One thing I did when setting up my triple is a chainguard disc on the outside, sturdy aluminum.
a chain minder on the inside, and so the chain only had the 3 chainrings to settle upon.
perhaps the kids working at the LBS there never saw any of those ..

Bar end shifters: Shimano 8 or 9 have a bail out friction mode for the rear, friction only for the front.

advantage, hand stays on the bars.. and FD cage can be re centered to not scrape the chain.


My new rig uses a 14 speed internal gear.. I like it better than my derailleur touring bike, now.