Drop Bars vs Flat Bars: Which Handlebar is Best?

[@itsjustpizza]

I spent so much time riding no handed I just removed them completely. Now my hands are never tired, my bike is even lighter & no one can argue with me about why their handlebar preference is the best for everyone. Win.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Brilliant, I’ll give it a shot.

[@kaustubhs.mayekar6432]

Handy tip!

[@quarkonium3795]

Definitely trying this the next time I go down a twisty, steep descent

[@atimholt]

You joke, but my nephew and his friends are really getting into unicycling.

[@itsjustpizza]

@@atimholt who says I'm joking

[@barrybogart5436]

I agree. Flat all the way. Don't get me wrong, I've been a roadie for 50 years, 30 of that Randonneuring and I did almost all of that with highly flared drop bars (which used to be called 'rando bars', BTW). When you ride all day, different positions is important and if you are riding into the wind, riding on the drops is good. But as you said 'riding downhill on chunky roads with drop bars' is not fun.. I always thought drop bars on gravel bikes was really a bad idea, engendered I guess by some sense of originating from cyclocross bikes. Anyway I find that a flat bar with bull horns gives me all the positions I need and all the leverage. Unlike probably everyone I put my stubby bullhorns INSIDE the brake levers and not at the bar ends. I don't need more leverage and that gives me a more aerodynamic position if needed for headwinds or tarmac. I can also transition to the brake levers much faster than with outboard bullhorns. Sometimes you have to slow down fast. Everyone should try that. On trails I am mainly an the bar, but on tarmac I'm usually on the bullhorns. But I do switch on long stretches.

[@elachichai]

What are your views on Koga Denham bars?

[@barrybogart5436]

I have no experience with them. I use 'butterfly' bars, not flat but with a rise at the front like the letter 'M'. @@elachichai

[@TribusMontibus]

Hello Barry, Thank you for that comment. I've been a roadie for approximately forty years and have expanded into gravel and light mountainbiking over the last few years, with no loss of love for the road though. My wife's road bike has a flat bar (because she's a bit uncomfortable about drop bars) and I did indeed put bar ends inside the brake levers. Now I have a mountainbike on order for myself, which I intend use for a demanding ride later this year. I was thinking to put bar ends, on the inside again, but I'm still wondering whether I should shorten the flat bar by 2 cm on either side, because I won't be riding 'acrobatic category' mountainbike trails and, as a roadie, think the standard mountainbike flat bar very wide. Do you have any thoughts on that? Kind regards, Garret

[@barrybogart5436]

I chop off the bar ends as well as putting the bullhorns inside. Most bars are far to wide. But I am not a mountain biker. Maybe sometimes more leverage is required. I have never needed it..@@TribusMontibus

[@SquaredCircle777]

Exactly what I run. Flat bars + inner bar ends.

[@arbondisunarjo6894]

I live in tropical country. Riding my bike for days during wet season on mixed muddy, slippery stones, asphalt and dense sigletracks has become challenging as I grew old. I relied on my flatbar bike for years, but still want to ride my dropbar for more predictable routes.

[@ericpmoss]

I have yet to find anything that works for me as well as some kit from 1989. All the options are race solutions for very specific kinds of competition, wiggled around to where they can pretend to be practical. Even looking at the demo video, it's a downhill race with a loaded bike, something only superman, a KZbin content creator, or a fool would do in the middle of nowhere. No one discusses how a super wide bar really only makes sense for someone in the RedBull body position. Nor do they discuss how extra wide has the same effect on your back and chest as greater drop, and how drop bars extend the reach unless the stem compensates. It's foolish to use bar ends when brake levers aren't reachable, but no one discusses the obvious solution of L-shaped levers like were available 30 years ago, because it doesn't look pro. If the bend and upsweep of some of these bars works for you, great, but I don't know people whose wrists are in a strong position when cocked like that. I know it sounds like griping, but the bike industry is paying attention to the wrong things for most people's needs.

