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I used to think flat bar gravel bikes were silly, now I've tried one I know they're silly, but I'm into it
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this post was submitted on 27 May 2026
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Honestly I don't know how people ride drop bars. I have a bike with them but using the lower bars is incredibly uncomfortable and feels like I have very little control...kinda wish I had just stuck with my flat bar bike...
Ever since I've first used drop bars I can't really go back. They just provide souch more versatility, one is not locked into one position. Maybe two if there are horns.
The drops are used less frequently but still during almost every ride.
And I do have MTB as well.
I have an old road bike with drop bars. Still feels more natural to have the flat bars, but I do really like being able to switch my grip around so my wrists don't become fatigued. You can hold drop bars in one of 4 or 5 ways.
4 or 5? I can only think of three... Up on the hoods, down in the drops, and relaxed on the flats (relaxed perhaps a misnomer - I don't like not having my fingers on the brakes).
I'm more than comfortable with having the breaks be a bit away, which is probably why I counted a few more. I can think of two positions in the drop and two up on the hood, but one of each has no way to reach the breaks without moving your hands.
Normal hoods position
further back at the bend (more relaxed)
flats
drops (on the horizontal part)
drops (hands on the inside bend for fast descents with maximum braking power)
and sometimes I put my palms on top of the brake horns, to be as upright as possible
I think the sense of control also depends on your bike fit. If the bike's reach is too long or the deop is too long, it is harder to get used to it