Well, after much thought, I decided to take some of your advice and try out a set of drop bars on my commuter bike. I will be starting a longer commute next week and was trying to gain some efficiency even though it came at the price of letting go some of the comfort of the more upright bars.

So far, I'm adjusting to the more aero positioning and find I have gained some peddling efficiency to start. I find I have more room to move around in the cockpit and climbing is easier in and out of the saddle. I am still struggling with my neck and shoulders but working through the discomfort by changing hand positions often. I think some of you have mentioned in the past that its something I would get used to in time and would never go back to flat bars. Another plus would be the numbness in my hands have gone away. I am stretching my neck and shoulders daily to try and progess forward into this and if you have any more tips for me let me know.