Hey OP. I wouldn't quite say all handlebars are same thickness...
I read where you indicated you liked climbing. Typically, riders will hold tops of the bars or even grabbing hold of hoods when climbing. (just something to consider per bar comfort/fit)
On flat roads or in a paceline, I also like riding w/hands on brifter hoods.
Last edited by bike_boy; 07-20-10 at 10:25 PM.