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I finally got my upright bars and friction shifters switched out for drop bars and downtube shifters, and my saddle raised to the correct height. The mechanic was great, and I know that this is the best thing for my bike, EXCEPT I can't ride! Well, I can, but it's a pretty hilarious. Anyone have a giant, flat parking lot for me to totter around in for a few hours while I get used to leaning over and not swerving into traffic every time I shift? ;)
Oh no! I've often looked lovingly at my bar end shifters and been thankful, because I would definitely swerve all over the place with downtube shifters. You'll get the hang of it eventually, be careful in the mean time.
isn't there a schoolyard near you? that's where i practiced!
ps how come you got bar ends? they are scary!
Me? I got downtube shifters because they were simple. I'm planning to get STIs next year, but I don't have the money now, so I want something reliable and simple until then. Everything I've heard says that they'll take a little while to get used to, but that once you are used to them, they're fine.
I definitely need to find a schoolyard or parking lot to fall down in! I'm not too worried, but it is funny that I suddenly can hardly ride!
Pretend you're reaching for your water bottle. Your shifter is right above there. :)
When I came back to road riding after a 12-year hiatus, with a new bike and brifters, it took me probably 3,000 miles to quit reaching to the down tube when I wanted to shift.