Dear Richard: 
 RG>  Steven why don't you change the handle bars on your bike from 
 RG> staight upright bars to road racing types. It is easy to do and the 
 RG> expense is not very much. It would be much more comfortable during 
 RG> long distances than your present set up. 
There are a few reasons.  First, I find the straight bar with bar ends and 
Lizard Skin bar end grips to be fairly comfortable.  I've owned bikes with 
dropped bars before and find that I can't use the drops all that much.  I 
wear glasses and when I'm hunkered down, I end up looking through the top 
of my frames which is not safe for me.
Second, I'm not sure of the time and hassle involved.  Changing the bar 
would all have to be done in Japanese and I would need:
- the bar (and stem?) 
- tape 
- new brake levers and shifters; I've gotten used to the GripShift system 
with the shift mechanism near my hand and want a combined brake/shifter 
and will not go back to shifters on the down tube.  There's one called the 
Shimano STI that is compatible with a triple chainring.  
I have no idea what that would cost here, given that parts can cost up to 
twice what they sell for in North America.  Labour is also not included in 
the estimate.  For what it might cost me, it might be easier to sell the 
old bike and just buy a new one.
OTOH, asking my Bike Shop Guy what it might cost is free.  The next time I 
go in, I'll ask him for an estimate.  I'll keep you posted.
Tailwinds to you,
Steve
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