Originally Posted by
chaadster
In the same way drop bars do not necessitate a “bent over” position, neither do flat bars necessitate an upright position.
Do you have any experience building up bikes, or have you only ridden showroom stock stuff?
I understand that drops don't have to be aero, but the popular perception is that that's how drop bar bikes have to be ridden; that's why I told the OP that he could raise the stem. I have an old Trek Multitrack that I will, one of these days, build with a V-O Nuveau Randonneur bar. It's only the last couple of years that I came to realize that the racing position is for racers, and the rest of us can ride more upright. Or as I like to put it, ride your own ride!
For reference, this is my heart bike.
Great Ghu, it's NDS! Horror!