What’s the difference between road & gravel bike handlebars?
If you're looking for better control and stability when you're off-road cycling, you might want to upgrade from a traditional road handlebar to an off-road drop bar.
The main difference between road and gravel bike handlebars is the flare of the drops. Standard road bike handlebars are designed to optimize speed and efficiency. In contrast, wider handlebars with outward flaring drops offer better control over the bike.
An increased bar width can create a more comfortable position for most people, especially mountain bikers, and can add stability and leverage while climbing and descending in the hoods. When navigating steep, loose, off-camber, or more technical surfaces, most people keep their hands in the drops. Shallower, flared, and outswept drop extensions offer more control in this position.
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Here are the important measurements for gravel handlebar:
- FLARE refers to the angle at which the drops rotate outwards on an axis that runs parallel to the hoods, from front to back. Flare is considered beneficial since it causes your hands to spread wider in the drops, which better positions them for bracing and provides greater control on rough terrain.
- REACH refers to the distance between the handlebar and stem clamp area. A longer reach (>80mm) when in the drop position puts the rider in a more aggressive and aerodynamic stance, which is suitable for higher speeds. On the other hand, a shorter reach (<75mm) is more comfortable and provides better control when riding on off-road and dirt surfaces. Below 80 mm is considered a short, 85 mm is middle, over 90 is considered a long reach. 70 mm and 100 mm being extreme values.
- DROP is the distance from the horizontal stem clamp area to the bottom of the bar's drop extension. A larger drop (>120mm) will bring the rider into a more aerodynamic position, while a shallower drop (<120mm) may be more comfortable and easier to transition in and out of. Additionally, it's important to note that many modern gravel bars have a less rounded "hook" shape to create a dominant drop grip. Drop under 125 mm is considered shallow, 130 mm is middle, while over 135 is a deep drop.
- WIDTH is the distance from hood to hood. Some brands list this at the outer edges, which would make the bar narrower than a bar with the same figure as measured C to C, so double check how they measure.
How much flare is best?
The answer to whether you should choose wider or narrower handlebars for your gravel bike depends on your riding habits. If you prefer wider handlebars, your hands will be further apart when you are riding in the drops. This will give you more leverage over the front wheel, which can help you maintain better control. However, wider handlebars may not be as comfortable for long rides as they can cause hand fatigue.
If you tend to ride on more challenging terrains with short descents, wider handlebars may be a good option for you. They will provide you with better control over the bike, which is essential in such situations. However, if you prefer to ride on smoother terrains with high speeds and long descents, narrower handlebars may be a better choice. They will help you maintain a more comfortable position and be more aerodynamic, allowing you to spend more time in the drops.
What width handlebars should I get?
When choosing handlebars for your gravel bike, it is recommended to go for the same size or one size wider than your road bike. For instance, if your road bike has a 42, you can opt for a 42 or 44. The extra width will provide more space, making it more comfortable to ride. Additionally, the extra width in the drops will enhance handling, allowing you to ride more aggressively.
A narrower drop bar offers aerodynamic benefits as it puts the rider in a tighter position. A wider drop bar results in a more stable ride quality and makes the bike easier to control.
It is important to be aware of the flare, which can increase the total width by 50mm or more. Therefore, if you frequently ride your gravel bike on singletrack or through tight spaces, you should pay attention to the measurement.
If you intend to build a gravel bike specifically for racing, you can stick to the same width as your road bike. It will make you more aerodynamic when you are narrower.
However, it's possible to go too wide. If your hands are too far out from under your shoulders, then you will use extra energy to support yourself, which will tire you out sooner.
Shape Of Drops
- Traditional Drop Bars: Long reach and a deep drop, traditional (or classic) drop bars have largely gone out of favor in recent years as many riders find it hard to use them effectively.
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Compact Drop Bars: Compact drop bars have a short reach and a shallow drop, allowing for quick transition among different contact points and a smoother ride quality.
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Ergonomic Drop Bars: ergonomic shaping of the top and drop sections, ergonomic drop bars are designed to ensure maximum hand comfort in various hand positions for longer rides.
Standard Drops VS Compact Drops
Enter compact drops. As the name suggests, they feature a more compacted design with shallower drops and a shorter reach to the hoods. This "moderndrop" style aims to provide comparable hand positioning options in a more comfortable, user-friendly package.
While both handlebar types still see widespread use, compact drops have gained popularity in recent years. Their ergonomics appeal to recreational and newer riders who value versatility and ease of access over pure variety of positions. Meanwhile, racers and endurance specialists still flock to standard drops for their deeply engrained hand positions.
When choosing between standard and compact drops, factors like flexibility, preferred riding position, and hand size all come into play. Let's examine the key attributes and suitability of each type so you can select the best handlebar match for your riding needs and style.
Image credit: ENVE
Riding Handlebar Positions
Mastering various handlebar positions is key to optimizing comfort and control on every ride. From aggressive sprints to endurance hours in the saddle, shifting your body angle and weight distribution can make all the difference.
All bicycles feature three basic handlebar positions - the hoods, the drops, and the tops. Experimenting with these hand placements will improve your bike-handling skill and allow you to tackle different terrain with ease.
Riding on the hoods is the default mid-position suitable for general cruising. It provides an upright yet aerodynamic spine angle with easy brake and shift access. The hoods are ideal when rolling on flat roads or climbing gentle grades.
Ready for speed? Slide down into the drops for an arrow-like pose perfect for sprinting or descending fast. This position offers the lowest wind-cheating profile and full control from integrated brake hoods. Just be aware of reduced visibility directly in front of the bike.
Craving a break from lower positions? Switching to the tops relaxes the back while maintaining an aero-friendly chest placement. The tops work well for casual cruising, coasting downhill, or scouting the road ahead from a height-adjusted viewpoint.
Mastering when and how to use each handlebar position takes practice. But varying your hand placement will deliver huge benefits like decreased fatigue, optimized pedal power, and smoother handling in various conditions. With experimentation comes comfort and control for any route.
Carbon Fiber vs. Aluminum Handlebars
Carbon fiber has several advantages over alloy, the most prominent being lower weight. By switching to carbon handlebars, you can save up to 40-50 grams.
Another advantage of carbon is its ability to reduce vibration. Aluminum easily transmits road vibrations, but carbon handles it better, which reduces the buzz that reaches your hands.
Weight and vibration are not the only benefits of carbon fiber bike frames. There are other subtle advantages as well. Carbon fiber allows for the creation of complex shapes and the tuning of flex very precisely. This enables the creation of aero-optimized profiles. Even if you are not overly concerned about weight, it is worth considering carbon fiber.
Can I use gravel handlebars on my road bike?
Gravel handlebars can provide extra comfort to most cyclists, regardless of the type of bike they use. Even if you have a road bike, it's worth considering a gravel handlebar design for added comfort. Don't feel bound by labels or rules.
For more information about road bike handlebars, please refer to the road bike handlebar guide.