Best Flat Bar Gravel Bikes and Road Bikes in 2021

Over the years, we have made it obvious that we believe many cyclists would profit from smooth handlebars on rougher ground. Therefore, it’s no surprise that we’re also advocating for a gravel bike with flat bars.

No, we’re not talking about rigid mountain bikes nor MTBs or hybrids from the 90s. While these types of bicycles may closely resemble gravel bikes, there are still quite a few fundamental differences, such as the flat handlebars, for instance. Besides, you’ll also find new, readily accessible technologies on these bikes that aren’t commonly seen on the good ol’ gravel bike.

So, let’s talk more about flat bar gravel bikes- what makes them unique, why you should try them out, and which models you should definitely consider buying. If you’re someone who starts when it comes to gravel bikes, a flat bar bike might be an excellent option. Therefore, if you’d like to ride the best flat bar gravel bike, see this guide.

Top 5 Flat Bar Gravel and Road Bikes

In order to capture the latest status of this trend, we assembled a list in 2021 of our favorite flat bar gravel bikes. Read the information about these bikes below:

What To Look For In A Flat Bar Gravel Bike

Flat bar gravel bikes are perfect for travel and also for other reasons, such as:

• The extra steering lever allows you to boost bike power especially with any front luggage
• You get an even better handgrip on bumpy surfaces when braking
• It opens gravel bikes to unique MTB parts, particularly the brakes, shifters, and derailleurs
• Changing/maintaining gear and brake cables are simpler
• A flat-bar grip is also more enduring than bar tape
• Mountain bike components are typically better, which allows mountain bikes of better use
• Mountain bike sections have more acceptable dirt road gear ratios
• There is more room for handlebar kits and attachments for bike packaging

All this said, how would you pick the right flat gravel bike for your needs?

Flat Bar vs Drop Bar

As gravel riding is increasingly common, more riders notice how enjoyable it is to travel the beaten road. In this case, most cyclists would think that you can only get the quintessential drop bars on gravel bikes. What you may not know is that there are other options, namely, the flat handlebars that we’ll talk about today.

This is why several bicycle manufacturers sell flat handlebar road bike choices. Some claim that flat handles provide better bike power, particularly when we talk about off-road biking. They offer improved steering levers that are perfect if you also apply weight to a bike pack or front bag. In any case, flat bars are usually ideal for those who only ride a bike.

However, you are not in the most aerodynamic role with flat bars relative to a dirt bike. This is still all right since you can adjust the flat bars to any alternate control choices.

To know more about this topic, here’s a guide explaining the benefits of flat bike handlebars and how they compare to drop bars.

Gravel Bike Conversion

Besides looking at these devices, a current drop-bar gravel bike may be changed to a flat bar. But bear in mind that flat bar bikes’ geometry is significantly altered in contrast with a drop bar.

In fact, a few drop bar bikes might be perfect conversion candidates for a flat bar. They are designed with “progressive” frame geometries and already have a more extended frame reach and a slackened head tube angle.

Frame Geometry

The frame geometry of flat handlebar bikes is different from those with drop bars. One of the most notable differences here is the frame’s durability, as well as the tightness of the groups, and the frame’s thickness. So, when riding a flat bar bike, expect to feel a difference in the angle of your arms, back, and shoulders.

For a road bike with straight handlebars to be friendly and secure, the steering geometry must be changed to make the bike slower than the drop bar bike. This serves to offset the extra steering leverage. With easy steering and plenty of levers, you get a twitchy bicycle.

Moreover, the head tube angle is also typically slackened in order to accommodate the extra steering lever. This steering feel is typically measured in milliliters, where less trail means quicker travel and more track means slower direction. It’s a little too technical, but basically, if you want to factor speed, you need to account for trail as well.

Frame size

When it comes to the size of the frame, gravel bikes are highly similar to road bikes. Meaning, whatever road bike size is recommended for your build, the same size will apply if you’re looking for a gravel bike.

However, one important note is that you’ll mostly see gravel bikes with a S, M, or L tag in terms of sizing, rather than seeing centimeter measurements. The available sizes are also quite limited. That said, it really isn’t as much of a problem, since gravel riding requires lots of movements so you have more leeway in getting a suitable bike size.

A helpful tip would be to go for the bigger frame, which would be beneficial is you often do multiple-day trips and long-distance rides. Alternatively, a smaller bike frame will feel better and more responsive on short yet intense riding sessions.

Gearing

Gearing is another way in which these bikes are distinct from the pack. Because of the environment, many gravel bikes feature big cassettes and lightweight or smaller gear. 50/34 or 48/32t cabinets are popular. Also, several gravel bikes come with 1x equipment and big cassettes.

1x Drivetrain

A 1x drivetrain is common on modern designs of gravel bikes. This setup makes for ample gearing that’s light and simple, especially with wide cassettes that are prevalent today. For the best in terms of performance and durability, opt for 10 or 12-speed rear cassettes and derailleurs that come with 38 to 42t front road chainrings.

Wide Tires

Gravel bikes have larger pneumatics. In other words, as these bicycles are built to cross miles of unpaved highways, their pneumatics are far more significant. Under these situations, mud-clearing is also a problem.

What you need to understand is that tire widths vary from 30mm to 48mm everywhere. In addition to 700c wheels, smaller diameters of 650b wheels with higher capacity pneumatics are standard, especially for gravel bike tires.

Most gravel pneumatics have a fast-rolling central tread with knurling or side knobs for increased curling ability on mixed surfaces. The latex sealant gives a degree of insurance against punctures, which is often usual for tubeless tires.

Price

How much are you willing to spend on your gravel bike? That likely depends on what you term a gravel bike. For instance, a used flat bar cyclocross bike might perform wonderfully as a gravel bike, and you will pay a fraction of its cost.

One thing to keep in mind when it comes to cost is that entry-level components are prevalent within the $800 range, so if you want mid-range quality and performance, especially one from a comprehensive brand, you should expect to spend around $2000 to $3000. Of course, if you’d like custom parts and higher-end componentry, it’s also possible with a higher budget.

You might also want to check out this review of the best gravel bikes under $1000.

FAQs

What are gravel bikes?

Gravel bikes are essentially a blend of mountain and road features. Meaning, you can technically ride a gravel bike on both road and off-road paths. What you’re getting here is a bicycle that is efficient, fast, and lightweight.

A gravel bicycle will feel great on a compact surface, while also being stable and composed when tackling off-road terrain. In other words, it’s versatile.

Gravel bikes also feature unique frame geometries that are focused on stability and comfort over long-distance riding. So, don’t expect a gravel bike to be the most efficient or aggressive ride; rather, expect a bicycle that will let you enjoy the riding experience on the whole.

Are flat bar gravel bikes the same as hybrid bikes?

No. as we mentioned earlier, flat bar gravel bicycles are not the same as hybrid bikes.

A traditional flaring bar bike has a long wheelbase and a slack head angle with a short stalk, aiming to make the geometry more progressive than the drop bar range and more appropriate for fast and aggressive cycling. More great bars have more power, which specific riders like as they hurl down off-road roads.

Who are flat bar bikes good for?

They’re great bikes for more prominent individuals, older adults, people living in places where the pavement sucks. And for those who like to travel gnarlier land, they can even be better bicycles.

Final Thoughts

Flat bar gravel bikes are not a one-size-fits-all solution to all cycling needs. However, this type of bicycle does allow for more accessibility by introducing a ride that is suitable for a wide range of riders, be it young or old, skilled or not. In short, flat bar bikes are great for pounding gravel and more, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t try one out.

• Category: Buying Guide