If he went for Trekking bars is the only good option for shifting thumbies? IIRC I remember reading here that you cannot use regular mountain bike trigger shifters with road bike front derailleurs (in this case, a Tiagara triple). Or am I wrong?
the mix of Thumb shift for the FD, and rear using the STI MTB shifter, .. is the mix and Match is in the front
thumb friction shifter works well with both .. Its possible to put that thumb shifter under the handle bar too.
The Rear is OK , just get the Speed number the same .. and it should Klick