As cycling evolves, so does the equipment, especially for the growing number of riders venturing off-pavement on “road” bikes. Among the components undergoing rapid innovation, drop handlebars—often referred to as flared drop bars, gravel bars, or dirt-drops—stand out. The sheer variety of options can be overwhelming, but understanding the nuances is key to optimizing your ride. This guide will clarify the terminology, differentiate between handlebar types, and explore the advantages each offers for gravel cyclists.
Why Gravel Bars Enhance Your Ride
Upgrading to gravel-specific handlebars from traditional road bars primarily boosts control and stability. Wider bars with flared drops provide a more natural hand position, especially for those with mountain biking backgrounds. This increased width enhances leverage and stability, particularly when climbing and descending while gripping the hoods. For technical terrain, steep descents, or loose surfaces, riders often rely on the drops. Gravel bars with shallower, flared, and outswept drop extensions provide superior control in these demanding situations.
Logan Watts Author Photo
A Look Back at Dirt Drop and Gravel Bar History
The concept of gravel handlebars originated in the 1980s with early mountain bikers adapting road bikes for off-road adventures. Recognizing the limitations of narrow road bars and uncomfortable hoods, they sought greater leverage and stability in the drops. This led to early modifications, bending road bar drops outwards—pioneering the concept of flare.
The innovation progressed with collaborations like WTB and Specialized, who introduced the RM-2, a groundbreaking wing-shaped dirt-drop handlebar. Although ahead of its time and discontinued in the early 90s, the RM-2 became a legendary, sought-after item. The UK-based On-One Midge Bar later sustained interest in this niche.
A significant shift occurred in 2009 with the Salsa Woodchipper, marking the start of the modern gravel bar era. Gravel bars emerged as a balanced evolution, bridging the gap between radical dirt-drops and conventional road handlebars. Since then, the market has exploded, offering numerous designs with continuous advancements and refinements.
Understanding the Measurements of Flared Drop Bars
Flare is the defining characteristic differentiating gravel and dirt drop bars from standard road handlebars. It’s measured as the angle at which the drop flares outward from the top of the bar, at the point where the drop begins to curve. A significant flare, like 29°, creates a noticeably wider drop position compared to traditional road bars with 0° flare, where the drops are vertically aligned. Flare should not be confused with outsweep, which refers to the outward angle of the drop extension itself, below the brake lever mount, rather than the overall rotation of the drop.
Image: A detailed diagram illustrating how handlebar flare is measured, highlighting the angle between the top of the bar and the flared drop section, crucial for understanding gravel handlebar geometry.
Bar Width Explained
Handlebar width for drop bars is almost universally measured from hood to hood. This measurement is taken at the top of the bend where the drops transition from the horizontal section. While manufacturers may also provide the full width (end-to-end), the hood-to-hood measurement is the standard for comparison. When available, we will also include the Full Width specification.
Drop Demystified
Drop refers to the vertical distance from the handlebar’s stem clamp area to the lowest point of the drop extension. A greater drop (over 120mm) results in a more aggressive, aerodynamic riding posture, lowering the rider significantly. Conversely, a shallower drop (under 120mm) keeps the rider more upright and comfortable, suitable for endurance and varied terrain.
Reach: What It Means
Reach is the horizontal distance the handlebar extends forward from the stem clamp area. In the drops, a longer reach (over 80mm) extends the rider further forward, promoting a more aerodynamic and speed-oriented position. A shorter reach (under 80mm) keeps the rider more compact and upright, often preferred for enhanced control and comfort, especially on technical gravel.
Backsweep and Rise: Additional Factors
While less common in gravel drop bars, backsweep and rise are features found in some designs. Backsweep involves angling the bars backward towards the rider, like the 3° sweep on the Curve Walmer, enhancing wrist comfort, especially with wider bars. Rise refers to a vertical lift in the handlebar, as seen in the Crust Towel Rack, which also incorporates upsweep, resulting in a more upright and relaxed riding position.
The Rise of Ultra-Wide Drop Bars
The latest trend in gravel handlebars is the move towards greater widths. Just as mountain bike handlebars have widened significantly for increased control on trails, gravel drop bars are following suit, with some reaching widths of 750mm and beyond.
The benefits of wider drop bars are numerous. They offer even greater leverage and control, particularly in challenging off-road conditions. Wider bars also provide more space for mounting accessories like lights and navigation devices. For bikepacking setups, the increased width between the drops creates valuable space for larger handlebar bags, addressing a common limitation of narrower bars. Widths exceeding 440mm are becoming increasingly common, with many riders now favoring widths over 460mm.
Ultra-wide bars, measuring over 500mm at the drops, represent the cutting edge. Pioneers like Ultraromance, with their 666.666mm “leather bar” from 2015 (later refined as the Crust Towel Rack), and the Curve Walmer Bar, reaching an impressive 750mm at the drops, are leading this trend. As Ultraromance noted, wider bars are rapidly becoming the new standard for gravel and off-road cyclists.
The Need for Extra Long Bar Tape
As gravel handlebars widen, standard bar tape, typically around 2,000mm in length, often falls short for proper wrapping. To address this, manufacturers are now producing extra-long bar tape options specifically designed for these wider bars, ensuring a comfortable and complete wrap.
Image: A cyclist expertly wrapping extra-long bar tape on a set of wide gravel handlebars, demonstrating the necessity for extended tape to accommodate the increased circumference of modern gravel bar designs.
Gravel Bar Selection: Editor’s Final Thoughts
After extensive testing and evaluation, certain gravel handlebars have consistently impressed. The Salsa Cowchipper remains a favorite for its balanced design, featuring a moderate 116mm drop, 68mm reach, and well-considered curves. While the Woodchipper might be too extreme for some, personal preferences evolve, particularly with the discovery of wider bars. The enhanced control and increased hand and bag space offered by wider bars are undeniable advantages.
Current top picks include the 48mm Enve G-Series bar, praised for its ergonomics and balanced geometry. The Curve Walmer and PNW Coast, available in moderately wide options (550mm and 520mm respectively) with shallow drops and comfortable angles, are also highly recommended. The Crust Shaka Bar, with less flare but excellent width and feel, stands out as well. While the 520mm Salsa Cowchipper hasn’t been tested yet, it’s expected to be another strong contender.
The gravel handlebar market is continuously expanding, offering a wide array of options. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the key features and benefits to help riders choose the best Gravel Bike Handlebars for their specific needs and riding style.
