more....
After I posted the photos i have more thoughts...
Road bike: I have downtube shifters (I ride an '87 Cannondale) and they work well for me. Gripping hand on the rear cluster shifter, the other side i can just wack into place.
If anyone else is reading this, maybe you can help ME. I don't know what the heck to do if I get a new road bike with those fancy-schmancy new-fangled brake lever shifters. I'll be fine on the right, but the left is quite a reach.