drops

georgio15

is there an advantage/considerable difference in getting drop handlebars like the ones on this bike (which look like they are angled down):
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/GT_GT ... 360039174/


over the ones on this bike which look pretty parallel to the ground
http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/road/1_series/19e/

or is it just personal preference?

guilliano

That's just the position the bars have been clamped in and can be changed easily. It's just a question of how you like your bars positioned.

pneumatic

No, I'm with the OP. I have two bikes with drop bars and they are definitely different. this puzzles me.

One set allows me to ride on the tops or the drops so that both are more or less parallel to each other and the ground; the other set makes me choose either but not both options parallel to the ground.

since I spend most of my time on the hoods, I make that the priority to get comfy, but on one bike the drops are at a peculiar angle as a result.

Pokerface

Looks like one has a compact bend - and has an anatomical bend and the other is a regular round bend.

The second one (on the Trek) allows a natural transition from the bar to the hoods.

I can't remember the benefits of a compact set of bars (if any).

Basically it DOES come down to personal preference.


Anatomical bars have a 'flat spot' in the bend to rest your hands on easier than a regular 'round' bend.

georgio15

thanks