Flat Bars Vs Drop Bars for Road and Gravel Bikes: Which Is Right For You?

Elite cyclist Quentin Deby weighs in on the pros and cons of two key handlebar styles

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reviewed by Rory McAllister
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Choosing the right handlebars for your bike can feel like navigating a winding road. Are you torn between flat bars vs drop bars for your road or gravel bike?

Look no further! This guide is your roadmap to understanding the key differences and advantages of each. 

Whether you’re cruising through city streets, exploring rugged bikepacking trails, or speeding over gravel, we’ve got you covered.

We’ll delve into the comfort and control of flat handlebars and the aerodynamics and versatility of drop bars, helping you find your perfect match.

Plus, for those considering a switch, we include a handy guide on converting your handlebars.

Let’s dive in!

Flat Bars Vs Drop Bars on gravel bikes.
© Robbie Ferri/BikeTips

The Benefits of Flat Bars for Road & Gravel Bikes

Flat bars are straight or slightly bent handlebars commonly found on mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, and some road bikes.

The primary advantages of flat bars include:

#1. Comfort

Their design allows for a more upright riding posture, significantly reducing strain on your neck, shoulders, and back.

This upright position is not just easier on your body; it also makes the handlebars more accessible and comfortable to hold. Unlike the narrower grip of drop bars, flat bars can be outfitted with ergonomic grips that place your hands in a natural, relaxed position.

This is particularly beneficial for novice riders or those with wrist or hand discomfort.


The more upright position also affords a clearer view of what’s ahead, enhancing safety and making the bike feel more intuitive and easier to ride.

Riding with drop bars typically forces your body into a more aggressive, forward-leaning position. While this is great for aerodynamics, it can lead to a downward tilt of the head, reducing visibility. Looking up from this position can strain your neck.

Riding with hands on the top of the handlebars can mitigate this issue somewhat by providing a more upright position, but it still tends to be more forward-leaning compared to a flat bar setup.

Flat handlebars on a gravel bike on a trail.

#2. Control

The wider design (typically around 22-25 inches, compared to 15-18 inches for drop bars) provides more stability and control, making steering more precise and responsive.

This control is particularly valuable when navigating through tight turns or off-road trails, and can provide more confidence for inexperienced cyclists riding in the city.

If you require tight control in your riding, especially at lower speeds, flat bars might be a better option.

You can also find very narrow flat bars designed specifically for riding in cities so you can navigate between tight spaces in stopped traffic, although this negates the benefits to control provided by wider handlebars.

#3. Better Access To Brakes

This is crucial for city riding, where frequent stopping and starting are the norms. The brake lever’s position on flat bars is practical and intuitive, ensuring safety and convenience in stop-and-go scenarios.

The placement of brake levers on drop bars can be less convenient in certain situations.

In an emergency, you might need to quickly move your hands to a different position on the handlebars to activate the brakes.

The wider bars also mean there’s more space to attach gadgets like lights, bells, mirrors, cycle computers, GPS devices, or phone mounts. Plus, for bikepacking, the extra width allows for larger handlebar bags, letting you carry more gear upfront.

#4. Maintenance And Availability

You can use standard MTB components, which are commonly found and often less expensive than specialist road bike parts. This makes both building and maintaining a flat bar bike more budget-friendly.

Modern drop bar bikes typically require specific shifters and brake levers (sometimes called brifters), which are generally more expensive than those used on flat bar bikes.

Moreover, in the event of a breakdown or the need for a replacement part, finding compatible cables, brake levers, shifters, and derailleurs is easier, as these parts are standard in bike shops globally.

The exposed wires and cable housings also simplify repairs and replacements, eliminating the hassle of dealing with bar tape.

Drop handlebars on a white gravel bike.
© Robbie Ferri/BikeTips

The Benefits of Drop Handlebars

Drop bars are a type of handlebar commonly used on road bikes, touring bikes, and many gravel bikes.

They are easily recognizable by their distinctive curved shape, which extends forward and then curves back towards the rider, forming a “drop” shape.

The primary advantages of drop bars include:

#1. Additional Hand Positions

You can hold them on the hoods, the bars, or in the drops, each providing a different riding experience.

This variety is particularly beneficial on longer rides, as it allows you to change your grip and posture, thus reducing the risk of fatigue in your hands, arms, and shoulders.

