I prefer MTB style brake levers and handlebars...I tried drop bars on two of my bikes for about 2 years and I just couldn't get used to operating brake levers from the hoods or drops...Drop bars / lever never felt right to me and I have no plans of ever going back to them. As for shifters, last time I used them was about 15 years ago on my MTB. They were Shimano Deore XT, the brake lever and shifter was integrated together. I hated the integrated type lever / shifter combo. If I ever decide to build a multi geared bike I will want to keep my brake levers and shifter separate