Lots of good ideas here. Thanks to all. The brifter idea does not work for me as I am using non-SIS gears, old Campy SR. I do have a pair of shimano end shifters, which is why the Thumbies came to mind. I thought about stem shifters, and may give that some more consideration. The biggest negative I read about stem shifters was the deleterious effects of catching your shifters in the crotch if you went over the handlebars, but that strikes me as a long shot injury, and the probable head injury will make the crotch injury moot. Not sure what direction I will take, but I think I have all the variables now to decide. Thanks again.