Add some flair to your life!

July 19, 2021

For some, gravel biking represents an identity crisis between the traditional disciplines of road cycling and mountain biking. Others choose instead to adopt a transcendental stance regarding all this discord, then seek to amalgamate the characteristics of technologies from both types to their advantage. The result: creating, piece by piece, detail by detail, the multi-surface machine best suited to their riding style!

Various aspects originally recovered or inspired by the world of mountain biking come to mind: the single front chainring transmission system, the rear clutch derailleur, the frame clearance for wide or very wide tires, sometimes even a dropper post and then, last but not least… the flare in the handlebar.

Photo: Whisky Parts Co.

For those unfamiliar with the term, " flare " refers to the angle of the handlebar's lower section, from wide to narrow. More than just a trend, this feature offers two clear advantages that explain its recent surge in popularity. 

The first advantage is that handlebars with flare provide greater stability for the rider. Whether riding on unstable or rough terrain, such as trails, the angle of this part of the handlebar allows the elbows to open up, providing a wider base of support and, consequently, more stability. This wider elbow position also allows for better use of the elbows as a biomechanical "suspension."

The second advantage is comfort, since the wrist support angle is consequently more natural and less constrained. Beyond the feeling of comfort, there's also a more or less pronounced flare. could even be considered as adding to the ergonomics of the cockpit.

Certainly, choosing such a piece of equipment also comes with disadvantages. First, the handlebar positioning on the bike may need to be adjusted. Indeed, the more pronounced the angle, the more the effective reach will be altered. In the case of some handlebars with the most extreme angle (see below), it will be necessary to completely change and/or raise the stem.

Secondly, the more open pilot position necessarily results in an aerodynamic penalty. However, it's worth considering whether this is truly significant for you and your flying experience. 

Finally, it's important to clarify a point: the trend towards handlebars with more flare is currently accompanied by another trend: increasingly wider (even extra-wide) handlebars. While it can be advantageous to widen your handlebars to accommodate larger bags for expeditions, it's crucial to mention that, from a positioning perspective, there is indeed an optimal maximum width for your shoulders. 

The ideal solution is therefore to consult a professional on the matter before embarking on such modifications to your cockpit !

To illustrate these handlebars with flare , let's look at the range available from Whisky (Salsa and Ritchey also offer them). First, their No. 9 12F handlebar offers 12 degrees of flare , which can be considered a moderate flare . It will be ideal for getting started with the concept after using a road bike (or a classic road handlebar).

Photo: Whisky Parts Co.

Next, their No. 9 24F handlebar offers 24 degrees of flare , a medium flare . This is the ideal handlebar for achieving maximum stability and comfort on the trail, without sacrificing too much performance on smooth sections and roads. Be warned: it's often hard to go back once you've tried one!

Photo: Whisky Parts Co.

Finally, beyond such an angle, some handlebars offer a very pronounced 36-degree flare . Installing such a piece of equipment firmly places the bike in the " drop-bar mountain bike " category, since the position on the brake hoods becomes less functional (due to their significant angle). The primary riding position then becomes, in effect, at the drops of the very flared handlebars. A repositioning is therefore necessary. Stability and comfort are maximized, although a certain degree of versatility is sacrificed. 

So now, with full knowledge of the facts – whether more or less pronounced – add some flair to your life! 

Hey there, real ones. A blog by Pierre Gravel.

The author has been passionate about cycling since childhood. A former bike shop worker, he is now finishing his studies in communications. This blog reflects his independent opinion.

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