Note that it’s possible to add “bullhorn” bar ends to flat bars to provide additional hand positions too.

#2. Aerodynamics

Drop bars are the more aerodynamic option. Aerodynamics plays a crucial role in cycling, especially once you exceed speeds of about 10 mph, where air resistance becomes a major opposing force.

The ability to tuck into a lower, more streamlined position with drop bars greatly reduces drag. Aero bars take this principle even further, but are usually too impractical to be used on anything besides time trial or triathlon bikes.

This is especially useful, on long flat stretches, descents, or against a headwind. In such positions, your body presents less of an obstruction to airflow, allowing you to ride faster without expending extra energy.

Flat bars are less aerodynamic due to the more upright riding position they enforce. This posture essentially turns your chest into a parachute, increasing wind resistance and drag, especially at higher speeds. As you ride faster, this drag significantly hampers your speed.

While it’s possible to lean forward on flat bars to gain adopt a slightly more aerodynamic position, maintaining this crouched position is challenging and uncomfortable over long rides.

#3. Better Weight Distribution On Climbs

Leaning forward and holding onto the brake hoods allows you to shift your weight forward, making it easier to climb steep slopes.

This forward position also improves your leverage on the pedals, enabling you to apply more force with each stroke, making climbs more efficient.

Hybrid bike in the city with flat handlebars.

Flat Bars Vs Drop Bars For Commuting

When deciding between flat bars and drop bars for your commuting bike, several key factors come into play. These include the nature of your typical route, traffic conditions, road quality, and the average speed and distance of your commute.

Flat Bars For Commuting

Flat bars are often the go-to choice for commuters prioritizing comfort and ease of control. The wider grip and upright body position afforded by flat bars offer improved stability and better maneuverability in traffic.

While this width provides better control and leverage, it can be a disadvantage in very narrow spaces or crowded bike lanes.

Flat bars are user-friendly and intuitive, making them a preferred option for less experienced riders or those navigating busy city streets.

Drop Bars For Commuting

Drop bars are a solid choice if your commute is on the longer side and you’re keen on maintaining a faster pace.

The number of different hand positions is beneficial for adapting to different stages of your commute, whether you’re cruising on open roads or navigating busier sections.

While drop bars offer speed and efficiency, they might provide less stability than flat bars. 

Additionally, riding in the drops can be uncomfortable for some, especially over rougher terrain or during extended periods.

Bikepacking with flat bars vs drop bars in England and Chile.
© Robbie Ferri/Jack Gazeley/BikeTips

Flat Bars Vs Drop Bars For Bikepacking

When it comes to choosing between flat bars and drop bars for bikepacking, the right choice often depends on the specific demands of your journey and personal comfort preferences.

Ultimately, the key is to ensure your bike is well-fitted to your body. Whether you choose flat bars or drop bars, proper bike fit is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable bikepacking experience.

Flat Bars For Bikepacking

If you’re drawn to singletrack trails or the roughest off-roads, flat bars might be your best bet.

They offer superior control and maneuverability in technical terrain, helping you navigate through challenging sections more effectively.

This can be especially beneficial on multi-day trips where fatigue can accumulate.

Drop Bars For Bikepacking

If your bikepacking adventures involve varied terrain, including long stretches of open road, drop bars could be the more suitable option.

Many bikepacking bikes are equipped with wide flared drop bars designed to maximize comfort and control.

As you gain experience in bikepacking, don’t hesitate to experiment with different bar setups to find what works best for you.

Many find that butterfly handlebars are ideal for bikepacking, as they provide the comfort and stability of flat bars while still allowing for multiple hand positions.

Riding a gravel bike with drop handlebars.
© Robbie Ferri/BikeTips

Flat Bars Vs Drop Bars For Gravel Bikes

Gravel riding, with its unique blend of mixed terrain and varying conditions, requires a handlebar setup that can handle everything from long, smooth stretches to technical, challenging sections. Both flat bars and drop bars have their merits in this context.

Flat Bar Gravel Bike

While less common than drop bars in gravel riding, a flat bar gravel bike is an excellent choice for those who value comfort and control over speed.

Flat bar gravel bikes can start to resemble those used by endurance mountain bikers, offering a more upright position and easier handling on technical terrain.

