Originally Posted by
Kedosto
mtb addict is the only one to mention the changes in geometry. Adding drop bars stretches the riding position, so while the rider might be very comfortable with the geo and is merely seeking hand position variety, adding the drops might very well stretch the rider uncomfortably.
Frame size recommendations are different depending on flat bar vs drop bar configurations. One simply can't just throw on a set of drop bars and expect the same reach. Riding on the hoods (or drops) is several cm's ahead of the end of the stem. And before someone mentions swapping to a shorter stem, consider the handling compromise when the stem is shortened by those same several cm's.
Of course, if the frame was too small to begin with then go for it.
-Kedosto
This is an excellent point. When I converted my Pugsley, I went from 110 mm stem to 70 mm. In addition to stem length and rise, the specific bars can change your reach as well. Still an aggressive reach, but that's fine since this is a 'racing' bike. I do use it for errands, but this set-up isn't likely to be the average person's 'commuter' bike.
I'm not certain how insightful this is, but this is my reach on the drop-bar Pug:
IMG_4913 (1).jpg