She had never ridden a bike with friction shifters and and wanted to try it. She also is not the most confident rider (yet!). I thought it would be a good idea to have the rear shifter easily accessed up top. With the front, less frequently used tucked down under. I was also trying to keep the bars less cluttered. I like the decision, that said I am little torn on the levers themselves not matching, but the Riv lever up top really is a nicer tactile experience. Keeping the Shimano 600 lever was a nod to the original. I guess we could always swap it out.