Originally Posted by
luker
The standard way to route the wires is under the drop, out at the first bend, under the tape. Then a big loop in the cable housing, back to the frame. I have also seen 'em routed all of the way under the tape, and then out at the end of the wrap and down to the frame, but I've never tried this. I hear that it works okeydokey, though.
Bar end shifters are great. On one bike I routed the cable a few inches under the tape. On three other bikes I just let it loop forward then down to the guides on the down tube.
The shifters are more flexible and durable then STI. They are also much cheaper. I just ordered some DuraAce 8/9 speed bar end shifters on Ebay for about $55 with all the cables.
Bar end shifters are easier to reach than down tube, don't get hit by your knees while standing, and are easy to shift with bulky gloves on in winter.