Anyone using them? Advantages? Disadvantages?
It seems like you lose that straightened out section below the shifters and before the ends of the bars. More of a continuous curve. Do compact vs. regular bars serve one type of rider better than another? Just a personal preference thing?
I’ve been using a set of FSA SLK compacts all season and love them. More comfortable in the drops. Easier on my back (long torso).
I think that the compact road bars are pretty much the same as what is called shallow drops or Italian bars. They have been around for a long time. This is what I ride and love it. The ergonomic bend is one of the wost idea in cycling. I feel much better on round shaped bars.
The compact FSA bar might have a slightly shorter reach that say a deda newton or deda 215 shallow drop. But I think it is close.
The advantage for a tri geek is to ride the hoods in a more aero position w/o effecting your drop position. Not Lance equipment, but certainly Euro style…