Originally Posted by gpelpel
On TV I noticed Lance didn't have a left shifting brake lever. On Graham Watson site the final photo of stage 16 clearly shows a down tube shifting lever for the chainrings. Why do you think he used this setup? Does it make the bike a bit lighter? The large chainring might have only be used in the early flat section anyway.
I've read it reduces the bike's weight by 100 grams. I've also read that he prefers the precision of a friction shifter when climbing to enable him to make adjustments if necessary and to avoid a mis-hit when shifting on a climb. Sorry I don't have the links.