Like most things concerning road bikes, the usual difference between cheap and expensive is just aesthetics- i.e. look and feel and status- like wearing a Rolex vs. a Timex. Both will keep good time. The previous owner of one of my bikes put $300 carbon handlebars on it. I like them- they look cool- but honestly, I can't tell any difference between riding them and the stock alloy non-flat-top bars on my old Klein. They're both just as comfortable. I never would have paid $300 for ANY handlebars.....but I am glad to have them, just as I am to wear a decent Citizen watch instead of a Timex- even though they'de do the exact same things.... Just Aesthetics.