Originally Posted by
Kimmo
Campy's mouse ear is an inescapable consequence of the far simpler and more robust design of Ergos; it directly engages the shift barrel to release cable, unlike Shimano or SRAM. I always found using it from the drops a bit of a pain, particularly when the indexing springs got a bit tired and I'd often find myself making accidental multiple shifts. As for the lever QR, it's nowhere near as nifty as Shimano's caliper QRs, but it is neater and simpler.
I think the Ergo design was partly a consequence of Campy having to avoid patent infringement and their simpler, more robust design is just a happy outcome. I ride both Ergo and STI equipped bikes and have learned to like them both but would choose the Campy design if limited to just one.
Campy's lever QR puzzles me too but, since I have Shimano brake calipers on both Ergo bikes, I have the best of both worlds. No matter how close I have the brake pads to the rims, opening both qr's will let me easilly remove any wheel.