I just couldn't resist...

[spokewench]

All the benefits of friction shifters.
No compatibility issues with various brands of drive train components.
Easy for small hands to use.
Cheap.
Simple simple maintainence.

http://www.rivbike.com/assorted_read...ts_on_shifting

That's one beautiful bike! Have fun

[SadieKate]

Now I beg to differ, Knotted. My dainty paws hate bar end shifters. I can't keep enough of my hand on the bar to use it as leverage to pull or push, meaning my steering is heavily compromised. I had bar end shifters on my Mercian for 21 years and I was never happy with them. Another reason I like Ergo is that it's fast, snappy and immediate without need to move my hands.

Bubba loves them on his cross bike that he uses on the road. Lots of people love them. Its to each his own.

Roquedog, you need to test ride a bike equipped with them to determine your personal preference.