Ever wondered about the difference between Flat bars vs Drop bars on bikes? Let us illustrate the difference. Here are the qualities of each—starting with Flat bars.
TYPES OF BIKES: Hybrids, Mountain Bikes, Dual Sport
RIDING STYLE: Cross Country Mountain Bikes, Leisure, Fitness
Most bikes on the market are built with flat bars as they’re the most versatile and simplistic. The simplicity makes steering predictable and precise. The clean bar design allows the bike manufacturer to attach brake levers, shifters and riders can customize their experience further with accessories like lights, bells, cargo carriers, phone holders, and grips.
Flat bars are terrific for cross country mountain bikers because it allows the rider to lean forward towards the bar in a more aggressive position ideal for climbing, improving leverage and tire grip on rougher ground surfaces.
Riders using flat handlebars will enjoy more upright position (compared to drop bars or other bars designed for aggressive road riding). Hybrid and fitness bikes tend to be stocked with flat bars to maintain comfort on longer rides.
TYPES OF BIKES: Road Bikes, Gravel Bikes, Vintage Bikes
RIDING STYLE: Road, Gravel
Popular bars among the more traditional bike enthusiasts due to its great looks and versatility. Typical drop bars have a straight middle section similar to a flat bar with each end curing downwards and towards the rider.
Riders have many options for hand placement on drop bars including on the flats (top part of the handlebar), on the brake hoods (most upright and neutral position, and easy control of braking/shifting levers), and in the drops (leaning down in a more aggressive position to reach the lower part of the handlebars).
Drop bars vs flat bars? A few weeks ago, we asked our readers which they preferred for long dirt tours and big multi-day bikepacking rides on mixed surface routes. With nearly 3,000 respondents, we reveal the results in our latest video. Additionally, Neil unpacks all you need to know about the differences between the two, particularly their effect on comfort and components. Watch it here.
Logan WattsWhich is best suited for mixed terrain riding, drop bars or flat bars? This debate has heated up in recent years with the evolution of bikes, bar options, and the proliferation of the gravel category. And as you’re probably thinking, there’s no right answer. Your decision on which to ride will likely depend on the terrain you plan on cycling and personal preferences. However, there are some significant differences between the two, particularly their effect on comfort and components. Plus, we just wanted to know which people would choose, if required to pick only one for general mixed-terrain bikepacking. We all have our own personal preferences and some of us are more fixated than others. In this video, Neil contrasts the two, reveals the results of the survey, and points out few of our favorite bars here at bikepacking.com.
Putting aside the drop bars vs flat bars debate, we here at bikepacking.com each have a few bars we’d consider favorites. Here’s a few that made the list as well as each of our preferences in the survey:
I really like the feel of carbon handlebars, but prefer aluminum bars if going on a big trip. For flat bars, a 15/16° sweep works best for me and I like them wide. A couple of my favorites are the carbon Whisky Milhouse (825mm) and the aluminum Hunter Smooth Move bars. As far as drop bars, I’ve found the most comfort with the carbon ENVE G-series bars and the Crust Shaka (520mm).
For flat bars, Neil likes the carbon Salsa Rustler (11° backsweep, 800mm). For drops, he goes with the Ritchey VentureMax XL (520mm width).
Virginia has tried a lot of handlebars. After having carpal tunnel surgery a couple years ago, she’s settled on the SQ Labs 30×16, which come in 780mm with a nice 16° backsweep.
Cass is a fan of Jones’ H-bars, especially on his Jones bike. Elsewhere, he loves his Oddity ti Razorbar (800mm), which he custom specced with 25 degrees of backsweep and a generous rise. And if he’s reviewing a trail bike, he also likes SQ Labs’ 30×16 – enough to sweep to add comfort without radically changing its feel. Whilst he hasn’t tried Tumbleweed’s Persuader bar, he reckons he’d get on with that too.
Joe isn’t too picky about handlebars but likes the Zipp Service Course SL-70 XPLR drop bar and the Seven titanium flat bar.
Miles likes the Canada-made We Are One Da Bar/Package which is 800mm wide with an 8° backsweep.
Lucas prefers drops and likes the Ritchey VentureMax XL (520mm width).
Make sure to dig into these related handlebars articles for more info...
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