One of the nice things about the Casseroll is it's clearance for wider tires than most road bikes. The Tektro long reach caliper brakes (what used to be called "standard") have a long quick release lever combined with the Cane Creek brake levers with Campy style quick release giving me lots of clearance for these tires or even a bit wider.

There are always many different ways to do things. We go with our own preferences and often with what can be done with the equipment we have. I found out long ago that I am much happier with drop bars than flat bars in almost all situations. Serious offroad riding like rugged singletrack is just about the only place I like flat (or riser) bars and even there I would like to try a MTB properly setup with dirt drop bars. to each his own. It's all good.