Does a straight-handlebar gravel bike make sense?

Flat or drop handlebar? Until now, this was a rather rare dilemma. It was most often faced by fixed-gear enthusiasts in the city, or by those looking for a road or cyclocross bike for the city. In the latter case, the answer was the fitness bike segment. It's simply a road or cyclocross bike with flat handlebars. This type of bike is fast and agile, yet provides a very relaxed riding position. This is also why we equip most of our singles with riser handlebars. But what about gravel bikes?

Which handlebar for gravel?

Although gravel bikes are designed to blend features from different classes, they undeniably draw their greatest inspiration from road bikes. Their geometry, like most standards, is derived from them. Road groupsets are the most commonly used components. Therefore, the tried-and-true drop bar seems natural. On the other hand, fitness bikes prove that there are plenty of riser and flatbar enthusiasts. The best evidence is the emergence of bikes with these features on the market. While flat bar gravel bikes aren't exactly shocking, the drop bar is the most popular option. We present the pros and cons of both solutions.

More or less traditionally

The drop handlebar, known for over a hundred years, has evolved and changed its bends numerous times, but the concept and overall shape remain unchanged. The road handlebar provides a dynamic and, above all, extremely efficient position. Crucially for gravel bikes, it allows for freely changing hand positions in at least three grips – one lower and two upper. Combined with additional levers (such as those on Shimano GRX), all positions are safe and provide full control of the bike. This allows for regular hand position changes, allowing muscles to rest over long distances and on varied terrain. The drop handlebar is also more effective on climbs and, thanks to its narrower width, is more suitable for city traffic. It's worth noting that you can also find handlebars designed specifically for gravel bikes. "Flat" handlebars, with a lower grip that's shallower than standard and much wider than the lower, are perfect for long rides. The downside is that the shift levers are less comfortable to use, but this is forgivable given their design for relaxed, smooth riding. You can also find road handlebars with a rise, but they're so ugly we won't cover them in this article.

Gravel with straight handlebar

Traditionalists cringe at such heresy, but since we've already fitted wide tires for road riding, why not go further? Straight handlebars have one fundamental advantage – they provide a visibly more upright posture. This is especially important for many people who have never ridden on the road and aren't keen on radical changes. Especially in the city and on short rides, this position is more relaxed and natural, very similar to a mountain bike. What's advantageous on short trips will backfire on long ones. The inability to change grip and widely spaced hands will start to tire after a few dozen kilometers, and become a nuisance after a few hundred. A less obvious point. Most road bike components are designed to be operated via levers mounted on road handlebars. While flat-bar shifters are available for many groupsets, the selection and availability leave much to be desired. On the other hand, this can be a plus. MTB components are cheaper, especially when it comes to hydraulic brakes. It's also worth mentioning that with straight handlebars, the brake levers and shifters are always within reach. This makes it easier to react in an emergency than having to shift your hands to the handlebars. Additionally, there's more space for accessories. It's also easier to replace cables and housings, which is a big plus when traveling.

Or maybe something else?

This is more of a curiosity, though there are likely some enthusiasts. There are also hybrid handlebars on the market, combining different grip types. They're a compromise between a drop bar and a riser, and will appeal primarily to those who enjoy very long rides. While I'm not a fan of such combinations (aside from their looks), I must admit that for certain applications, they make sense.

Does a straight handlebar make sense on a gravel bike?

This is, of course, a highly subjective matter, but I don't see any major drawbacks to this solution. If I were building a budget gravel bike, I'd use straight handlebars. The price of shifters and basic, yet proven, hydraulic brakes are a fraction of the cost of lever-style brakes. However, I believe the practical advantages of traditional road handlebars (I'm not a fan of gravel-specific ones) are undeniable. Comfort, efficiency, and a classic look—my dream gravel bike has a flat handlebar!