Tag: flat bar vs drop bar

  • The 9 Best Budget Gravel Bikes With Flat Bars (Under $1000)

    The 9 Best Budget Gravel Bikes With Flat Bars (Under $1000)

    The Short Version

    The Long Version

    Finding the best flat bar gravel bikes under $1,000 can be a daunting task, especially if this is your first bike purchase.

    The good news is all of the flat bar gravel bikes on this list have been selected through our objective, data-driven rankings, which have been optimized based on years of working in the bike industry.

    We have combed through hundreds of gravel bikes to find the best handling models, with broad size ranges, great features, adequate tire widths, suitable gear ratios, in the lightest possible package, and all from great online retailers.

    All you have to do is decide on the features that best suit your needs.

    We’ve made this buyer’s guide your one-stop shop for finding the best budget gravel bike.

    Accompanying the bike descriptions and score sheets are sizing charts that will help you pick the right size. We have even placed direct links to shops where you can buy these bikes, and have listed the shipping cost.

    We have intentionally picked bikes that can be easily obtained in the USA (that’s most of you) and can be shipped directly to your door.

    The author of this website has worked in the bike industry for over 20 years and has traveled the world by bicycle for over a decade. He has written multiple bicycle buyer’s guides that round up the best bikepacking and touring bikes.

    All of this experience means that you can’t go wrong with any bike featured here.

    Need To Know What To Look Out For?

    To learn about the characteristics of a flat bar gravel bike and for full details of our scoring system, please check out the buying advice at the bottom of the article.

    Jump to Buying Advice

    The Best Flat Bar Gravel Bikes For 2025

    State 4130 All Road – 19/20

    The best budget gravel bike overall is the State 4130 All-Road.

    This $999 steel bike is ready for off-road adventures. It has ample tire clearance and lots of bag/rack mounts. The notably upright riding position will allow you to ride all day comfortably should you put the bikepacking mounts to good use.

    The 4130 has a 1×12-speed drivetrain, tubeless compatible wheels, generous 2.4” tire clearance, and hydraulic disc brake calipers. State also has a plethora of budget-friendly upgrades to make this your dream bike (brakes, forks, gears, wheels) although those will put you over $1,000.

    In addition, State Bicycle Co frequently releases special editions, so this bike is usually available in several fun paint designs.

    The State only lost points when it came to steering speed; it’s a bit quicker than other bikes here, making it feel a bit twitchy at high speed. That said, if you added some weight to the front of the bike (in the form of bikepacking bags), the slightly twitchy steering will be dulled, and it will handle high speeds well.

    We recommend choosing smaller 650B/27.5” wheels if you’re primarily cycling on dirt roads, and 700C/29” wheels if you spend most of your time on pavement.

    Determine your State 4130 All Road frame size in sizing recommendations.

    CharacteristicNumerical DataScore
    Steering SpeedSomewhat Stable64mm Trail2/3
    Low Climbing GearVery Low22 Gear Inches3/3
    High-Speed GearHigh100 Gear Inches2/2
    Max TyreWide58mm (2.4″)3/3
    TubelessTubeless Compatible3/3
    Value For MoneyGreat$9993/3
    Weight CategoryAverage12.4kg (27.3lb)3/3
    Riding PositionUpright/Relaxed592mm Stack Average
    TOTAL SCORE19/20
    Learn all about our numerical data HERE
    State 4130 TanState 4130 LilacState 4130 Raw

    $45 Shipping Cost
    See PriceSee PriceSee Price

    Salsa Journeyer Altus – 19/20

    The best budget gravel bike with an aluminum frame is the Salsa Journeyer.

    Salsa has put a huge amount of research and development into its Journeyer gravel bike range. The attention to detail shines through in the bike’s overall design – it offers a choice of wheel sizes, exceptional tire clearance, stable steering, mounts for different luggage setups, ample bottle cage mounts, fender compatibility, and size-proportionate handlebar widths.

    The Journeyer is just 26lb (11.8kg) thanks to its lightweight aluminum frame and fork. It features a reliable microSHIFT 1×9 drivetrain and can fit wide 2.2-2.3” tires for rough dirt roads. The bike has a particularly low standover height so it’s great for riders down to 4ft8 (142cm) who are looking for a perfectly fitting bike.

    The only thing that kept the Journeyer from achieving a perfect score in our rating is the climbing gear is a bit high. This means that if you live in a very hilly area, you might find yourself wanting an even lower gear ratio.

    We recommend smaller 650B/27.5” wheels if you’re primarily cycling on dirt roads, and 700C/29” wheels if you spend most of your time on pavement.

    Determine your Salsa Journeyer frame size in the sizing recommendations.

    CharacteristicNumerical DataScore
    Steering StabilityStable77mm Trail3/3
    Low Climbing GearModerately Low24 Gear Inches2/3
    High-Speed GearHigh114 Gear Inches3/3
    Maximum Tyre WidthVery Wide55mm (2.2”)3/3
    Tubeless CompatibilityTubeless Compatible3/3
    Value For MoneyGreat$8993/3
    Weight CategoryLightest11.8kg (24.9lb)3/3
    Riding PositionNormal/Sporty582mm Stack Average
    TOTAL SCORE19/20
    Salsa Journeyer
    with 650B Wheels
    Salsa Journeyer
    with 700C Wheels
    Shipping
    Cost
    See PriceSee Price$100
    See PriceSee Price$150
    Learn all about our numerical data HERE

    Poseidon Redwood – 17/20

    The best budget gravel bike for rough roads is the Poseidon Redwood.

    The Redwood shines though as Poseidon’s proper bikepacking gravel bike, that is ready to take on any adventure. It employs a tough aluminum frame and fork with plenty of rack and accessory mounts. The drivetrain is a steadfast 1×10 model from microSHIFT.

