Ever feel like you’re wrestling a wild animal when you’re riding your gravel bike? Maybe your hands get tired, or your wrists ache after a long day on the trails. Choosing the right handlebars can be the difference between a fun adventure and a painful struggle. Gravel riding is booming, but finding the perfect bars for your bike can be a real headache.
There are so many different shapes, sizes, and materials! Each one promises the best comfort and control. This can leave you confused. You might feel overwhelmed with all the choices. This blog post is here to help. We will break down the world of gravel bike bars in simple terms. We’ll talk about what makes them different and which ones might be best for you.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand the key features of gravel bike bars. You’ll know how to pick the right ones for your riding style. You’ll be ready to hit the gravel with confidence and comfort. Let’s dive in and find the perfect bars for your next adventure!
Our Top 5 Gravel Bike Bars Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Gravel Bike Bars Detailed Reviews
1. WEERAS Gravel Bike Handlebar Aluminium Alloy PRO External Swing Angle Handlebars
Rating: 9.1/10
The WEERAS Gravel Bike Handlebar is a great choice for long rides. It is made for touring bikes. This handlebar is made of strong aluminum alloy. It is designed to help you change your riding position. This can make long rides more comfortable. It is also easy to install on most bikes.
What We Like:
- The handlebar’s design lets you switch positions. This helps with comfort on long rides.
- The 600mm width gives you good control.
- It is made of lightweight and strong aluminum alloy 6061.
- The frosted black finish looks good.
- It fits most bikes with a 31.8mm clamp diameter.
- It is good for long-distance riding and touring.
What Could Be Improved:
- Might not be suitable for riders who prefer a very narrow handlebar.
- Some riders may need to adjust their bike setup for the new handlebar.
In conclusion, the WEERAS Gravel Bike Handlebar is a good buy. It offers comfort and control for long bike rides. It is a good option for touring and adventure cyclists.
2. REDSHIFT Top Shelf Handlebar with 70mm of Rise
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of backaches on long rides? The REDSHIFT Top Shelf Handlebar is designed for comfort! It’s a drop bar made of aluminum. It’s made for road, gravel, touring, and commuter bikes. This handlebar has a unique design that helps you ride more comfortably. It has either 50mm or 70mm of rise. This helps you sit more upright. It also has a wide design and lots of space for accessories. Get ready for a more enjoyable ride!
What We Like:
- The rise creates a more comfortable, upright riding position.
- It’s great for many types of bikes, like road and gravel.
- The wide design and backsweep offer an ergonomic and comfortable hand position.
- The drop position is comfortable and stable with 25 degrees of flare.
- It has room for accessories like bags, with a special bag coming soon!
What Could Be Improved:
- The description does not mention the weight of the product.
- The handlebar bag is not available yet.
The REDSHIFT Top Shelf Handlebar is a great choice for riders who want more comfort and control. It’s a good upgrade for your bike, making every ride better.
3. Ritchey Comp Corralitos Handlebar
Rating: 9.1/10
The Ritchey Comp Corralitos Handlebar, 44 cm, is a new handlebar designed for many types of riding. It is named after a road that Tom Ritchey likes to ride. This handlebar is made for comfort and control. It can be used for gravel riding or riding around town. It has a unique shape to help riders.
What We Like:
- This handlebar is good for many types of riding.
- It has a comfortable shape with a 15mm rise.
- The drops have a wide 24° flare for better control.
- It is designed for comfort and better hand positions.
- It works well on bikes that don’t usually have drop bars.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description only specifies the weight for a 46cm bar, not the 44cm bar being reviewed.
The Ritchey Comp Corralitos Handlebar is a good choice for riders who want more comfort. It offers a unique design that makes riding more enjoyable.
4. Satori X-Race Gravel Cyclocross Road Bike Bicycle Fixed Gear Single Speed Aluminum Alloy AL6061 8 Degree Flare Drop Bar Bent Handlebar Clamp Size 31.8mm – Width 420mm
Rating: 9.3/10
The Satori X-Race handlebar is made for adventure! This handlebar is designed for gravel, cyclocross, road, touring, and single-speed bikes. It is made of strong aluminum alloy and helps you ride comfortably. The handlebar gives you more control on rough roads and in traffic. It is a great upgrade for your bike.
What We Like:
- The 8-degree flare gives you more control. It helps when riding on uneven ground.
- It is made of AL6061 aluminum alloy. This material makes the handlebar strong and long-lasting.
- It works well on many types of bikes. You can use it for gravel, cyclocross, or road riding.
- The handlebar has a comfortable design. It allows for better control when descending.
- It comes with a one-year warranty. This shows the company trusts its product.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description does not mention the weight of the handlebar.
- More colors would give the customer more choices.
The Satori X-Race handlebar is a good choice for riders. It is a sturdy and versatile handlebar that will improve your riding experience.
