Gravel bikes changed cycling, and when they started getting popular, we were introduced to lots of new technology that we didn’t know was on the way. Groupsets and new types of tires came out rapidly, but one of the best things to be released was Gravel Bars.
Gravel bars are one of the coolest parts of a gravel bike and are commonly known as flared drop bars. They can help a gravel rider’s performance and inspire confidence with the wider stance. In this article, were going to be discussing:
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What Makes A Gravel Handlebar Different?
Many people think gravel specific handlebars are the same as road bike traditional drop bars. Although very similar, they are completely different. Gravel bike handlebars are made for mixed surface riding so have to be a little more versatile.
The big difference comes in how when they return back on themselves, they actually flare outwards to the side. This means not only do your shifters come out at an angle, but you have a much wider stance when down in the drops.
The amount of flare comes in many different sizes. You can see it as low as 5 degrees or as much as 30 degrees. Typically the more control you want for rough terrain, the more degrees you should aim for.
The best gravel handlebars will suit an off-road riding style and also give you a nice road feel with lots of hand positions.
Related Reading: Gravel Bike vs Road Bike
Gravel Handlebars Quick Picks
| Manufacturer/Name | Material | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pro Discover | Aluminum | 255g | Check Price Now |
| On-One Midge | Aluminum | 255g | Check Price Now |
| Salsa Woodchipper | Carbon | 250g | Check Price Now |
| Oyster Bar | Aluminum | N/A | Check Price Now |
| Red Shift Kitchen Sink | Aluminum | 430g | Check Price Now |
| Hover Alloy | Aluminum | N/A | Check Price Now |
Advantages Of Gravel Handlebars
Wider Stance
The first thing to mention is the wider stance you get from gravel handlebars. This makes control so much easier as the wider base allows the rider to move around and balance the bike correctly.
Less Aggressive
Typically gravel bars tend to drop down less than road bars which does make them much less aggressive. You can get into the drops without putting too much pressure on the back and the hips, like road bike handlebars.
Very Comfortable
Many riders find they get a lot more comfort when using gravel bars. Interestingly, they angle your shifters, which changes the pressure point on your hands. This can add a lot of comfort for the user and does feel nice on your hands.
Disadvantages Of Gravel Handlebars
Less Aerodynamic
Gravel bike handlebars are much wider, and because of this, you do lose aerodynamics. It’s not by much but to a day to day rider, but a seasoned professional would notice a big difference.
The Shifter Angle Isn’t For Everyone
Although we see the gravel riding shifter angle as an advantage, it isn’t for everyone. Many riders prefer it, but many don’t enjoy them being on their side.
Can You Put Flat Handlebars On A Gravel Bike?
There are a lot of different opinions when it comes to what makes a gravel bike. Is it the drop bars, wide tires, relaxed geometry, or even flared bars? In our opinion, essentially, it’s a bike that is designed to be ridden on dusty gravel roads.
There are many gravel bikes available that have flat bars. A wide variety of cyclists prefer them, and we totally understand that. Flat bars give a gravel bike a lot more off-road ability and can increase comfort for many riders.
It can be more challenging than you might think if you want to lose the drop bars and replace them with flat bars. The reason is not only will the bars need to change, but you will also need brake levers and shifters too.
Then you have geometry. Flat bars will completely change the geometry to a much more upright position that could be too cramped. Sometimes it’s worth investing in a flat bar gravel bike and selling your drop bar bike. Although it sounds like a lot of hassle, it’s the right way to do it.
Related Reading: How to Convert a Mountain Bike to a Gravel Bike
Best Gravel Bike Handlebars
Gravel bars come in all shapes and sizes and you have many flared drop bar options. Here are our recommendations. We have many different types here, alongside some bars you might not have even known existed.
Pro Discover Gravel Bars
Pro is a sister company of Shimano, and they are known for producing the same quality, which is a very high standard. These alloy bars are an excellent example of a good value for money component you buy to last year after year.
The Pro Discover Gravel Bars are made of aluminum and incredibly strong with a light weight of 255g. You get either a small or a wide flare option, and they even come with flat tops for added comfort when being ridden. They are one of the best all round gravel bike handlebars.
Features
- Strong Aluminum Material
- Comes In Two Different Flare Sizes
- Good Value For Money
- Lightweight at 255g
- Egro top for comfort
Specifications
Weight: 255g
Material: Aluminum
Cost: $89
Flare: 12 Degrees
Drop: 115
On-One Midge Gravel Bars
The On-One Midge gravel bars are very unique but a huge amount of fun to ride with. They come from a company called Planet X, which makes very budget-friendly components and bikes in the UK.
Coming in at 299g, they are heavy, but they also have a lot more material to them. Being a huge 55cm wide and having a crazy flare, we expected it. They come with a sleek black finish and a price tag of $40. They are incredible value and turn heads on the trails.