    The number one reason to choose this bike is the strong wheels and wide tires. The Redwood comes standard with 2.35” wide tires but it can fit 2.6” tires if you need! The 650B/27.5” wheels are connected with stiff thru-axles, and the rims are tubeless compatible.

    The Redwood also has notably low climbing gears for a gravel bike, which is great for riding up steeper hills, especially with a bikepacking load.

    While the bike is adventure-ready, it does have a few drawbacks.

    It’s heavier than the rest at 29 lbs (13.15 kg). It also has a large-diameter alloy seatpost that rides very firmly (although the wide tires should regain most of that comfort). Lastly, the XL and XXL frames are not very tall at the front, resulting in a lower handlebar than similarly sized gravel bikes – tall riders take note.

    Determine your Poseidon Redwood frame size in sizing recommendations.

    CharacteristicNumerical DataScore
    Steering SpeedStable70mm Trail3/3
    Low Climbing GearVery Low22 Gear Inches3/3
    High-Speed GearModerately High96 Gear Inches1/2
    Max TyreVery Wide60mm (2.4″)3/3
    TubelessTubeless Compatible3/3
    Value For MoneyGreat$9993/3
    Weight CategoryAbove Average13.2kg (29.1lb)1/3
    Riding PositionNormal/Sporty569mm Stack Average
    TOTAL SCORE17/20
        
    Poseidon RedwoodShipping Cost Pick-Up
    See PriceFreeFree
    Learn all about our numerical data HERE

    Breezer Radar Cafe – 16/20

    The Breezer Radar Cafe Flat is the best budget gravel bike with an upright geometry.

    This is a vintage-inspired gravel bike that will be as comfortable zipping around town as it is off-road riding. It has a comfortable, upright geometry making it perfect for long or relaxed days in the saddle.

    The Breezer Cafe is a steel gravel bike with a Shimano 1×10 drivetrain, and it weighs 27.73 lbs (12.59 kg). The bike has been thoughtfully spec’d by the product managers, with hydraulic disk brakes, tubeless compatible rims, and clearance for 700c x 45mm tires.

    In addition to the big ticket component upgrades, it also has thoughtful touches like a chain keeper on the front so your chain won’t fall off, and a sleek steel blue paint job that will turn heads.

    In our rankings, the Breezer lost points for its weight and gear ratios. Since it’s a steel bike it will be heavier than others on this list, and while the climbing gear is a touch high, it will be low enough for most terrain.

    Determine your Breezer Radar frame size in sizing recommendations.

    CharacteristicNumerical DataScore
    Steering Speed Stable73mm Trail 3/3
    Low Climbing GearModerately Low25 Gear Inches2/3
    High-Speed GearSomewhat High97 Gear Inches1/2
    Max TyreWide48mm (1.9”)3/3
    TubelessTubeless Compatible3/3
    Value For MoneyGreat$8993/3
    Weight CategoryAverage12.6 kg (27.8 lbs)2/3
    Riding PositionUpright/Relaxed615mm Stack Average
    TOTAL SCORE16/20
        
    Breezer Radar CafeShipping CostPick-Up
    See Price Varies with locationYes (VT)
    Learn all about our numerical data HERE

    Marin DSX 1 – 16/20

    The best aluminum budget gravel bike is the Marin DSX 1.

    This flat bar bike is a lightweight and versatile gravel bike that has a whole slew of great features making it ready for your next adventure.

    This aluminum bike with a weight-shedding carbon fork weighs in at just 25.26 lbs (11.46 kg). This great build at a budget price includes a Shimano Deore 1×11 drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and thru-axles for the wheels. The DSX 1 also has clearance for rather wide 700c x 53mm (29 x 2.1”) tires.

    The DSX 1 has a classic and clean look thanks to its simple colorway and internal cable routing. It features tons of mounting points that can accommodate a variety of bag types from bikepacking cargo cage bags through to full-sized panniers. It’s a great bike for those seeking performance and comfort on mixed terrain.

    The only metric that the Marin lost points in was tubeless compatibility. While tubeless compatibility is a great feature, if you are just starting in the cycling world, you may not have the proper tools for a tubeless setup, so this might not be too important to you.

    Determine your Marin DSX 1 frame size in sizing recommendations.

    CharacteristicNumerical DataScore
    Steering SpeedStable80mm Trail3/3
    Low Climbing GearModerately Low23 Gear Inches2/3
    High-Speed GearVery High105 Gear Inches2/2
    Max TyreWide53mm (2.1”)3/3
    TubelessNot Tubeless Compatible0/3
    Value For MoneyGreat$9993/3
    Weight CategoryLightest11.5kg (25.35 lbs)3/3
    Riding PositionNormal/Sporty587mm Stack Average
    TOTAL SCORE16/20
        
    Marin DSX 1Shipping CostPick-up
    See Price$85Free
    See Bike Free
    Learn all about our numerical data HERE

    Surly Preamble – 15/20

    2025 Surly Preamble Flat Bar Gravel Bike

    The best budget gravel bike for tall riders is the Surly Preamble.

    Surly’s new entry-level bike is your “gateway drug” into cycling (their words, not mine). This fun and versatile bike will surely draw you into some dirt road cycling adventures.

    Surly offers height-inclusive frame geometry, meaning the XS and S have sloped top tubes for extra frame standover, and the XL accommodates very tall riders (6ft7). In keeping with Surly’s size-inclusive geometry, the XS and S bikes come with smaller 650B wheels, while M through XL bikes come with 700C wheels.

    The Preamble Flat bar is a steel bike so you’re sacrificing comfort for a bit of weight, but it still only weighs 12.3 kg (27 lbs). The bike comes with a 1×9 Shimano CUES drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes as standard.

