Originally Posted by
SweetNightmare
Actually, I do mean adjustable handlebars; they have a hinge you can loosen to swivel them to the exact angle you want them to be, the exact distance you want them from you/towards you. It's pretty sweet actually.
Anyways, thanks for the explanation. I've never quite gotten the appeal, so I guess I'll just have to test ride a road bike at some point to see how I feel about them. I like the upright position myself, even if it is less aerodynamic.
The hinged part that adjusts on your bike to move the handlebars is called the "stem".
Many riders, myself included, like drop handlebars because they give you several different positions to place your hands. I found on straight bars my hands would go numb and I had no alternate place to hold onto the bars. Also, riding in the drops while not the most comfortable, does put you in a more aerodynamic position which really helps with speed on windy days.