If you spend a lot of time cycling, isn't it better to get a handlebar that suits your needs?
For me, comfort comes first, especially while I'm planning a long cycling trip with my husband and son. My son is quite fond of cycling and tries to get all the bike upgrades he can find. So, the last time he came over with his bike, we noticed a different handle he was using, the drop bar handle.
I was sure I'd seen one before, but I've always had a flat handle on my bike, so I didn't know much about other handle types. But that changed when I borrowed my son's bike for a spin around the neighborhood. And now that I've tried both types of handlebars, I want to share my opinions on both.
Hi! I'm Stacy, and today, let's answer the question "flat bar vs. drop bar, which is right for my bicycle?" Without further ado, let's get started.
Flat Bar Vs. Drop Bar
Flat Bar Advantages
1. Better Control
One of the best things about flat bars is that they are much wider, giving you better balance and leverage while cycling. This type of handle gives you the freedom to navigate and take the bike in the precise direction you want to go. It also comes in handy when slowing down the speed or climbing through an off-road track.
2. Parts Are Common And Cheaper
Flat bars are the most common handlebars anywhere. Globally all cycles stick to this basic design, so finding parts and replacements becomes way easier. Just walk into your local bike shop, and you will always find compatible brake levers, shifters, cables, and all other parts.
The quality of these parts vary depending on the brand, but it's better to have various options, isn't it? I'd much rather have locally available parts rather than waiting days for shipment to arrive from another part of the country. Also, these components are much cheaper as compared to drop bars.
3. Better Visibility And Grip
Flat bars allow you to sit on the cycle in an upright position. As a result, you are always looking straight ahead while riding the bike and not downwards. Because of this design, your neck doesn't automatically go down, thus giving you a better view of the road and traffic. So, I'd say this feature takes care of the safety aspect for roads and trails.
As far as the grips are concerned, they last much longer than drop bars, so you do not need to replace them as often.
- Handlebar material:aluminum alloy;Color:matting black;
- Handlebar type:flat bar;
- Bar ends diameter:22.2mm;Bar bore clamp diameter:25.4mm;Handlebar length:600mm;
- Handlebar material:aluminum alloy;Color:matting black;
- Handlebar type:flat bar;
- Bar ends diameter:22.2mm;Bar bore clamp diameter:31.8mm;Handlebar length:620mm;
Flat Bar Disadvantages
1. Offers Only One Hand Position
You won't know any difference in your hands and arms for short-distance cycling, but long-distance cycling is a different story. When the hands stay in the same position for long, it leads to numbness and stiffness, making it painful to ride the bike.
With flat bars, the only solution is to take breaks since you don't have the option to change your arm position.
2. Not For Hillsides
Although they are versatile, I wouldn't say they are meant for traveling on the hills. The design is such that you cannot shift your weight forwards and downwards; thus, acceleration requires more power.
Drop Bar Advantages
1. Multiple Hand Positions
If you spend hours cycling, then this option might suit you better. Drop bars give you three holding options - hood, bars, and drops. If you plan to spend a long day cycling or touring, choosing between different hand positions will reduce stiffness and pain.
Apart from that, it also offers an aerodynamic advantage which is precisely what you need for accelerating.
2. Better For Climbing Hills
As you may already know, climbing uphill requires you to shift the bodyweight forwards. And that is not possible with flat handlebars. Flat bars force you to stay upright, while the drop bars allow you to shift weight forwards for climbing uphill.
Since you can crouch and cycle, there is less resistance allowing for much faster speeds and efficient cycling posture. Riding a windy area or descending from hills becomes easier with this design.
3. Fits In Narrow Areas
Drop bars are narrower than flat bars, so it's easier to squeeze your way out if you are making your way through traffic. While a standard flat handlebar measures 57-60 cm, a drop bar is only 40-45 cm wide. People who often use their bikes in crowded locations will find this feature advantageous.
- 25.4mm model Drop Bar End Tube out diameter: 22.2mm
- 31.8mm model Drop Bar End Tube outer diameter:23.7mm
- Fit:handlebar clamp diameter 25.4mm;31.8mm
- Meteril: Made of 6061 T6 aluminun alloy, Super Light and Durable , Anti-shock,Rust Prevention, Feel good touch.
- Outer diameter: 23.7mm;Tube Thickness:3mm; Color: Black Matt surface.
- Size: Clamp diameter: 25.4mm; Bar width (center-to-center): 380/400/420mm; Drop: 130mm,Reach: 90mm.
Drop Bar Disadvantages
1. Might Be Difficult To Pull Brakes
I must say I found it quite stressful to ride the bike using drop handlebars. Let me explain what had happened. I was riding the bike with my hands on the top bars when a fellow cyclist turned towards me suddenly. Thankfully I moved my hands quickly towards the brake, but it took me one extra step to pull the brakes.
2. Parts Are Expensive
Whether it is a brake or shifter for the drop handlebar, it is always pricier than flat handles. This can discourage some people because sometimes the price can be twice as high as a flat bar. Also, they aren't always available in every local bike store. So you may have to order parts online, which will take much longer to arrive.
Final Words
After I’d tried both flat and drop handlebars, I decided the drop bar wasn’t for me. Call me old-fashioned, but I still prefer the good old flat handlebar, which I’m so familiar with. To be fair, the drop bar does take some time to get used to, especially if you’ve been introduced to it later.Â
And I won’t deny its merits either. Ultimately, I’d say it’s a matter of personal preference. So, if you are looking to speed through the hills, accelerate faster and switch hand positions often, the drop bar is the one for you. If not, the flat handle is a good handlebar for everybody.
On that note, I’ll take your leave, goodbye!