Originally Posted by Loose Chain

I don't know when I might consider myself old and BTW, I hate that term for some reason. I just don't like it. But, I know you are just asking a sincere question.

So, I ride drops and I actually ride down in them and by any standard ALL of my bikes are pretty aggressively set up. As in low tops and high saddle. It may be just your shop has a dummy for a salesman or maybe something else about your look or mannerisms makes them guide you to cruisers. Perhaps you looking askance at road bikes and asking odd questions of the 21 yo salesman such as "am I too old" etc? Of course he will say you are too old, he is 21 freaking years old--what the heXX does he know?

If you want drops, get drops. The fitter you get the more you will find yourself in the drops. I am much more comfortable on the hoods or in the drops than sitting upright. I only use the bar tops for an occasional rest or to sit up and chat to my wife or to get a drink.

I am 57. Good luck.

LC