Drop Bar Gravel Bike

Drop bars are a popular option on gravel bikes, especially for those converting from road bikes.

They are particularly adept at supporting long-distance and higher-speed riding, two key aspects of traditional gravel cycling.

They allow for efficient riding on open stretches while also providing options to switch positions for comfort and control during different segments of your ride.

Ultimately, the type of handlebars you choose for gravel riding should align with what makes your riding experience most enjoyable, regardless of how it fits into traditional categories.

Should You Choose Flat Bars Or Drop Bars?

Now that we’ve delved into the advantages of both flat and drop bars, let’s sum it up to help you make the perfect choice for your riding style.

Having tested both types in different situations such as commuting, mountain biking, road cycling, and cyclocross, here is my conclusion:

Choose flat bars if:

  • Your daily commute is a short urban sprint.
  • You’re venturing into the wilds with your bikepacking gear, with rough terrain most of the way.
  • You’re taking a leisurely, low-speed journey across gravel trails.

Opt for drop bars if:

  • You’re embarking on long-distance commutes where every minute counts.
  • Your bikepacking adventures lead you onto open, sweeping roads.
  • You’re aiming for high-speed exhilaration on gravel paths.
Removing flat bars from a road bike.
© Tom Fortune/BikeTips

5 Key Considerations In Swapping Your Drop Bars For Flat Bars (And Vice Versa)

Alright, now that you’ve figured out which handlebar is the best for your cycling needs, you might be wondering, “What if I’m currently riding with the other type?” No worries – we’ve got you covered on how to switch from one style to the other.

The process of converting a drop bar bike to a flat bar setup is not just a matter of swapping out the handlebars. It involves several key changes to accommodate the different ergonomics and mechanics.

On flat bar bikes, gear shifters and brake levers are typically separate components, which may share a mount for space efficiency. In contrast, drop bar bikes often have these controls combined into a single unit.

The design of drop bar brakes and shifters is significantly different due to their vertical positioning. This means that if you’re switching to a flat bar, you’ll need brakes and shifters that are compatible with this setup.

The Conversion Process

  1. Handlebars: The first step is to replace the drop bar with a flat bar. This will immediately change the bike’s ergonomics and handling characteristics.
  2. Controls: You will need new brake levers and gear shifters compatible with flat bars. This is crucial because the mechanics and ergonomics of flat bar controls are different from those on drop bars.
  3. Brake and Derailleur Compatibility: It’s important to consider the compatibility of your bike’s brake calipers and derailleurs with the new handlebar controls. Road and mountain bikes often use different leverage ratios and cable pulls for cable-operated brakes and gears. If these are mismatched, you may encounter functional issues. In the case of disc brakes, different levers and calipers might not be compatible, or they may even require different types of hydraulic fluid.
  4. Additional Components: Be prepared to invest in new cables, grips, or handlebar tape to complete the conversion. These components are necessary to ensure that the new setup functions correctly and is comfortable to use.
  5. Adjusting Fit: Once the handlebar and controls are in place, you’ll likely need to adjust the stem and possibly the seat to suit the new riding position. This is essential for maintaining comfort and efficiency on the bike.

It’s important to be aware that this conversion can be quite costly. The need for new controls, possibly new brake calipers or derailleurs, and additional components like cables and grips can add up.

And there you have it! Once you’ve completed your handlebar conversion, it’s time to hit the road and put this bar to the test.

Feel the difference in your ride, and when you’re back, share your story with us in the comments below!

Which type transformed your ride? Did you find a new favorite, or do you see the merits in both? Your experience could be invaluable to fellow cyclists pondering the same choice!

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Quentin's background in bike racing runs deep. In his youth, he won the prestigious junior Roc d'Azur MTB race before representing Belgium at the U17 European Championships in Graz, Austria. Shifting to road racing, he then competed in some of the biggest races on the junior calendar, including Gent-Wevelgem and the Tour of Flanders, before stepping up to race Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Paris-Roubaix as an U23. With a breakthrough into the cut-throat environment of professional racing just out of reach, Quentin decided to shift his focus to embrace bike racing as a passion rather than a career. Now writing for BikeTips, Quentin's experience provides invaluable insight into performance cycling - though he's always ready to embrace the fun side of the sport he loves too and share his passion with others.

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