Originally Posted by ginger green
... I have to downshift, and I can't do it standing up.
Have you ever seen a recreational rider or a pro stand up and climb and change gears on a downtube...
I am admittedly definitely old-school, but I would not consider changing gears whilst standing or applying alot of torque on the driveline. I always anticipate and downshift early.
If you want to keep both hands on the bars at all times, I recommend converting from downtube levers to friction (or non-indexed ratchet) barcons.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069