[@richlijacanacua]

I used flat-bar for almost 5 months in my city daily commuting and long distances and short distances mountain climbing week-ends. Then in the long runs of usage I do not feel comfortable anymore because of limited positions, only upright and a little bending of my elbows to relax my back and my hips. Then one time we met my friend and did 2 hours lapping of almost 1.5 kms. Oval tracks with an average speeds of 35-45 kms/hours. He is using his Road bike with drop bar and I using my Gravel bike with flat bar. Then we switched bikes and suddenly I discover how comfortable the handling of drop-bar. My back feeling relax when I leaning on for Aerodynamic position. I can also do upright position putting my both hands on-top of the flat-bar on the part of drop bar handle. I can also lean a bit for aerodynamic position, that so relaxing and comfortable by holding the STI handles. Then I can easily accelerate pedaling the bikes with freely exhaling and inhaling the air. The balance and positioning of my body on the bike is so comfortable. So from that experienced I decided to change my flat-bar to drop-bar. ‘Till now I am enoying using my Gravel bike for daily commuting in the city and long distances plain and mountainous roads ang gravels.

[@BbenjaminSsmith]

I think a lot of people assume being a serious cyclist means you need drops bars. But do what’s comfy for you!

[@Chris-wj4ze]

People feel that drop bars are more professional or "advanced" or something.

[@belverticale]

For flat bars, bar ends (quite unfashionable these days) are the key for different hand positions over long distances to prevent any numbness. Set them quite flat (about 30 degrees) and you have about four positions, not just two .For drop bars, use two layers of bar tape for comfort.

[@christopherharmon9336]

Agree 100%. I've been mocked for the bar ends, but as you know, they are great for changing your hand positions while riding.

[@kathardt-holoch4361]

As a long time mountain biker, I prefer flat bars. The control and braking is just better for me. I do have one bike with a drop bar, which I use for my road and short-cut-on-dirt road riding. Since I'm less than 5'2" reach is always an issue. Therefore, I use 760mm bars on my mountain bike. Any wider and it moves me too far forward and is harder on my shoulders. I run either carbon or aluminum on my bikes. I actually really like the carbon bar as my wrists don't get as tired.

[@K1989L]

Nice to see someone struggle with the exact same thing as I do. Reach is an issue with Drop or bullhorn handlebars. Maybe not great with Jones bars either which are my "flatbar" of choise. I also use way narrower bars than the current handlebar fashion is. My Jones loopbar is 660mm and the cut version is 590mm. I like them both. Also my "roadbike" has 340mm bullhorn.

[@BikeCampChill]

Currently using PNW Range flat bars with Ergon bar ends. I’ll swap grips to test different ones out. I’m so familiar with flats at this point it seems like drops would be too alien. Based on the survey though, it still looks like flats may be best if you only have one bar and one bike and want to ride comfortably on anything and everything that may come your way.

[@tomg.542]

I was a drop-bar guy and still prefer them on road and gravel bikes but for bike packing, a mountain bike with flat-bars plus Ergon grips and aero clamp-ons works great. Tons of hand positions.

[@freequest]

Generally prefer drop bars but turn upside down, so the drops are up. For me makes for a more upright seating position.

[@kimberlyhawks8774]

I never knew I loved drops like I do now, until I got a Fargo with the Woodchipper bar. I’m short (and somewhat timid on rough stuff); the woodchipper gives me confidence and is sooooo comfy. I use all the hand positions on those long days including the drops which are at quite an angle.

[@JakeLuke308]

Such controversy! It is an individuals choice of course, but I've used Ritchy Venturemax, Jones Loop Bars and the Salsa Moloko bars. The best I've used is the Moloko, by far. Good hand position options, great aero positions and it holds a handlebar bag and a Slap Bag at the same time.

[@sd3457]

I really do like the thumbs-forward orientation of my hands for long duration riding, but I prefer knuckles-forward for control. I've ended up with flat bars with some 1990's Onza bar ends placed inboard of the levers as a best compromise.

[@Uxoriousness]

Flat bars with bar ends mounted inside the brake levers. Works great for all types of biking, including road biking.

[@thuggooch1776]

Thanks for the cool video. I recently picked up a "Poseidon Redwood" and the gear range on this drop bar gravel bike is really huge for a bike under $1000.

[@q9nine]

Just got one too. Love it, but had to swap the stem for a longer one with a rise on it - I'm a tall guy with long legs and the bar was just too low to be comfortable with the tiny flat stem it comes with.

