Drop handlebars - what is the point of them?

[story]

I don't do pavements.

I rode around on drops for years, but they're maybe not so good when you're jumping curbs and the like.

When I was a courier, I only used drops, and I never used panniers, even when I had them.

It's easier to hang on the pedals at the lights with drops, ime. Lower gravity... fulcrum... or something.

I find drops make it easier to make sharp turns and quick responses.

Panniers changed the centre of gravity of the bike to the back rather than under me, which made quick swerves etc. tricky.

I'm so glad I'm no longer a courier...

 

[tendril]

but shifting all the weight to the rear wheel affects handling more than high a centre of gravity- if you're riding all day with the same weight (touring) then a rack makes sense just to save your back, if you're just nipping around town (couriering) then it's all about a HUGE bag.

plus, in the couple of spills I've had around town, having a rucksack has actually cushioned the fall a little.