Downtube shifters or brake lever shfters?

[jujupunk]

Though I could do with hearing some other opinions.

I'm running a 2x7 set up with downtube shifters, i have them set up as friction shifters as I prefer the easy of setup and no necessity to really tweak the gears like index shifting requires on occasion.

But I am considering changing shifters...

The main reason I'm thinking about changing to brake lever shifters is the safety of changing gears when at high speed, cornering etc.

I have a 90s shimano 600 groupset, If I was to change to brake lever type what would you recommend.

Cheers

 

[Pionir]

Brifters are probably more dangerous than downtube shifters IMHO as they encourage you to shift gear in bad places. Downtube shifters just make you plan your gears and shift when the time is right.

That said, I don't know anyone who went from downtube shifters to brifters and then went back again!

 

[half cog]

Re:

Have a look at suntour command shifters. You can even get the seven speed to run eight by using the stop screw on the rear mech as the final index point.They fit just below your brake levers so are about as ergonomic as brifters but you retain standard brake levers.The only problem is that they are getting scarce and can be expensive but e bay is the place to look if you want them.I am fairly sure I have seen some photos on velobase.For seven and eight speed I am as happy with the suntours as brifters. They are there on the bars next to your thumbs right where you want them.
Peter

 

[jujupunk]

Re:

Ha, I didn't think they'd be considered more dangerous, I see your point though. After selling my modern bike over a year ago I do miss them especially when I'm flying down a hill on a tricky descent.

I'll look at the suntours but was hoping to find a nice hooded pair that didn't look too out of place on my bars with the added bonus of a new hand position on the bars.

But I've seen people use modern Sora brifters and it looks damn ugly.

 

[Pionir]

The Microshift brifters might be worth a look. They're alot sleeker than the shimano / campag / sram offerings.

I think brifters really work with the modern cassettes (hyperglide ramps and all that), especially when you have 11 cogs to choose from e.g. Every ratio. When you've got fewer cogs you'll often stay in a gear longer anyway so the desire to change isn't as big.