Drop-bar MTBs on gravel: great idea or hard pass?

As gravel bikes drift ever closer to mountain bikes in many regards, some riders are using straight up mountain bikes with drop bars for certain races. Is this a good idea? My answer is: it depends, but mostly no. You do you. Some Jacquie Phelan stories and interviews: https://www.cxmagazine.com/jacquie-phelan-first-legendary-drop-bar-mountain-bike-racer https://www.rei.com/blog/cycle/mountain-biking-visionary-jacquie-phelan-reflects-on-30-years-of-never-taking-the-sport-too-seriously https://bikeleague.org/a-conversation-with-jacquie-phelan/ -- Want to see what I'm testing and where? Follow me on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/ben-delaney or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_delaney -- The Ride is supported in 2025 by: Castelli clothing: https://www.castelli-cycling.com/US/en/ HOVERAir self-flying cameras: https://amzn.to/3ZCzb9V Perc coffee: https://tinyurl.com/fjr7nurr (save 15% with code 'ride15') Saris racks: https://saris.com/collections/racks# (save 15% with code 'ben15') Silca maintenance: https://bit.ly/47xxvzj (save 10% with code 'theridewithbenjune2025') BikeTiresDirect: https://tinyurl.com/yc7vxujh (save 10% with code 'THERIDE') The Cyclist Lawyer: https://www.thecyclist-lawyer.com/ Shimano shoes & glasses: http://tinyurl.com/ye274tep Feedback Sports stands & tools: https://bit.ly/3S9Dq8r