Just to sound a note of caution, I've got a friction / downtube shifter bike and I'm struggling to learn the gears - ot the art of changing gear cleanly, to the right gear, and without distracting myself. Having said that, I've been off bikes for <cough> years, and I'm riding something which really is a fraction too big, I think, so can't reach the shifters comfortably and easily.

I'd think bar shifters would be better, and I think it will come, just don't be put off if you don't get it in 5 minutes.