13 of the best cycling drop

handlebars — how to buy

the perfect bars
The right handlebars can transform your
ride - here's what you need to know
when buying a new set of bars, along
with a selection of our favourites
The handlebar is one of your key contact points with
your bike so it's important that you have the right one.
Swapping your bar can make a huge difference to the
way your bike feels, not just to your hands but to your
whole upper body because it has a big influence on
your riding position. A new bar also gives you the
opportunity to drop a little weight.

All current handlebars are made from either

aluminium or carbon fibre, but there's a huge
range of weights and shapes in both materials

Handlebar width comes down to fit — they should

be as wide as your shoulders — and to an extent
to taste; if you're used to a mountain bike bar a
40cm drop may feel narrow even if it fits

High-end bars tend to have provision for Di2

cabling, but even cheaper units give you lots of
 options in reach, drop and details of shape

Bars with flat top sections are claimed to offer

better aerodynamics; we're quite fond of them as
a place to rest your hands when cruising along

After vanishing for many years bars with a flare

that provides a wider stance in the drops are
making a comeback for gravel riding

13 of the best road bike handlebars for 2020

PNW Components Coast Handlebar — £69.99

Vision Metron 6D Integrated Bar and Stem —
£392.73
Vision Metron Aero Handlebar — £429.95
Ritchey WCS Carbon Streem Handlebar — ~£260
Coefficient Cycling Wave Handlebar — £379.00
Genetic Driser-16 — £44.99
Ritchey Comp ErgoMax — £27.99
Profile Design DRV/Aeroa Drop Bar 120 — £61.59
Easton EA70 AX — £69.00
Deda Gravel 100 RHM Bar — £69.00
Prime Primavera Carbon — £149.99
Pro PLT Carbon — £120
Schmolke Roadbar Oversize Evo TLO — ~£450

Here we're going to explain the key variables you need to

consider when choosing a new bar and show you some of
the best – for both road and gravel riding – at prices from
under 50 quid to well over £400.

Width

Width is usually measured between the two ends of the

bar (but see Flare, below). Beware, though, that some
brands – such as FSA – measure between the centre of
the ends while others – such as Deda – measure from the
outside of one end to the outside of the other.

Drop handlebar widths usually increase in 2cm/20mm

increments.

Broad shouldered riders will get more stability and

breathing capacity from wider bars, but go too wide and
you could end up with aches in your neck and shoulders.

A rule of thumb is to match your handlebar width to your

shoulder width, but we'd advise a professional bike fit to
make sure you get it right.

Reach

This is the horizontal distance that the handlebar extends

forwards from the stem clamp area. A longer reach pulls
you further forward.

Ritchey's WCS Streem handlebar has a reach of 73mm

across all sizes, for example, while the majority of FSA
handlebars have an 80mm reach.

How to choose the right stem length

Drop
Drop is the vertical distance from the stem clamp area to
the end of the bar. FSA's K-Force New Ergo handlebar, for
instance, has a drop of 150mm while the K-Force
Compact has a 125mm drop.

Compact handlebars have become common over recent

years. Some people use a compact bar as a means of
avoiding an extreme riding position that's hard on their
back and neck when they move from the hoods to the
drops.

Flip the thinking, though, and some racers use a compact

bar to ensure they don't come too far out of their most
aero position when they shift from the drops to the hoods.

Flare
Flare is the amount that the drop section of the handlebar
slopes outwards from the vertical, measured in degrees.

Most road handlebars have just a small flare or none at all.

On the other hand, gravel and adventure handlebars have
a large flare to provide extra stability and control when
you're using the drops. The Pro Discover Medium
handlebar, for instance, has a 12° flare.
In cases like this the brand will often quote the handlebar
width as the distance between the shifter clamping points
(measured centre-to-centre) rather than the distance
between the ends of the bar.

Bend
Constant-curved drops are traditional but many brands
offer different types of bends that are designed to be
more comfortable.
The Genetic Drove (above), for example, is an anatomic
shape with a tight radius at the top of the bend, a flatter
section where your hand can rest just behind the lever,
and a gentle curve towards the end.

