Best handlebars for gravel bikes 2025: flared bars for off-road riding

The best handlebars for gravel riding might look similar to road handlebars, but there are some subtle differences that will help elevate your gravel riding. Here are some of the best options.

A set of the best handlebars for off-road riding set up on a gravel bike that's pictured on a trail
Flared gravel handlebars
(Image credit: Kevin Fickling)

Just like gravel bikes themselves, gravel handlebars have to blend the efficiency and body position of a road bike handlebar with the comfort and control of a mountain bike bar. 

This can be achieved by using more forgiving materials and different shapes for the handlebars, most noticeably by flaring out the drops. This extra width gives more leverage and hence more stability and control off-road, but by keeping the hoods close together there is still a reasonably efficient position available when needed. Some gravel-style handlebars are only 5° or 6° more flared than a road bar, whilst others take it to extremes with large flares that give excellent control and a comfortable position but also hugely alter the hood and shifter position.