We did not particularly care for the trigger/sliding shifter of the Brompton. Mind you, we have not tested the grip shifter for a comparison. Our impression was that the Brompton shifter was a bit awkward to use and aesthetically unappealing. However, I imagine that like anything else, one would get used to the different shifter in short order.

Another that occured to us is that having the three-speed internal hub, the two sprocket rear derailer, and the front derailer leads to three different shifters on the bike ...

... although I imagine that most of the time will be spent on the big chainring. The small chainring is just for steep hills and carrying loads.

-G