Features
- Strong Aluminum Material
- Wide Flare
- Excellent Value For Money
- Lightweight at 299g
- Slick black finish
Specifications
Weight: 255g
Material: Aluminum
Cost: $40
Flare: 113 Degrees (At Ends)
Drop: 112
Salsa Woodchipper Carbon
Salsa is a big name in off-road riding, and they have produced some incredible bikes, such as the Cutthroat. When they release a component, you know it’s probably excellent and more than likely has had a lot of research and development before it left the factory.
The Woodchipper carbon are gravel bike handlebars like no other. They have tops like a typical road handlebar but a huge flare at the bottom. These are perfect for a road bike feel but offer amazing off-road ability when in the drops. They are incredibly lightweight at 230g and are a carbon bars, so very stiff too.
Features
- Lightweight Carbon Fiber Material
- Wide Unique Flare
- Incredibly stiff and responsive
- Very lightweight at 230g
- Mat black finish
Specifications
Weight: 230g
Material: Carbon
Cost: $240
Flare: 25 Degrees
Drop: 114
Related Reading: Gravel Bike vs Hybrid Bike
The Oyster Bar
The Oyster Bar is made by a company called the Clark Ave Company. They definitely got a lot of people speaking as there is nothing like them on the market. They are a combination of a flat bar like a mountain bike and a drop gravel bar combined together.
There’s not a huge amount of information on their website about these bars, and they are currently only for pre-order, so we are even struggling to get a set which is surprising. We think they are onto something with the design and ideal if you want to tackle tough trails on your gravel bike.
Features
- Lightweight aluminum material
- Wide stance
- Mat black finish
- Mountain bike handlebars option
Specifications
Weight: Unknown
Material: Aluminum
Cost: Unknown
Flare: 60 Degrees
Drop: 120
Red Shift Kitchen Sink Handlebars
Red Shift is a company that has made a lot of incredibly unique products over the past decade. They made seat posts that can shift forward and back when riding, and even suspension stems. The Kitchen Sink Gravel Handlebars were by far our favorite of their range.
The Kitchen Sink is a large gravel bar and comes in many versions. The one we are most interested in is the aero bar version. This gives the rider a different position and offers a place to store your Garmin and supplies with their add-on handlebar bags. It’s not the lightest setup at 480g, but they offer a solid solution for many riders and bikepackers.
Features
- Aluminum
- Gravel bars with aero bars included
- 20mm rise for comfort
- Mat black finish
Specifications
Weight: 480g
Material: Aluminum
Cost: $200 – $300
Flare: 25 Degrees
Drop: 110
Hover Alloy Handlebars
The Hover Alloy Handlebars are a creation of Specialized, and they come in both an expert and an S Works version. We believe the best value for money is the expert coming in at around $55. Although they might look just like other gravel bars on this list, they hold many differences over others here.
The first thing to mention is they are a very short drop of only 103mm. This means the difference between the tops and the drops is very small, keeping it comfortable in both positions. You also get a small rise when you are at the tops to add further comfort. Coming in with a 12-degree flare, they have a good mix of aerodynamics and control.
Features
- Aluminum
- Gravel bars with 15mm rise
- Amazing value for money
- Mat black finish
Specifications
Weight: Unknown
Material: Aluminum
Cost: $55
Flare: 12 Degrees
Drop: 103
Some epic other bars that didn’t make the list you might want to check out are:
Related Reading: Best Steel Gravel Bikes
How Do I Choose A Gravel Bike Handlebar?
Our amazing readers often ask us about picking the right gravel bike handlebars. It can be very challenging as there’s not really a rule book on what to pick, and going for the set that will make your bike look the coolest isn’t ideal. Here are the questions you need to be asking yourself:
Budget
Gravel bike handlebars differ greatly in price, and you can get some for as little as $40 and others for as much as $300. The more you spend might give you a lighter bar with a slicker design, but you will still get an amazing experience from a cheaper bar. We recommend having a budget and not being scared of a cheaper alloy bar.
Are They The Right Size For You?
Not only do gravel bike bars come in all shapes, but they also come in different sizes. Depending on your shoulder width and what a bike fitter recommends, you will need the correct size for you. Never compromise with the next size up or down. It never ends well.
Will It Fit Your Bike?
They make gravel handlebars with unique sizes, and the last thing you want to do is end up ordering the wrong size for you and having to return them. Double-check the size of the bars you have with what you’re replacing them with.
Mainly Off-Road or Mainly Road?
Suppose you plan to spend the majority of time off-road and like being technically challenged on your rides. Then you will want to use a wide gravel handlebar with a shallow drop and a big flaring. In contrast, a narrower bar with a long drop and minimal flaring is better if you are mainly on the road.
Are Gravel Handlebars Worth It?
Gravel bars, although they may look very similar to road bike drop bars they, are very different. Are they worth having? 100%! They give you so much more control and are very comfortable to ride with.
Read More: 6 Best Gravel Bike Carbon Wheels