Originally Posted by desertdork

There is no "hoods" position with add-on drop bar-ends. With them, the drop position is far too wide on unaltered flat bars. Not a "minor" factor to her problem; it is the problem. + Misses out on two hand positions (hoods, bends) and no access to brakes. Having hand positions that get the rider lower and stretched out is one of the benefits to drops, not a deterrent. Getting the fit right might take some tweaking, but not fair to say it will never be "right."

Effective TT lengths between her fx and a recreational road bike sized for her will not be that much different, probably less than 1cm. This will be partially offset by a taller head tube set at a slacker angle.

Also, many riders spend much of their time with their hands on the bar tops or outer bends. With no other changes, these positions will place her as or more upright than she currently is with just the stock bars alone.

If her reason for wanting drops is getting down in a headwind, then that is possible with a conversion. Other factors that cannot be changed (HT angle, rake/trail, chainstay length, wheelbase) will prevent the bike from ever being as lively and sporty as a road bike, however.

Selling this bike and getting a road bike instead is one answer, but it may be the most costly. Her bike is new-ish, and she's already taken the big hit on value. I've also found that selling a high end hybrid for a fair price can be a long process in a market that favors road bikes.

Fietsbob's suggestion for a trekking bar will probably produce what the OP wants at the lowest cost.

As for bar end shifters, moving your hand to shift isn't detrimental. Moving your hands frequently isn't a bad thing. I ride both bar ends and STI shifters. Like 'em both, and each have their advantages.