Re: Re:
mattr":i4xiqy7l said:
highlandsflyer":i4xiqy7l said:
I find them totally instinctive.
That's habit, not ergonomics.
To be totally pedantic, an instinctive response ain't habit. Habit implies acquired, and instinct isn't acquired, by definition (well unless you're stretching genetics to imply acquired).
Although I get your point, a certain degree of conditioning is implied.
Personally, I see situations where I find them preferable, and also situations (and in fairness, the use case has been modified, somewhat, over the years where mountain biking is concerned). When I first rode mountain bikes, it was with thumbies. And there is something very simplistic and easy to use about them - in fact, in winter, and gloved up, I'd probably find them easier to operate - a nudge with part of your hand, for the right shifter, for example - point being, you don't always have to have your fingers properly extended to be able to nudge a thumbie (and for once, that ain't a euphemism...)
Yes, underbar rapidfire (or STI as they were first marketed as) does have your hand placement more optimal - and with the rigeurs of the changing face of mountain biking, and perhaps more rough and bouncyness, then perhaps that's a boon.
Often, though, the ergonomic argument is overplayed, not everybody is doing that day-in, day-out to that full extent. Commuting, more light duties, means making the argument based purely on ergonomic hand placement can be flattering to deceive, and ignores other factors.