Tops
The tops of most handlebars are circular in cross section
but some are shaped for comfort or aerodynamics.
Ritchey, for instance, says that the tops of its Comp
Ergomax gravel/adventure handlebar (above) are ovalised
for comfort – your weight is distributed over a larger area
so pressure is reduced – while the Prime Primavera
carbon handlebar (below) has flattened tops that are
designed to reduce frontal area and drag.
Bear in mind that it can be difficult to fit some lights,
computer mounts and so on to the non-round sections of
bars, although it's usually possible right next to the
clamping area.

Sweep – tops
The tops of most handlebars head out at right angles to
the stem but others sweep forwards or backwards. The
Vision Metron 5D (below) has a 10° forward bend, for
instance. Vision says that this results in "a more
ergonomic climbing position and easier breathing".
In contrast, the tops of the Ritchey Comp Ergomax
handlebar sweep 5° backwards. Ritchey says that this,
combined with the ovalised tops, more evenly distributes
the weight of the rider's hands and wrists and puts them
in a more natural position.

Rise
The tops of most drop bars sit level with the stem clamp
but riser drop bars do exist. The bars slope upwards on
either side of the stem clamp area before levelling out.
Most bars of this type are designed to increase the height
of the front end for gravel use, doing a similar job to a
taller head tube, a higher rise stem, or a stack of headset
spacers. The Genetic Driser–16 handlebar that we
reviewed, for instance, has a 20mm rise to provide a more
upright riding position.

Specialized's S-Works Aerofly Carbon Handlebar isn't

designed for gravel riding, though. Specialized says that
"a 25mm rise [will] allow you to achieve a more powerful
position, or lower you stem stack to become more slippery
in the wind".

Outward bend
The outward bend, or outsweep, is the degree to which
the ends of the bar are angled relative to a line going
down the centre of the stem. Most Pro bars, for example,
have no outward bend, the ends of the bar pointing
directly backwards. Zipp's SL-70 Aero has an outward
bend of 4°, the same as most FSA bars.

Cable routing
Brake cables/hoses and gear cables are usually positioned
on the outside of the handlebar, underneath the tape.
Some bars, like the Easton EC70 SL Di2 (above) we
reviewed, have recessed channels to accept them.
Other handlebars allow cables and wires to run internally.
The Vision Metron 5D handlebar (above), for instance, has
holes in the tops where cables/wires can enter and exit.

Internal cable routing does make swapping to a new

handlebar more complicated.

Material
Handlebars are almost always made of either an
aluminium alloy or carbon fibre. Carbon is lightweight and
can be shaped more easily into aerodynamic or
ergonomic profiles, but many racers still prefer aluminium
for its ability to withstand the odd crash or drop. It's also
more obvious when an aluminium bar has failed following
an accident.

Clip compatibility
You can't fix clip-on triathlon aerobars to all drop
handlebars. Some bars are the wrong shape and others
simply aren't designed to handle the forces. It's always
best to check the manufacturer's specs before fitting any.

Diameter
The vast majority of drop handlebars on modern bikes
have a 31.8mm clamping area diameter, but when buying
a new bar always double-check that you're replacing like
with like. Smaller bars, usually found on older bikes or
some very cheap models, may be 25.4mm (Japanese and
British bars), 26.0mm (most old Italian bars) or 26.4mm
(old Cinelli bars).

A few years ago Deda introduced bars and stems with

35mm clamp sections. That idea wasn't a big success for
road bikes, but there are quite a few mountain bike bars
and stems now in 35mm, where the greater strength and
stiffness makes sense along with super-wide modern
mountain bike bars.

13 great drop handlebars

PNW Components Coast Handlebar —
£69.99

Weight: 330g

The PNW Components Coast handlebar is an instant

classic: wide, shallow and stable, it's perfectly suited for
long days on rough roads and trails. It's affordable too,
and has a lifetime warranty.

