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Drop Bar Road Bikes
Drop Bar Road Bikes

Drop bar road bikes offer multiple hand positions on the handlebars, either for speed or for comfort.

Gravel & Drop Bar Bikes

Ideal Rider. Riders who love to push the limits of their ultimate speed and get low over the front of their bike when descending or sprinting ahead of the pack will excel with drop bars. On the flipside, riders who want to explore further into the wilderness while spending hours or days in the saddle will find extra comfort thanks to the multiple positions available while riding.

Ideal Terrain. Just as drop handlebars are available on multiple bike styles, they are capable on various types of terrain. Performance road bikes are ideal on roads and race tracks where speed and efficiency are key. Gravel bikes are ideal on looser terrain like gravel or dirt. Drop bars provide better efficiency and control on the tarmac while also adding comfort for longer days in the saddle.

Shifters. The shifting and brake levers are one piece and optimised for use when either in the hoods or in the drops. They use vertical paddles and brake levers to match the profile of the bars. While they might look unique and difficult to use, we can assure you that they are very intuitive.

Bar Measurements. Bar width is often measured from the centre of the hoods on one side to the centre of the hoods on the other side. It is generally recommended that the width of the bars matches the width of the rider's shoulders.

Drop bars are known as shallow or classic drop profiles. Classic bars have a greater distance from the hoods to the bottom of the bar. Shallow bars are more modern and they allow riders to get in the drops with less stress on their back or neck. It is extremely rare to see classic bars on new bikes these days, but it is important to consider the drop when swapping bars.



Discover the Versatility of Drop Bar Road Bikes from BikesOnline

The world of cycling is ever-changing! As the latest in technology, lightweight frames, sturdy materials and gear efficiency take hold of the industry, it’s no wonder there are so many different types of bikes to choose from. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced rider, there are many styles of bikes to reflect your needs, terrain preferences, and the type of activity you enjoy. There’s one bike category that continues to impress with its hard-wearing versatility, whether you’re cruising paved urban cycleways, off-road gravel tracks or tackling long-distance cycling adventures. Drop bar road bikes, with their unique design, are perfect for a variety of activities, from daily commutes to spontaneous weekend getaways or epic road journeys that last for days or even weeks. The genius of these bikes is that they combine speed, ease of use, and comfort in one cohesive package.

Why Choose a Drop Bar Road Bike?

The drop bar road bike is a testament to precise engineering and design. The very nature of its construction is aimed at strengthening a cyclist’s connection with the road. By allowing riders to adopt a more streamlined posture, drop bars offer more agility and performance. Multiple hand positions allow for flexibility, which can be especially useful during long tours, as it helps reduce fatigue and stress on arms and shoulders. The drop bar’s aerodynamic advantage, combined with slick, high-performance tyres, allows riders to achieve optimal speed and performance, particularly on smooth bitumen. This makes drop bars an ideal choice for both urban and rural riding, with the promise of more flexibility on the road.

Benefits of Riding Drop Bar Bikes

If you’re new to cycling, you’re likely to come across a lot of different bike designs, each offering its own benefits. Drop bar bikes stand out not only for their striking design but also for the numerous options they offer to riders. Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete going for a drop bar touring bike, a city worker on your daily commute or a weekend warrior looking for a drop bar gravel bike, understanding the nuances will help make the most of your ride. 

  • Ergonomic design: Drop bar bikes are designed with ergonomics in mind. The handlebars offer a variety of grips, allowing you to switch positions on long rides to help limit fatigue. This means you can maintain comfort on the flat or tackle uphill climbs. 
  • Improved efficiency and speed: Drop bar road bikes, especially those with an aerodynamic posture, offer riders the ability to ride faster with less effort. With the right set-up and tyres, finding the best drop bar commuter bike is easy with BikesOnline’s intuitive website to guide you through your shopping experience.

Selecting Your Drop Bar Bike

Selecting the best drop bar road bike is a matter of both style and performance. Beyond the obvious aesthetic appeal, it’s important to look deeper into the bike’s technical specifications. For example, frame material plays an important role in the durability and weight of the bike. The range of gears can also determine how well you handle different terrain, from steep slopes to flat stretches. Finally, the braking system, whether it’s disc or rim, will affect your control and safety, especially in unpredictable weather conditions. Tyre compatibility isn’t just about finding the right size; it’s also about finding the best combination of traction for longevity. When carefully considered, each of these components can work in harmony to enhance the bike performance, giving you the best possible ride and an unmatched cycling experience. If you’re looking at drop bar touring bikes for those long-distance treks, BikesOnline has all the top brands to choose from.

Embrace the Open Road with BikesOnline

There’s no denying the appeal and charm of a drop bar road bike. With its outstanding design and structure, drop bar road bikes provide a riding experience that seamlessly combines speed with a greater connection to the road. Whether you’re looking for the comfort of the best drop bar commuter bike or the excitement of winding country roads with a drop bar gravel bike, there’s a drop bar bike for every adventure. 


The road is beckoning with endless possibilities. If you’re ready to embrace your cycling journey, we invite you to explore the large collection of drop bar road bikes at BikesOnline and kickstart your next two-wheeled adventure in confidence.