First ride on my new Americano. Bottom line I like it a lot, but had some real concerns about the bar end shifters. Here's my impressions:

1. First off, the bike is dreamy smooth, stable beyond words and very comfortable. I'm used to a Giant TCR and a Cervelo Soloist (both carbon/racing geometry) and riding this bike is like sliding into an old worn leather couch. With the upright riding position and lumbering weight, it encourages one to actually look around instead of just trying to hammer. I enjoyed the ride and the scenery...just cruised. Very different riding experience altogether and one I enjoyed.

2. The Brooks B17 (my first Brooks was 30 years ago or so) was much more comfy than I expected. Granted I only rode 15 miles, but not bad. I may look into having the center carved out as they do with the Imperial (wonder if a cobbler could do that??) as the irritation I did experience was in that center/plumbing region. A cut out might help that- I currently ride a saddle with a substantial center cut out and I suspect I am going to need that (ah the joys of being 60ish).

AND FINALLY>>>>>

3. Ok, Ok...the bar end shifters weren't bad. In fact (voice lowers and he stares at his feet), I actually liked them. Found an advantage: pull up to a stop and you can move the chain from the 11 cog to the 34 cog with one movement- with an STI it would have been: click, click, click.....click. I still found myself wanting to shift with my middle finger a lot, but the ability to move the chain immediately to the cog you want is a pretty neat advantage. I expected to hate them on any kind of incline where multiple shifts would have been needed, but it just wasn't a big deal. I am still wondering what it will be like if I am climbing Hog Pen (one of Six Gaps in north GA mountains with pitches of 15% and better) and need to go down a gear while maintaining forward momentum-taking a hand off the handlebars in that situation concerns me.

Conclusion: I will definitely give this a chance and do not feel an urge to rip them out just yet.