- tourers rarely need the speed advantages offered by STI
For me, brifters are not about speed. They are about control. One's hands remain on the brake hoods, and gear changes are quick and easy. With shifters on the down tube, you ride with one hand while changing gears. I have hit road bumps while changing gears on my old bike, and although I have never spun out, I have come close a few times.
Bar-end shifters would be a good compromise.