My stem's flipped up. I have 4 inches of drop from the seat to the tops of my bars...I can raise it up a bit further in winter so I can stay in the drops in winter clothes. That drop, after testing is where at 90 rpms I am at max power.

I love passing people who are standing, climbing, while I am in the drops, climbing up our short steep hills..

Adios...

I went on a ride the other night (30 miles) with 9 people who showed up at the shop...all had stems down or flat.

We ride 12 miles dead into a 20 mph wind. All are on the hoods, none could stay in the drops for more than a few minutes. Can't see, back pain, can't breathe...

It's never about looks. Unless you don't know what you are doing.

Do what you want, but know that there is a setup for everyone that's unique.

A guy I know was extolling the virtues of how a bike should look. Stem flat or down. Our custom guy bet him $20 that if he redid the stem setup, he'd be more comfortable. No testing, just his opinion...

After an hour of riding, he walks in shaking his head. Easiest $20 our custom guy ever made...and the rider said he picked up more speed.

Enjoy...