The Coast bar is, on the face of it, a simple idea: go wider
and shallower, to give more stability and more comfort.
PNW does a range of mountain bike bars, where wider
has been better since the world got over the 1980s
addiction to bar ends and realised leverage is king in
keeping your wheel tracking through the rough stuff.

Tester Mike writes: " I'm 6ft tall with long arms, and
shoulders that measure 440mm across the
protuberances. Traditional roadie thinking says I should be
happiest on a 440mm bar, but the Coast proved that
wrong. Whether climbing, descending or on long, flat
runs, I felt comfortable and in control. Once trails turned
rowdy the feedback to the bar and propensity to deviate
from chosen course was markedly reduced – something I
could scarce believe was afforded by a mere 20mm extra
either side."

Read our review of the PNW Components Coast

Handlebar

Vision Metron 6D Integrated Bar and Stem —

£392.73
The Vision Metron 6D, as used by Vision's sponsored pro
teams in the WorldTour, is a super-aero, super-stiff
integrated cockpit with a comfortable, ergonomic shape
that will reduce drag by a measurable amount compared
with a round-profiled bar and separate stem. It's a lot of
money to pay for a handlebar, but if all other aero and
fitness bases are already covered it could be a worthwhile
upgrade for serious riders looking to save watts on race
day. However, it won't save any weight over the standard
bar/stem and could be a bit stiff for less powerful riders.

Once I got my contact points there or thereabouts, I found

the Metron 6D comfortable to hold. The tops supply a bit
of extra surface area while climbing, the flat section as it
turns through 90 degrees to meet the shifters also gives
the heels of the palm a bit more support, while the classic
bend of the drops felt nice and familiar, just like any other
bar.

However, while it was great ergonomically, I found the

sheer stiffness a little excessive for even a two-and-a-
half-hour group ride in the lanes, even though it was a
fairly pacy one. I am prepared to admit that I'm not the
most powerful or heaviest rider, and since this bar was
developed with Vincenzo Nibali and the Merida team then
it's hardly surprising that it's overkill for many less
powerful riders.

Read our review of the Vision Metron 6D Integrated

Bar and Stem
Find a Vision dealer

Vision Metron Aero Handlebar — £429.95

➥ Buy now from Wiggle (£386.49).

The Vision Metron Aero handlebar combines an

aerodynamic profile with a low weight, a high level of
comfort and a balance of stiffness and flex that supplies
plenty of ride feel. It's an excellent performer, but it's also
incredibly expensive.

Handlebars with teardrop profiles rather than circular ones

are faster. There's plenty of data to suggest an aero bar
can save over six watts – that's 20-plus seconds over
40km. I found it worked very well for steadier, longer
group rides as well as short solo thrashes.

I really like the ergonomics. The flat section behind the

hoods is great for supporting the heel of the hand,
particularly in an aero-hoods position. The wide tops are
comfortable for the palms, and with their 10-degree
forward sweep they allow wrists to stay perfectly neutral,
while the 125mm compact drop makes the drops
themselves more accessible.

Read our review of the Vision Metron Aero Handlebar

Find a Vision dealer

Ritchey WCS Carbon Streem Handlebar —

~£260

Weight: 248g
➥ Buy now from Amazon (£215.99).

Ritchey's WCS Carbon Streem Handlebar is a stiff bar

with an aero top section that offers loads of comfort
thanks to a 4.7-degree sweep on the tops and a short
126mm drop on this 42cm version. The aero section and
internal routing make for a very smart-looking bar.

One of the issues that aero bars can have is limited space
either side of the stem to attach computer mounts and
lights. No such problem with the Ritchey bar – I had
enough space for a front light and a K-Edge computer
mount, making it easier to live with for general riding.

The drops feature a traditional bend and flare out by just

one degree, highlighting the aggressive aero position that
Ritchey was aiming to create with what was designed as a
road racer's bar. I think it's balanced the aggressive drop
position with the more relaxed hood and tops position
really well.
Ritchey Streem II Road Bar - detail 3.jpg

Comfort is further improved by the lack of road buzz

transferred to the hands. I found the bar comfortable to
ride with thin tape and no gloves, despite the surface-
dressed roads near me.

