Originally Posted by
Inpd
Got it. Thanks, but has anyone actually have a brifter fail/break during a ride?
I can see they can be fragile if you drop the bike on it, but how about it just breaking from regular use.
Yeppers, on the road bike. Mid-2000s I had two DA rear shifters wear out from regular use in the period of two seasons. One started failing during the last few days of a week-long supported tour. Fortunately, support was able to keep me on the road and I was able to get it replaced as soon as I got home since I only had a few day's turnaround before I had to leave for another week-long supported tour. After that one went I switched to SRAM.
Sticking with bar ends on the touring bike.
OP: Use what you want for whatever reason you want.