You don't need to change out your bars, the question is do you want to? Going from flat bars to drop bars would mean new brake levers, new shifters, possibly new brakes. (I explored putting drops on my Terry Classic)

Have you tried different tires? Check out Rivendell's Roly Poly or Ruffy Tuffy

http://www.rivendellbicycles.com/webalog/tires_tubes/

Or Panaracer Pasela TG at Nashbar.

They have less "mountainy" tread than the tires that came with your Boardwalk.

[i]Do I need to swap out my flat handlbars for drop bars? Will I gain more consistent speed? In 2003 I averaged 8 MPH. In 2004 I jumped to 12-13 MPH and would like a cruising speed of 15 MPH for the upcoming MS 160 tours.
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