Gravel bike handlebars come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Some popular options include drop bars, flared drop bars, and flat bars. When selecting a gravel bike handlebar, it’s important to consider factors such as hand placement, riding position, and terrain.
One critical thing to pay attention to when selecting a gravel bike handlebar is the width. A wider handlebar can provide more stability and control on rough terrain, but may be less comfortable for long rides. Conversely, a narrower handlebar may be more comfortable for longer rides but can compromise control on rough terrain.
We’ve researched and tested a variety of gravel bike handlebars to identify the ones that provide the best combination of comfort and control for riders.
Best Gravel Bike Handlebars
If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your gravel bike, consider investing in a new handlebar. The right handlebar can make all the difference in terms of comfort, control, and performance. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best gravel bike handlebars available right now. Whether you’re looking for something lightweight and aerodynamic or more comfortable and versatile, we’ve got you covered.
PNW Components The Coast Gravel Handlebar
If you are looking for a gravel bike handlebar that provides increased control and stability, the PNW Components The Coast Gravel Handlebar is a great option.
Pros
- The wide 48 or 52cm widths provide increased control and stability.
- The 65mm reach works with shallow drop and exaggerated flare to make switching body position an ease.
- The 105mm drop is shallow, making it comfortable when aero isn’t everything. The 20° flare provides more wrist comfort while moving back and forth between grips and hoods.
Cons
- The 48cm weighs 346g and the 52cm weighs 357g, which may be heavier than some other handlebars.
- The handlebar is only available in two widths, so it may not fit everyone’s preferences.
- Some users have reported that the handlebar is wider than advertised.
The PNW Components The Coast Gravel Handlebar is a great handlebar for those looking for increased control and stability. The wide widths provide plenty of control, while the shallow drop and exaggerated flare make switching body positions easy. The 20° flare also provides added wrist comfort when moving between grips and hoods.
One potential downside to the handlebar is that it may be heavier than some other handlebars, with the 48cm weighing 346g and the 52cm weighing 357g. Additionally, the handlebar is only available in two widths, so it may not fit everyone’s preferences. Some users have also reported that the handlebar is wider than advertised.
Overall, if you are looking for a handlebar that provides increased control and stability, the PNW Components The Coast Gravel Handlebar is a great option to consider.
REDSHIFT Cruise Control Drop Bar Grips
If you’re looking for comfortable and ergonomic bike handlebar grips, the REDSHIFT Cruise Control Drop Bar Grips are a great option for road, gravel, or fixie bikes. They reduce hand and wrist pain and fatigue, allowing you to ride longer and more comfortably.
Pros
- Fits all drop bar handlebars
- Comfortable and ergonomic
- Vibration reducing
Cons
- May not fit all hand sizes
- May require some adjustments
- May not be suitable for all types of riding
These bike handlebar grips are designed to fit a broad range of hand sizes and the easy-to-use markings allow you to customize the position and fit to your preferences and riding style. The non-slip texture on the drop grips provides confidence in even the wettest conditions. Molded from high-quality Kraton rubber, the padded bike grip shaping eliminates hot spots which can lead to hand pain, adds plush but sturdy cushioning that filters out road buzz and vibrations.
Installation is easy as these bike accessories make one of the easiest upgrades for maximum comfort! Simply tape the bicycle handlebar grips on your handlebars with the provided materials and then wrap your handlebar with tape. Detailed instructions are included.
Overall, if you’re looking for a comfortable and ergonomic bike handlebar grip that reduces hand and wrist pain and fatigue, the REDSHIFT Cruise Control Drop Bar Grips are a great option for road, gravel, or fixie bikes.
WHISKY – No.7 Aluminum Alloy Drop Handlebar – 24 Degree Flare, 31.8 mm Clamp 44 cm
If you’re looking for a reliable handlebar that offers comfort and control in challenging situations, the WHISKY No.7 24F drop bar is an ideal choice for long distance touring, gravel, or off-road pursuit.
Pros
- The 7000 series alloy construction makes the No.7 bars lightweight, durable, and reliable.
- The 24-degree flare offers multiple riding positions for comfort and additional control in challenging situations, allowing you to ride with confidence.
- The semi-compact design with a drop/reach of 116/68mm offers seamless transitions between riding positions.
Cons
- The top center line can be off, which may require adjustments during installation.
- The price may be a bit higher than other aluminum bars on the market.
- The handlebar may not be suitable for those who prefer a more aggressive riding position.
