Currently riding 42cm o-o Deda Newton Shallow handlebars. Took off my stock Cannondale C2 ergo bars in size 42cm c-c for the Dedas. I really like the switch. My back feels more comfortable in the more narrow bar. In fact, I'd be interested in trying a size down from the 42cm o-o if possible. The dimensions of the Deda Newton Shallow fit me pretty well. The reach is short at 80mm, which I like. The drop is good, but not huge, at 135mm.
My favorite draw to the classic bend is the various hand positions available. Hoods provide a forward aggressive position with a lower position than an ergo drop bar. The tops provide a drastic upright position compared with the hoods. I can sit my hands half on the hoods and half on the curve towards the top of the handlebar if I want to stretch out a little less for a long ride. The drops have two hand positions I utilize: the curve and the straight part. The curve provides an extended, low position that I feel 100% secure in, which is why this is my sprint and descent hand position. Brake levers and shifters are right there. The flat, straight part that juts back is utilized on tempo sections, often into the wind. It gets me low, but doesn't stretch me out as far as the curves. This way I can sit low and tap out a rhythm, the downside is the brakes and shift levers are a bit further away. Other times I do tempos on the hoods with my elbows dropped to get low and streamlined. The straight part of the drops just provide a little variation for tempos, especially those done alone on long, flat sections when shifting or braking is not of utmost importance.
About the only bar I'd trade my Deda Newtons for is a lightweight carbon fiber variant. Even then, I'm not 100% sold I would just do to failure vulnerability in the event of a crash. I would really consider a CF version of a similar design at the right price though.
Not super happy with my 6700 hoods ergonomics unless I'm riding gloveless, then it feels just right. Interested in possibly switching to a Campy or Shimano 11 speed system this year. We will see what pans out. More of the reason for the switch is to improve hood ergonomics. If I got to play around with Campy in the mean time, well, I'm fine with that.
