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Old 10-12-20 | 09:14 AM
  #5  
mack_turtle
n00b
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 467
From: Austin, TX

Bikes: Surly Karate Monkey, Twin Six Standard Rando

putting a drop bar on that bike is going to increase the effective reach significantly. a flat bar bends back slightly, whereas a drop bar bends forward and then the hoods are mounted to that. it may or may not work for you to add several inches to the effective reach of the bike. no matter what you do, it will put you in a for forward position. you can mitigate that by using a much shorter stem, as well as just adjusting your riding style to a longer reach. you have to consider that before you move forward. most bikes that fit you with a flat bar are going to feel WAY too long when you put a drop bar on it.

what do you expect to get out of a drop bar? if you want an aerodynamic advantage by actually using the drops, that's a good idea. just make sure the bike it not going to end up feeling too long for you when you do that or you'll kill your back, neck, etc.

the main attraction for drop bars for me is the additional hand positions it allows for long rides on varied terrain. if that's what you want, I much simpler solution is some bar ends. look into Ergon grips that include integrated bar ends, or some comfy bar ends like the Cane Creek ones. those will give you an alternate hand position that will mimic riding on the hoods of a drop bar setup. you could also try something like SQLabs Inner Bar ends or one of the many options from Ride Far.
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