Drop bars would work, I would suggest using barcon shifters if you are running a shimano drivetrain. Barcons will work with a mountain front derailer better than STI shifters.

I'm planning on using Paul Comp Thumbies with barcons mounted to a "butterfly" handle bar.
http://www.paulcomp.com/
http://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails...gId=39&id=2109

Just for FYI, I'm building this bike for an offroad tour, so I trying to build a "bomb proof" bike...

Kevin