Quote Originally Posted by Eden
A more elegant solution is the little indicator that comes on some Shimano equipped bikes. It goes right inline with the shifter cable housing and looks a bit like a little bubble level, but with 9 hash marks instead of 3. the little indicator moves to show you wich gear that you are in. Small unobtrusive, but lets you know right away what gear you are in.
Ditto. I have one. My favorite LBS put it on when I asked them to. Sure makes it nice and easy and not that expensive.