I have down-tube index (with friction option) shifters on my wet weather commute/touring bike. I shift way less than on my road bike with STI shifters. I basically use 3 or 4 rear cogs with the down-tube bike and stand up a lot more. I only down shift if there is a hill right after a stop. On the road bike, I shift for anything because it is so easy and I have such a wide range of cogs spaced at small increments. The down-tube bike has only 6 cogs in back spaced at larger increments (old Suntour system). I like the STIs much better, but I won't take that bike in wet/snow/salty conditions ever.