I recently got a fairly decent touring bike that was converted (and nicely so) from DT to stem shifters. They even had the DT shifter bosses removed (somebody did a "pro" job, but ... ). They had also added safety levers for the brakes. Again, a "pro" job. To me, these 2 things stuck out as "cheapo" low-end in the photo used for the ad. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw it in person, and figured I could convert it back. After riding it, however, I like it the way it is. It is a true touring bike, and I find I like the changes that were made...even though I am conscious of it looking like a lower-end model. I was concerned at first that the extra cable housing length would add drag on the smoothness of the shifting, but it doesn't seem to be a problem. The safety levers are also nice and tight, with minimal play. As far as my other road bikes...I have no plans to convert them to stem shifters, or adding safety levers. One bike with them is enough for me.