Originally Posted by
chas58
I wonder the same thing. I use drop bars when I'm going over 20mph - that is when aero makes a big difference. But a 25+ lb bike with 2.4" tires - I'm not going to be doing high speed runs on that type of bike.
I would agree most 20+Mph-averaging riders are not going to be riding on this bike, but slower riders would still get some aero benefits on fast downhills and, more importantly, anytime they are riding into serious headwinds.
I think main reason for drop bars on this bike is that it is meant to be a long-day/multiple-day adventure rig. Drop bars are great in helping avoid fatigue. Mulitiple hand positions offered by drop bars help prevent finger numbness, and adjust torso/neck position. Also, STI levers are much easier than MTB thumb shifters to be shifting all day long.