    Downsides to the bike include a narrow tire width compared to some, higher climbing gear than we’d like, and a heavier-than-average weight.

    Determine your Surly Preamble frame size in sizing recommendations.

    CharacteristicNumerical DataScore
    Steering SpeedSomewhat Stable66mm Trail2/3
    Low Climbing GearSomewhat Low26 Gear Inches2/3
    High-Speed GearModerately High100 Gear Inches2/2
    Max TyreSomewhat Wide41mm (1.65”)1/3
    TubelessTubeless Ready3/3
    Value For MoneyGreat$9993/3
    Weight CategoryAverage12.3kg (27.0 lbs)2/3
    Riding PositionSporty/Average573mm Stack Average
    TOTAL SCORE15/20
        
    Surly PreambleShipping CostPick-up
    See Price$100Yes (AZ)
    See Price$150 Yes (MN)
    See PriceVaries with locationNo
    Learn all about our numerical data HERE

    Kona Dew Deluxe – 15/20

    The best budget gravel bike for commuting is the Kona Dew Deluxe.

    This isn’t just a gravel bike; it’s a commuter’s dream that can effortlessly transition between weekends away and urban commutes. It comes stock with a kickstand, so you can easily park your bike while running errands, and fenders to keep you dry when the conditions turn on you. 

    The Dew Deluxe boasts hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano Deore 11-speed gears, and 650b/27.5” wheels with lots of clearance (55mm or 2.2″). It also has the most upright riding position of any bike on this list, which is ideal for both commuting and long days in the saddle.

    The biggest downside is this bike is a bit heavy, especially for an aluminum bike, weighing in at 29.76 lbs (13.5 kg). If you remove the fenders and kickstand though it is about 2 lbs (1 kg) lighter. However, fenders and a kickstand are great for bikepacking too, so you might find you appreciate them.

    Determine your Kona Dew Deluxe frame size in sizing recommendations.

    CharacteristicNumerical DataScore
    Steering SpeedStable70mm Trail3/3
    Low Climbing GearVery Low20 Gear Inches3/3
    High-Speed GearNot Very High91 Gear Inches1/2
    Max TyreWide55mm (2.2”)3/3
    TubelessNot Tubeless Ready0/3
    Value For MoneyGreat$9493/3
    Weight CategoryAbove Average12.5 kg (27.6 lbs)2/3
    Riding PositionVery upright626mm Stack Average
    TOTAL SCORE15/20
        
    Kona Dew Deluxe WhiteKona Dew Deluxe Blue Shipping
    See PriceSee Price$119 (Home) or $80 (Bike Shop)
    Learn all about our numerical data HERE

    Poseidon X Ambition – 15/20

    The best budget gravel bike for price and weight is the Poseidon X Ambition.

    This is the speedy sibling of the Redwood. Every part of the X Ambition has been built for riding fast – it features 700C wheels that carry speed well, and a full carbon fork that saves about 1 lb (450 grams) compared to an aluminum or steel fork.

    Poseidon didn’t just have speed in mind for the X Ambition though. It features an excellent low climbing gear ratio for steep hills and a notably upright riding position too.

    This aluminum bike comes in at a lightweight 25 lbs (11.34 kg). It uses the same microSHIFT 1×10 drivetrain as the Redwood, and simple mechanical disc brakes.

    A downside is that the maximum tire size is fairly narrow at 42mm. However, if you’re aiming for speed and only need the bike for light off-road riding – this will be wide enough. It’s also worth noting the standard wheels are not tubeless compatible (but a wheel upgrade kit is available for a few hundred dollars extra).

    Determine your Poseidon X frame size in sizing recommendations.

    CharacteristicNumerical DataScore
    Steering SpeedStable73mm Trail3/3
    Low Climbing GearVery Low22 Gear Inches3/3
    High-Speed GearModerately High94 Gear Inches1/2
    Max TyreSomewhat Wide42mm (1.65″)2/3
    TubelessNot Tubeless Ready0/3
    Value For MoneyGreat$8993/3
    Weight CategoryLightest11.3kg (25.0lb)3/3
    Riding PositionUpright/Relaxed597mm Stack Average
    TOTAL SCORE15/20
        
    Poseidon X AmbitionShipping CostPick-Up
    See PriceFreeFree (CA)
    Learn all about our numerical data HERE

    Cannondale Quick Disc 5 – 13/20

    The best budget gravel bike with a step-through frame is the Cannondale Quick Disc 3.

    Cannondale has been in the bike market for decades bringing innovation to bikes whether they are for world-class athletes or budget-minded consumers. The Quick 3 is a lightweight bike that will have you equally zipping through the city or down bumpy gravel roads.

    The Quick 3 is an aluminum gravel bike and comes with hydraulic disc brakes and a carbon fork. The bike weighs in at only 25.4 lbs (11.5 kg), and has a broad height range fitting riders 4’10” – 6’9” (the tallest of any bike on our list).

    There are also unique accessories included with the bike, for example, a built-in phone mount (compatible with SP phone cases) that allows you to document your rides in conjunction with the sensor in the fork and Cannondale app.

    The Quick 3 is the only bike on this list that is offered as a unisex step-through frame. While not common in the US, these low-slung frames are much easier to mount, and a great option if you have limited mobility, or simply need to dismount frequently.

    At 42 mm (1.65”) the Quick 3 has a fairly narrow maximum tire width, but this is plenty wide for light gravel roads and bike paths. The only other downside is the low climbing gear, which is higher than some bikes on the list.

    Determine your Cannondale Quick frame size in sizing recommendations.

