why do gravel bikes have flared bars Top Shelf Handlebar

why do gravel bikes have flared bars Top Shelf HandlebarThe Top Shelf Handlebar raises your position by 50 or 70mm (2 or 2. 75in) to give you an ultra comfortable upright riding position and easy reach to the drops. It features the same backsweep, flare and compact drop as our best selling Kitchen Sink Handlebars, so you can stay comfortable and in control no matter the terrain. The patent pending design features a unique double bar construction, which allows for easy, secure mounting of bags and

The Top Shelf Handlebar raises your position by 50 or 70mm (2 or 2.75in) to give you an ultra-comfortable upright riding position and easy reach to the drops. It features the same backsweep, flare and compact drop as our best-selling Kitchen Sink Handlebars, so you can stay comfortable and in control no matter the terrain. 

The patent-pending design features a unique double-bar construction, which allows for easy, secure mounting of bags and accessories. Configure the perfect set-up for anything from an afternoon gravel adventure to an epic multi-day bikepacking trip.

KEY Handlebar Features:

• RISE - 50 or 70mm (2 or 2.75in) of rise creates a more upright and comfortable riding position without the use of a highly angled stem or excessive headset spacers. This allows riders to achieve a more upright, relaxed fit while maintaining traditional drop-bar bike geometry.
• CONTROL - Take advantage of the drops. The higher positioning of the drops provides a comfortable and secure hand position, giving you control to navigate rough terrain and steep descents. This keeps your body weight centered, while reducing neck and back strain. 
• BACKSWEEP - 7° degrees of backsweep orients the bar where your hands want to be. Whether you're on the flats, the hoods, or the drops, you’re getting an ergonomic position for your most epic gravel rides.
• FLARE - 25° degrees of flare and a compact drop means a stable, aerodynamic drop position that is actually comfortable enough to use on your longest gravel ride or your next bikepacking trip. 
• FULL RANGE OF WIDTHS -  41, 44, 47, 50, and 53cm widths.
• STORAGE - the unique double-bar construction provides room for all of your bar-mounted accessories. Mount handlebar bags (like our custom-fitted Top-Shelf Handlebar Bag which is now available) securely, without flopping around like they do on a standard handlebar.
• Perfect for road, gravel, bikepacking, and commuting.

Why are Your Riser Handlebars Flared? 

Our handlebars are designed to seek a balance between the traditional wide flat bars which offer stability and control over rough terrain and the comfort and speed of road bike drop bar position without sacrificing control. The Top Shelf Handlebars are flared in the drops to give the rider a stable and more controllable riding position that is essential for gravel biking terrain. This combination of comfort and control allows you to ride longer, further and faster and is especially well-suited to long distance multi-day, week or even months long bikepacking rides.  

Handlebar Accessories 

To get even more comfort and performance out of your Top Shelf Handlebar, add the ergonomic Cruise Control Grip System. The Top Grips provide an incredibly comfortable position at the tops by expanding the bar and giving you a wide area to rest your hands. And the Drop Grips give you an extra comfortable position while in the drops through an ergonomic style grip that helps spread load over your hands so you can stay in your tuck all day. 

Top it all off with some of our Really Long Bar Tape which is specifically designed to be long enough to wrap even the widest gravel handlebar. Oh and it's super comfortable with just the right amount of grip.

Finally, the New Top Shelf Handlebar Bag (available now) is custom-designed with top and bottom straps to attach rigidly to the dual bar construction, and reinforced side panels support all of your gear without sagging or bouncing. The bag features a self-closing, magnetically secured top lid that is designed for easy single-handed access, even while riding. Add a bike computer mount (compatible with Garmin and Wahoo computers), that sits on top of the bag in an ideal location just in front of the stem.