I have a half-step + granny on my Specialized Rockhopper 50-46-28 and 14-28 5 speed. Actually, I am replacing the worn out Suntour 5 speed with a shiny new IRD one tonight as I leave tomorrow for a week camping tour. I really like this setup a lot, works great for this bike. In FL where I have ridden it most, I like being able to adjust the gears to suit wind conditions and road conditions. I find the larger jumps of a traditional triple crank to be too big for the little adjustments I need on this bike. The granny gear allows me to climb like a mountain goat. I'd say brifters, or bar-end shifters are the way to go. DT shifters would be more of a hassle though not a deal breaker for me, I'm a definite half-step convert for 5 or 6 speed bikes.



side note: 2 prong Suntour freewheels, what PAIN to remove! Had to bust out the old bench vise last night for that one.