[@toejoe4911]

Also worth mentioning is that you can fit much larger handle bar bags to a flat bar simply because drop bars are less wide. if you plan to stay a couple of weeks / months on the road that's sth to consider. Be sure the drop bar isnt bent like crasy this helps with mounting a battery light, smartphone etc. straight forward in riding direction.

[@itsmarcomong]

The best handlebar is the one I did not buy yet ✌🏽 Jokes apart, it’s too much personal and due to the rest bike setup like gear (quality can be too expensive to afford) and some more stuff. I keep following your videos hoping to get a good hint and they always come. I’m a proud owner of a surly’s moloko bar … best solution for me.

[@outbackwack368]

I always get hand numbness using drop bars but NEVER on MTB bars. When I decide on my next bike for bikepacking/all 'round it more likely than not will be full suspension because I love mountain biking. My current bars are Renthal Fat Bar carbon in 760mm, but I will be changing to more sweep and rise with a longer stem in the fall. Thanks!

[@marcalvarez4890]

ProTaper 20/20 bars.

[@decentdiversions]

Loved seeing the survey results! Would you consider doing a video on drop bar positioning and fit for bikepacking? Should the drops be parallel to the ground or at an angle? My experience with road drops vs flared drops has revealed different types of comfort. Wonder what others think. Cheers!

[@mgpBLARG]

I like my Wren PERSEVERANCE bars, flat bar for hill climbs and technical terrain, but with a triathlon style aero bar welded on to mount gear and to get low when riding fast or when ride into the wind

[@sojourner7310]

I have been using surly truck stop drop bars with a 30mm rise they sit you up a bit and still have multiple hand positions. I have them on my Marin Gestalt 10 that I tour with.

[@Name-vu1kn]

When you talk about flat vs drop performance is important but hand and wrist positioning is important too. Flat bars promote tilting the hands backward to push the bars, putting a huge kink in your wrist. Riding drops with your hands on the hoods (where most people ride most of the time) is a much more natural position. To prove it let a hanging arm raise to your shoulder. Your hand will look like your going to shake somebody’s hand, fingers slightly curled, thumb inward. Much in the same way your hands rest on the hoods. People get carpal tunnel from typing in the position that is promoted by flats.

[@marct9942]

Just mounted the Surly Moloko, Have only done a 100 km with them, but they feel great. No hand numbness and more hand positions than I can use

[@h82fail]

55cm Walmer on my old XC hardtail(light 29er). Just finished and got a few rides in, love it as a playful monster gravel bike. Test rode some gravel bikes including the Cannondale lefty and this is 1000% more comfortable and allot more capable off-road. Fox float 80mm (w/full lockout), 100mm dropper, 29x2.1 front & 700x50 rear, 26/38 and 11x40 di2 GRX/XTR mix. Noticeably faster then I was with 1x and flat bars on this bike. Di2 is amazing, glad I went that route but sucks it costs so much. Trails are too wet so haven't tried it in the single track yet, but excited to try. I have my trail full squish but sick of driving it to the trails and have road buddies so needed something.

[@Vaterraman]

My single speed came with a riser, about 600mm. I went for a slightly raised stem and rise bars with more length (cut to 750mm). I like the handling of flat or risers, it feels more predictable and comfortable. I've never had an issue with only one hand position. As for drop bars...I like having a more upright positon, not cruiser upright, but closer to cruiser than extreme race angle. Drop bars, unless I were to go for an extreme angle in the stem, would keep me leaning over more, especially while using drops. Drop bars are also too narrow doe me, or at least what I can find. Lastly, I don't like the look of drop bars. They are okay on a full race bike, but on a fixie/single speed, I think flat or risers are the best aesthetically

[@stewheart]

I think stem height is the real question. I always rise mine up using an extender. Low bars are too aggressive for long distance. Ride far and eat often 😎

[@kennethward9530]

Riding to the ride plowing through spring winds 15 gusting to 25 knots is among the influences of my favoring the drop bar.

[@WildlandExplorer]

Drop bar people: if you want the best of both worlds, check out the 60cm Walmer Bar... 75cm at the drops! I got into one of these earlier this year and now routinely ride rocky/techy singletrack on my drop bar bike. It gets you similar leverage to flat bars and able to use the full volume of a handlebar roll bag without it hitting the shifters. To my knowledge these are the widest drop bars on the market.

[@Ross.Bagatski]

Flat bar with long bar ends. My favourite. Three positions for hands. Plus 2 transient positions. Bar ends covered with 2 layers of bar tape.

