Heh, the fact that you haven't ridden in 25 years shows in your concern over drop vs. straight bars. 25 years ago, drop bars were cool, and if you didn't use 'em, you were a poser. Things are different now. Tell you what, turn on your TV, tune in the Giro d'Italia, and see how much time the racers spend in the "drop" position. That's right, on the downhills, when they're going for maximum speed -- and let's be honest, these people are a few tacos short of a combo plate, smokin' down a mountain at 50 mph in a peloton. The "drop" position has its uses, but unless you're really concerned about speed and time (vs. getting a workout or getting from place to place), it's not something you'd often use.