{"id":1083,"date":"2023-08-10T01:30:17","date_gmt":"2023-08-10T05:30:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/?p=1083"},"modified":"2023-08-10T01:44:03","modified_gmt":"2023-08-10T05:44:03","slug":"why-do-cyclocross-use-drop-bars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/why-do-cyclocross-use-drop-bars\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Cyclocross Use Drop Bars?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Cyclocross bikes have more robust frames, more upright geometry, and greater wheel clearance than road bikes. But despite that, they still depend on road bikes\u2019 drop bars for their performance. So, why do cyclocross use drop bars?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The primary reason why cyclocross bikes use drop bars is that the international cycling governing body, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), strictly insists on cyclocross not being wider than 50cm. With most drop bars averaging 38-44cm, they meet the UCI requirement. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
But still, drop bars have several exceptional benefits that make cyclocross cycling easier and funnier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They are not just aerodynamic, but they also have extra clearance and offer you multi-hand positions, among many other advantages that I\u2019ll share shortly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But before that, let\u2019s first understand what a cyclocross bike can do.<\/p>\n\n\n
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What Is A Cyclocross Bike Good For<\/strong>?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A cyclocross bike is a bicycle with incredible versatility that allows you to ride it both on-road and on-road. You can ride this bike on paved streets, woodland trails, mud, sand, and even grass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overall, its versatility makes it a perfect commuter, touring, and cruising bike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Do Cyclocross Use Drop Bars?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
According to the international cycling body, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), a cyclocross bike\u2019s width shouldn\u2019t exceed 50cm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While they don\u2019t specify the handlebar type, drop bars automatically qualify, given that they average 380mm-440mm (or 38-44cm).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This requirement by the UCI locks out flat bars as they average more than that. A majority of flat bars average 60cm or more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While some comfort bike handlebars measure less than 50cm, they aren\u2019t the best choice for cyclocross.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do you know why? That\u2019s because you have to be too upright when cycling, and such a posture doesn\u2019t favor cyclocross cycling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You need to push your weight forward when riding a cyclocross, and that\u2019s attainable with drop bars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Do Cyclocross Bikes Have Drop Bars<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Overall, drop bars come with these advantages that make them ideal for cyclocross.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Aerodynamic Advantage<\/h4>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Drop bars allow you to lean forward and assume an aerodynamic position. The advantage of such a posture is that it resists wind drag, which means you can ride against the headwind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, an aerodynamic position offers you speed advantages. It allows you to cycle much faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overall, this position is more critical when descending, riding against the wind, and riding fast on a flat road.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Climbing Efficiency and Power<\/h4> <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
When climbing with a cyclocross bike, you must push your body forward as much as possible. That\u2019s achievable with drop bars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They allow you to lean forward, and that offers you more pedaling leverage. Not only does the posture offer you more leg power to pedal, but it also enables you to pedal much faster and efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unlike flat bars, drop bars allow you to hold them on the hoods, at the drops, and even on the flat section. So, you are not limited to one position, which means more comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overall, the risk of suffering hand soreness is lower, given that you can change your hand position as often as you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Extra Clearance<\/h4>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
One downside of flat bars is that they are too wide to allow you to go through tighter spaces. That problem is, however, solvable with drop bars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Given that drop bars aren\u2019t too wide, they offer you extra clearance to allow you to go through tighter spaces unrestricted. So, they eliminate the risk of getting caught or colliding when cycling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More Ground Coverage<\/h4> <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Speed is of the essence when riding a cyclocross, and that\u2019s what drop bars promise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The fact that drop bars give you aerodynamic advantages means you get to ride faster, allowing you to cover more ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over a long-distance, drop bars save you energy and the small saving amount to something in the long. In that case, you get to do more miles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Cool Look<\/h4>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Though this has nothing to do with UCI\u2019s handlebar requirement, drop bars generally have a cool-look factor, thanks to their curvy design. They are a statement piece that befits cyclocross bikes.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Drop Bar vs. Flat Bar: What Suits Cyclocross More?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s compare the two handlebars under the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Cycling Posture<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flatter bars naturally put you in an upright posture when cycling. While this position is comfortable for your spine as long as you don\u2019t stay rigid, it doesn\u2019t favor cyclocross cycling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You want more pedaling leverage and an aerodynamic advantage when riding a cyclocross, and that\u2019s what you get from drop bars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can crouch forward to be more aerodynamic or cycle upright, depending on preference. So, you are not just limited to one-position handling or one-position posture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Bike Steering<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
With flat bars averaging 60cm or more in width, you don\u2019t need much energy to steer the bike. So, you enjoy better bike control, provided that you are not riding in a tighter space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sadly, you don\u2019t have such steering leverage with drop bars unless it\u2019s on tighter spaces. In general, you need more force to control a cyclocross bike with drop bars properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Handlebar Grip <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The problem with flat bars is that you only hold them in one position, leading to hand soreness. Luckily, you don\u2019t have such misgivings when it comes to drop bars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since you can place your hands in at least three positions, it\u2019s unlikely that your hands will become sore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Are the Best Drop Bars for Cyclocross?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Amazon has a wide range of drop bars that you can fit on your cyclocross. Overall, these three are the best based on build quality, ease of installation, and ease of navigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Satori X-Race Aero Cyclocross Drop Bar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Satori X-Race Aero Cyclocross Drop Bar comes in a carbon construction to generally feel lightweight. The bar only weighs 200g.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With its 8-degree flare, you enjoy more handling leverage to negotiate harsher terrains. Plus, the flare offers you extra stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The handlebar is only 420mm (42cm) wide and features a 120mm drop and a 65mm reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its versatility is its selling point, given that it fits a variety of cycles and not just cyclocross. That includes road bikes, gravel bikes, single-speed bikes, and touring bikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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