Read our review of the Ritchey WCS Carbon Streem

Handlebar
Find a Ritchey dealer

Coefficient Cycling Wave Handlebar —

£379.00

Weight: 210g
The Coefficient Cycling Wave carbon handlebar is
designed to offer enhanced comfort and some claimed
aerodynamic benefit when holding the tops of the bar. It
can be fiddly to fit, but we found that it gave multiple hand
positions which were comfortable for extended periods.

The Wave bar has really quite a complex shape. The most
striking thing when you first see it is the upwards kink
either side of where it is held in the stem. At first glance,
many will be reminded of the Specialized Aerofly riser bar
as fitted to the Venge VIAS, or the Genetic Driser bar, but
whereas the tops on those bars are horizontal, meaning
that all hand positions were higher than they would be on
a straight bar, the unusual thing about the Wave is that it
then slopes back down across the tops.
What this means is that with your hands on the hoods or
the drops, they are no higher than they would be on a
conventional straight bar. What's the point then, you're
asking? Coefficient says that it noticed if you hold your
arms out in front of you palms-down, the natural position
of the hands is with the thumbs slightly raised. Hence, if
you are holding onto a horizontal bar, you're having to
rotate your wrists away from their neutral position. The
tops are also swept backwards by 12 degrees in the
horizontal plane, something we've seen with quite a few
other "ergonomic" bars such as the Ritchey Comp
ErgoMax.

Tester Jez Ash says: "I quickly noticed a big change when
riding in the drops along a stony towpath. This bar has the
most effective vibration isolation of any that I've used,
(disclaimer – I haven't ridden Canyon's double handlebar
yet). Back to back with a standard handlebar, the
difference was akin to going from a 28mm tyre to a 40mm
tyre (with pressures adjusted accordingly). Really. It was
that noticeable."

Read our review of the Coefficient Cycling Wave

Handlebar

Genetic Driser-16 — £44.99

Weight: 337g
The Genetic Driser-16 bar is a good choice for long rides
off-road, where the flared drops give control and the wide
tops offer plenty of comfort for your hands.

This bar offers a 16° flare of the drops, plus a 20mm rise
to the tops. This rise will come in handy for those looking
for a more upright position for long rides on or off-road
without getting a new stem or – for anyone who has
maxed out their steerer tube – a new fork.

The tops are 'semi-aero palm friendly' as Genetic puts it,

meaning even extra-large hands get plenty of grip with
just a single layer of bar tape. Cable-run indentations on
the underside of the tops help to guide and minimise the
feel through the bar tape.

The flare makes for confident handling at speed through

the rough stuff. The end of the drop section is straight for
a palm's width and immediately above that is a pistol grip
for all-out efforts where you need access to the shifters
and brakes.

Value is pretty darn good when you compare it with what

else is available – especially given that if you need to raise
your bar you don't need to fork out for a new stem.

All in all, the Genetic Driser-16 is a cracking handlebar for

more adventurous riding, and with the 20mm rise and
wide tops it may well suit you for less-rigorous pursuits as
well.

Read our Genetic Driser-16 review

Ritchey Comp ErgoMax — £27.99

Weight: 313g
➥ Buy now from Wiggle (£34.99), Chain Reaction Cycles
(£34.99), and Amazon (£46.77).

This is a great upgrade for a gravel or adventure bike,

offering plenty of width at the drops thanks to a large flare
for aiding stability when travelling across loose terrain. It's
a decent weight, too, and all for a good price.

The Ergomax is available in four widths from 40cm to

46cm, measured centre-to-centre at the top of the drops,
but there's a 12° flare on each side, plus the drops have
an outward bend of 3° sideways, which increases the
distance between the ends of the drops (to 50.3cm on the
42cm bar, measured outer to outer). This wide stance
gives you extra control over rougher terrain.

