How much faster when using drops How much faster would a person on a road bike go when using drop handlebars in drop position vs. using flat handlebars? Assume that the power output is the same in either case and that one is going on long stretches (as opposed to commuting).
BikeCalculator attempts to quantify these different positions. I find it tends to overestimate speeds a bit (probably thinks all roads surfaces are smooth/good).
In my experience you gain about 0.5mph for each of these position shifts:
Flatbar -&gt; Tops of drop bar (narrower hands) -&gt; hoods -&gt; drops -&gt; aero hoods (flat forearms) -&gt; puppy paws (forearms on the tops)