Optimizing handlebar position on gravel road bikes thumbnail

Optimizing handlebar position on gravel road bikes

The handlebar position of a gravel bike is similar to that of a road bike but somewhat different. The following is a summary of the concept of handlebar position and how to achieve the optimal handlebar position.

Modified at: 2023.11.30Posted at: 2022.9.27

Check your frame geometry!
The way to achieve handlebar position is basically the same as on a road bike
For road bike based geometry
In the case of an upright geometry
If you want a more gravel-optimized handle position
Handlebar position when using flared handlebars
Handlebar position when using a short stem
Plan ahead when cutting columns

Check your frame geometry!

Frame geometry has a big influence on handlebar position.

If you have a road bike separate from your gravel bike, your handlebar position on the gravel bike should basically be based on the optimized position on the road bike. Geometry is the most important thing to keep in mind at this point.

Gravel bikes may have a more upright frame geometry than road bikes. The handlebar position will also change depending on whether the frame has an upright geometry.

The way to achieve handlebar position is basically the same as on a road bike

Gravel bikes are basically road bikes, so the concept of how to find the handlebar position is the same as on a road bike.

First find the best saddle position
Move the handlebars up or down to the position that results in the best forward lean

However, depending on the geometry of the frame, the up/down positioning will be slightly different.

For road bike based geometry

If the geometry of your gravel bike is similar to that of a road bike, you will feel more stable when riding gravel if your handlebar position is 2 to 3 cm higher than the handlebar position of a road bike.

Unlike road bikes, which are often ridden in a straight line, gravel often has vertical and horizontal movement, and if the forward lean position is too deep, there is a risk of falling off the bike or falling forward. So, try to set the handlebar position slightly higher than the best position for road bikes.

In the case of an upright geometry

With an upright geometry, even if the handlebar position is about the same as that of a road bike, the frame itself is upright, so the handlebar position should naturally be “2 to 3 cm higher” than that of a road bike.

On the other hand, if the geometry is quite upright, even if the stem is lowered considerably without column spacers, it may still be more upright than a road bike.

If you don’t like being too upright and want to lean further forward, you can lower the handlebar position by replacing the stem with one that has a stronger incline.

If you want a more gravel-optimized handle position

When you get down to the nitty-gritty of riding gravel, the position of a gravel bike is similar to that of a MTB.

Specifically, the following two points are important

Use flared handlebars to spread your arms wide
Use a short stem to bring the handlebars forward for better maneuverability

Handlebar position when using flared handlebars

Flared handlebars have a handlebar drop that extends outward, allowing the rider to spread their arms like an MTB when using the lower handlebars for greater stability and maneuverability. However, since the lower handlebar has a deeper forward lean, the handlebar position should basically be set higher.

If you change the handlebar position based on the lower handlebar, the forward lean of the bracket position used when cruising on paved roads will become shallow, but you will have to find the balance you prefer in this area.

Handlebar position when using a short stem

When using a short stem to make the bike more MTB-like, the handlebars are closer together and the forward lean is shallower, so a slightly lower handlebar position is acceptable.

However, when using flared handlebars, it is better to raise the handlebar position slightly for better stability when using a lower handlebar.

Plan ahead when cutting columns

Gravel bike fork columns can be easily cut with a pipe cutter. However, once a column is cut, it cannot be undone, so the fork column can be shortened, but not lengthened.

For road bikes, once the proper position is found, the position can be lowered, but rarely raised.

However, on a gravel bike, you may want to change the handlebar position depending on whether you are mainly riding on paved or unpaved roads, so it is recommended that you leave the column a little longer than you think is “about right”.

Gravel Bike Position Guide

Gravel bikes have a slightly different approach to position than both road bikes and MTBs. This section explains how to optimize the position.

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