yeah i couldn't agree more - I think you've either got to get a new bike with STI if your serious about racing. otherwise i see no reason to "upgrade" downtube friction shifters on an older bike. I've got a 1980s Fuji Team with Suntour DT friction shifters, i think you get a more connected feeling with your bike. Its like the difference between driving a stick shift and an automatic transmission. yeah the automatic may be slightly more convenient, but with the manual you become so comftorable with it you dont even notice your doing it and in the meantime you have more control of your car. Same thing with friction shifters - once you get comftorable theres a certain pride in knowing the ins and outs of your bike. my .02