Originally Posted by
chucky
Bar end shifter is best:
-Twist shifter won't twist when your hands get really sweaty.
-Thumb shifter doesn't shift fast enough between high a low gears (for riding in traffic)....
I have never experienced either problem you're talking about.
I have two bikes with twist shifters, one with downtube shifters, one with bar end shifters, and a couple with trigger shifters (both Shimano and Sram). All have worked well for me. The only type of shifter I have no experience with is a brifter.
On a mountain bike I prefer trigger shifters. On a touring or commuting bike, bar end shifters have worked well for me. On my folding bikes, twist shifters have been fine.