Those handlebars actually sweep back quite a bit but you can't tell in the picture. They're just cheap steel hybrid riser bars. I used to have some Northroads bars on there but to be honest I got tired of having cable housing so long. It looked really sloppy. Can't argue with the Brooks idea though.

I allow 2 hours for my commute, but I usually do it in 1:40 to 1:50 depending on the wind.....it's 27.3 miles one way....I have 3 bikes that I rotate on and all 3 have "level" saddle position with the stem/bars. This way, I have an upright position on the tops and hoods or I can get in the drops and get a little more "aero" if need be........I can have it both ways and change around and stay comfy and still go pretty fast.....fwiw, I'm on the hoods about 70% of the time.

Setting my masculinity aside I rode my wifes bike to work today. We inherited an older Raleigh Super Course Mixte. My wife didn't like the drop bars so I replaced them with Nitto Albatross bars. I own a Bianchi Eros and didn't like commuting in it (it has clip ins so I'd have to carry shoes plus it has no kick stand etc.). My commute is only 3 miles and I really enjoyed it. The upright position is great and the handlebars are awesome! I like being able to step in/out of the saddle with my work clothes without feeling like I'm going to rip a seam and I just wore my dress shoes. The bike will accept fenders and bike racks and it is much easier to pay attention to traffic when sitting upright. I may just continue my adventure into commuting with her bike. I guess people can call me a "Fred" but what the heck it's my name.