bigjim wrote:Nice. Modern components but downtube shifters. Any reason?
Jim
I had some 7-speed 105 wheels with plenty of life in them and indexed levers. The alternative would have been new wheels and ergo levers, or about the price of the frame. The XT derailleurs can take newer systems should I decide to change but I'm storing 7-speed equipment as I find it. Not future proof but not sprocket-escalation either.
I use ergo on another bike but like clips and clipless each system becomes natural within a few miles and there's less to go wrong here. Meeting some world tourists on Sunday (see goingslowly on touring board) it was interesting to note they also had downtube levers with modern gear.
The only part I don't like, although it works perfectly well is the MTB front derailleur which looks like it's made out of Meccano and the bracket is three times as big as it needs to be - the downside of one-size-fits-all Shimano philosophy.