Originally Posted by martl

Stability is all well, and maybe i'm a moron because i cant imagine operating bar-ends without lettling the handlebars loose, but if one cant ride stable with one hand off the bars, how does one signal direction changes? in a group ride, indicate obstacles, give signals? In a race, drink? scratch your nose?

friction shifting ime requires very fine tuned adjustments. I feel these are better done on a downtube shifter, where the rest of the hand can contact the downtube and the thumb and index finger can operate *against* that, than with your pinkie or freehand on a moving handlebar