After probably five months of reading these forums and visiting bike shops, I’ll pick up a new bike this week that I’m having built. I’ll use this bike for fitness and recreation and maybe even some distance events. I’m glad I took so long to decide what I want because my mind kept changing. I knew I wanted a flat bar and thinner tires but did I want something suitable for ocassional trail use and jumping curbs or light and fast. I chose light and fast because I have a mountain bike that I intend to keep even though I’m spending most of my time on asphalt. So I’m getting what’s basically a road bike with a flat bar. I’m used to a flat bar from mt. biking but I’ve really had to think through this one. If it wasn’t for these forums I’d think I was the only person around who doesn’t like drop bars. I get the riding in the hoods thing—it’s pretty comfortable—but the brakes feel awkward and I don’t like the way a road bike steers. With a mt. bike I can steer around objects quickly and easily. Maybe I haven’t given drop bars enough time and like I said, most people seems to love them. Anyway, thanks for all your opinions on these matters. It really has been helpful.