Originally Posted by
Carbonfiberboy
I tour on the same setup I use for long sport rides of 100-250 miles. I'm adapted to it, it produces the most speed for least effort and greatest comfort. I have 6 cm. of drop and a good bit or reach. With horizontal forearms, my elbows are in front of my knees on all my bikes. One spends years dialing in a comfortable fit. Why would one change it?
Certainly the most speed for the least effort comment is a valid one, I figure the fellow really needs to assess his road bike position and try to be realistic of how it will translate to a touring situation, for him.
I too find a similar drip bar position to be the most efficient on both my drop bar bikes. The slightly higher bar position on my troll has been appreciated on bad roads, on which I've ridden a lot lately. And also when feeling tired or run down. Plus I ain't 25 any more, and in general as we get older., most of us are less flexible overall.
But in the end, there is no absolute right or wrong answer here.