    CharacteristicNumerical DataScore
    Steering SpeedSomewhat Stable62mm Trail2/3
    Low Climbing GearSomewhat Low26 Gear Inches2/3
    High-Speed GearHigh105 Gear Inches2/2
    Max TyreSomewhat Wide42 mm / 1.65”2/3
    TubelessNot Tubeless Ready0/3
    Value For MoneyGreat$6253/3
    Weight CategoryLightest12.1kg (26.7lb)2/3
    Riding PositionUpright/Relaxed602mm Stack Average
    TOTAL SCORE13/20
        
    Cannondale Quick Disc 5Cannondale Quick Disc 3Pick-Up

    $85 Shipping Cost
    See PriceSee Price Yes
    Learn all about our numerical data HERE

    Budget Gravel Bike Buying Advice

    Frame Material

    Aluminum – This is the most common frame and fork material in this price range. Aluminum provides the best balance between frame stiffness, lightweight performance, and cost-effectiveness.

    Steel – People who ride steel bikes are often fanatics about them. They love the side-to-side flex that a steel frame offers, as well as the ability to easily repair the frame, should something break. The downside to this material is that it’s heavier than aluminum, usually by 2 or 3 pounds (1-1.5 kg).

    Carbon Fiber – While there aren’t any carbon fiber bikes on this list, a few bikes do feature a carbon fork. Carbon forks shave off a pound of weight and can be more forgiving over bumps. A carbon fork is a great upgrade for those who are looking to squeeze out the most performance.

    Drivetrain Type

    1X – A single chainring in the front eliminates the front derailleur. These drivetrains are paired with a wide-range cassette at the rear so you can still maintain a broad gear range. The simplicity of a 1X system is appealing to riders who want ease of use, and less mechanical hassle.

    2X – A double chainring drivetrain offers a broader range of gear ratios by featuring two front chainrings. This allows for smaller differences between gears on the rear cassette, providing a more consistent cadence (pedalling speed in RPM) across a wider range of speeds, gradients, and terrains. A 2X setup is a great choice for people who will do a lot of paved road riding.

    Wheel Size

    The choice of wheel size ultimately comes down to personal preference, some companies such as State Bicycle offer a second wheelset for an additional fee, and other companies like Salsa offer the same model in both wheel sizes.

    700C (29″) – 700C has been the standard road bike wheel size for decades. Its large diameter allows for a greater rollover capability, so 700C can clear obstacles easily while carrying more momentum. This makes them ideal for riders who prefer to ride faster with greater efficiency.

    650B (27.5”) – By reducing the rim size, you can fit higher-volume tires on the same gravel bike frame. Wider tires provide more grip and reduce body fatigue on rough terrain. This wheel size is ideal for those who want to prioritize bike control and ride comfort.

    Handlebar Type

    There are advantages and disadvantages to drop bars and flat bars, and your choice ultimately boils down to how you want to use your bike. You can read our full pros/cons article about handlebar type HERE.

    Drop Bars (Curly Ones) – These bars offer a more aerodynamic riding position that is ideal for long days on the bike. and more hand positions than their flat bar counterparts. Due to their narrower width, they are often better for squeezing between cars and urban obstacles.

    Flat Bars (Not Curly Ones) – Flat bars offer extra steering leverage for better bike control, and the ride position they put you in is usually a bit more upright. This makes them a great option for beginners. Our list of the best flat bar gravel bikes (under $1000) is coming soon.

    Our Scoring System

    Steering Speed

    We assign:
    3 points to a bike with a trail of 68mm or more
    2 points to a bike with a trail between 61 and 68mm
    1 point to a bike with a trail 60mm or less.

    Steering speed is an important part of our rankings. We use the ‘trail’ measurement, which gives us the best approximation of how a bike’s steering will feel to you the rider. This article on Bike Insights gives a great in-depth analysis of what constitutes trail.

    Generally, mountain bikes have the highest trail figure (90-130mm), resulting in a slow steering feel. This keeps them extremely stable at high speeds, especially when combined with a wide flat handlebar and short stem.

    On the opposite end, road bikes generally have the lowest trail figure (50-70mm), resulting in a quick steering feel that best suits the characteristics of a narrow drop bar and longer stem.

    Low Climbing Gear

    We assign:
    3 points to a bike with a climbing gear of below 24 gear inches
    2 points to a bike with a climbing gear between 24 and 28 gear inches
    1 point to a bike with a climbing gear above 28 gear inches

    We measure the lowest and highest gears on a gravel bike using “gear inches”. They are calculated using the diameter of your wheel, multiplied by the front sprocket, and divided by your rear cog. That gives us a convenient two or three-digit number to compare bikes that use different wheel sizes and tire widths.

    The good news is that you don’t have to calculate the gear inches manually, websites like Gear-Calculator work them out for you.

    On a gravel bike, the ideal climbing gear is generally 24 gear inches or below as this gear allows you to pedal comfortably up a steep hill at 7kph/4mph. 24 to 28 gear inches is generally acceptable on moderately steep terrain, and 28 or above is better suited to milder gradients.

    High-Speed Gear

    We assign:
    2 points to a bike with a high-speed gear above 100 gear inches
    1 points to a bike with a high-speed gear below 100 gear inches

    At the other end of the scale, the ideal high gear is somewhere over 100 gear inches. This will give you enough gears to pedal down a hill at 48kph/30mph. Stepping up to 125 gear inches for your high-speed gear, and you can still pedal at 60kph/37mph.

    Maximum Tire Size

    We assign:
    3 points to a maximum tire width of 47mm or wider
    2 points to a max tire width of 42 to 47mm
    1 point to a max tire width of 42mm or narrower

    The maximum tire width is determined by frame and fork clearance. Bikepackers typically choose the widest tire available, as the wider the tire the more varied the terrain you can ride. This is why bikes with a larger tire clearance received higher scores in our rankings.

