I like my cx bike for a number of reasons. It has discs (a big plus to me), It runs 29 inch wheels with a road triple (53-39-30) and 11-34 at the back, and its got SRAM X9 shifters which shift like clockwork. I've had drop bars, suspended mtbs, and hard tails. This bike brings the best of all them into play. The 32c tires absorb some road buzz, the steel frame feels really nice. The riser bar came from a cheap mtb and the bullhorns gives me bar ends and a slight 'aerobar' effect should I desire it.

I ran two bikes with drops and while they win for sheer speed I REALLY dislike the drops. Even when setup right I find the hoods don't provide sufficient force when braking downhill and the drops irritate me. Some days I miss them when the wind is trying to blow me backward, but overall I'll take a flat bar any day over drops.