Originally Posted by
seypat
Why do people think the only shifting options(friction or indexed)before brifters is/was DT shifters? Barcons for the win.
I have several bikes with each. I generally prefer bar-ends, but downtube has the edge when it comes to simplicity and reliability. Also more flexibility when it comes to handlebars and cockpit configuration since all you need to worry about are brake levers. And sometimes bar-ends can be a little bit in the way. I can shift gears with either equally as well though.
I really dislke "brifters". When we travel without our bikes and rent bikes somewhere, they usually have brifters and I don't like them at all. I'll never have them on a bike of mine, that's for sure.