anyone else dislike drops?

[1duck]

I know I'm probably going to get crucified here...but is it just me who can't stand using drops?


I love the looks of drop bars so i have never replaced a set, but i always ride on the top of the bars... I don't think my hands have ever ventured to the drops for very long at all.

The position just makes me nervous, I feel far more vunerable because visibility is reduced, i just don't feel as in control...any sign of other traffic and that's me back up to the top of the bars...so anyone got a reason to use the drops? or maybe a technique that makes them more useable? am i just being a coward?--(probably)

 

[neuroportal]

Allo.

I can only comment on my own experience, obviously. I use Nitto Randonneurs and On-One Midge. I do actually like drops.

I would guess that the geometry isn't ideal for you, either saddle too high above the drops or you are too far forward. The latter is certainly the case if you feel too 'skittery'? Worth experimenting with your saddle going further back/shorter stem? Possibly rising it? Could also be the case that the bars are too narrow for you, so when you go on the drops it means you bring your arms in more which can influence stability unduly, I would think.

I could be way off but these are my first thoughts based on what you describe.


hth

 

[Jonny69]

Maybe your bike isn't the right size or shape for you. Or maybe the bars just need raising a bit?

I use my drops all the time, especially when making progress on the flat, going down hills, when on it going up hills, or just when it's windy and I want to reduce resistance a bit.

No reason to have drops if you don't like them though - you could always swap to bull horns or straight bars if you prefer them?

 

[1duck]

Maybe your bike isn't the right size or shape for you. Or maybe the bars just need raising a bit?

I use my drops all the time, especially when making progress on the flat, going down hills, when on it going up hills, or just when it's windy and I want to reduce resistance a bit.

No reason to have drops if you don't like them though - you could always swap to bull horns or straight bars if you prefer them?

it woud ruin the look of my bike! i think you are probably right about raising them a bit...in the mean time i shall just continue wearing out the tape on the top of the bars!

 

[daj]

Maybe your bike isn't the right size or shape for you. Or maybe the bars just need raising a bit?

I use my drops all the time, especially when making progress on the flat, going down hills, when on it going up hills, or just when it's windy and I want to reduce resistance a bit.

No reason to have drops if you don't like them though - you could always swap to bull horns or straight bars if you prefer them?

I have very limited experience of riding road bikes but I can input that I felt the same as you but when I had the hoods and bars set up for me correctly I loved using the drops

 

[retro-rich]

I feel the same

My first drop bar bike I had last year I couldn't get on with the drops, a combination of the frame being slightly too large and me having a glass back, ended up converting it to having trekking bars, which I loved.

However, that bike is now gone and my new bikes both have drops, a Raleigh refurb which would be a shame to replace the bars or even put cross levers on, and a new build tourer which I'm hoping I will find ok with the drops as I'm putting cross levers on and a short 80mm stem and have the steerer uncut to try and give a nice upright position. But if I just can't get used to it I'll flog the nitto bars and sti's and go back to trekking bars again.

You're definitely right about the look of the drops, it looks classy, but I read somewhere it's a uk thing about staying with drops, Europeans care less and happily use trekking or other alternatives.

 

[hamster]

Generally manufacturers and bike shops set drops up for a racing look. However:
1 I'm not 25
2 I'm not paid to be in pain
3 I'm not racing.

If you set them up closer and higher you should find them comfortable, and more importantly, usable. I have drops on my tourer and they are invaluable for bashing into a headwind or downhill, even with 4 panniers and a bar bag.

 

[1duck]

Generally manufacturers and bike shops set drops up for a racing look. However:
1 I'm not 25
2 I'm not paid to be in pain
3 I'm not racing.

If you set them up closer and higher you should find them comfortable, and more importantly, usable. I have drops on my tourer and they are invaluable for bashing into a headwind or downhill, even with 4 panniers and a bar bag.

1) I am 25
2) I get those same pains
3) race? that's the bit where i try to avoid getting squashed by cars at lights yeah?


I've adjusted them a bit now and yeah i think they were just too low...but i definitely couldn't use them downhill thats just a terrifying thought!

 

[hamster]

Once you get used to them you'll find them preferable downhill as the braking feels more positive.

Lots of bikes have huge drops which are only even used by the pros for the last 1km sprint or whatever. Try a set of shallow drops (130-140mm) and a shorter and/or higher stem and you should find them comfortable.

 

[Iwasgoodonce]

I was going to say that the drops won't hurt it is the sudden stop at the bottom! That would be silly of me however, as the Hamster says surely if you aren't on the drops going down hill, aren't your hands further from the brakes?

Before you know where you are you will be decending crouched over the bars with one hand behind your back to disrupt the vortex forming there and robbing you of speed!