I’ve no intent of racing but these flat tops feel like they could be good to rest hands over long rides… does it work toward that benefit? I’ve zero interest in aero but would rather get a decent bar rather than add some extra grips like redshift handlebar top grips
bars shown
– ZIPP SL70 aero
– Pro PLT Ergo
by kong_kink
22 Comments
I have those zipp bars on my road bike. They are nice to rest your palms on during long road climbs, but I wouldn’t run them on an off road bike.
I enjoy having a flattened bit on my bars for this exact reason. I wouldn’t take it too far. But the way it is done on my current bar, the venturemax carbon , works really well for me.
Maybe, maybe not. You are asking if something has subjective benefit. Thats not any different than if a certain shape of saddle will be comfortable. You wouldn’t know until you try it out.
The Whisky Spano bar has a nice big place to rest your hands during a ride for comfort. Probably the most comfy “gravel bars” I’ve ever ridden.
if you don’t care about aero, the flat tops are just really comfy for one’s palms, especially if you have larger hands.
I have been on both round bars and a set of Zipp flat top. The zipp bars are far more comfortable. They also felt stiffer.
I have the Zipp SL80 Ergo bars on my road bike and they’re comfortable riding on the top. The SL80 has a little longer reach which expands hand placement a bit. I’m a little old school and used to a drop bar and don’t think I’d have an issue with them on my g bike.
I have the sl70 xplr (not aero) and would say they are “flat enough” for comfort on the tops with just a bit of flare. I would personally be hesitant to run those aero bars because of the narrow drops. If I could add a few degrees more flare to the cold I would. They are perfect most of the time but on loose descents and turns I still feel it’s a bit sketchy (for me)
I use the Zipp SL 70 Aero bars for exactly this reason. Even when on the hoods in a half on the hoods/half on the bars type scenario they’re more comfortable for me. Add the Specialized S-Works Romin EVO with Mirror saddle and it’s the most comfortable I’ve ever been.
If you don’t want to shill the money, Red Shift makes pads you put on under your bars to have the same effect. I use them and they are comfy.
I have the Enve SES AR bars on one of my gravel bikes (Bombtrack Audax) and its the most comfortable cockpit I’ve ever had. If you don’t want to splurge for carbon, there are some nice aluminum options out there. I like the Zipp Service Course bars. You can get them on Amazon for only $75. [link to bars](https://a.co/d/aDsfJCy)
I just got those Zipp bars for my road bike and can’t say enough good things
Have the pro bars and love them.
Love my Zipps. You won’t be disappointed
I have a set of FSA K-Wing and they are very nice on the gravel bike. Pricey, but comfortable. I think comfort allows you to go faster… just my opinion
I went with the Ritchey venturemax on my gravel build this summer, partly for the flat tops, but also for the slight backsweep, similar to these bars.
If you think about it, there’s more surface area to spread out your weight, but if you have super thick bar tape it can be harder to wrap your thumbs around.
I also wanted more flare as I really liked putting 12 degree bars on my road bike a couple years ago.
I personally find aero shaped tops more comfortable than round ones.
I’m never using the flat side.
This is funny…my gravel bike has bars just like the first bar you show. Lauf Smoothie w/ Red Shift Cruise Control grips on the tops only. The second bar you show, my road bike has the exact SL70 Aero bar. I can say both are very comfortable to use in the tops when relaxing or climbing, especially the Smoothie bar as I’ve double-wrapped it. Love it.
I don’t care about aero or weight so I run the Redshift Kitchen Sink Handle Bars with their Cruise Control Grips and I love them. They make the bare way more ergonomic for my giant hands and help with the numbness I used to experience often with other handlebars.
Do they make a flared bar with flat tops ?
None