On 9 Jul 2004 23:05:55 -0700, [email hidden] (Scott Pointe)
Quoted message said:Quoted message said:
I don't understand the question. Drop bars have made
riding MORE enjoyable for me, at least for road riding.
Same story Luigi. The salesman, wearing a mechanic's apron,
asserted what you were saying: drops equal more positions
but straight bars would be more upright ergo comfiest.
Isolate the variables: Handlebar type and handlebar height.
If you set up drops so that the tops of the drop bars are at
the same level that a pair of flat handlebars would be,
"uprightness" becomes moot--on the tops, you're now just as
upright as you would be riding on flat bars.
Ah, but you don't ride drops on the tops--of course. But
bear me out. The brake lever hoods, on which you do much of
your riding, are now at around the same level that the bar-
end extensions of a mountainbike would be. And from here,
you can brake...and, with ergopower or STI, shift!
There are also an awful lot of "flat-barred road bikes"--the
term for sportier hybrids these days, I guess--out there,
with flat handlebars set down low. The net effect is to put
your hands into the position that they'd be if you were
riding on the drops--without the benefit of being able to
get up to the hoods or the tops.
I accept that comfort on the bicycle is a highly subjective
and personal thing, but if it's one thing I hate seeing
perpetuated is this fiction that drop bars are ALWAYS
uncomfortable. They are NOT torture devices--they were
designed, over many years, with the input of many riders, to
serve a distinct purpose: staying comfortable and efficient
over many miles and hours in the saddle.
If you really desire the "sit up and beg", bolt-upright
position, get yourself a pair of riser bars, or even old
North Road pattern handlebars (you know, like the ones on
old Raleigh 3-speeds). Flat bars have some advantages in
traffic: 1) easy to keep your head up and eyes on the road.
2) easier in stop-and-go traffic situations.
3) easier to lift the front wheel or otherwise manhandle the
bike over minor obstacles.
If you're on the bike for more than, say, two hours at a
stretch, drops are a good bet. Flat bars are all right (some
would say preferable) in traffic.
Quoted message said:Yes this is the crux. I'm having trouble finding good
brands used. I've tried Potter's House (equivalent to
Salvation Army), the Habitat for Humanity Re:Store, flea
markets, Student Center and Downtown kiosks, and most
Georgia trader magazines, including papers, not like I
have a black-belt in shopping. If I could find a Giant
Iguana I'd be happy or a nice Cannondale for $150 would
be exceptional. I've been looking about two weeks and
this Mongoose caught my eye 😉 -peace, Scott
H'm.
Used bikeshopping is a weird experience. Sometimes, just the
thing you need falls into your hands at once. Other
times...well.
I was in a similar position a few years ago, actually,
looking to repair an old bike, or get another used road
bike. After letting me look around his shop, one used-bike
dealer in my area--a kindly, older, Vietnamese fellow--
clapped me on the shoulder in a friendly way and said:
"You're a strong young man. You deserve a NEW bike!"
At US$ 200, you're already beginning to creep into the low
end of proper bike-shop bikes...which may end up suiting
your needs better.
My dad bought a Fuji Supreme hybrid for about that much
money a couple of years back. It's a fine bicycle--he
doesn't ride it nearly as much as he should, and it
would make a great commuter for a student. Plenty of
rack and fender clearance, reasonable gearing, "sit up
and beg" geometry.
OK, it's not a full-blown, all-Campagnolo (I refuse to say
"campy."😉 road racer. But you're not a road racer, either.
Buy the bike that suits you and your uses. There will
always be time to buy yourself the road racer, when you're
ready for it.
-Luigi
