Originally Posted by
Crash716
i can also handle my bike just as good on the hoods, i might not be able to brake as hard but if you have to brake that hard in a RR or crit you're probably already in a world of trouble.
Better braking is not the only benefit. (nor is aero)
While in the drops, you can't get bars crossed or hooked/caught on something and if you get bumped, you have a lesser chance of getting pushed/knocked over.
I say this as an experienced crit rider with almost 5 whole hours of crit training rides. (and while I am being facetious about my experience, the 1/2/3's who ride these same training rides are in the drops most of the time)