[@darkm4g1c]

just finished building a BMC La Cabra and I fully embraced the drop bar MTB aspect of the frame. Initial impressions from a handling standpoint? I'm not goin fast enough on rough stuff for the advantage of a flat bar to matter, and personally I move my hands around constantly, so the multiple hand positions are certainly welcome. I will say one of the most frustrating aspects of building up a more rowdy drop bar rig is the lack of support from the industry. It was a pain in the ass to source/modify the parts that flat bar bikes enjoy in access(larger brakes, multiple dropper brands/types, wide range 12 speed drivetrains) and the lack of support for Installing these sorts of things makes it even more frustrating. In the end I'm happy with it, but if I had to do it over again I would probably just stick to flat bars and experiment with comfort aids.

[@thomasjousse2427]

Drop bars all the way, for the road, single tracks, with or without flare. I just find them way more ergonomic and, weirdly enough, somewhat easier to control in almost all terrains. More subjectively, I also find them cooler to look at. :p

[@the_nondrive_side]

I use a narrow riser bar with TT bars added.. Gripshift MXR and an Alivio 3X8 having sold my SRAM SX Eagle 12spd XC8 and keeping my '13 OPUS ZERMATT with 11-40 on 650b 47 mullet rear and 203/180 mech. I have an 17-117 gear inch range and a small enough frame to bail out like a BMX allows.. My previous XC8 was a 2020.. before that a '09 Paragon.. 3x9 X-9

[@matthewshultz8762]

The only thing that sucks on drops is braking control offroad. Even with great hydraulic brakes, you just can't do one-finger braking from the hoods, so you're forced to sacrifice control and use both middle and pointer fingers. I always get sore hands after riding drop bars offroad, not optimal. On pavement or gravel where you're descending in the drops you can absolutely use 1 finger braking and it's usually better for cornering stability on smoother surfaces. Even on sketchy fire road descents using the hoods isn't as bad since you're only seeking to bleed off some speed, not the same demands as singletrack. Having multiple hand positions on drops is a good benefit, but I will admit that my Jones H-bars are the most likely candidate for bikepacking. Much more comfortable for longer rides, but they don't work as well as true flat bars on chunky descents.

[@yumyumhungry]

Best of both worlds? A wide dropbar attached to a bike with a long top tube and a short stem so you mitigate some of the control issues but keep the ergonomics and body position.

[@Alex-sr7op]

Whats a example of this?

[@sventice]

I think for most people it just comes down to what you're used to. When I first started bicycling, I was into mountain biking and rode flat bars. Then I switched to road biking and necessarily went to drop bars, which I initially didn't like, but eventually I adjusted. Now I'm doing a lot of commuting, touring and bikepacking, and after some experimenting I'm totally sticking to drop bars, because I think they're way easier on my aging wrists and shoulders. But again, that's probably just because that's what I've been riding. It's kind of like flat pedals vs. clip-in pedals. There's no "right answer," just what feels more comfortable for you and the kind of riding you do.

[@comandreja]

I've tried many handlebars including the Richie venturemax, whiskey Milhouse, salsa cowchipper, protaper 20/20, Jones loop. The most comfortable I found is the Tumbleweed bars using sq lab's innerbarends

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

That's valuable feedback, thanks for sharing. I think I need to jump on the Tumbleweed train. -Neil

[@comandreja]

@@BIKEPACKINGcom don't get me wrong, I actually love the Millhouse bars

[@cjohnson3836]

@@BIKEPACKINGcom Didn't like the sweep on my Moloko bar so swapped out for a T-weed Persuader. Thought I'd miss the hand positions but with the right fit and bar, 1 is all you need. I won't say it's for everyone and I think the sweep is still more than I'd prefer in a perfect bar. But I've been using it with Ergon GA3s and it's the best I've felt. Comfortable and tons of real estate to festoon all your worldly possessions.

[@kcreative2]

I'm currently using a Tumbleweed bar and love it

[@marcalvarez4890]

Thanks for sharing your handlebar history. What was your experience with the 20/20 bars?! They look really interesting to me, and at 182 grams, they are crazy lightweight.

