I hear you. I agree that the STI shifters are much more convenient, but for some reason I dig the old stuff technology as well. Maybe it brings back memories from 50 years ago! I also love the sleek old steel frames with thin horizontal top tube. Nostalgia!!
Originally Posted by
Iride01
Downtube shifters! I shudder at the thought!
I bought my '91 Paramount as a frameset only about 2016 and put a full Shimano 105 5800 11 speed groupset on it. My first experience with STI's on the handlebars. I'd never go back to shifters on the down tube. Now I can keep both my hands on the bars and shift while going down or up the twistiest or roughest of roads or paths.
Also allows me to have that one hand on the hood to shift or brake as I drink from the water bottle with the other hand!