Originally Posted by
borobike
My riding style ends up working out so that the stem shifters aren't a terrible inconvenience, as I rarely ride in the drops or stand to pedal. The only time I'm in the drops is when I'm trying to maximize my speed, at which point I'm already in top gear anyway, and the only time I stand is when I'm trying to get up a tough climb, at which point I'm already in my lowest gear.
Like you, I really enjoy the ability to skip multiple gears quickly.
The thing that bothers me about the stem shifters is that on longer rides, my left hand becomes numb from constantly supporting my weight while my right hand is off the hoods to shift. I really dislike the feeling.
longest ride i have been on has been 17 miles (only because i have limited time) but i dont get the wrist pain and oddly i shift with both hands. dont know why i switch but i just do, now i found i favor my right hand to shift more and if in the drops its always right hand.
maybe i shift too much and just need to stay in a gear longer? or figure why i have to shift so much and correct it.
another question, are you still riding the stock saddle?