I did have the bars raised and I ride mostly with my hands on the top of the handlebars- I am almost never on the drops. I think I am just more comfortable with my arms in a wider position, as I would have on flatbar handlebars. It would cost about $250 to change over the handlebars, which is what I'm hoping to lose if I sell the bike. I also own a Gary Fisher Utopia, which is an older flatbar hybrid. A lighterweight, more aerodynamic version of that is really the style for me. When I've test-ridden the Trek, I feel that it is the bike that I will have a lot more fun riding and it is the perfect match for the riding that I do.