I have trekking bars on one bike and drops on the other and I can ride either all day in comfort.

I had a set on a MTB commuter. They looked a lot better than they felt. I think I'd prefer drop bars if possible. I was even going to put some Dirt Drops on an old Specialzed Stumpjumper in the garage. Flat bars dont' have enough hand positions. Good luck on whatever you choose.

I think it is more like the hood position. Especially if the trekking bars are angled down.

+1 Outer positions mimic the hood position. No way it matches the aerodynamics of drops. Also many of us go to Trekking bars as an affordable option that greatly increases hand positions on flat bar bikes. Its a lot cheaper to buy a $20 set of Trekking bars, than to totally convert to drops (new brake levers, new shifters, etc.)

If cost was equivalent, I would certainly prefer to have drops on my Trek 950.

But as a $20 upgrade over flat bars, its a no brainer.

Actually I use an aerobar, trekking bar set up, inspired by the Koga Miyata Traveler series. The drop position bothers my wrists. The padded aerobars are the only way I have found to give my hands a rest. Very comfortable and aero set up. Disadvantages of course is that you have to pick and choose where to use because of the distance from the brake levers and interference with a handle bar bag, which by the way I have a work around for.

BK Tour 004.jpg

True that the outer position on trekking bars is like being on the hoods of drops, but if you are like me, and like to have your hands/fingers near brake levers then it's not quite the same.