Originally Posted by zzxxyy
Reasons:
1. I am pretty comfy with a flatbar and bar-ends (Cane Creek Ergo) on my mtb and the number of handpositions seem to be enough for me.
2. I have the option of going internal hub (Rohloff or Nexus)
3. I have most of the parts (mtb) already as opposed to spending more money on STI brifters and a dropbar.
1. The number of hand positions on a mountain bike are irrelevant to touring. They are totally different riding conditions.
2 and 3 are contradictory - if you already have most of the parts then what does an internal hub have to do with it, especially a Rohloff if you are trying to save money? (Nexus sucks - I'd rather tour on a single speed).
3. Bar end shifters!!!!! They will let you use your mountain bike parts and aren't very expensive.