Originally Posted by
merlinextraligh
Back in the day it took some skill to do a double shift, one handed, precisely, withdown tube friction shifters.
I practiced and practiced until I could do that double shift perfectly every time. My shifts were lightning fast and quiet too. It's been many years and I still sometimes find my hand reaching for the downtube when I want to change gears.
But shifters built into the brake levers are so much better. I wouldn't even consider down tube shifters. I don't care how much lighter they are.