Originally Posted by WrensMom
Drop bars do feel different than flat bars, but I suggest you give them a chance before you say no to them. Personally, I have found my drop bars to be *more* comfortable than the flat bars I was used to on my old mtn bike. I like that they give you more and different hand positions, because my wrists tend to hurt in the flat bar position for very long. Being on the hoods on the drop bars, though, is totally comfy, and where I spend most of the time. Being on the top part of the bars is like being on flat bars, but closer together, and the drops are nice for a change so you can kind of stretch your back. As far as the "cheater brakes" (I understand that the term nowadays is "cross brakes")--I was planning on getting them installed on my bike (Bianchi Veloce, like Mimi's), but since riding it more and getting used to it, I don't feel like it is necessary. A huge part of that is that the brake/shifter levers fit my hands well (Campy instead of Shimano). There are also different handlebars available that can help with the reach issue as well, like these Salsa Pocos that I have heard so many good things about.