Recreational & Family - Alivio Rapid Fire ?

Hello gang I am new to this generation of Bicycles and was curious as to whether I should opt for the Shimano Rapid Fire paddle shifters vs. the grip shifters of the Specialized Expedition. I have heard positive things about them so if anyone has some input both pros and cons I would appreciate their input and thanks in advance for the help and info.

I like rapid fire for rear shifting, but grip shifters for the front, as I don't like the pressure on my thumb for an up shift with a rapid fire.

Thanks Dan for the useful info as that is what I am looking for to make a better decision.

I'd go with the RapidFire shifters. In fact, I just replaced the grip shifters on my Kona with RapidFire.
I can understand where DesielDan is comming from, as arthritis in my right hand makes it hard to grip a twist shifter or even lever barcons-my road bike has Kelly Take-Offs I can shift with a fist if necessary!
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I used rapid fire for a long time then made the "shift" one day during a great sale at the LBS. I like GripShift sooooo much better. But I'll add the caveat that it's really an individual preference. It took me a week to get used to it at first. My best friend likes his Shimano shifters. I had RapidFire on my 'bent for as long as I owned it. It worked fine, but I never quite got used to it. Personally I liked the front shifting considerably better with GripShift. I also felt that adjustments were much easier with the system.

Chris

Come to think of it, both of my bikes have two different shifters. My road bike has a friction downtube shifter on the left/front, while I use an integrated brake lever and shifter on the right/rear. The left/front shifters on each respective bike allow me to trim my front derailer as I want.

Thanks to you all for sharing your info with this rookie of the newer generation of bicycles. This is what I need to help make a decision so thanks again for the help everyone