I really like my Dura Ace 9 speed (indexed rear) barcons. And I just got some Suntour (friction) ratcheting barcons for another bike, can't wait to put them on. I like barcons for their simplicity, reliability, and old school feel. But I know they're not as ergonomic as brifters for fast, low-effort shifting (but they're better than downtube shifters in that way). I'm willing to live with that for what I feel are the benefits of barcons-