I don't race 'cross, but I do have a Specialized 'cross bike. I recently traded in the bar that came on it for a Salsa Poco (sorry, though, I didn't pay attention to the size). The ergonomic shape alone makes a big difference in the drops, and they are shallower so the hoods are now less of a stretch for me. I had been considering a shorter stem, but the bars made enough of a difference that I'm gonna hold off on that.