Best Gravel Handlebars for Long Rides: Top Picks and Insights

 When it comes to picking the best gravel handlebars, I can’t stress enough how crucial this choice is to your overall riding experience, especially on gravel roads. Trust me, the right handlebars don’t just add comfort — they can drastically improve how you handle the bike on those unpredictable terrains. With so many different designs, materials, and features out there, it’s essential to match your handlebars to your riding style and the type of adventures you’re taking on.

In this article, I’ll dive into the details of some of the top gravel handlebars for 2024. These are the ones I’d recommend checking out if you’re looking for that perfect combination of comfort, control, and performance. Whether you’re new to gravel or a seasoned rider, I think you’ll find something here that speaks to your needs.

What Are Gravel Handlebars?

Gravel handlebars are designed specifically for riding on gravel and other rough terrains. They’re different from both mountain bike and road bike handlebars. For one, gravel bars are wider than road handlebars and handle extreme off-road conditions better than MTB bars. The standout feature of gravel handlebars is the flare — basically, the lower part of the bars spreads outward. This gives you extra stability and control when you’re ripping down a descent at high speed, making them perfect for mixed terrains where you need to switch up your grip for more functionality.

Click here for more types of best gravel handlebars.

Key Features of Gravel Handlebars

1. Flare Design

The flare design is what sets gravel handlebars apart. The lower portion of the bar extends outward, creating more room for your hands. For off-road riding, this means better control and stability when you’re flying down sketchy descents or hitting rough patches.

2. Width

Gravel handlebars are generally much wider than standard road bike bars. This extra width lets you get a solid grip on uneven surfaces, which helps with stability and reducing wind resistance. I can’t overstate how much a wide bar improves your confidence on rough terrain.

3. Shape and Ergonomics

A lot of thought goes into the ergonomic shape of gravel bars. The curved design allows you to switch up hand positions, which is a game changer on long rides. It helps reduce fatigue, and having that flexibility can be a lifesaver when you’re deep into a day of riding.

Types of Gravel Handlebars

There are two main types of gravel handlebars: aluminum and carbon.

• Aluminum Handlebars: These are a solid choice if you’re just getting into gravel riding. They’re durable, affordable, and can take a beating.
• Carbon Gravel Handlebars: If you’re looking for something lighter and more performance-driven, carbon bars are where it’s at. They’re pricier but well worth it for the added control and weight savings.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Gravel Handlebars

When choosing the right handlebars, you’ll need to pay attention to a few key dimensions: width, reach, and drop. The flare, reach, and drop will vary depending on the model, and it’s important to find the right fit for your body and riding style.

• Flare: This is the outward angle of the drops, giving you a wider grip for better control. More flare means more stability on rough terrain.
• Reach: This affects how far you stretch out when gripping the tops of the bars. A longer reach lets you get into a more aerodynamic position, but it can also put more strain on your upper body.
• Drop: The drop is the distance from the tops of the bars to the bottoms of the drops. A deeper drop is good for getting low and fast, but you might want something shallower if you prefer a more upright position for comfort.

Material Selection

At the end of the day, your choice of material — whether it’s aluminum or carbon fiber — comes down to your priorities. Aluminum offers durability and affordability, while carbon fiber is ideal for performance and weight savings. I personally go for carbon when I’m looking to maximize control without sacrificing comfort on those long gravel rides.

Now that you have an idea of what to look for, let’s dive into some of the best gravel handlebars for 2024.

Read Also: gravel handlebars.