I use an upside down north road bar which, with the hands in the drops, is identical to a dirt drop. The advantages are that I can use MTB shifters and MTB hydraulic brakes, and, the drop is shallow so that I can use an ordinary mountain bike stem. No changes to the cable/hose lengths are needed when switching over from a riser bar. I have found, from years of riding rigid, that I can ride much more smoothly with my hands aligned along top tube rather than across like with a riser bar.
There are all kinds of alternatives these days. Surly Open Bar in zero and 40mm rise/drop and Jeff Jones bars.
I got a 29+ a few months ago. It's the ultimate no suspension bike.