We just returned from a ride to Balboa Island (Newport Beach, CA) with our bike group, and it was beginning to rain so I got a quick pic. This was my first ride with the new bars, and I like them A LOT. The brifters are easy and comfortable to reach from a very natural hand position on the sides or the corners. This is SO much more comfortable for my left wrist. (The greater leverage while squeezing the brake levers requires a gentle touch so I don't squeeze them too much and go flying over the bars.)

In addition, I can wrap my fingers around the front ends as if the hoods were there..... so, while I can't squeeze the levers well from there, I didn't lose that position after all.

They're everything I knew they'd be.

PS - The red detailing on the frame doesn't show in the picture, but it's the inspiration behind the new bar tape.