Originally Posted by billkelm
I like the raised handlebars (bad back), Grip shift (easier to shift when I'm wearing big leather mittens in the wintertime), and something not too heavy.
My 2 cents. I have a tempermental back due to an injury from high school.
What I have found is that an upright riding posture actually worsens it. All your weight sits square on the sitbones. Consequently, that tightens up everything and causes your back to worsen.
Researching drop handle bikes, I have learned that the geometry is such that your weight is carried by other parts of the body taking the strain off of the back. Plus, not all drop handle bikes have a racing posture. Cyclocross and touring bikes have a more relaxed lean to them.
Just my 2 cents.
Anyways, that sums up one of the main reasons I intend to ditch my hybrid for a drop handle bike asap.
The other being increase comfort for the 70 Mile RT version of my commute.