[@vegasvampire66648]

I'm curious how age or health factors into this. Lol... Cuz my 60yr.old back loves flat bars. 🤣

[@jimbo4203]

I have a few bikes with drop bars and flatbars, i like both

[@tmayberry7559]

Seems like have a steel handlebar would be best for bike touring because it could handle the added weight up front while providing shock absorbing capability at least I would think

[@JeffRevell]

I run a PNW Range 780mm aluminum handlebar. It has a 10° back sweep and 5° upsweep with a 30mm rise and feels really nice for me and my 6'5" body length. I also shortened my stem to 35mm, which puts me a bit more upright.

[@hardmtnbiker]

I have the SQ Labs 30x 16 on my SS Mtn bike and love it. I tried a really wide Cowchipper on my gravel bike and found it too wide for my short arms. I have a Whiskey Parts gravel bar now that’s 460 width and a 80mm stem(previous was 90). I really think it’s about “fit” and of course some long miles of use. I go on at least 1 century ride a month and of course daily shorter rides. I choose my gravel (2x11 drive) with drop bars for my longer more groomed terrain mixed with pavement rides and my geared (1x11) or SS hardtail’s for more aggressive and shorter rides.

[@squibbledobble]

A really good breakdown. For me its practicality and cost - I've traditionally gone drop bars because that's what I know, but would happily go flat. The only thing that holds me back is cost, as it would require a whole new set up. I've just gotten my dream bike with all the components I want (Curve Kevin of Steel), so to go to a flat bar setup would require different geometry and therefore a whole new setup! Bikepacking is expensive.

[@gregknipe8772]

my two bikes: one drop and a flat. (jones)

[@johnsshed995]

Started rideing when i was 4 years old with flat bars .I didnt try drops till i was about 13 .even at that age they hurt my back wrists and palms ,so a week later I went back to flats again. Im 65 in 3 weeks time and still rideing with flats so i dont think Ill change again now.

[@FrankLadd]

If I had to have one bike for everything it would have touring handlebars like the three speeds of old or the Orange Velo tourist bar. That bar with a high rise quill stem needs only two minutes and an allen wrench to be adjusted to any terrain position. I think it is practical to take a break at the top of a climb and set the bar, stem, and seat for the downhill section. I'd also use 26 inch rims because you can repair them anywhere in the world and it would be a fixed steel frame with 1X gearing set up. This would not be my preferred bike for most applications but if I had to just have one bike....

[@KentuckyCycling]

Really enjoyed this video and thought you did a great job with your analysis. And, as someone who's current all-road bike has a drop bar, but is working on my next all-road build as a flat bar, I also found it, along with the survey results, very confirming. Thanks for your work on this!

[@GeorgeFrideric71]

Hiya. I'm someone trying to decide between the 2. I've little experience with drop bars. Can I ask why you're moving to flat bars?

[@KentuckyCycling]

@@GeorgeFrideric71 I’ve found that I don’t spend that much time in the drops. And my primary has never been speed so I’m not worried about that. I’ve also had shoulder and back issues and a flat bar is more upright so I’m thinking it will be a little better for those issues. And wider flat bars offer more control on descents. I will say that I’m concerned about not having as many hand positions on long rides, but plan to install some inner bar ends to offer a position that mimics riding on the hoods of a drop bar, which is where I’ve spent most of my time. Hope that helps.

[@momo.ru-kun]

Drops, I had nerve damage and lost my sense of touch for about 2 months using a flat bar. After I transitioned to drops, never had the same problem.

[@JitinMisra]

how much do you ride, per session, and how often ?

[@marcusmartin5758]

Do experiment Use drop bars on downhill Use flat bars on road The you'll get the answer.

[@robertsmme]

I would love to know what things to consider when swapping between flat bars or drops on the same bike. How do make sure the reach works and that your bike does not become twitchy.

[@2musiclover534]

Same here. When my hand goes forward beyond the stem, does it make the steering more or less twitch? Thanks.

[@mrljgibson]

I'd go with flat bars, there have been some designs for concealed braking to hide hoses/cables away.

[@Sergio_Math]

Drops on every bike except my full-sus.

[@karlr6810]

Soma Dream Riser flat bars for me, all three bikes. - 6061 T6 aluminum - 780mm width - 50mm rise - 31.8mm center - 25° backsweep - 5° upsweep - 420 grams I find them the most comfortable flatbars for my style of riding. Thanks for creating the poll and providing the final results.

