Originally Posted by
Planemaker
I just recently added wider drop bars with a 16 degree flare to my gravel bike. The difference in handling is dramatic.
I went from a 400 compact to a 440 with a 24 flare bar and I can say the same. Ritchey Venturemax in my case, the Salsa Cowchipper is similar. Totally changed my drop bar experience off the smooth. To be fair, the 400 I had in any shape was too narrow for me anyway. Like Canklecat mentioned and I went through the same process when I returned to riding (no injury history though). For me too, the comfort of a flatbar is great for 20 or so miles with some hills but I too just can't get the any sustainable power delivery in a flat bar upright position, even with my dropbar on the flats.