>>1102194Yeah, they're interesting. I like 'em a lot, but they're not without compromises
Pros:
* No worrying about if your shifters and derailleurs will work together. It's friction shifting! Mix & match however you want, no issues getting MTB front derailleurs to index right on brifters. Covered in mud after climbing a fire road in the rain? Doesn't matter, still works.
* Way more convenient to use than downtube shifters
* more convenient than thumb shifters on the tops
* marginally more convenient to use than bar-end shifters and much easier cable routing.
Cons:
* They're conversions from cheap Tektro levers; hoods really aren't all that great. Small, too - I think the ones compatible with road brakes are conversions from the RL320, which is sized for kids???
* You can only shift from the hoods. Fine on a modern road bike where the primary position is riding on the hoods, but this bike is set up for descending fire roads and the bar heigh is set such that the primary position is the drops. The widely flared and swept bars make the hood position a little awkward anyway.
* Friction shifting means no lighting-fast shifts. You've gotta feel your way up and down the rings and across the cassette. Not a setup you'd want to road race with.
They work out great on this bike, but definitely not something I would recommend for all bikes.
