Originally Posted by
TejanoTrackie
I've commuted on this bike, gone on metric centuries on this bike and used it for general transport. The flat bars are comfortable, provide good control, brakes are close at hand, I can see and be seen in traffic, and am better able to absorb shock on rough urban roads. It's not a FG or SS, it's not hip, it's just practical. So, that's why I use flat bars anyway.
Thanks for your reasons!
I find that drops and bullhorns also provide good control, put the brakes close at hand (and you can even have brake levers in all the optional positions), allow you to be seen in traffic just as well, and can be more comfortable due to ergonomics as mentioned earlier.
I don't know whether they allow you to absorb shock better or not. I hadn't thought about that and will certainly play around with it.
I find that bullhorns and drops can be just as practical, if not more so. However, they will not provide as much leverage. When does an increased need for leverage come into play while bicycling?