BF touring bars vs. drops
 

I'm considering getting a BF and have seen both touring bars and drops. My usual road bike has drops. Any comparisons on the two?

My wife bought a new Bike Friday Pocket Crusoe Petite last year with the touring bars and by August I had converted it to their drop bars. She likes the drops better. Roger

Depends on the type of riding. My full touring bike had wide drop bars, but I used the top bar and brake hoods mostly, and the drops rarely. The Bike Friday STI Touring bars (a kind of combination of H and Bull-horn) look like they would provide enough hand positions for longer rides. But you might want the drops if you're looking for a more aerodynamic position.

Going by pics alone (caveat), both the sti and "h" touring bars wouldn't do it for me because the main section looks so straight, i.e. no "ergonomic" bend(s). Might be ok if you primarily hold the ends though.

FWIW, the STI Touring bars don't look terribly comfortable to me. The upwards curve kinda wigs me out. :P

If you like drops, then I recommend you stick with them. If drops do not feel comfortable, I'd look into options like the H bars and/or aero bars.

It probably comes down to personal preference, but it's also worth asking the BF sales rep for their advice/opinion - I found them very helpful, straight talking with no pressure.

My understanding is they can custom fit the bike to virtually the exact same fit as your favorite bike.

If you like to ride drops, get drops. If you like to ride flat bars or H bars get them. No sweat either way.

I have drops on my NWT.

Speedo