There is a 10mm rise from the clamping area to the tops,

which gives you a slightly more relaxed, upright riding
position; if you don't want to go any higher you could
always whip out a 10mm spacer from beneath your stem.

The clamping part of the bar is only 80mm wide which

could be an issue if you want space for fitting light
brackets or computers.

The tops have a flat aero section which gives you a great
platform for your hands, and they also sweep back by 5°,
giving you shorter reach to the drops.

Comfort-wise things are pretty good. You want a little bit

of give for when you are rattling across bumping surfaces
and that's what you get from the 6061 aluminium alloy
tubing. It just takes the edge off but still feels plenty stiff
enough when you're out of the saddle.

Read our Ritchey Comp ErgoMax review

Profile Design DRV/Aeroa Drop Bar 120 —

£61.59

Weight: 338g
➥ Buy now from ProBikeKit (£61.99), Tredz (£69.99).

The Profile Design DRV AEROa Drop Bar doesn't just go

with shoulder width to define what size you need, its
'DRiVe' design also incorporates hand breadth. It works –
very well.

Most handlebars come with one drop and reach figure

across the range of widths, but Profile Design does things
differently. All you need to do is measure the width of your
palm just below your fingers and the Profile Design
website tells you which handlebar drop/reach will work
best for you, and then you choose your preferred width.

The shape is brilliant. TheAEROa's flattened aero tops

offer plenty of material to rest your hands on and the
cables/hoses are routed internally. It's pretty simple to set
up as Profile Design has created elongated holes large
enough to get the outer housing through without too
much of a squeeze. If you are using a Shimano Di2
junction box which plugs into the bar end, there are also
holes for guiding the wire through.

The AEROa is very stiff and has a round-section central

area that's 100mm in length so there's plenty of space for
your gadgets. Its pretty good value for a high-quality
6061-T6 aluminium alloy handlebar.

Read our review of the Profile Design DRV/Aeroa Drop

Bar

Easton EA70 AX — £69.00

Weight: 289g
➥ Buy now from Wiggle (£69.00), Chain Reaction Cycles
(£69.00), and ProBikeKit (£69.49).

Part of Easton's new range of gravel and adventure

components, the aluminium alloy EA70 AX has a wide
flare at the drops for stability and a shallow drop that
makes it great for blasting over the rubble.

The EA70 AX flares out by 16°, which increases the overall

width from the tops to the drops by 68mm across the 40,
42, 44 and 46cm options. This gives you a wider stance
when descending on rough terrain, making for more
composed steering and a better feeling of control.

You might notice that the bar's stiffness is compromised a

little when you're really hauling on it during a short, sharp
climb, but not much, and the plus side is that it's not so
rigid that it batters your wrists on long gravel rides.

Reviewer Stu's only real criticism was that the grooved

channels for fitting the cables underneath the tape were
quite shallow.

Overall, the Easton EA70 AX is a great shape for use on

the gravel or road, it looks the business, and comes in at a
decent weight for the money.

Read our review of the Easton EA70 AX handlebar

Deda Gravel 100 RHM Bar — £69.00

Weight: 257g

Deda has taken one of its top end alloy road bars and
given it a tweak to suit the challenges of gravel. It offers
an excellent ride, with a nice flare from top to bottom
giving extra control and the large centre section providing
plenty of room to attach your gadgets.

The upper part of the bar has a slightly flattened aero

shape, which works really well on the gravel where you
can often find yourself tapping out the miles with your
hands on the tops. The slightly wider shape than a
standard round bar gives you a bit more surface area,
allowing a more relaxed grip, so you can let the bike float
about a little more beneath you when on the rough stuff.

Up at the hoods the widths are standard road size

options, 40cm to 46cm outside to outside, but the 12°
flare each side kicks the bottom width out by an extra
60mm for each size.

The bar is made from triple-butted 7075 aluminium alloy

and offers plenty of stiffness for sprinting or pulling on the
bar when climbing, with just a small amount of flex to help
take out road buzz.

