Merry Christmas! (and a question)

[Dennis]

I am going to be turning my trusty old Trek 930 rigid bike into a loaded touring bike.
any ideas on whether I should go with drop bars or flat bars?
I was originally thinking of using drop bars with STI shifters, but lately I've been thinking that flat bars might be a bit more comfortable for long hours in the saddle. speed is not that big a consideration.
with front/rear panniers, I think an average speed of 10-15 mph (depending on terrain) is all that I will be doing.
thanks for the input, and Merry Christmas everyone!
 

[smiley=groucho.gif]

[jimbo]

Interesting read on touring bikes including bar answers:

http://www.cyclingsite.com/collected_wisdom/what_to_take/bikes/touring.htm

[kiwi]

flats but have some bar ends......gives you options on hand position and also if you do some off road touring ...... [smiley=nod.gif]

[Scott]

I ride my Oz on the highway to train.  The drops are missed on every descent so I'd consider them a worthy choice on a touring bike-just buy a wide set so the flats serve you as well as my 21" wide XC bars in addition to having the fast tuck option.

[tmaybee]

Merry Christmas!    [smiley=beer.gif] [smiley=beer.gif] [smiley=beer.gif]

[pedro]

Merry christmas!!!!!!!!!

[Matno]

Drop bar - hands down winner!

But seriously, having done some long range touring on both drops and flats, I'd have to say you'd be crazy to use flats. The wind resistance from sitting upright will KILL you! Multiple hand positions are a must as well. In fact, I won't tour without my aerobars. They can be a real life-saver (pretty much takes all the strain off your back and arms when you need a break).

Also, I think a more upright position is actually HARDER on your back in the long run. Less spine compression or something, but it seems to hold true.

Smaller tires are important too. I think 700x25's or 700x28's are ideal for road touring. On 26" wheels, probably 1.5" or less would be best. I did my trip this past summer on 700x23's with about 35 pounds of gear. Of course, I'm a lightweight myself, but the ride was smooth and fast. Only 370 miles though.

Just my two cents.