Product
20in Rim
With the variety of terrains the average gravel rider tackles, having components that enhance the comfort, stability, and control on the bike is key. In this article, we’ll explore the technical aspects and design characteristics of gravel bike handlebars, and how we've designed the Grvfest-20 handlebar to serve discerning gravel riders of all kinds.
What is a Gravel Bike Handlebar?
Unlike traditional road bike or mountain bike handlebars, gravel bike handlebars combine the advantages of both: they feature a drop-bar design similar to road bikes, providing multiple hand positions for a balanced trade-off between comfort and speed in various riding scenarios, while also incorporating the stability and control of flat bars commonly seen on mountain bikes. This combined influence has made features like wide hoods and shallow, flared drops common on most gravel handlebars.
How do Road and Gravel Bike Handlebars Differ?
While both gravel and road bikes use drop-bar designs, their handlebars are optimized for distinct purposes. Road bike handlebars are optimized for high-speed, stable road riding. They are narrower, with long stems and a long reach, prioritizing aerodynamic efficiency and precise handling.
In contrast, gravel bike handlebars are designed with a wider flare, broader grip, and shorter stem, providing better stability and control, especially on rough terrain. They emphasize versatility, making them suitable for a wide range of riding conditions. Additionally, gravel handlebars often include multiple attachment points for gear, making them ideal for bikepacking and long-distance touring.
Key Design Features
The design of gravel bike handlebars primarily focuses on three core objectives: enhancing stability, improving control, and increasing comfort. When riding on irregular surfaces such as gravel roads, dirt paths, and muddy trails, cyclists need enhanced control. Gravel handlebars achieve this through their flared design and wider width, providing a secure grip and stability. Additionally, comfort is paramount for long-distance rides. The multiple hand positions offered by these handlebars help reduce rider fatigue, enhancing the overall riding experience.
Feature overview:
- Drop Bar Design: Gravel bike handlebars are mostly designed with a drop-bar style similar to road bikes but with a unique "flare." The drop—the vertical distance between the top and bottom hand positions—varies. Shallow drops offer quicker and easier transitions between hand positions, which is helpful when a quick shifty in hand position is needed on unpredictable terrain. Deep drops, on the other hand, enhance aerodynamics when riding in a lower position, which is comfortable and efficient on less technical terrain.
- Flare Angle: Gravel bike handlebars feature a greater flare angle compared to traditional road bike bars. The flare angle refers to how much the lower part of the handlebar extends outward, which improves control on rough terrain. This open position of the arms helps maintain balance and stability, particularly on uneven surfaces. Flare angles for gravel bike handlebars range from 5° to 43°. Flare angles below 20° are more suited for road riding, above 20° is considered generous and 20°-30° flare degree prioritize comfort and control, especially in long-distance touring. Our Grvfest-20 integrated handlebar is designed with a 20°-degree flare angle.
- Width and Shape: Gravel bike handlebars are generally wider than those on road bikes, ranging from 42cm to 50cm. The increased width provides better control on technical trails. Additionally, the flatter shape of gravel handlebars offering a more ergonomic hand position, reducing wrist strain during long rides. The wider design also serves as a solid platform for mounting gear, making it ideal for bikepacking adventures.
Adding Comfort and Compliance
To mitigate the impact of vibrations from rough terrain, many gravel bike handlebars incorporate specialized vibration-damping technologies. Unlike mountain bike handlebars, which are built to withstand extreme off-road conditions like rocky trails and exposed roots, gravel bike handlebars strike a balance between vibration absorption and a comfortable riding experience. This design approach allows them to efficiently dampen vibrations while maintaining a lightweight structure.
Additionally, some gravel handlebars feature built-in rubber or silicone padding, which helps to further absorb road vibrations and enhance comfort. These rubber and pads also make internal cable routing simpler and reduce the maintenance complexity. This added cushioning significantly improves the overall riding experience by minimizing hand fatigue, especially on longer journeys.
What’s your preferred handlebar width for gravel biking? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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April 1st, 2025 | Light Bicycle
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