Originally Posted by
John E
I still love the simplicity, clean design, and precise control, but I have switched to SunTour friction barcons for most of my new road bike builds. My physical coordination has always been well below average, and I am losing confidence with age. To keep cycling, I have moved to barcons, wider tires, and lower gear ratios.
You well described my historical respect for downtube shifters and my transition to barcons, wider tires where I can, and lower gearing. At 75 osteoarthritis in my hands and back has me also shifting to shorter top tubes and stems and short reach shallow drop handlebars with gel under the tape.