by the way, i removed the "auxillary release levers", it seemed stupid to have them. I also run the low normal xt rd-m760 rear derailleur. Can you go to an lbs and test ride a bike with this setup, might be a good way to see if you like it. It's really a love/hate arrangement, but after years on thumbshifters, I could go either way. I got a deal on the new ones and wanted to give them a shot, but I don't necessarily think they are much better or worse than thumbshifters, just different.