Transition to Drop Bars - Questions
Ive been riding a flat-bar fitness hybrid for four years, and Im considering replacing it with a drop-bar gravel bike, primarily for the more natural hand position the hoods offer. My local shops dont have many available to test ride, but the few rides Ive been able to try have left me with a few questions about drop-bar shifters.
I tested a Fuji Jari with 1x11 SRAM gearing. I really like the idea of a 1x, but it may be out of my price range. I definitely liked the SRAM shifters. I understand why some people wouldnt, but the one-lever system felt simpler to use and easier to reach.
I also tested a Giant ToughRoad with 2x8 Shimano gearing. I probably wouldnt go with an 8-speed, but it was all the shop had available to try. Besides not liking the Shimano shifters as well, I also found it difficult to shift from the small chain right to the large one on the front, presumably because of the larger jump than Im used to on my current 26/36/48 triple.
So my questions are:
1) Is that difficulty normal when transitioning from flat bars to drop bars, and is it something most people get used to after a while?
2) Would the difficultly be about the same with SRAM shifters vs. Shimano, or would the nature of SRAM shifters make it a little easier?
I tested a Fuji Jari with 1x11 SRAM gearing. I really like the idea of a 1x, but it may be out of my price range. I definitely liked the SRAM shifters. I understand why some people wouldnt, but the one-lever system felt simpler to use and easier to reach.
I also tested a Giant ToughRoad with 2x8 Shimano gearing. I probably wouldnt go with an 8-speed, but it was all the shop had available to try. Besides not liking the Shimano shifters as well, I also found it difficult to shift from the small chain right to the large one on the front, presumably because of the larger jump than Im used to on my current 26/36/48 triple.
So my questions are:
1) Is that difficulty normal when transitioning from flat bars to drop bars, and is it something most people get used to after a while?
2) Would the difficultly be about the same with SRAM shifters vs. Shimano, or would the nature of SRAM shifters make it a little easier?