The concept of a Drop Bar Mountain Bike is gaining traction, sparking discussions among cycling enthusiasts. It’s interesting to hear varied opinions, such as a comment suggesting the Salsa Cutthroat might be underwhelming. However, for this category of bike, incorporating a suspension fork, whether gravel-specific or XC-oriented, seems like a beneficial approach. The idea shares similarities with “Beach Racer” bikes, often built from hardtail XC frames but modified with rigid forks and slick 60mm tires.
The question arises: could a drop bar mountain bike bridge the gap between a gravel bike and a mountain bike? If sizing down on certain frames to achieve a desired seat tube length compromises water bottle capacity, it’s a practical concern to consider. In terms of purpose, it’s debatable whether it would replace a dedicated gravel race bike. The appeal lies in the versatility – riding roads to access singletrack trails, enjoying the trails, and then riding back home. This is achievable with both an XC bike and a gravel bike, but the drop bar mountain bike aims to combine those capabilities. If it were to replace a bike in the stable, it would need to offer superior gravel bike performance, as it wouldn’t substitute a full-suspension XC mountain bike for dedicated trail riding.
The notion that wider tires, like 47c, contribute to speed, and the idea that a drop bar MTB enhances speed further, opens up the possibility of it replacing a gravel bike for racing while offering enhanced singletrack capability. This bike type is intriguing, perhaps even more so than committing to a full-on trail, enduro MTB, or fatbike.
The potential performance gain over a high-end gravel bike like a Canyon Grizl or a Cannondale Revolt X, both equipped with suspension forks and running 47-50c tires, is a key question. When considering the speed of a drop bar MTB, it’s worth noting comparisons, such as when someone like DJ finds their drop bar MTB faster than their Factor Ostro gravel bike. The Factor Ostro is known for its stiffness, and it begs the question: would a suspension fork gravel bike, tested in similar conditions, also prove to be faster?
This exploration highlights the growing interest in drop bar mountain bikes. Even professional cyclists, like Kerry Werner, experimenting with drop bars on their mountain bikes in races, indicates the blurring lines and the search for that ultimate versatile machine.
