What’s the difference between road & gravel bike handlebars?
You could wish to go from a conventional road handlebar to an off-road drop bar if you're seeking improved control and stability when off-road cycling.
The flare of the drops defines the road from gravel bike handlebars mostly. Designed to maximize speed and efficiency, standard road bike handlebars Conversely, wider handlebars with outward flaring drops provide better bike control.
For most people, including mountain bikers, a wider bar can provide a more comfortable posture and enhance stability and leverage while climbing and descending in the hoods. Most people retain their hands in the drops when negotiating steep, loose, off-camber, or more challenging surfaces. From this posture, shallower, flared, and outswept drop extensions provide more control.
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Here are the important measurements for gravel handlebar:
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From front to rear, FLARE is the angle the drops rotate outward on an axis running parallel to the hoods. Flare is said to be good since it helps your hands to spread wider in the drops, improving their position for bracing and offering more control on uneven ground.
- REACH is the area between the stem clamp and handlebar. In the drop position, a longer reach (>80mm) forces the rider in a more aggressive and aerodynamic stance fit for greater speeds. On the other hand, riding on off-road and dirt terrain finds a shorter reach (<75mm) more comfortable and offers better control. A short is under 80 mm; a middle is 85 mm; a long reach is over 90 mm. Extreme values are seventy-mm and one hundred-mm.
- DROP is the drop extension of the bar from the horizontal stem clamp area to its bottom. A shallower drop (<120mm) may be more comfortable and simpler to transition in and out of; a greater drop (>120mm) will bring the rider into a more aerodynamic posture. Many contemporary gravel bars also have a less rounded "hook" form to produce a strong drop hold. Considered shallow is a drop under 125 mm; intermediate is 130 mm; a deep drop is over 135.
- WIDTH is the distance between hoods. Double check how they measure; some brands mention this at the outside margins, which would make the bar smaller than a bar with the same value as measured C to C.
How much flare is best?
Your riding style will determine whether you should go with broader or narrower handlebars for your gravel bike. Your hands will be further apart when riding in the drops if you choose wider handlebars. This will increase your front wheel leverage, thereby enabling you to keep better control. Wider handlebars could, however, not be as comfortable for lengthy rides since they create hand tiredness.
Wider handlebars would be a suitable fit for you if you usually ride on more difficult terrain with short descents. Better control over the bike will help you in such circumstances since it is really necessary. Narrower handlebars would be a better fit, though, if you would want to ride on flatter terrain with high speeds and long descents. Their more aerodynamic nature and ability to aid you in keeping a more comfortable posture will enable you to spend more time in the drops.
What width handlebars should I get?
Choose handlebars for your dirt bike either one size broader than your road bike or exactly the same size. If your road bike has a 42, for example, you might choose a 42 or 44. More space will be created by the greater breadth, improving riding comfort. The additional width in the drops will also improve handling, therefore enabling more aggressive riding.
As it forces the rider into a closer posture, a smaller drop bar provides aerodynamic advantages. A more stable ride experience and greater bike handling follow from a wider drop bar.
One should be cautious of the flare, which can widen the whole area by at least 50 mm. You should thus pay attention to the measurement if you regularly ride your gravel bike on singletrack or over confined areas.
You can stay to the same width as your road bike if you want to create a gravel bike, especially for racing. Being narrower will help you to be more aerodynamic.
Still, one can wander too far. Your hands will be too far apart from beneath your shoulders; hence, you will require more effort to support yourself, which will wear you out sooner.
Shape Of Drops
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Long reach and a deep drop—traditional, or classic, drop bars have mostly lost appeal in recent years since many riders find them difficult to utilize efficiently.
- Compact drop bars provide a shallow drop and a limited reach that enables rapid transition among several contact points and a better ride experience.
- Ergonomic drop bars are made to guarantee maximum hand comfort in several hand positions for extended rides by means of top and drop section ergonomic shaping.
Standard Drops VS Compact Drops
For decades, standard drops—also known as classic drops—have been the road bike convention. Deep drop parts in them offer several hand positions for long rides. Some, however, find normal drops overly stretched out, which makes it impossible to reach the brake hoods or drops from the tops.
Now add little drips. They have a shorter reach to the hoods and a more compacted design with shallower drops, as the name would imply. This "moderndrop" style seeks to give reasonably comfortable, user-friendly hand positioning choices in a more affordable form.
Although both types of handlebars are still somewhat common, little drops have lately become rather fashionable. Recreational and younger riders who favor flexibility and simplicity of access over a pure variety of positions will find their ergonomics appealing. For their well-ingrained hand placements, racers and endurance experts still swarm to traditional drops.
Between regular and compact drops, considerations including flexibility, preferred riding posture, and hand size all influence choice. Let's look at the main features and fit of every type so you may choose the finest handlebar match for your riding style and need.
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.
Three basic handlebar positions—the hoods, the drops, and the tops—rule all bicycles. By experimenting with these hand locations, you will increase your bike-handling ability and enable easy tackling of various terrain.
The default mid-position appropriate for general cruise is riding on the hoods. It offers simple brake and shift access together with an upright but aerodynamic spine angle. When cruising on level roads or climbing mild gradients, the hoods are perfect.
All set for acceleration? For an arrow-like stance ideal for sprinting or fast descent, slide down into the drops. This stance provides complete control via integrated brake hoods and the lowest wind-cheating profile. Just be cautious of diminished view just ahead of the bike.
Wanting a change from lower roles? Turning to the tops keeps the chest in a good aero-friendly shape while relaxing the back. For relaxed cruising, coasting downhill, or scouting the road ahead from a height-adjusted perspective, the tops perform nicely.
Learning when and how to apply every hand position requires time. On the other side, changing your hand position will have great advantages, including less tiredness, more pedal power, and smoother handling in different conditions. Through experimenting comes comfort and control for every path.
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.
