bike - straight, drop or butterfly

Antonio was happy with his drops.

These suit the lightly loaded speed demons. Great for heading into the wind. Head down, arse up type riding. (There is an issue with riding with this style of bar over rough dirt roads: the brakes are fitted in an odd location that may not be easy to access in an emergency.)

Sebastien was happy with his butterfly bar. 27 different hand positions he claimed. The ideal trekking bar.

I’m happy with my straight bar. It’s a more natural riding position. Upright there’s less strain on the neck. But I was happier when I found the Ergon paddle shaped grips. These spread the stress on hands and help avoid the old carpal tunnel syndrome. I chucked the bar ends away then. Access to the brakes is immediate.

One thing for sure: everyone’s happy with their bars.