Given the choice which would be best?

Obviously ST's are more current but would they be more difficult for a 7 year old to use compared to down tube shifters?

Anyone have any experiences?

Thanks,

The biggest issue will be with the enormous lever throw that Shimano STI levers have.

Islabikes appear to use adjustable reach 8spd STIs on all their drop bar bikes (for age 8 and upwards), so throw might not be too much of an issue.

If it is I'd go for bar end shifters over down tube to avoid having to take hands off bars.

Yeah presumably taking hands off bars at speed might not be very safe for a youngster.

Thanks.

is there not an argument that developing/childrens muscles are more resistant to damage by riding ss? any one have any experience of this.

apologies for the slight hijack…

Don't Shimano do a short reach STI or am I thinking of their standard lever?
She is quite small IIRC my lad still had issues at 12 with STIs.

Put Grip Shifts on sprog James road bike when he was small – worked well

Yeah she is approx. 125cm so prob won't be big enough until next year.

Prob gonna stick some 20" slicks on the mtb for now!