Quote Originally Posted by KnottedYet View Post
...Or does it have to be done in one big push? (I'm thinking it's one big push, from what I remember of the Shimano shifters I had on my Trek long ago.)
I have Campy shifters with Shimano front der/crank/chainrings. I love that I can "shift" part way, then "shift" the rest of the way with two quick short pushes rather than one nearly-impossible big push.
That pretty much describes it, Knot. My hands are too small to push the shifters as far as I need too comfortably (my hands are a little bit more than 6" from wrist to the tip of my middle finger.) For me to push my chain onto the bigger gears I literally have to project my left shoulder/arm forward and bend my wrist to get it in front of my handlebars. That is the only way I can get enough leverage or position to move the shifters... and I do have to push them fairly hard. If I'm at a comfortable pace or on the flats, it's no big deal. Nearing the apex of a steep climb, when my HR is in the red and I'm suffering, that is another matter. If I am not able to get into position to move the chain up with enough conviction, there is goes...!

Almost everyone I know has told me there is a big difference in shifting quality from 105 to Ultegra or DA. I'm wondering that this is a 105 issue, or a Shimano issue. If it is the former, I would be more comfortable looking at a U/DA triple. If it is the latter, I may have to dig into the checkbook and go for the Campy or Sram double. Hmmm... still more food for thought....