I believe that good ideas always have a way of coming around again. There must be many tens of millions of bikes out there in the rest of the world with North Road bars. They have hills there, too, I assume. I wonder what percentage of riders actually require drops in order to commute or excercise or even tour.
I think North Road bars are a time tested and perfected type of design that fits the largest range of riders. That is, the Non-Racer. The rest of us. I admit that I am biased because of a liking for vintage Euro 3-speeds, but, there is a reason. They are supremely comfortable rides - largely as a result of handlebar design.
You go for it!
My Trek 830 MB (1988) sports 23" steel North Roads. The original Brits were in the range of 19" to 21" (avoid that type as you want a little more control and balance - wider is better)
The stem is a new adjustable type that puts them about 3" to 4" above the seat. No, you won't hit your knees. You might not even need the adjustable stem. I just want it for options while riding distances. So far I haven't sensed the need to move anything even when in the saddle for 4 straight hours at a time.
The seat is a ladies Specialized comfort type - springs galore ( I'm going to a Brooks B-67). You might need something like that because your weight will be transferred to your ischials alot more. Sit back and relax. Or, stand and attack when you want to.
I rotate the bars so the grips are about level with the ground. This gives good support, keeping my wrists straight while attacking hills, which are in abundance here. I am an aggressive rider on hills, btw. I get everything I can out of my old 18 ringer with the Ovaltec chainrings (another great idea that will probably come back as we boomers begin to take over the world).
Wind resistance? I don't care. I find more wind resistance in trying to fully inflate my lungs while using drops.
Incidently: I just bought a
perfect 1998 Trek 520 yesterday. Guess what'll be the first change. Yep. It's getting a set of those obsolete coat hangers!