The WHISKY No.7 handlebar is a great upgrade for anyone looking to improve control from the drops of their current setup. The 24-degree flare offers huge control and seamless transition between positions, allowing you to ride with confidence in challenging situations.
The 7000 series alloy construction makes the No.7 bars lightweight, durable, and reliable. The semi-compact design with a drop/reach of 116/68mm offers seamless transitions between riding positions, making it an ideal handlebar for long distance touring, gravel, or off-road pursuit.
One downside is that the top center line can be off, which may require adjustments during installation. Additionally, the price may be a bit higher than other aluminum bars on the market. Lastly, the handlebar may not be suitable for those who prefer a more aggressive riding position.
Overall, the WHISKY No.7 handlebar is a great investment for anyone looking to improve their control and comfort on the bike. With its durable construction and versatile design, it’s sure to be a reliable addition to your gravel bike setup.
FSA Non-Series Hb-Rd-310S Adventure Road Bicycle Handlebar
If you’re looking for a comfortable and budget-friendly handlebar for your gravel bike, the FSA Non-Series Hb-Rd-310S Adventure Road Bicycle Handlebar is worth considering.
Pros
- The outward flare of the drops provides a more comfortable hand position and better control on rough terrain.
- The flat top of the bar is aero, making it suitable for mounting accessories with an aero profile.
- The shorter reach to the hoods and drops reduces strain on your back and wrists.
Cons
- The narrower width in the brake hoods may not be suitable for riders with wider shoulders.
- The flat top of the bar may not be comfortable for riders who prefer a round or oval shape.
- The aluminum construction may not be as durable as carbon fiber or titanium.
The FSA Non-Series Hb-Rd-310S Adventure Road Bicycle Handlebar is measured from center to center of the drops and manufactured in Taiwan. It comes with the FSA sl-k RNUMxRNUMT stem that provides rigid support for the handlebars, feeling similar in both weight and stiffness. The package dimensions are 21″ L X 8″ W X 6″ H.
The outward flare of the drops is the most prominent feature of this handlebar. It provides a more comfortable hand position and better control on rough terrain, making it suitable for gravel riding. The flat top of the bar is aero, which is a nice touch for riders who want to mount accessories with an aero profile.
The shorter reach to the hoods and drops is another advantage of this handlebar. It reduces strain on your back and wrists, making it suitable for long rides. However, the narrower width in the brake hoods may not be suitable for riders with wider shoulders.
The aluminum construction of this handlebar is a double-edged sword. It makes it more affordable than carbon fiber or titanium handlebars, but it may not be as durable. However, it’s a good choice for riders who want a budget-friendly handlebar for their gravel bike.
In conclusion, the FSA Non-Series Hb-Rd-310S Adventure Road Bicycle Handlebar is a good choice for gravel riders who want a comfortable and budget-friendly handlebar. The outward flare of the drops, the flat top of the bar, and the shorter reach to the hoods and drops are the main advantages of this handlebar. However, the narrower width in the brake hoods, the flat top of the bar, and the aluminum construction are the main drawbacks.
RXL SL Gravel Drop Bars
If you’re looking for a reliable and comfortable handlebar for your gravel bike, the RXL SL Gravel Drop Bars are a great option.
Pros
- Lightweight carbon fiber material
- Comfortable outward angle design
- Internal routing for brake lines
Cons
- Some users reported difficulty with installation
- No option for different colors
- May not fit all bike models
The RXL SL Gravel Drop Bars are made of high-quality carbon fiber, making them lightweight and durable. The outward angle design provides a comfortable grip and reduces strain on your wrists, making long rides more enjoyable. The internal routing for brake lines protects them from wear and tear, ensuring your safety on the road.
Installation can be a bit tricky, and some users have reported difficulty with getting the bars to fit their bike properly. Additionally, the bars only come in one color, which may not match all bike models. It’s important to check the specifications to ensure that these bars will fit your bike before purchasing.
Overall, the RXL SL Gravel Drop Bars are a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable handlebar for their gravel bike. With proper installation, these bars will provide a comfortable and safe ride for years to come.
WEERAS Gravel Bike Handlebar
If you are looking for a sturdy and versatile handlebar for your touring bike, the WEERAS Gravel Bike Handlebar might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- The WEERAS handlebar is made of strong and lightweight aluminum alloy 6061, making it reliable and easy to handle.
