Originally Posted by
mtb_addict
I see the older road bikes...the bar is higher....the newer compact road bikes...the bar is very low.
So, I think with newer compact geometry, you are forced to ride on the Hood. No way I can bend low enough to hold it in the Drop position on these compact geometry frame.
For this reason, I like the older diamond frame with horizontal top tube...I can get the handlebar quite high.
Compact geometry has nothing to do with stack height. Bars today tend to be lower because that's the modern "look". Which is also why most riders have their hand glued to the hoods. My vintage bikes have almost all had shorter head tubes than my modern bikes.