There are cheaper options out there but the Deda

Gravel100 delivers a very good ride quality, a great shape
and good looks.

Read our Deda Gravel100 RHM review

Prime Primavera Carbon — £149.99

Weight: 238g
➥ Buy now from Wiggle (£84.99).

Prime's Primavera Carbon handlebar offers a great aero

upgrade for users of both mechanical and electronic
shifting. Setting it up is simple and the feel on the road is
very comfortable. It looks the business and costs a lot less
than some rivals.

The Primavera features some subtle shapes that might go

unnoticed thanks to the flat aero tops. The curved section
of the drop is shaped like an egg with the leading edge
slightly narrower than the trailing edge. It results in the
drop feeling thin in your hand but it's still comfortable.

Setting up the internal routing is straightforward thanks to

large entry and exit holes. With a hole at the back of the
stem clamp area, it offers users of electronic shifting the
option of where to mount the junction A box. The bar is
compatible with Shimano's Bar End Junction A box which
makes changing and gear adjustments easy. The stem
clamp area is wide, giving you enough space to mount a
computer and a light.

Out on the road and there's a lack of road buzz. It's a

weird sensation, similar to running wide, supple tyres at
very low pressures. It's only on the really bad surfaces
that anything gets through. Price is also an area where the
Primavera does well.

Read our review of the Prime Primavera Carbon

Pro PLT Carbon — £120

Weight: 235g

➥ Buy now from Wiggle (£131.99), Chain Reaction Cycles

(£131.99), and Amazon (£172.65).

PRO's PLT Carbon Handlebar offers good stiffness and

excellent comfort and is reasonably lightweight, at a price
that is lower than most other carbon-fibre options. The
compact drop offers a powerful sprinting position and the
round tops with internal cable routing are a super-comfy
place to spend time on the climbs and flats.

This bar is constructed using UD T700 carbon, with a

130mm drop and a comfortable 80mm reach. The drops
flare out by 2°, giving a hand position in the drops that is
1cm wider than at the hoods. It's all very comfortable for a
relatively aggressive position.

The PLT bar absorbs buzz well to provide plenty of

comfort and it comes with about three inches of internal
routing. This gives a clean finish and because the section
is straight and short, it's incredibly easy to feed cables
through.

Out on the road, there is no rattling from the internal

cables and wrenching on the bar brings no front end
movement.

The PLT Carbon looks really smart, performs well it comes

at a very attractive price for a bar of this kind.

Read our Pro PLT Carbon review

Schmolke Roadbar Oversize Evo TLO —

~£450

Weight: 147g
The Schmolke Roadbar Oversize Evo TLO is an
astonishingly light carbon-fibre handlebar that offers a
good level of stiffness although the price is going to send
all but the most dedicated weight-savers diving for cover.

Schmolke is a German brand that has supplied bars for

the likes of Jan Ullrich and Erik Zabel in the past. All of its
products are made in Germany. The TLO – it stands for
'The Lightest One', by the way – is made from T1000
carbon fibre and it comes with a reach of 76mm and a
shallow drop of 126mm.

The top section of the bar is slightly squashed in profile,

fitting beautifully into your palm when you're climbing, and
it's easy to arrange things so that you get a flat or just
slightly angled platform from the shoulders to the hoods
of your levers.
The drop bends smoothly with a generous amount of
rearward extension at the end, allowing you to shift your
hands backwards if the road ahead is clear and you don't
need immediate access to the controls.

The Schmolke Roadbar Oversize Evo TLO sits about mid-

table for a high-end bar in terms of stiffness, offering
plenty of confidence when you're out of the saddle or
cornering hard while, on the other hand, also helping to
damp vibration over rougher road surfaces. It's a decent
balance.

If you want to use clip-on aero bars or Di2 internal wiring

for a bar-end junction box, models are available with the
necessary strengthening (which adds 8g of weight in
each case).

Read our Schmolke Roadbar Oversize Evo TLO

handlebar review

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