[@josecamilojimenez2784]

For me dropbars are the way, only because you have 5 possible positions: normal on the hoods, in the top of the hoods, on the low end of the droppart, in the high end of the droppart and in the flat part of your dropbars; if you play with those 5 positions you will be able to ride more without to much pain by alternating positions; in the other hand flat bars are basically the same position but wide or narrow and that's it, sure you can do a position where you put your elbow part over the bar but it's not comfortable

[@quarkonium3795]

Drop bars. There’s a lot of versatility in the positions. If I get tired of the hoods or I’m on a long climb I can use the tops. If I want to sprint, get out of the wind, or get some stability on descents I use the drops. If I want to get aero on flat sections or I want to stop gripping something I can rest my palms over the ends of the hoods and my forearms over the backs. If I did any MTB I’d probably go flat bar, but not for commuting; there’s better styles of bar for that

[@OsBalangoso]

Hello, I'm from Brazil and I live in the state of Minas Gerais. Minas Gerais has a mountainous terrain and therefore I prefer flat handlebars with rear sweep. if you have the opportunity, come to Brazil and do the Caminho da Fé, it was inspired by the Caminho de Santiago de Compostela. In 2023 Caminho da Fé completed 20 years, you will be surprised. the Caminho da Fé is much harder than Compostela. I've done both and I could prove it

[@manabiker]

I ride gravel in Michigan all year, mostly in winter, Specialized Sawtooth 700x42s grip snowpack like studded tires, not on ice though. Drop bars with Bar Mitts is not good for shifting, or braking, I went to 750 flatbars, the wind was catching me too much, I now have 640s and may go narrower, I have Specialized Ned Overend bar ends, these bars about 7 inches wider then the dropbars that came on my Sequoia, I ride MTB mostly in warm weather, so the flatbars just feel like home.. I kept the 105 brake calipers, just putting new hand levers on, hoses worked, Shimano makes shifter for the flat bars that work with road deraileurs, easy change over, cost was less then replacing the obsolete RS 565 (105) right side shifter/brake that disintegrate.. should have done this long ago..

[@420fries]

I use a salsa wood chipper and I love the flare.

[@RephaelInbar]

Question to all: What handlebars would you use for a long trip (3500 miles), light packing, on mostly fire roads or gravel and occasionally asphalt? i.e. not very technical, no single track etc. (my current thinking is drop bars raised for flat bars like riding position). Thanks in advance!

[@andresmontero4364]

Actualmente monto una Specialized Chisel con barra Salsa Bend Bar de 23 y puños PNW.La mejor opcion que voy a ejecutar es con puños Ergon y innebarends SQL.La barra Salsa tiene la posibilidad de girarla hacia abajo y quedas en posicion mas aero,menos erguido y es increible la comodidad en las distancias en grava o asfalto.Pienso probar las aero Farr de aluminio Bolt -on que ademas de poder ponerles cintas ,hay opciones de luces y otros artilugios de navegacion.Fui siempre de barras de caida(ciclista de ruta)debido al trafico abandone y me pasé a MTB,siempre con la idea de barra de caida,pero llegue a la conclusión que nunca estaba en las gotas con mis 59 años y en las capuchas siempre !!,asi que prefiero la barra plana y accesorios de SQL y Ergon.La disfruto muchisimo en caminos y campo a traves.

[@vermonthillsumc]

Great video. I have settled on the Jones H 2.5 for my touring bike and Surly Truckstop for drop bar mountain bike. I have wide shoulders so I go the biggest width they have.

[@jeffbettinger2465]

Salsa Rustler is my go to bar for trail riding. Super comfy and great control. Putting SQ lab inner bar ends makes them even more useable if you ride the road to the trailhead. I have the Ritchey Kyote bar on my Surly Krampus. As a wannabe Jones Bar, It works very well for mixed surfaces.

[@jacobbockover1628]

I have thought of just wrapping some bar tape in the inner part of my flatbars since i live in a high wind area. I have had bull horns i liked a lot

[@mychaelpierce8049]

Great review. This really helps!

[@AlienTrees]

Fave Flat: Soma Osprey / Fave Drop: Ritchey Venturemax XL

[@user-oh6ic9pz1t]

Great video. Thanks for all the info.