    Wider tires have a larger contact patch with the ground. This gives you more grip as you navigate challenging terrain. A wider tire can also absorb vibrations and impacts more effectively, providing a smoother overall ride.

    The good news is that wider tires won’t slow you down much because it’s the tire’s rubber compound that primarily (~80%) determines rolling resistance. In fact, some wide/nobby mountain bike tires roll much faster than slick road bike tires!

    Tubeless Compatibility

    We assign:
    3 points to a bike that has tubeless compatible wheels
    0 points to a bike that has tube-only wheels

    Tubeless – A tubeless setup has a reduced risk of flats due to the latex-based sealant inside. The sealant is to self-seal small punctures caused by thorns or debris.

    A tubeless setup also allows riders to run lower tire pressure for a more cushioned ride without the risk of pinch flats. To run a tubeless setup, both the rim and tires need to be tubeless compatible. The initial setup requires a bit of familiarity with putting sealant into tires and seating the tire on the rim.

    The ranking system we use places a lot of emphasis on bikes with tubeless compatibility, as it is such great convenience.

    Tubes – Tires with tubes are easier to install and more straightforward for most users. It’s worth noting that all tubeless wheels can fit tubes.

    Value For Money

    We assign:
    3 points to a very good value bike
    2 points to a good value bike
    1 point to a bike of ok value-for-money

    Admittedly, this metric is rather subjective, however, we have a good sense of the quality of the frame, fork, and components and whether they match the asking price of the bike.

    Weight

    We assign:
    3 points to a bike under 12kg (26.5lb)
    2 points for a bike between 12-13kg (26.5-28.7lb)
    1 point for a bike over 13kg and over (28.7lb)

    Weight is one of the easiest things to measure on a bicycle, so it is often the emphasis. However, it’s our opinion that bike weight matters much less than you think. This is because a 1kg (2.2lbs) heavier bike usually only results in a one or two-minute time penalty over a 100km (62mi) hilly ride.

    Nonetheless, a lightweight gravel bike often uses higher-quality components and materials, so this is still an important metric.

    Riding Position

    We use the average stack height of all frame sizes to determine whether a bike has a ‘sporty’ or ‘relaxed’ riding position. This metric gives us an idea of how high the handlebar is relative to your saddle height.

    Normal/Sporty means the bike’s handlebar is a typical height compared to other gravel bikes. A bike is considered sporty when the average stack is under 590mm.

    Upright/Relaxed means the bike’s handlebar is higher than average compared to other gravel bikes. A bike is considered ‘relaxed’ when the average stack is 590mm or taller.

    It’s worth noting that you can turn a ‘sporty’ bike into a ‘relaxed’ bike by increasing a bike’s handlebar height using a riser stem or steerer tube extender. These products normally add 25 to 75mm (1-3″) of bar height.

    Sizing Recommendations

    Simply find your height and inseam on these charts to determine the size(s) that will fit you.

    If you’re on the boundary between two sizes, those with a long inseam often prefer the taller handlebar height of the bigger frame size. Conversely, if you’d like a lower handlebar height for a performance-oriented riding position, simply choose the smaller size.

    Standover height

    The frame standover is the measurement from the ground to the top tube (50mm/2.0″ in front of the bottom bracket). Ideally, this measurement is less than your inseam so that your crotch has clearance over the bike frame.

    Salsa Journeyer

    What Salsa Journeyer Frame Size Should You Buy?

    SizeRider HeightInseam (in)Rider HeightInseam (mm)Frame Standover
    XS4’8” to 5’1”25.2 to 27.6”142cm to 155cm640 to 702mm24.1” (614mm)
    S5’0” to 5’5”27.2 to 29.5”152cm to 165cm 690 to 750mm25.5” (649mm)
    M5’4” to 5’9” 28.4 to 31.0”163cm to 175cm 720 to 790mm 26.9” (685mm)
    L5’8” to 6’1”31.0 to 34.0”173cm to 185cm790 to 870mm28.4” (721mm)
    XL6’0” to 6’5”32.6 – 36.0”183cm to 196cm830 to 911mm29.8” (757mm)
    Salsa Journeyer
    with 650B Wheels
    Salsa Journeyer
    with 700C Wheels
    Shipping
    Cost
    See PriceSee Price$100
    See PriceSee Price$150

    State 4130 All-Road

    What State 4130 All Road Frame Size Should You Buy?

    SizeRider HeightInseam (in)Rider HeightInseam (mm)Frame Standover
    XS5’1″ to 5’6″27.7 to 31.9″155cm to 168cm704 to 809mm28.9″ (735mm)
    S5’5″ to 5’10”29.9 to 33.9″165cm to 178cm759 to 861mm30.0″ (764mm)
    M5’9″ to 6’2″31.9 to 36.1″173cm to 188cm811 to 918mm31.1″ (790mm)
    L6’1″ to 6’5″34.1 to 38.4″185cm to 196cm868 to 976mm32.2″ (819mm)
    State 4130 TanState 4130 LilacState 4130 Raw

    $45 Shipping Cost
    See PriceSee PriceSee Price

    Poseidon Redwood

    What Poseidon Redwood Frame Size Should You Buy?

    SizeRider HeightInseam (in)Rider HeightInseam (mm)Frame Standover
    XXS5’0″ to 5’3″27.1 to 31.2″152cm to 160cm 690 to 793mm29.9″ (758mm)
    XS5’4″ to 5’7″29.2 to 32.9″160cm to 170cm 743 to 835mm30.6″ (775mm)
    S5’7″ to 5’10”30.9 to 33.9″ 170cm to 177cm785 to 861mm31.3″ (794mm)
    M5’9″ to 6’0″31.9 to 35.5″175cm to 183cm 811 to 903mm31.8″ (807mm)
    L6’0″ to 6’3″33.5 to 37.2″183cm to 190cm 853 to 945mm32.5″ (826mm)
    XL6’3″ to 6’5″35.2 to 38.4″190cm to 196cm 895 to 976mm33.2″ (842mm)
    Poseidon RedwoodShipping Cost Pick-Up
    See PriceFreeFree

    Breezer Radar Cafe

    What Breezer Radar Frame Size Should You Buy?

