Originally posted by jobob
My new (used) Riv came with STI shifters, and after about a week I decided to heck with that ! ... so now it has old-fashioned RetroGrouch non-indexed barcons. I think V. and I are the only ones here that use those
Nope, I've got 'em on my Bike Friday (my touring/errand/chill out bike). I just got the bike this summer, and it took me just one ride or two to adapt to the bar-cons. I love 'em. They shift so smoothly! My husband has STI on his Bike Friday and is always having to adjust the deraileurs. None of that for me!

And I don't mean to sound argumentative, but once it's been determined that your set up is correct, you will have to get used to it - no matter what shifting system you use. It just takes practice, and soon it will be second nature.
Jo is right. I've got STI shifting on my Terry, Campy Ergo-shifting on my Aegis, and now the bar-cons on my Bike Friday. You adapt and get used to whatever you have. With experience, you'll shift more smoothly. The key is never to be in the biggest or smallest (or even the second-biggest or smallest for smoothest shifting) cog in the rear when you shift in the front. It took me awhile to figure that out, but once I did, I did so much better with my shifting. Trekin', you WILL get to the point where you can look at your rear cog between your legs when you ride without veering - it's second nature for me to take a quick look when I lose track. The more you ride, the smoother your bike-handling skills will get. I know, I've been there. Or, you can get a Shimano Flightdeck computer, which will show you on the LCD which cog you're in in back.

Good luck!
Emily