Originally Posted by joey buzzard

I'd be reluctant to put flat bars on that bike too. Apart from affecting folding and increasing the bike's footprint, unless you're actually riding the in the drop position there's little difference. Personally I find I ride the hoods almost all the time with drops. Also, brakes and shifters become more complicated and much more expensive. Ergonomically I find drops less comfortable than flats too, which can affect both endurance and confidence which both in turn can affect performance. Low flat bars are the way forward, imo unless one intends to actually race against roadbikes and are actually going to use the drop position.