    SizeRider HeightInseam (in)Rider HeightInseam (mm)Frame Standover
    455’2” to 5’5”28.1 to 30.9”157cm to 165cm716 to 784mm28.0” (711mm)
    485’5” to 5’8”29.9 to 32.4”165cm to 173cm759 to 823mm28.9” (736mm)
    515’8” to 5’11” 31.4 to 33.4” 173cm to 181cm798 to 849mm30” (763mm)
    545’10” to 6’0”32.4 to 34.5”178cm to 183 cm824 to 878mm31.2” (792mm)
    576’0” to 6’2”33.5” to 35.6”183cm to 188cm853 to 906mm32.2” (817mm)
    606’2” to 6’5”34.6” to 37.4”188cm to 196cm881 to 951mm33.2” (842mm)
    Breezer Radar CafeShipping CostPick-Up
    See PriceVaries with locationYes (VT)

    Marin DSX 1

    What Marin DSX Frame Size Should You Buy?

    SizeRider HeightInseam (in)Rider HeightInseam (mm)Frame Standover
    S5’2” to 5’6”28.1 to 31.4”157cm to 168cm716 to 797mm25.9” (659mm)
    M5’6” to 5’10”31.4 to 33.4”168cm to 178cm772 to 849mm27.6” (700mm)
    L5’10” to 6’2” 32.4 to 35.1”178cm to 188cm 824 to 893mm28.7” (730mm)
    XL6’1” to 6’4”34.1 to 37.4”185cm to 193cm868 to 951mm 29.8” (758mm)
    Marin DSX 1Shipping CostPick-up
    See Price$85Free
    See BikeFree

    Kona Dew Deluxe

    What Kona Dew Deluxe Frame Size Should You Buy?

    SizeRider HeightInseam (in)Rider HeightInseam (mm)Frame Standover
    S5’0” to 5’5”27.1 to 31.4”152 to 167cm690 to 797mm27.0” (687mm)
    M5’6” to 5’10”30.4 to 34.0”168 to 178cm772 to 865mm28.4” (722mm)
    L5’11” to 6’2”33.0 to 34.5”180 to 188cm840 to 878mm29.8” (757mm)
    XL6’0” to 6’5”33.5 to 37.4”185 to 196cm853 to 951mm31.4” (798mm)
    Kona Dew Deluxe WhiteKona Dew Deluxe BlueShipping
    See PriceSee Price$119 (Home) or $80 (Bike Shop)

    Poseidon X Ambition

    What Poseidon X Ambition Frame Size Should You Buy?

    SizeRider HeightInseam (in)Rider HeightInseam (mm)Frame Standover
    S5’3″ to 5’6″28.7 to 31.9″160 to 168cm731 to 809mm30.5″ (775mm)
    M5’5″ to 5’9″29.9 to 33.4″165 to 175cm759 to 848mm31.3″ (794mm)
    L5’8″ to 6’0″31.4 to 35.0″173 to 180cm798 to 881mm32.0″ (813mm)
    XL5’11” to 6’2″33.0 to 34.6″175 to 185cm840 to 920mm32.8″ (832mm)
    XXL6’2″ to 6’6″34.6 to 38.8″185 to 198cm881 to 987mm33.8″ (857mm)
    Poseidon X AmbitionShipping Cost Pick-Up
    See PriceFreeFree

    Cannondale Quick Disc 3

    SizeRider HeightInseam (in)Rider HeightInseam (mm)Frame Standover
    XS4’10” to 5’3”26.2” to 29.1”147 to 160cm666 to 741mm25.8” (657mm)
    S5’2” to 5’7”28.1” to 30.9”152 to 167 cm716 to 784mm27.2” (699mm)
    M5’5” to 5’10”29.9” to 32.9”168 to 178cm759 to 836mm29.2” (741mm)
    L5’9” to 6’2”31.9” to 35.6”180 to 188cm811 to 906mm30.7” (782mm)
    Cannondale Quick Disc 5Cannondale Quick Disc 3Pick-Up
    See PriceSee PriceYes

    Surly Preamble

    What Surly Preamble Frame Size Should You Buy?

    SizeRider HeightInseam (in)Rider HeightInseam (mm)Frame Standover
    XS5’0” to 5’5”27.1” to 30.2”152 to 165cm690 to 768mm28.4” (722mm)
    S5’4” to 5’8”29.2” to 30.9”162 to 173cm743 to 810mm30.6” (776mm)
    M5’7” to 6’0” 30.9 “ to 34.0”170 to 183cm785 to 865mm 32.5” (826mm)
    L5’11” to 6’3” 33.0” to 35.6”180 to 191cm840 to 906mm34.0” (863mm)
    XL6’2” to 6’7”34.6” to 38.4”187 to 201cm881 to 977mm35.5” (901mm)
    Standover heights based on 650b wheels on XS and S, and 700c on M – XL
    Surly PreambleShipping CostPick-up
    See Price$100Yes (AZ)
    See Price$150Yes (MN)
    See PriceVaries with locationNo
  • Flat Bars Are Better Than Drop Bars For Most People (Objective Analysis)

    Flat Bars Are Better Than Drop Bars For Most People (Objective Analysis)

    Drop bars or flat bars may be the best option for you, depending on your use case.

    But when we take a look at both designs objectively, the best option for the most people is a flat handlebar – and it’s not even close.

