I used downtube shifters from 1978 to 1995. I have used "brifters" since (both Dura Ace and Record). I will never go back to downtube shifters. Reason, I don't have to take my hands off the bars to shift and I think that is safer. I have used the brifters for about 30,000 miles and had one spring break on the Record (after 20,000 miiles). But I could still ride home and I got it repaired for $59. But if you do not live close to a qualified Campy mech, you will also have to be able to remove the part, pay for shipping and reinstall it. From everything I have read you will be just as happy with Ultegra or Chorus as you would be with the "top of the line."