After riding mtb exclusively since 1990, & currently riding a 2006 Heckler, a couple years ago I tried something new, I purchased a Giant FCR2 flat bar road bike, but had some hand numbness after rides of less than 1.5 hrs. I recently built up a Trek 3500 disc with a carbon fiber fork and 29" wheels. Drop bars came eventually. I used them for 100 miles or so, then switched back to flat for one ride. I really missed the hand positions so I went back to drops & never looked back. Got an actual cross/gravel bike on the way with drops & can't wait to try it out, I'm hooked now! Once you get used to the drops & the extra speed gains, you will likely love them.