[@91722854]

what about drop bar attached to suspension fork, essentially a gravel-cross

[@kevindean9613]

Great viseo , thanks ...What's your view on gears like the Rohloff ?

[@rasmusredfire2667]

Never tried drop bar but perhaps next time a bike Is build.....two questions... What's the name of the bag on the handlebar/stem with a flap the logo is orange/black.... And what's the spoke brand? That wheel on the salsa bike is amazing..... Happy trails

[@tome1389]

Andrew The Maker Top Tube Bag

[@warrenzausa3145]

i would like to see a steering wheel of a car put on to a mtb

[@aussierules3436]

And would you ride/drive at 10 and 3 lol

[@warrenzausa3145]

@@aussierules3436 yep!

[@FrankLadd]

@@warrenzausa3145 I've seen it and it is hilarious, but I think it is best on the tall bikes.

[@apollovizsla]

In the late 60's, our paperboy had a bike with a banana seat and a steering wheel and at the time, I thought is was the best bike ever!

[@mcraydeveraescoto852]

Here in the Philippines, we have passenger bikes and leisure bikes that utilize that idea.. sure is funny!

[@coolwipp10]

I know I'm 2 years late to the conversation, but BUTTERFLY BARS ARE LIFE

[@deabreu.tattoo]

.... what does the bar have to do with gear range? there's a million chainring / cassete combinations you can put on any STI-syle groupset

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

I guess, one thing I should have mentioned in the video is most of those options do not offer a great climbing-friendly bailout gear, which is pretty important with steep climbs, a loaded rig and tired legs. Thanks for watching, Lucas.

[@mikeschiller6728]

Adding a double crankset opens a wider gear range. Easy to do with either SRAM or shimaNo. I actually run a Campy shifter/shimaNo rear derailleur I'm two of my dirtdrop bikes

[@davidrowe8747]

I have been using an SQ Lab 30x bar, with 16 deg backsweep, 4 deg upsweep, and 4 deg rise. I have matched it with SQ Lab inner bare ends, which are perfect for giving an additional "cruising" hand position that is very similar to riding the hoods on a set of drop bars (and allow you to reach the brake levers, unlike true bar ends). I do a lot of canal riding in te UK, and have found cutting the bars down from 780mm to 760 mm gives just enough extra wiggle-room to get through gates, etc., which all seem to be designed to catch 780mm bars as you pass through!

[@balazsdusek]

I know this is debated but I didn't expect the survey results to be ~50-50. I guess I'll have to go make my own decisions 😄

[@aelyr2710]

Surly Corner Bar 👌🏻💯

[@jamesroysullivan]

what bars are shows at 8:46?? i like the shape a lot.

[@patrykstaniszewski1668]

I'm considering switched from flat bars to drops on my bike, and I'm not even sure if this is possible (or at least worthwhile). If anyone has any experience with converting their handlebars from flats to drops, I'd really appreciate some feedback.

[@travischapman6763]

I wish they made more Jones/maloko type bars with less sweet. Hurts my wrist but love the general shaping.

[@sketchanderase]

Origin8 strongbow

[@TJ-hs1qm]

So why are there so few flat bar gravel / bike packing options on the market. it seems 1 x and drop bar or the highway.

[@SingleTrackMined]

I like having the hand position from which I can reach the brakes and shifters. That's not drop bars. On a road bike, sure, but not off-road, tyvm.

[@barrybogart5436]

Try a flat bar, inboard bullhorns.

[@lectrikdog]

how about Drop bars rotated 180 deg to the up position? My favoriite handlebars ever were the rams horn style popular with the Schwinn Sting-Ray 20".

[@sapiens7821]

99% of gravel bikes are drop bar. I would love to see a flat bar gravel bike with some some kind of TT bar geo on the front when on the flat to get full aero 😜

[@user-yx1qk4sk5t]

Not really a gravel set up but a group of cyclists in the philippines are using MTBs with aerobars on their flat bars because MTB components are cheaper than road bikes.

[@murrayl1042]

I just bought a Noroc Search flat bar and added a fairly narrow comfort bar (630mm 35° sweep) with some GC grips and then added a set of clip on aeros. I don't think I could have any more versatility. It gives my back a different position (and a rest) as well as my hands :)

[@davidrowe8747]

Not really aero bars, but take a look at SQ Lab Inner Barends -they give an additional hand position very similar to riding the hoods on drop bars (and allows you to reach the brake levers while in this position). I use this position a lot for long cruising on flat, smooth terrain.

