i know a lot of road drops have flat top areas but was wondering if anyone know of ones where the tops aren't necessarily super flat but the shoulder area is so its comfortable to rest your palms when you are on or near the hoods.

Like 3T ergonovas or FSA wing pros?

"Shoulders" as in the part, starting form the top, curves into the drop?
Well usually those "shoulders" at the top are intentionally not exactly flat as they have inner facing grooves/ channels for brake housings to be used with drop levers which actually enhance the shape for better ergonomics when wrapped up.
That can't be said however if you don't run drop levers or just 1 of them.

like these but maybe not quite so flat on tops but I like how the shoulder provides a spot for palms right around where white tape starts:



Actually borrowed a bike with ergonovas and the flat section doesn't really extend to the shoulders

Those are FSA K-wings with the old FSA printed decals:


NOTE: the mashpotatomaker in the picture has the traditional set; they come in different sizes

I might* actually have a compact pair of those somewhere in the bike lair if you have your heart settled on a set. No promises though.

If you find a pair of those in the compact bend, PM me but don't kill yourself looking. Would actually prefer the compact to weird ergo looking drops.

Zipp Contour SL Carbon Handlebar | Competitive Cyclist

Here ya go Cinelli Ram-2

two hoods. one brake. not sure how i feel about this

Think that photo was taken on a long distance ride (Tour of California?) so comfort probably trumps aesthetics and function on the two levers one brake issue. You want to maximize hand positions rather than style points but honestly on that setup, I don't think it looks bad either. I'm actually looking for this sort of bar for my road bike I use for longer rides.

It's a pretty common set up for people who actually ride their bikes and appreciate function and comfort over style

are you insinuating that because something doesn't appeal to me I "don't actually ride" my bike?

Not insinuating anything about you personally but where I live I sure do see a lot of hipsters with track drops on their bikes that spend more time walking and pushing the bike around then riding it. But road drops with brakes levers/hoods is a great set up even if you are are running brakeless. It just gives you more hand positions than any other bar set up can.

Why not just run two brakes so both are functional, if youre looking for function over form wouldnt superior braking power come into this equation as well.

Or does the hipster essence still dwell within.

i guess i just find it odd when not needed (personal tastes and all that). i ride brakeless on my fixed gear with compact road drops and no hoods and find no problems but on my kestrel talon i have them because they're an integral part of it.

What's not needed, the brake or the hood? It drives me nuts to see bikes with one hood but I guess those guys don't rest their hand on the hood.

Anyway this has been debated to death before. Do what you like.

Don't a lot of people use the hoods for climbing?