Originally Posted by
Tom Bombadil
Hmmm .... Smorgasbord42 ... you may be looking in the wrong thread. Sounds like you are looking for alternatives to road bike drop bars, like moustache bars. Something that will accept road bike brakes and shifters that would in turn be compatible with road bike brakes and derailleurs. I haven't addressed those options here.
If you are looking at putting together a "flat bar road bike" or equivalent, using brakes and derailleurs that are compatible with mountain bike bar components, then this thread is relevant.
I'm planning on going custom with the frame, and expecting to mix and match components as appropriate - for instance 700x25 tires with wide gearing (needs low for uphills and moderately high for downhills). The issue is that I don't think any kind of handlebar drop would be appropriate for my wife, so this thread certainly seems relevant.
Her bike today kind of looks like this:
That is, adjustable stem with "flat bars" which aren't very flat. The setup works well for short rides, but after 20 miles or so she gets some fatigue which we believe is due to not having alternative hand positions.