How does that upsweep on the Nitto tops work, it seems counterintuitive, as if it would cause an elbows out stance?
Hi Ian!
You've stated things well. I'd be absolutely lost without my (shallow) drops!
As for the Nitto upsweep, it certanly encourages elbow bending, but more inline and not so much out, counterintuitive as that might seem. The brake levers are also flared, so the wrist angle is very comfortable as well. I often find myself riding on that upsweep, just back of the brake hoods. It adds a little bit of height and just feels "right". A very hard-to-describe handlebar, but very comfortable in practice.
I find riding on the tops with thumbs touching the stem and arms in front of body to be more aero and comfortable than the drops in practice.
I have another for you, though I'm almost reluctant to share it, seeing as how it came from Danneaux's Misspent Youth when immortality was assured
and he laughed in the face of Danger -- ha!
<ahem>
If one chooses a 45cm c-t Nitto Randonneur 'bar (the one that measures 37cm at the brake hoods, c-t) and uses care, it is possible on
smooth and flat roads to place one's forearms (just ahead of the elbow) atop the brake hoods and clasp the fingers of both hands together, effectively wedging said forearms into a "phantom" facsimile of pursuit 'bars. It works a treat and makes for a very easy-to-maintain flat-backed aero position that can be held for close to 100km at a time. Of course, the brakes aren't accessible until you break position and shifting requires the same. Steering is accomplished by leaning.
Mature Dan reckons this is a Very Dangerous Practice and so should not be attempted 
hence this well-meant "warning" for others to avoid trying 
else tragedy could result in the space of a moment. 
.
All the best,
Dan. (...who shudders to think how he once used to routinely side-draft [ride in the bow-wake of] city buses to shave seconds off his daily commute time-trial
)
