After trying, and never mastering the old lever type shifters of the 1970's vintage racer I still have, I am really happy with the Shimano EF29-24 speed digit shifters on my Avanti Pioneer 2006 (hybrid) bike. It took me a little while to get used to moving the correct lever, (keep thinking right means rear and I'm OK) but now I am quite confident in their use. My bike felt great right from the first ride, and now that I am a better and stronger rider I have put the seat up higher and changed the tilt, which has made it even better.

Perhaps your new bike just needs a bit of tweaking to make it fit you.