Why drop bars?
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03-19-24, 12:32 AM
#77
Newbie
For only the second time in 5 years I'm missing the drop bars of my old bike.
The reason: A low hanging tree branch over the sidewalk on Wilke road on the Arlington Heights/Rolling Meadows border near Kirchoff that makes me have to duck. It was easier to duck such things when I could simply grab the lower handlebars.
Funny now that I think about it the first time I missed the drop bars was the same reason on the same street a few years back, but about a mile and a half south a little north of Portillo's. At least until they trimmed that tree in the fall.
Does this mean I probably made the right choice in getting swept bars since I almost never used the lower bars unless I was ducking a low-hanging branch or the like?
99% of the time I'm very happy with the handlebars on the new bike and the posture they require.
The reason: A low hanging tree branch over the sidewalk on Wilke road on the Arlington Heights/Rolling Meadows border near Kirchoff that makes me have to duck. It was easier to duck such things when I could simply grab the lower handlebars.
Funny now that I think about it the first time I missed the drop bars was the same reason on the same street a few years back, but about a mile and a half south a little north of Portillo's. At least until they trimmed that tree in the fall.
Does this mean I probably made the right choice in getting swept bars since I almost never used the lower bars unless I was ducking a low-hanging branch or the like?
99% of the time I'm very happy with the handlebars on the new bike and the posture they require.
03-19-24, 07:31 AM
#78
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Right where I'm supposed to be
Posts: 1,634
Bikes: Franklin Frames Custom, Rivendell Bombadil
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I find flat bars and an upright position uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and tiring and inefficient and frustrating. I just bought a gravel bike (Cannondale Topstone) and had to lower the handlebar, otherwise it was too hard to pedal, and the bumps went right up the bike through me. With lowered handlebars the bike floats and flies like a regular road bike should.
. With drop bars well below the saddle, hark ! The position feels normal, to be leaning forward-low while pedalling. Not to mention the hand positions and ergonomics of them. Flat bars were the very worst thing I ever experienced. They came with my '83 Stumpjumper and I never did get used to them. In hindsight I wish I had tried some drop bars on it, but sold it instead.Whether you're riding for commuting, sport or leisure ride whatever works for you from your own actual riding experiences, not what someone claims is "good for you". WTF does that even mean ? I never met a "health expert" that even had a clue what "health" actually meant because if they did they would promptly retire their title. Mini-rant over.....
03-19-24, 08:15 AM
#79
Newbie
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Posts: 18
Bikes: Old Japanese Road Bikes (C-Itoh; Kabuki) with some upgrade (Italian & Japanese parts)
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I always use road bike with drop bar for regular road training or for commuting. I do commuting like a "sport version" of commuting, like training exercise. You can change position of your hands, change position of your body, etc.
