Whoa, I got bodyfat WAY higher than 2- 5%, and I like my handlebars lower than my seat. In fact, the lower for me, the better. It feels really good to have my handlebars that low.

I have pretty decent lower back flexibility, and I really feel more comfortable with the handlebars lower than higher. When they're higher, I feel more stress on the back of my shoulders, but when they're lower, I can relax my shoulders and upper body, conserving my energy for the legwork.

I think the pros like to ride with the low handlebars because they are much more aerodynamic and efficient in that manner. The bad news for them is that some of them don't have the lower back flexibility to ride in this manner, so consequently, they really do suffer from some lower back problems later on.

If you do want to ride in that manner, consider some core strength work and some flexibility and stretching exercises for the back.

Koffee