Drop bars all the way for me. I tried flat bars on a couple of different bikes due to back issues. The flats did not help the back and made the hands go numb, and shoulders and neck really sore. I now use compact road bars but have them set up to have a slight drop, around 1 1/2 inch, from the saddle height. Also, I move my hands a lot and the drops make it easier with more positions to use.