New Bike to My Bike?

[whosadam]

To set the scene. I just bought a Tour de Fer with the intention of cycling through Europe and beyond, with my partner, every summer for the rest of time.

Today was its second ride, the first a 40mile round trip to Loch Lomond, the ride today was shorter in distance but the path was much choppier. At points i was imagining how this bike feels different to ones before - all aluminium mtb geometry frames. I started to feel the steel soaking up the bumps and being my first steel frame I now understand that saying 'steel is real' STEEL!
The gearing seems strong on hills and it maintains nice speed with little effort on flat it shifts and I imagine performs well when heavy.

I'll get to the point of this thread now,
As well as my first steel bike its also my first drop bar ride - what im wondering is how to adjust my seat and bars for the comfiest ride. (not mechanically, but ergonomically)
Do you set yours in a particular way to fit you and how come? I do know that many people dont like drop bars on their touring bikes so i am of course,open to suggestions to try other types!

+ any other little personalizations you have to your bike I would love to see them.
Thats what makes a bike!

I cant wait to take her over a mountain!

 

[Gravity Aided]

You might have a look at trekking bars and see what you think. I've replaced the drop bars on my tourer with trekking bars, at least until I can acquire brifters that work, or fix the present ones. Mostly I did this for the more upright ride, longer throw brake levers, and bar space for lights, bag, etc. I agree with you on the ride of steel bikes, especially the well made ones. They flex over the bumps and holes in the road, and provide a resilient ride.