Originally Posted by Nicodemus
I'm curious about how all and sundry feel about those integrated brake/gear units. I mean the ones where the brake and the shifters are all in one bit.
Do you prefer them as separate parts or one weird lump?
On straight bar bikes, I much prefer separate components. They allow you to make minor adjustments with the position of the brake levers vs shifters and, if you decide to replace either one for any reason (broke the brake lever or to upgrade the shifters), you don't have to buy the other too.
On road bikes I much prefer the combined STI levers because I find them more convenient to use than any of the alternatives.