Originally Posted by
Lascauxcaveman
I respectfully disagree with that pretty much 100%, but then I grew up with downtube shifters in a very hilly area and never had to give them a second thought. Still live there, and still have them on most of my bikes.
Since printed words don't convey the sentiment behind what we type, I mean this with all sincerity.
You're just a better rider than me, then! Now, when the DTs were all I knew, I thought the were the bomb. My current beast is aluminum, which I'm not so fond of. It's not terrible, but the steel was better. So, I've been casually looking for another steel bike only to be dismayed at how many of them have the DT shifters. Have companies not upgraded their frames in 20 years? I like the integrated shifters so much better, I won't go back to steel unless the bike I buy has 'em. Fortunately, there are plenty out there!
The ability to shift without taking my hands off the bars is invaluable to me... specifically when climbing.