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I NEVER, EVER (quite literally) use the dropped bars on my road bike, i usually have my hands on the top of the bars or around the brake levers and really like the mountain bike style handlebar, so im going to give these a try...

opinions?

Depends which way round you fit them I like the idea of horns...

Quote from: CeathreamhnanDepends which way round you fit them I like the idea of horns...

Horns?

No, youll ruin its pretty looks!

On a related note, I find the brake hoods on my Ribble are a little too far forwards than is comfortable, and find myself riding on the bar tops for short periods.  Worth changing the stem?  And how do I know how much to shed?

Quote from: funkychicken9000No, youll ruin its pretty looks!

On a related note, I find the brake hoods on my Ribble are a little too far forwards than is comfortable, and find myself riding on the bar tops for short periods.  Worth changing the stem?  And how do I know how much to shed?

Looks!

I dont use dropped bars, as i a burly little tyke, with big abs and chest, it just doesnt feel comfy, these bars should be a little more comfortable...

Quote from: Badabing

Quote from: CeathreamhnanDepends which way round you fit them I like the idea of horns...

Horns?

The pointy bits facing forwards and upwards?

I love riding in the drops, though Im tiring of the Ritchey Comp bars Im currently using. Im guessing your reach is a bit low? Most newer racing bikes Ive seen set up have had the bars at obscene levels. Mine are 6cm below saddle height, which is low, but not so low as to make the drops unusable.

That style of bar has been "reinvented" a hundred times. Bridgestone last did it with their X0 series. It works for some folks, but Id say, of folks that try such bars, 75% tire of the limited hand positions. No reason not to try though, and they look neat.

Give them a whirl, and also try a stem extender and see if your drops become usable with one. Theyre really cheap and worth trying.

Quote from: Ceathreamhnan

Quote from: Badabing

Quote from: CeathreamhnanDepends which way round you fit them I like the idea of horns...

Horns?

The pointy bits facing forwards and upwards?
(Image removed from quote.)

i geddit...

Its purely ergonomics with me, i just never use the dropped position ever, alot cycle couriers in Manchester use this kind of bar too... not bad for 30 notes.

Quote from: funkychicken9000No, youll ruin its pretty looks!

On a related note, I find the brake hoods on my Ribble are a little too far forwards than is comfortable, and find myself riding on the bar tops for short periods.  Worth changing the stem?  And how do I know how much to shed?

Shed enough so that you can ride the hoods with relaxed arms. You shouldnt have to strain to reach.

Problem with modern brifters is that they throw the arms forward from the bar 3-4cm further than old brake levers, but bikes are still sized with stems according to the old charts.

If you have to go shorter than 90mm, theres something wrong, and your handling will go all wierd.

Another thing to consider with the Mungo bars is the brifters. Ideally such bars work best with vintage levers where the cable exits the top, such as early 90s Campy, and with bar end shifters. You can use aero levers, but the cable routing reduces the braking feel. Tektro levers are good and cheap enough to try out and see if this is an issue for you.

you never ride in the drops

I find them amazing, love the way you can be peddling down a hill slightly behind your mate..  stop pedalling, and get low in the drops and overtake :mrgreen:

Do agree with Max there though, some bikes seem to have them set up seriously low. Mate of mines racer has his handlebars pointing at the floor practically - he adjusted them recently to make them more level, and he says its much better

My reference is for a persuit style add on where you can put your elbows onto pads for a road bike, keeping your elbows in and hands well infront.

Serious is a closet triathelete/time trialer.

Quote from: maximusotterSerious is a closet triathelete/time trialer.

Probably true but its also very comfortable if you are riding a long distance. Really comes into its own when you dont need to use the brakes for extended periods and keeps your wind resistance down