Originally Posted by
sreten
Hi,
Not many prefer flats to drops in the long run
on that sort of bike. Perhaps you should give
it some time before changing them ?
Perhaps get your seat set right and start
off with the handlebars set quite high ?
rgds, sreten.
REAL helpful
If you don't like the drop bars and want to change them,it's yours,do what makes you happy/feels right for you,not anyone else. Contrary to the above post (I know he didn't mean any harm),all over this country I've seen lots of people who swear BY their drop bars,but lots of people who swear AT them too. I have a set of drops on my CX bike,but spend most of my time on the tops anyways,only using the drops when climbing,really getting some speed runs in,or stopping,they're just not super comfy for me,though they do have advantages (think leverage).
Check online shops like Pricepoint,Jenson,or Nashbar for new bits,they almost always have specials going on,as well as LBS's for new take-offs (parts pulled off new bikes per customer's preferances),as well as used parts. Shouldn't be cost prohibitive to make this conversion,shop around,deals are out there,and have fun (apologies to sreten,my quote was meant as jest,not harsh
)