- The large blunt angle design is simple and beautiful, and looks like an arrow after installation, giving your bike a cool and sleek appearance.
- The handlebar features a multi-accessory compatible function, with a 85mm distance in the middle that can be used to fix a small bag, and an arrow-shaped middle that can be used to fix Go Pro, cell phone, lights and other accessories. The middle design also allows for the best view.
Cons
- The handlebar is only suitable for touring bikes with a 28.6 diameter fork, limiting its compatibility with other types of bikes.
- While the length of 340mm on both sides can be compatible with most accessories, it might not fit all of the accessories you need.
- The handlebar only comes in black, which might not match the color scheme of your bike.
The WEERAS Gravel Bike Handlebar is a great choice for touring bike enthusiasts who are looking for a reliable and versatile handlebar that can accommodate a variety of accessories. The aluminum alloy 6061 material makes it both strong and lightweight, and the large blunt angle design gives it a cool and sleek appearance. The multi-accessory compatible function is also a great feature, allowing you to fix a small bag or various accessories in the middle and on both sides of the handlebar.
However, the handlebar’s compatibility is limited to touring bikes with a 28.6 diameter fork, and the length of 340mm on both sides might not fit all of the accessories you need. Additionally, the handlebar only comes in black, which might not match the color scheme of your bike. Overall, if you are looking for a sturdy and versatile handlebar for your touring bike, the WEERAS Gravel Bike Handlebar is a great option to consider.
REDSHIFT Kitchen Sink Drop Bar Handlebar
If you’re looking for a comfortable and versatile handlebar for your gravel bike, the REDSHIFT Kitchen Sink Drop Bar Handlebar is a great option.
Pros
- The rise, sweep, flare, and compact drop create a super comfortable bar that also enables you to get into an aero position and maximize performance.
- The wide and ergonomic design relieves pressure on the wrists and hands, increasing comfort and reducing fatigue.
- The shallow ergonomically shaped drop gives you a stable, comfortable, and aerodynamic position when riding in the drops.
Cons
- The optional endurance loop is sold separately.
- The handlebar is made of aluminum, which may not be as lightweight as some other materials.
- The handlebar clamp diameter is 31.8mm, so it may not be compatible with all stems.
The REDSHIFT Kitchen Sink Drop Bar Handlebar is a versatile and comfortable handlebar that can improve your performance and comfort on your gravel bike. The wide and ergonomic design relieves pressure on the wrists and hands, making long rides more comfortable. The shallow ergonomically shaped drop gives you a stable, comfortable, and aerodynamic position when riding in the drops, so you can maximize your performance.
One potential downside of this handlebar is that the optional endurance loop is sold separately, so you’ll need to purchase it separately if you want to take advantage of this feature. Additionally, the handlebar is made of aluminum, which may not be as lightweight as some other materials. Finally, the handlebar clamp diameter is 31.8mm, so it may not be compatible with all stems.
Overall, if you’re looking for a comfortable and versatile handlebar for your gravel bike, the REDSHIFT Kitchen Sink Drop Bar Handlebar is definitely worth considering.
QINIU Bike Handlebar
If you’re in the market for a new gravel bike handlebar, the QINIU Bike Handlebar is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Made of premium aluminum alloy, increasing friction to grip more comfortable.
- Three different length of handlebar and you can choose whatever you like.
- Universal fits for most bikes especially gravel bikes, MTB, road bike etc with 31.8mm clamp diameter.
Cons
- The big angle bend may not be suitable for everyone.
- The bar end diameter may not fit some grips.
- The surface sandblasting may not be durable in the long term.
The QINIU Bike Handlebar is made of premium aluminum alloy and features a sandblasting surface that makes it comfortable to grip. The handlebar comes in three different lengths, so you can choose one that fits your needs. It is also compatible with most bikes, especially gravel bikes, MTB, and road bikes with a 31.8mm clamp diameter.
One of the standout features of the QINIU Bike Handlebar is its big angle bend, which can be adjusted to the angle that you feel comfortable with. This makes it an excellent choice for long rides. Additionally, the handlebar is easy to install, and the company offers free return service if you’re not satisfied with the product.
While the QINIU Bike Handlebar has many great features, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. For some riders, the big angle bend may not be suitable, and the bar end diameter may not fit some grips. Additionally, the surface sandblasting may not be durable in the long term.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and comfortable gravel bike handlebar, the QINIU Bike Handlebar is definitely worth checking out.
