with aero levers look like there's something missing there.