Straight bars vs drop bars
02-23-16 | 10:26 AM
#51
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Joined: Feb 2014
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From: Kent Wa.
Bikes: 2005 Gazelle Golfo, 1935 Raleigh Sport, 1970 Robin Hood sport, 1974 Schwinn Continental, 1984 Ross MTB/porteur, 2013 Flying Piegon path racer, 2014 Gazelle Toer Populair T8
OK fair enough. I would argue though (and this thread is called "straight vs drop bars") that even without utilizing the drops, drop bars give more hand positions than straight bars. I suppose if you add bar ends to straight bars, that adds a single extra position. On a long ride, I struggle to see the benefit of not giving myself the option to occasionally ride in the drops, especially living near Appalachian ridges where the majority of the riding is long climbs followed by fast descents.
FYI I'm from Europe, albeit the UK part which may not be Europe for much longer(!). Drop bars in the UK are far the most prevalent on touring bikes. "The Continent" may be different.
FYI I'm from Europe, albeit the UK part which may not be Europe for much longer(!). Drop bars in the UK are far the most prevalent on touring bikes. "The Continent" may be different.
Last edited by kickstart; 02-23-16 at 01:44 PM.
02-23-16 | 10:30 AM
#52
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From: Central PA
Bikes: 2016 Black Mountain Cycles Monster Cross v5, 2015 Ritchey Road Logic, 1998 Specialized Rockhopper, 2017 Raleigh Grand Prix
The right bar for the right situation then, I'll agree with that. For example I feel little reason to anything other than straight bars doing my flat commute into town, and clearly I would not want to use drop bars on when doing singletrack!
02-23-16 | 12:49 PM
#53
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From: Washington DC Metro Area
Bikes: Breezer Uptown 8, Jamis Renegade Expert
One of the drop bar bikes that I test rode did force me into a more aggressive position when my hands were on the hoods. That's one reason I didn't buy that bike.
02-23-16 | 12:58 PM
#54
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From: Washington DC Metro Area
Bikes: Breezer Uptown 8, Jamis Renegade Expert
02-26-16 | 04:31 PM
#57
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From: Central Illinois
Bikes: 2008 Dawes Haymaker 20XX Leader LD515 TotoCycling Road Bike
I used riser bars for years after switching from long straight bars. Once I started riding for longer than 3 hours or 50+ miles lack of hand positions became uncomfortable. Now I use bullhorn bars and love it. I debated going to a drop bar, but I never use the drop position and switching to a newer style STI brake/shifter with internal routing was more than I wanted to spend.
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