Originally Posted by
rumrunn6
born in the 50s, raised in the 60s & 70s we never had gear indicators, so I never look at those anyway. plus riding at night they're invisible. I do occasionally glance at my front or rear gears to double check where I think I am. the mitts don't interfere w that. coming up to road crossings or stop lights etc I try to plan ahead so I'm prepared to either keep going or stop altogether. I only use 1/2 clips aka mini clips. try not looking at your gear indicators, you probably don't need them
Add a decade for me since I was born in the sixties but the idea is the same. Back then though, you could see or feel the gear your were in by the position of your lever. With brifters, you can't, unless you either look at the needle in the brifter or the chain (or by the power required to push the pedal if moving).
Earlier this Fall, I forgot to change gear to a lower one when I stopped at an intersection. When I pushed on the (clipped) pedal to start moving again, I instead tipped left and fell. Now I'm more careful but I don't like not knowing which gear I'm in.