Richie an Alpha male? Come on now, really! Personally, putting my 40 years of riding and many years of racing aside. I would put my faith in someone that has 30 years of racing and frame building experience.
Friction downtube shifting will win top level racing events again about the time small woodenheaded tennis rackets win the U.S. Open and/or straight skis win a World Cup race. Only in the mind of Walter Mitty types! Dream on Walter, that is what fairy tails are made of.
Going to ride my 20+ year old bike with friction shifters up the mountain tomorrow and see if I can beat Lance. Will let you all know the results.
I do believe this topic was beat to death within the last year.
Mark, back in W. VA., Poore