But usually if a manufacture is selling it with both the trade-off is minimal.

Usually road bikes with drop bars will have a slightly different geometry than those designed for flat bars. But it is slightly less aero, but depending on flexibility, that can be minimized. if you truly give flat bars a chance, you will realize that it's much more controllable and stable. if I just dropped 10k on a bike I would try to convince everyone it was the best too. To be honest - most people will talk shit on a flat bar road bike or gravel bike because they purchased a bike with drops and watch the europeans race drop bar bikes. You can also do a 'mock TT' setup here as well. The drops are most people's 'go to' if they're not experienced or comfortable having their hands on the hoods. also usually leaned forward more but that's dependent on the person's fit to the bike. More aero since you're usually semi compact as far as having your arms in line with the airflow. You can also put your forearms on the bars and get a 'mock TT' position.ĭrop bar - multiple hand positions with access to brakes and shifters. I will put money on it that most riders can outperform a drop bar bike with a flat bar bike in a gravel / cross setting. Bar ends, and also having a broomstick to hold onto means you can slide your hands wherever you want. All that being said, to say that a flat bar bikes offers one hand position is crazy. It also has your wrists in a slightly unnatural position so I can be uncomfortable for some (proper fit will correct this). which means more leverage when climbing or sprinting. I would say having ridden/raced both drop bar and flat bar bikes there are advantages to both.įlat bar - wider hand position than drops.

Flat bar gravel bike