    In this article, we will analyse the differences between these two handlebar designs, covering everything from performance to frame geometry, product design to safety.

    As rider comfort is a subjective experience, egonomics is not part of my analysis – some of you will find drop bars comfier, others will find flat bars comfier.

    Let’s start with when flat bars are objectively better than drop bars, and later, we’ll flip the script.

    The Case For Flat Bars

    koga denham bars
    The KOGA Denham Bar on my touring bike.
    Flat Bars Offer Better Bike Handling

    The wider your hands sit from the steering axis, the more leverage you have to steer your bike.

    With a wide flat bar, you can expect better bike control at high speeds, as the additional leverage helps to counter the ground forces that are constantly nudging your handlebar, and at low speeds, as you can make small adjustments to help keep your balance.

    A high steering leverage is also particularly important if you use front luggage, as any weight at the front of the bike requires additional effort to steer. Even with a very heavy front load, wide handlebars can provide a light steering response.

    You can expect to ride with more confidence and more control with a flat handlebar, especially on rougher terrain.

    But note: there are drop bar exceptions to the rule that make the most of a high steering leverage. The Curve Walmer is 600mm wide at the hoods, which is getting mighty close to offering flat bar levels of control.

    More Stable Frame Design
    When we overlay a drop bar frame on a flat bar frame, we can see the latter has a significantly longer front centre.

    As the grips are closer to your body when you use a flat bar, manufacturers need to increase the front centre of their flat bar frames by approximately 50-60mm to ensure rider hip, back and arm angles can be maintained.

    This has multiple indirect benefits:
    1. You get a longer wheelbase, which makes your bike more stable at speed.
    2. You get a larger front endo angle, which makes it harder for a bump, pothole or rock to send you over the bars.
    3. When you stand up, your centre of mass is better centred between your tyres, which maximises both front and rear tyre grip.

    As a result, flat bar bikes are more stable and confidence-inspiring to ride – in particular, on steeper or rougher sections of trail.

    Again, there are drop bar exceptions to the rule that design-in long front centre lengths. I made a frame geometry masterclass around one such bike (Evil Chamois Hagar), which you can watch up here.

    No Toe Overlap

    You have toe overlap when you turn your handlebar and your front wheel makes contact with your forward foot. This is usually a problem on drop bar bikes in the small to medium sizes, but can be a problem on bigger bikes with fenders too.

    With the longer front centre lengths of most flat bar frames, we can virtually eliminate toe overlap for riders of all heights, which improves low speed riding safety, in particular.

    The Brake Performance
    The Formula Cura 4 brakes use four pistons and large brake pads to provide some of the highest stopping power available. Image: RideFormula

    One finger braking is easy on a flat handlebar, which leaves your thumb and three other fingers to get a firm hold on the small-diameter grips.

    In comparison, drop bars typically require more fingers on the brake levers (especially in the hoods) which results in a less firm hold. This is particularly noticeable if you try to brake into bumpy corners.

    In addition, flat bar brakes offer more stopping power with the same lever force. This is thanks to mountain bike brakes being available with more pistons and larger pad surface areas, as well as larger-diameter rotors.

    Lower Gear Ratios Are More Common
    Bombtrack Beyond 2017

    Low gear ratios are absolutely essential if you want to make riding in the hills nice and easy.

    If we compare the lowest gear ratios on bikes in the “off-road touring” category in my buyer’s guides, the flat bar bikes have a 20% lower average climbing gear than the drop bar bikes!

    This is because flat bar shifters are easily paired with mountain bike drivetrain components. As these parts are intended for the steepest terrain, they come with the gear ratios to match.

    There are many ways to hack drop bar drivetrains, but ultimately, low gear ratios are more commonly found on, and are easier to retrofit to flat bar bikes.

    The Price Is Often Lower

    If we take a look at the Marin bike range, we can see that the drop bar Gestalt X10 and flat bar DSX 1 share a very similar aluminium frame, carbon fork and specification (in fact, the spec on the flat bar bike is a touch better).

    The extra cost for the drop bar model? $400.

    We see similar price differences with Specialized bikes. The Sirrus X 5.0 carbon is $550 cheaper than the Diverge Base Carbon. Again, the flat bar spec is undoubtedly better, but the price does not at all reflect this.

    The price discrepancy could be attributed to the shifters of drop bar bikes being more expensive to manufacture. For example, a set of Shimano Ultegra road shifters is three times the cost of the equivalent flat bar shifters (I know, you get brake levers too – but still).

    Another explanation could be that the drop bar market will simply pay more for the same thing. Whatever the reason, flat bar bikes almost always represent the best value-for-money.

    A Broader Range of Handlebar Designs and Hand Positions
    Overlaying flat handlebar designs in WhatBars is fun!

    While drop bar handlebar designs do vary, especially in terms of width and flare, it’s nothing compared to flat bar designs!

    It’s a bit of a myth that drop bars offer more hand positions. These days, you can find flat bars in a crazy number of configurations!

    Bar-ends fitted inboard? Sure. Outer bar-ends? Of course! How about a nice loop? Yep. Butterfly wings? They make that. Backsweep? Get it in whatever angle you want.

    It’s hard to imagine there isn’t something for everybody. I’d recommend playing around with the website WhatBars to get a sense of your flat bar options.

    More Bikepacking Bag Capacity + Better Access
    Bikepacking handlebar packs are not only volume-restricted but the ability to open and close the roll closures is hampered.

    Handlebar pack volume is much less restricted on a flat handlebar, as the bar and levers do not interrupt the width of the bag at all. The bag volume is often twice as large on a flat bar!

    In addition, the roll closures are much easier to access as the drops don’t get in the way.

