Yeah, I agree; they are a dumb design...like a failed design class student. A lot of mass for essentially 3 hand position on the same plane. But I continue to use mine, with a few changes. They are so stupid they are cool.

For something different, I equipped one of my 700c vintage touring bikes with Salsa Woodchipper bars. Big wide top, very compact drop and exaggerated sweep on the lower position. It is surprisingly comfortably, you can really open up your chest, ...stretch.

Not my bike, but a good visual: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bicycle...op/3952808715/