Whether you are planning to do bikepacking or just want to get out on the dirt, flat bar gravel bikes can be a great choice. They also come with a variety of mounting options for accessories. The wide flat handlebars provide more leverage for your hands and offer more control on rough terrain. They are also more comfortable than drop bars, which makes them a good choice for riders who tend to get back injuries.
Gravel Bikes
Gravel bikes are designed to be more versatile than traditional mountain bikes, which can be difficult to carry. They also offer a wider variety of mounts for accessories and tires, which makes them great for bikepacking. However, they are not designed for the city, and you’ll need to think about whether or not you want to ride them on the pavement.
Gravel bikes tend to have a less aggressive geometry than traditional mountain bikes, which makes them easier to ride. You’ll also find that they are easier to maintain, as they have a more direct drivetrain and less chance of grime collecting in the bottom bracket. If you’re looking for a more aggressive ride, you may want to consider a gravel bike with a drop bar, which offers more reach and a steeper head angle.
Price
Royce Union designs quality and performance mountain bikes. They’re known for building bikes with aluminum frames that are lightweight and comfortable. They’ve been making bikes for over 100 years and have gone through many ownership changes. They remain ahead of the curve.
The Marin DSX series of flat bar gravel bikes also offer an affordable option, starting at $979 for the entry-level DSX model. You can also opt for the Marin Nicasio +, which has a narrow-wide chainring and a MicroShift 1×9 drivetrain. The Marin Nicasio + is also available in a budget model, which comes with mechanical disc brakes.
The Marin Nicasio + is an affordable gravel bike with a wide range of features. It has a 1×9 speed drivetrain, including a narrow-wide chainring. It’s also built with a carbon fiber fork, which helps dampen road vibrations. It also has rack mounts and bottle cages. The Marin Nicasio + also features a 42t chainring, which is a good choice if you’re planning to do bikepacking.
The Specialized Diverge E5 is another popular choice among flat-bar gravel bikes. It features a carbon fiber front fork and extensive mounting options for accessories. You can also run tubeless tires, which offer a more comfortable ride on bumpy trails. You can also use hydraulic disc brakes, which offer better braking performance.
The Norco Kona Dew Deluxe is another affordable option. It has a wide-range 11-speed drivetrain, with rack mounts and good tire clearance. The Kona Dew Deluxe also has an upright geometry, making it easy to ride in the city. If you’re looking for a bike that can handle both urban and off-road riding, the Norco Kona Dew Deluxe is a good choice.
Kona Unit X is another versatile bike, as it can be converted into a flat bar gravel bike. It features a wide range of mounts for accessories, and its modular dropouts allow you to run it at a single speed or a single speed with a drop bar.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to get into bike packing, gravel grinding, or just to explore the less traveled routes around town, flat bar gravel bikes can help you get there. With their upright riding position, flat handlebars can provide the comfort and control you need to enjoy your next adventure.