    Bar Grips > Bar Tape

    Bar tape is susceptible to tearing, moving about or unwrapping itself with use. On a long bike trip, this just means more bike maintenance.

    In comparison, flat bar grips are tough enough for mountain biking, long-lasting and super easy to replace given they often slide straight on and are fastened down with bolts.

    Additionally, it’s MUCH easier to replace and maintain brake and shift cables on a flat bar bike, as you can do so without unwrapping and rewrapping any bar tape.

    Low Risk Of Sweat Corrosion

    If you’ve ever worked in a bicycle repair shop, you’ll know all about sweat corrosion!

    This is a chemical reaction that occurs between your sweat and aluminium handlebars, in particular, and the corrosion is often eating away at your handlebar without your knowledge.

    This is a good reminder to periodically peel back your bar tape if you use aluminium handlebars.

    While sweat can destroy a flat handlebar too, it turns out that bar tape is the ultimate sweat sponge, which results in corrosion almost exclusively being a drop bar problem.

    Better For Gearbox Shifters
    The KOGA Denham Bar is a great alternative to a drop bar. You’ll be able to keep your aerodynamic position by using the bullhorn section, you’ll get extra steering leverage for managing front luggage and there’s even a location for a handlebar bag mount!

    If you like the idea of a gearbox drivetrain, a flat handlebar holds the advantage.

    While there are many workarounds for getting a Rohloff or Pinion gearbox shifter onto a drop bar, the twist shifter is easier to access on a flat bar as it sits right under your hand at all times. It also allows you to dump at least eight gears at once, which is surprisingly useful when touring or bikepacking.

    Flat Bars Often Come Down To Safety

    Most European touring bikes, like this Falkenjagd, come with flat handlebars.

    There’s a strong safety argument for using flat bars.

    Think about it – better handling and control, better braking, a more stable frame design, no toe overlap and less risk of handlebar corrosion. All of these factors ultimately help to keep you upright.

    This is important to note for riders who aren’t yet super confident with their bike handling skills. If you’re new to bike travel or are spending a lot of your time off-road, I’d recommend honing in on flat bar bikes.

    Right, it’s now time to find out when drop bars are objectively better.

    The Case For Drop Bars

    More Aerodynamic

    By the time you’re cycling at 30KPH, as much as 90% of the resistive force experienced comes from aerodynamic drag. For those who intend to travel further or faster, there is a strong case for drop bars.

    Drop bars are faster at higher speeds because the hand positions on offer will help you to tuck your elbows in and lean forward, putting your body in a more aerodynamic shape. Additionally, you’ll get a reduction in your body’s frontal area thanks to the narrower width.

    This allows you to ride further with the same effort, or the same distance with less effort. Drop bars are great in headwinds too!

    That said, some flat bars (KOGA Denham, Velo Orange Crazy Bar, Surly Moloko) are designed with aerodynamic handholds in mind. Alternatively, you can add bar-ends on the inside of your grips for a speedy ride position, or better yet, fit some aero bars to your bike.

    Often Better In Busy Inner City Areas
    I use some super narrow Nitto RB-021 handlebars on my commuter bike.

    Drop bars are often best in urban environments where you need to squeeze tight gaps.

    This is due to their 15 to 30cm narrower width, making splitting traffic, riding near close-passing cars, negotiating pedestrian areas, and riding through narrow alleyways much easier.

    The Drops

    A unique hand position on a drop bar is the… drops!

    In this position, you can lower your hands to adjust your hip angle, stretch out your back and take some weight from your backside. These adjustments may keep you feeling fresher on a long ride.

    That said, butterfly bars are a flat bar option that provides a similar high and low ride position, and aero bars fitted to any bike allow for similar body tweaks to the drops.

    Brake Access In Multiple Hand Positions
    Drop bars allow you to have brake access in up to three hand positions – the drops, hoods or tops.

    While you can get multiple handholds using flat bars, you don’t have brake lever access from all of those hand positions.

    In comparison, drop bars provide brake access in the hoods or drops, and you can even get additional “inline” brake levers for your bar tops too! This can be a confidence booster, as you will not need to quickly move your hands to hit the anchors.

    Inline brake levers (aka cross, crosstop, bartop or sub-brake) can be fitted to any mechanical brake set, and Shimano makes some nice levers for hydraulic brakes too (pictured above).

    Why Are Drop Bars Popular?

    A Salsa Fargo decked out with flared drop bars.

    I said this would be an objective analysis, but perhaps there’s a subjective reason why drop bars are popular. Could it be that drop bar bikes simply look better? After all, it’s a FACT that you’ll get more Instagram likes with drop bars!

    It’s worth noting that drop bars aren’t popular everywhere.

    There is a clear cultural divide between drop bar and flat bar touring bike manufacturers. Continental European brands will almost always spec a flat bar on their touring bikes, while North American and British brands cling dearly to drop bars.

    If everyone around you, and every shop is selling bikes with one particular bar type, it’s very easy to assume that that handlebar will be the best option for you too.

    Summary

    While drop bars do excel on faster and longer rides, as well as in urban areas, when we take an objective look at both handlebar designs, it’s clear that flat bars are the best option for most people.

    The higher steering leverage allows for better bike control, both at high and low speeds. We can also use this steering leverage to better overcome the slowing effect of any front luggage, and the leverage also better resists the forces coming from the ground on rougher terrain.

    The frames themselves work out to be more stable thanks to the long front centres, and this helps to eliminate toe overlap almost entirely as well.

    Flat bar bikes often brake better and offer a firmer handhold at the grips. The cables are easier to access, the grips aren’t delicate like bar tape, and there is almost no risk of handlebar corrosion.

    If this list isn’t exhaustive enough for you yet, there’s also more space for handlebar packs with larger volumes. The cherry on the top of all of this is the lower cost.