Survey says....
http://images.thetruthaboutcars.com/...urvey-says.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/xE7wx.jpg

Drop bars are actually way more popular than straight or riser bars. (recent poll on BFSSFG)

on this forum drops seem popular but not on bikes i see around town. kids i see out riding in san jose mostly have them set up for tricking and/or cruising. plus it's 100% flat here

I actually haven't owned a bike with risers on it in 4-5 years. Though it was quite nice casual city/group of friends riding (I don't mind just riding up on the drops though either). I think if I find a cheap schwinn or something to convert on CL I'll throw risers on it, I have missed having some.

I would also echo Frantik's statement. I see a lot of drops on bikeforums.net but around the part of town where I actually see bikes, 80% of them seem to be risers.

Me and ol' Mike Chacon - killing it at < 5mph in '11!

Well I think the 5mph cruiser and "trick" kids don't actually care bout bikes like the people on this forum, they wouldn't want to spend their time here. That's why that poll is like it is.

Not my bike, but I happened to have them saved on my laptop.

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x...g?t=1305233846

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x...g?t=1305233846

Apparently none of it matters because it's been stated that road drops are the only practical/acceptable handlebar.

Everything else is completely obsolete.:rolleyes:

In my opinion, TRACK DROPS are impractical for city riding. Narrow flats or risers are fine. I use narrow straight bars with short bar ends on one of my bikes. But by far, my favorite are classic round drops like these: http://store.velo-orange.com/index.p...ound-bend.html

Multiple hand positions, comfort, narrow. If you ride above 20 mph or 32 kph, you will want to achieve a more aerodynamic position. This can be achieved by riding in the drops or on the flats of any bike by using a modified Obree-position like so:

http://i56.tinypic.com/2dujpeo.jpg

This position also helps a lot in the wind.

Given I don't know **** about drops or touring bars for that matter, how are Nitto Noodles for city/commute riding? I was thinking about picking them up for the kilo instead of waiting for some mythological bullhorns lol.

Nitto Noodle is a GREAT bar. Quality & classy all the way.

i like riser bars alot too.. they just gotta be on the right bike and all is well with the world

Takes barspinz to a whole 'nother level.

lol i bet the wheel weighs as much as the rest of the bike

Most SS/FG riders seem to only do short rides. Anything longer than 25-30 miles and you'll be wanting the extra hand positions a drop bar provides.

I'm just afraid I won't even be using the drops as much as I'd hope.

I start getting irate about 3 miles into a ride on flat bars or risers unless there are huge rocks and logs to navigate. ;)

I had drops for a while and never, ever used the drops (my lower back can't take it). I did find myself wishing for a comfortable hood position, which is why I now have drop bullhorns on one of my bikes. Risers on my bike for cruising around town/night rides/going back and forth to work and bullhorns for longer hauls when I just want to get out there and ride.

But...I don't really know what I'm talking about because I'm just a wannabe trickster who doesn't ride above 5 mph.

I've done some long trips (~200 miles, ~60 miles) on track drops, bullhorns and risers, and it's all about preference. Track drops weren't that uncomfortable, being in the drops for climbing wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Bullhorns offered the most hand positions, but most of the time on these rides I was simply placing my hands close to the stem and mashing. I'm sure if I had road drops breathing in the drops would be easier, track drops seem to close the diaphragm.