How to choose your gravel bike handlebar?

The gravel handlebar allows you to adopt a comfortable and stable position to handle all types of terrain on the trails, while retaining the characteristics typical of road riding. You can ride on both trails and tarmac for a pleasant versatility. Here are all its secrets.

The standards

• Shape: round, compact, anatomic
• Diameter: 26, 31.8 or 35 mm
• Width: 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 or 52 cm
• Material: aluminium or carbon

HANDLEBAR SHAPES

Just like on the road, there are different handlebar shapes to suit the demands of each cyclist. To help you determine which one you need, here are the various characteristics and their impact on your riding position:

The Round

The Round is the original and most classic shape. The height (drop*) and depth (reach*) are quite pronounced for a very dynamic configuration both in the low and intermediate positions.

The Compact

The Compact offers a smaller height and depth than the Round, making it easier to switch positions quickly. The low and intermediate positions are also more comfortable than on a Round, allowing you to ride longer in these postures.

The Anatomic

The Anatomic, which broadly shares the same dimensions as the Round but features a flat section to optimise the intermediate position, ideal for sprinters.

HANDLEBAR WIDTHS AND DIAMETERS

Bar width is the simplest specification to find — it is most commonly measured centre-to-centre. Some brands, such as Deda, measure to the outside of the brake hoods. It is recommended to choose the value (centre-to-centre) closest to your overall shoulder width.

As for the standard diameter, it is 31.8 mm. The stated diameter refers to the stem clamp area, i.e. the centre of the handlebar.

HANDLEBAR MATERIALS

There is also the material the handlebar is made from. Today, handlebars are generally made from aluminium for a good stiffness/weight/price ratio. However, to improve the stiffness-to-weight ratio, some are made from carbon. This type of handlebar optimises efficiency and speed. It is intended for competition or for those seeking high-end equipment.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The same characteristics as on road bars are found here: reach, drop and backsweep.

Drop

Drop is the distance between the centreline of the top section of the handlebar and the centreline of the lower section. It allows the position to be adapted to the rider's build or flexibility. A large drop offers a low and aerodynamic position. A small drop increases comfort when riding in the drops and makes it easier to alternate positions on the handlebar.

Reach

Reach defines the distance between the centreline of the top section of the handlebar and the furthest forward point of the curve. It influences the comfort and feel of the cockpit. A high reach affects the rider's position, making it lower and more aerodynamic. A short reach makes it easier to alternate between a "flat hand" and "hands on the hoods" position and promotes a more comfortable position.

Back sweep

Back sweep refers to the angle at which the handlebar curves back towards the rider. A greater value offers a shorter reach. This rearward sweep helps to better distribute the weight of the hands and wrists, and also places them in a more natural position.

The main difference lies primarily in the Flare. Whereas road handlebars traditionally present an angle close to 0°, the gravel handlebar widens to offer a more stable cockpit and pleasant comfort.

Drop Flare

Drop Flare (or Flare) refers to the angle between the vertical of the handlebar and its sides. The greater the Flare, the more the sides extend outwards. This gives you a fairly wide position that makes steering more stable. By placing their hands in the drops, the rider can benefit from a wider position than on the brake hoods, which allows for a more open chest compared to a traditional handlebar.

Flare Out

Some models also feature a Flare Out, which offers a widening of the lower section of the handlebar. Flare Out refers to the lateral flare angle of the handlebar drops. Your elbows are raised and spread for improved comfort. A greater flare enhances your control and confidence while riding.

WHICH HANDLEBAR FOR MY RIDING STYLE?

Just as with saddles, choosing a handlebar comes down to personal taste and is unique to each individual. Beyond the aesthetic appeal of a gravel look, the main factor that will guide you is your type of gravel riding. The right model will vary depending on your bike's geometry, your morphology and your feel. The key question is whether to adopt the same characteristics as a road bike and transpose them to gravel.

Here are a few pointers to help guide your choice:

 

• The first thing to know is that gravel riding calls for a wider handlebar with a drop that flares outwards. This allows for manoeuvrable and stable handling.

• A gravel handlebar provides greater safety and comfort. Indeed, unlike road riding, the gravel handlebar places emphasis on cockpit control. As speed is less of a priority, it favours the rider's well-being when tackling trails and varied terrain.

• If your gravel riding includes a large proportion of road riding, you can choose a handlebar that shares the characteristics of a road bar to maintain significant aerodynamics.

• The duration of your rides influences your choice. If you spend a lot of time on the bike, you will prefer a comfortable cockpit for a pleasant ride.

 

• Bear in mind that if you also use your bike for commuting in town, flared handlebars make it harder to weave through urban traffic.