down tube shifters are a little tricky to get used to at first, but I love the simpler cable routing, and the cleaner appearance of the bars. I now kinda prefer them to combo shifters. Ive never used barend shifters, so my opinion may not mean as much.
David S. Wallens wrote: I'm also old-school: Suntour Cyclone groupo on a 1986 Cannondale SR400 frameset.
Ditto on old school--I have a 1993 Cannondale with similar vintage Shimano 105 components.
80s Reynolds steel Bianchi here, with full suntour cyclone as well...LOVE IT
downtube shifters do look great and really fit the classic look (especially if you've got the proper cable run for your classic brake leavers)... but when you get into larger sized frames it's a LONG reach... my last road bike was a 62cm lugged steel trek (and could have been a bit larger still)
barcons with a "compact" road bar worked out well for me... being a big guy I was still able to use all the grip positions (if you can't stay in the drops comfortably for a bit your bars are to low)... it didn't have that classic great looks but it sure was nice to ride :)
I'll just leave this right here...
I went another way... removed the derailers, found a gear ratio that works well all over. Still need to change the rear hub, but you get the idea.
a very lightweight butted steel frame.
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