Whether flat bars or the tekking bars I have now, if my hand position is too low my hands get numb. I can't take weight on them. That's OK, they weren't made for it. On my next bike (probably a Salsa Fargo unless I change my mind again -- a Hunqapiller is too expensive) I'll give the drop bars a chance but I want it set up so that the hoods are a little higher than my seat. I should be fine.

I do like the trekking bars. When it's windy or I'm coasting down a long hill (every day) I put my hands on the forward arches and rest my wrists on the rear, normal hand position. I'm pretty low but my weight is on my wrists, not my hands. I don't know if that's how you are supposed to use the bars.