I started a post looking for advice about building a modern loaded tourer (as many have done before, and many will in the future). I have many questions about components and such, but there was one component that I ‘thought’ I was settled on. The shifters. I have 2 bikes with brifters and am very comfortable with them. I also have had many bikes with down-tube shifters; and, although they do take a bit of a balancing act sometimes to reach down for, I’ve come to enjoy them.

When I first thought to build a modern touring bike, the first picture that came to mind was a bike with barcons. After posting my build thread however, one of the respondents made a very good argument for brake shifters. The part that I could really relate to was that people who use brifters shift more often. I would add that they probably use the front derail more often as well. On a properly fitted bike, I most often ride with my hands on the brake levers. Therefore, it is quit natural to shift frequently.

I’m a bit older and tend to lean towards that which is tried and true. But, I’m not above changing my ways if the evidence warrants. So I ask the question to you modern day road warriors, are brake shifters a better choice for a touring bike over the traditional bar-end shifter?