[@joshjspice]

That was really comprehensive and well done, Neil! Thanks!

[@TenFalconsMusic]

Flat-bar cons: Typically so wide only a Pterodactyl can get any use from. Drop bar cons: Like most American cars, they're good if you intend on going straight. A flat-bar the same width as you're shoulders is the best of both worlds. Disclaimer: I've used both on almost every terrain (no cliff climbing or traversing on water) over the past 2 decades to deduce this.

[@adriantait3525]

Another great video! Keep up this great work!

[@mattving61]

Drops for sure, I imagine most people aren’t riding very aggressive on tech terrain. And if they are the biggest concern is rack failure etc

[@Bacciagalupe]

Awesome conversation!

[@7x7.275]

The best handlebar is the one that you are most comfortable with especially when you have distance to do .

[@pedroclaro7822]

The answer is neither. The best choices are in the flatbar style, but are nowhere near flat. Jones H and Butterfly bars are the general consensus from the world touring community. Bullhorns and aero bars on any wide swept back handlebars are also quite popular and for good reasons. Drop bars are good for road and gravel, maybe some aero bikepacking if you're going for speed, mileage and bragging rights instead of comfort and good experience. It's a choice between looking back proud that you endured it, or with nostalgic joy for the experience. Yeah I'm biased 🤣 if you're going to be a weekend warrior then go ahead and make sacrifices to be able to do X or Y, but I and most people I've met in pilgrimages and long term tours eventually make it their lifestyle to go slow and easy, appreciate the ride, the view, the food etc.

[@tomfontanella6585]

Great video

[@123moof]

4 bikes, only one with drop bars. The drop bar bike is my loaner, and my least favorite bike. Strangely my go-to favorite is a cargo bike. Slow, stable, fun, and ready to haul groceries at the drop of a text from the wife. Jones H-bars for life. At least for me drop bar have 3 positions, but I dislike all them. Also stupid is that drop bars on a bike almost always results in less tire clearance, and I like my plush plus and semi-plus sized tires.

[@lavagnolli]

great video. Thank you!

[@TwoWheelWarrior]

Way to go buddy!

[@omdhande2480]

Hi, Thanks for very informative video. Does drop bar give trouble with your back after sometime as rider is in more aggressive bending position during ride. Please suggest

[@RephaelInbar]

How about raising the handle bars with a riser?

[@alextang473]

Where do you get the Diamond bar tape ? Thanks you

[@phililpb]

The biggest problem with drop bars is assessing the brakes. It tends to force you into the drops when you don’t want to be there

[@ricardoramirezjr.9068]

Can you change a marline 6 Gen 3 handle bar to a drop bar? I would like to see if I can change my handle bars.

[@_carsonjones]

No mention of Redshift Kitchen Sink bars and grips combined with the Shockstop stem? Shame because it's an amazing combo for this type of riding.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Sorry, so many options these days. I did mentioned them in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4bZkoaQhMyiaJo Thanks for watching!

[@_carsonjones]

@@BIKEPACKINGcom I'd love to see a video of yours that takes an in-depth look at the Redshift bar/stem system, including the grips. I run it on my endurance / gravel bike and the system is unlike anything I think the other manufacturers are doing. Great channel btw!

[@innocentiuslacrim2290]

It looks fine, but it is a very expensive combo.

[@darrylriley9917]

Have you tried the SQ lab inner bar ends?

[@comandreja]

Fantastic add on for long rides, I've got them on both of my bikes

[@darrylriley9917]

@@comandreja same here so good 😊

[@Alex-sr7op]

I bought them for my bike for a one week trip and they were 1mm too small for my bike :(

[@darrylriley9917]

@@Alex-sr7op that’s a bummer mate! I’m really happy with mine!

[@deimosoverkill]

Flatbar + innerBarEnds for me, They can be angled precisely to my needs, and they dont block my bags; it would be nice to have a brake on my right inner barend tho...

[@StanicEnemy]

I feel safer when i ride on flat bar but for long distance riding id definetly choose drop bars but again i dont feel safe with it. For me flat bar -> drop bar because i want to feel secure.