5. PNW Components The Coast Gravel Handlebar Gen 2
Rating: 8.8/10
The PNW Components Coast Gravel Handlebar Gen 2 is built for gravel riding. It comes in three widths: 44cm, 48cm, and 52cm. This handlebar helps you control your bike. It has a 105mm drop and a 65mm reach. The 20-degree flare gives you comfort on long rides. It’s a strong handlebar made to last.
What We Like:
- Wide bars give you more control.
- The 20-degree flare helps your wrists.
- The shallow drop makes it easy to move around.
- It comes in different sizes.
- It has a lifetime warranty!
What Could Be Improved:
- Some riders might want more drop.
The PNW Coast Gravel Handlebar is a good choice for gravel riders. It gives you comfort and control on the trails. You can ride for hours!
Gravel Bike Bars: Your Guide to Adventure
Gravel bikes are awesome. They let you ride on roads and dirt trails. You need good handlebars for a comfortable ride. This guide helps you pick the best gravel bike bars.
Key Features to Look For
Choosing the right handlebars is important. Here’s what to consider:
- Width: Wider bars give you more control on bumpy trails. Narrower bars are good for speed on roads. Measure your shoulders. The bar width should be close to that.
- Flare: Flare is how much the bars angle outward. More flare gives you better control. It also makes it easier to breathe when you are riding in the drops.
- Reach and Drop: Reach is how far the bars extend forward. Drop is how far the bars are below the stem. These affect your riding position. A shorter reach is comfortable for many riders.
- Ergonomics: Look for bars with comfortable shapes. Some bars have flat tops for resting your hands. Others have grooves for cable routing.
- Material: The material affects weight, stiffness, and comfort. We’ll talk more about this later.
Important Materials
The material of your handlebars matters a lot.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is a common choice. It is strong and affordable. It is also good at absorbing road vibrations. Aluminum bars are usually heavier than carbon fiber.
- Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber is lighter than aluminum. It also does a better job of absorbing vibrations. Carbon fiber bars can be more expensive. They are often stiffer, which means they transfer more power.
- Titanium: Titanium is strong and durable. It is also very good at absorbing vibrations. Titanium bars are the most expensive.
Factors that Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a bar good or bad.
- Manufacturing Quality: High-quality bars are made carefully. Look for smooth finishes and no flaws. Check for a uniform thickness.
- Weight: Lighter bars are often better. They can make your bike feel more responsive. But, very light bars might not be as durable.
- Stiffness: Stiff bars transfer power well. They also give you precise handling. Stiffer bars can feel less comfortable.
- Vibration Damping: Good bars absorb vibrations. This makes your ride more comfortable. Carbon fiber and titanium are generally better at this.
- Price: You get what you pay for, usually. Better materials and manufacturing cost more. Decide how much you want to spend.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your gravel bike matters.
- Long Rides: If you ride long distances, comfort is key. Choose bars with good vibration damping. Look for ergonomic shapes that support your hands.
- Technical Trails: Wider bars with more flare give you better control. This is helpful on rough trails.
- Racing: Racers often choose lightweight, stiff bars. This helps them go faster.
- Commuting: Comfort is important for commuting. Choose bars that fit your riding style.
Q: What is “flare” on handlebars?
A: Flare is how much the drops of the handlebars angle outward. More flare gives you more control.
Q: Why is bar width important?
A: Bar width affects how you control your bike. It also impacts your comfort. Choose a width that matches your shoulder width and riding style.
Q: What are the benefits of carbon fiber handlebars?
A: Carbon fiber bars are light and absorb vibrations well. They can also be very stiff.
Q: Are aluminum handlebars a good choice?
A: Yes, aluminum bars are a good choice. They are strong, affordable, and absorb vibrations.
Q: What is “reach” and “drop”?
A: Reach is how far the bars extend forward. Drop is how far the bars are below the stem. These affect your riding position.
Q: What kind of bars are best for long rides?
A: Bars with good vibration damping and ergonomic shapes are best for long rides. They will make you feel more comfortable.
Q: What should I look for if I ride on rough trails?
A: Look for wider bars with more flare. These give you more control on rough trails.
Q: Are lighter handlebars always better?
A: Lighter handlebars can make your bike feel more responsive. But, very light bars might not be as durable.
Q: How do I measure my shoulder width?
A: Measure the distance between your acromion process (the bony point on the top of your shoulder) on each shoulder.
Q: How much should I spend on gravel bike bars?
A: The price depends on your needs and budget. Consider the materials, features, and your riding style. You can find good bars at various price points.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Hector Quintanilla, the creator of helmetslab.com.. As a passionate enthusiast and experienced expert in helmets, I’ve dedicated this platform to sharing my insights, knowledge, and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re seeking the best helmet for safety, comfort, or performance, my goal is to guide you with detailed reviews, tips, and advice. Ride safe, and let’s explore the world of helmets together!