Down Tube Shifters Vs. Bar End Shifters

[KDC1956]

I have a Surly LHT it has the Bar end shifters on it but I would like to change it to down tube shifters. I would just like to see what people thinks on this kind of shifters. I had them way back when and I loved them on my ten speed bicycle. But this is my touring bicycle and I want it to be as easy to fix as I can get it to be. And I just like the look of down tube shifters better it cleans up the front of the bicycle. Good or bad I know I will end up putting on down tube shifters on it. Never thought I would sped so much money on one bicycle in my life but I am lol. Once the bug hits you. You spend,spend,spend...

Or I have anyway not sure how much money I will have in it and I don't want to know either.

[Alex Ramon]

Downtube shifters are great if you're used to them and are comfortable with the shifting position. I personally prefer shifters to be mounted on the handlebar. It's really about personal preference for those.

[Joe_W]

Well, if you spend lots of money anyway, get a set of STIs, they are much more comfortable than downtube shifters.... I have downtube shifters on my old Peugeot road bike and the only reason for me to stay with them (apart from the price) is that my Mafac center pulls are most likely not compatible with STIs.