REDSHIFT ShockStop Suspension Stem
The REDSHIFT ShockStop Suspension Stem is a must-have upgrade for anyone looking to ride longer, faster, and more comfortably on their e-bike, gravel bike, hybrid, or road bike.
Pros
- Easy to install and maintenance-free
- Up to 70% bump and vibration dampening
- 20mm of damped suspension travel
Cons
- Heavier than a standard stem
- May take some time to find the perfect elastomer for your riding style
- More expensive than a standard stem
If you’re looking for a way to reduce fatigue, increase efficiency, and ride more comfortably, then the REDSHIFT ShockStop Suspension Stem is definitely worth considering.
The stem fits standard 1-1/8in (28.6mm) steerer tubes and 31.8mm handlebars (shims available for 25.4mm and 26.0mm) and comes in a flippable +/-6 degree angle in 80, 90, 110, 110, and 120mm lengths and a +30 degree angle in a 100mm length. It’s also available for oversized 1-1/4in (31.8mm) steerer tubes used by brands such as Canyon and Giant.
With up to 70% bump and vibration dampening, this suspension stem reduces the effects of impacts and vibrations, allowing you to stay in control even on the roughest terrain. And with 20mm of damped suspension travel, you can enjoy just the right amount of vertical compliance without sacrificing any stability or compromising steering.
Installation is easy, and the stem is maintenance-free. The stem is also compatible with most modern bikes. However, it is heavier than a standard stem and may take some time to find the perfect elastomer for your riding style. Additionally, it is more expensive than a standard stem.
In summary, if you’re looking to upgrade your bike and ride more comfortably, the REDSHIFT ShockStop Suspension Stem is definitely worth considering.
QINIU Bike Handlebar
A great option for those looking for a lightweight and durable handlebar with multiple grip positions.
Pros
- Lightweight and durable aluminum alloy material
- Multiple grip positions for greater power, comfort, and control
- Easy to install with free return service
Cons
- May not fit all bike models
- Limited color options (black or silver)
- No padding or cushioning for extra comfort
If you’re in the market for a new handlebar for your bike, the QINIU Bike Handlebar is definitely worth considering. Made from lightweight and durable aluminum alloy, this handlebar is built to last. One of the standout features of this handlebar is the multiple grip positions, which allow for greater power, comfort, and control while riding. Installation is also a breeze, and the company offers free return service if you’re not satisfied with the product.
However, it’s important to note that this handlebar may not fit all bike models, so be sure to check the specifications before purchasing. Additionally, the color options are limited to black or silver, so if you’re looking for something more colorful, you may need to look elsewhere. Finally, there is no padding or cushioning on this handlebar, so if you’re looking for extra comfort during long rides, you may want to consider adding some extra padding yourself.
Overall, the QINIU Bike Handlebar is a solid choice for those in need of a durable and versatile handlebar for their bike.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying gravel bike handlebars, there are a few key factors to consider. Choosing the right handlebars can make a big difference in your overall riding experience, so it’s important to take some time to think about what you need.
Handlebar Width
One of the most important things to consider is handlebar width. This will depend on your personal preference, as well as your body size and the type of riding you plan to do. Generally speaking, wider bars provide more stability and control, while narrower bars are more aerodynamic and can help you go faster.
Handlebar Shape
Another important factor to consider is handlebar shape. There are a few different shapes to choose from, including:
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Drop bars: These are the most common type of handlebar found on road bikes and some gravel bikes. They provide multiple hand positions, which can help reduce fatigue on longer rides.
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Flared drop bars: These are similar to drop bars, but with a more pronounced flare at the drops. This can provide more stability and control on rough terrain.
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Flat bars: These are typically found on mountain bikes, but some gravel bikes also use them. They provide a more upright riding position and can be more comfortable for some riders.
Handlebar Material
Handlebars can be made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, carbon fiber, and titanium. Each material has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to consider what’s most important to you. Aluminum is typically the most affordable option, while carbon fiber is lighter and can provide a smoother ride.
Other Considerations
There are a few other things to keep in mind when choosing gravel bike handlebars. For example, you’ll want to make sure the bars are compatible with your bike’s stem and brake levers. You may also want to consider the weight of the bars, as well as any additional features like built-in mounts for lights or bikepacking gear.
Overall, choosing the right handlebars for your gravel bike can make a big difference in your riding experience. Take some time to consider your options and choose a set of bars that meets your needs and preferences.