I never said that the downtubes were easier, but they are sweeter shifting. Actually mind click in (kinda indexed) but you can trim them in between. The are 184 Shimano 105s.
Interesting point made abouit how downtubers make you a stronger rider in that you are not always bailing out by shifting... I agree. The shifting mechanism isn't available at your fingertips so you have to power over stuff, especially if you are in a hairy traffic/rough pavement situation where ya gotta grab the bike by the drops and get through the crises.
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"How did all those 'Keep Off the Grass' signs get there?"