Originally Posted by
badger1
That said, I still maintain there is no inherent significant difference between the two 'types' for a recreational cyclist doing a long-distance ride, especially solo : choice depends on personal preference. My preference was and is for simple flat bars w/bar ends. As it happens, the bike I used for those 'century' rides (true ones, 100+ miles) was set up (with lbs) to put me in the same position as I would have on the then-current Spec Roubaix. Position when I was 'on the grips' was slightly forward (torso angle) of where I would be on the 'tops' on a Roubaix; position on the bar ends was pretty much equivalent to where I would be on the hoods on a Roubaix. Main difference was that my arms were of course spread a bit wider (580mm as opposed to 400/420mm), so a slight 'aero' penalty there, and of course no drops. Other than that, there wasn't much in it. I miss that bike; sadly, it was stolen a couple years ago. A pic of it in 'daily driver'/ride to work mode.
On the organised Century rides I do in the UK and occasionally Europe, the personal preference across riders appears to be about 99% drop bars. I have seen the odd rider on flat bars, but they are pretty rare and invariably on the slowest end of the spectrum.
Is this obvious drop bar bias simply because most road bikes are sold with drop bars or are they just better suited for most riders on these events? I tend to think the latter, although I can see how a flat bar with bar ends would get closer. But if we are talking about using a pure flat bar then I think it’s no contest.
When it comes to more leisurely road riding then flat bars become far more popular in a more upright riding position.
FWIW I ride mostly on the hoods, but use the drops for technical descents and tops for climbing or sitting up. Braking on the hioods is also pretty effective with modern hydraulic brakes. Mountain biking is the only time I prefer flat bars and they are far wider.