Flat-bar road bikes...?

[zoom-zoom]

DH and I have both noticed the popularity of flat-bar road bikes and have never understood why anyone would choose flat-bar over dropped-bar on the same frame. My brother and his GF both have very nice road bikes...but they are flat-bar'd. Why do people opt to limit themselves to one hand position when they could have endless places to put their hands to minimize discomforts? Is there some practical reason that we're unaware of?

[Catrin]

DH and I have both noticed the popularity of flat-bar road bikes and have never understood why anyone would choose flat-bar over dropped-bar on the same frame. My brother and his GF both have very nice road bikes...but they are flat-bar'd. Why do people opt to limit themselves to one hand position when they could have endless places to put their hands to minimize discomforts? Is there some practical reason that we're unaware of?

For me, road bars put my hands in a very painful position - I've arthritis in the palms of my hands. As you know, I do try to ride a gazillion miles - and my Ergon grips with bar-ends allow me to do just that - with no pain at all. I do have several hand positions if I choose to use them, but rarely ever need to do so.

[malkin]

If the rider is in a position where there isn't much weight on the upper body then her or his hands and arms won't get tired or need to change position.

I believe many people associate drop bars with a more agressive position and flat bars with a more upright position even though this is only a matter of adjustment.

[zoom-zoom]

I believe many people associate drop bars with a more agressive position and flat bars with a more upright position even though this is only a matter of adjustment.

That's what I suspected. I've seen a few road bikes with drop bars that are VERY upright with a very angled stem.

[tulip]

I like my Jamis Coda alot. I rode it exclusively after my 1983 Vitus road bike was trashed in a crash in 2003. I got a new road bike in 2005 and now ride the Coda around town. I recently was on a week-long organized ride and lots of people were riding flat bar road bikes. Whatever works--they are on a bike and that's really all that matters.

[Velocivixen]

My Trek FX 7.3 with flat bars puts me in the same position as my Surly Cross Check, which has drop bars, HOWEVER they did not cut the fork, so my handlebars are way up high.
Not sure why folks do it. Maybe some perceived difference or comfort thing.

[7rider]

Is there some practical reason that we're unaware of?

For the upright riding posture and hands-on-the-brakes control of slow riding in city traffic when commuting. The light frame and tighter geometry is quicker handling (and lighter) than a hybrid. Bar ends easily allow for multiple hand positions (and a convenient place to mount a bell!). And it's still fast and comfortable for long road sections...

[Tiffany_S]

Is there some practical reason that we're unaware of?

I had flat bars with a shorter stem put on my bike a little while back because I was much heavier, out of shape, and being bent over for long periods of time made my lower back ache. I've since lost 36 pounds and am going back to drop bars!