I started riding in the late 80's - all we had was down tube shifters! So, they really aren't that bad! We are just all soooo spoiled. If that is what you get used to it's not hard at all and the shifting is really quick with DT.

Actually, it is probably a good thing to have and then you learn that you don't have to have a death grip on your bars! The bike isn't going anywhere unless you lean to the right or left - your butt steers your bike, not your hands!