Originally Posted by Buffalo Buff

While what you wrote is true, in their own way people are just trying to help you. Drop bars are suggested for long rides because they offer multiple hand positions. When I do centuries I use up to 6 different hand positions. It's kind of like fixed gear VS a geared bike. You can make either work, but having options lets you tailor specific parts of your ride to your comfort better. Getting in the drops on a descent means you fight the wind less, using the flat bar section on climbs can make breathing easier, etc.

I never liked drop bars either, I would only ride flat bar bikes up until a year ago. I kept seeing fast road bikers on their sleek bikes with drop bars and got envious of their speed. Went to a bike shop and got properly fitted on an entry level road bike (Ridley Fenix) and the comfort factor compared to hopping on a non-fitted road bike is astonishing.

So my advice is before you try your conversion, make sure the bike is properly fitted. Who knows? maybe with some adjustments to the seat height, handlebar angles & height etc., you may find your drop bars a lot more comfortable.

If that isn't the case, or you already know 100% for sure your bike is properly fitted, then best of luck getting your flat bar conversion to work for you.