The 20 BEST Flat Bar Gravel Bikes For 2022

Over the years, I’ve made it pretty clear that for rougher terrain, I think many cyclists would benefit from flat handlebars. It should, therefore, come as no surprise that I’m very excited to write about flat bar gravel bikes.

Wait… aren’t these just hybrids, 1990s mountain bikes and rigid mountain bikes?

You could definitely argue that case, but ultimately, I don’t think it matters. These bikes have the latest bike technology, they are available in shops right now and they are a direct alternative to their drop bar gravel bike brethren.

Right, it’s time to go deep down the flat bar gravel bike rabbit hole…

Don’t miss my article about the BEST gravel bikes under $1000 HERE.

8 Reasons Flat Handlebars Are Great For Gravel

1. You get better bike control thanks to the additional steering leverage (especially with any front luggage).
2. You have much more handgrip while braking on bumpy surfaces.
3. It opens gravel bikes up to MTB-specific components (brakes, shifters, derailleurs, in particular).
4. It’s easier to change/maintain gear and brake cables.
5. Flat bar grips are often more durable than bar tape.
6. Mountain bike parts are usually cheaper, resulting in great value gravel bikes.
7. Mountain bike parts have more suitable gear ratios for dirt roads (can be steep!).
8. There is more space for bikepacking handlebar packs and accessories.

I’ve got an in-depth article on the topic of flat handlebars HERE.

Flat Bar Gravel Bike Frame Geometry

Best practice flat bar gravel geometry is not the same as drop bar gravel geometry.

The most obvious change is the length of the frame. As the grips are closer to your body on a flat bar bike, manufacturers need to increase the length of their frames to ensure your hip, back and arm angles can be maintained.

The difference in frame reach is somewhere between 25mm and 50mm depending on who you ask. Salsa Cycles have a ~50mm difference in ‘reach’ between their frame types, Norco uses ~35mm, Specialized run ~30mm and Marin go with ~25mm.

The bike’s steering speed also requires amendment on a flat bar gravel bike.

To make a flat bar gravel bike feel nice and stable when we ride, we need to adjust the steering geometry of the frameset so that the bike turns slower than a drop bar bike. This is to help counter the additional steering leverage. With both quick steering and lots of leverage, you end up with a very twitchy handling bike (ie. it feels less stable at speed).

Bike designers typically slacken the head tube angle to account for the additional steering leverage.

We can get a good idea of how quickly a bike will steer by measuring the “trail” in millimetres. Less trail means faster steering, and more trail means slower steering. For a flat bar gravel bike, approximately 20% additional trail is enough to counter the higher steering leverage.

You can understand the basics of bicycle frame geometry HERE.
And understand advanced-level steering HERE.

Flat Bar Gravel Bike Conversions

There are a handful of drop bar bikes that could be great candidates for a flat bar conversion (if you don’t like anything below!). This is because they are built with a “progressive” frame geometry that already incorporates a longer frame reach and a slacker head tube angle.

Here are your options: Bjorn Recycled, BMC URS, Canyon Grail, Curve GMX+, Evil Chamois Hager, Fustle Causeway GR1, Knolly Cache, KTM X-Strada, Liteville 4-ONE Mk1, Marin Headlands, Merida Silex, Nukeproof Digger, Rocky Mountain Solo, Saracen Levarg, Whyte Glencoe.

Scoring The Best Flat Bar Gravel Bikes

I have prioritised flat bar frame characteristics in my scoring because I think well-designed flat bar bikes should rise to the top (30% of the score). In particular, this list penalises bikes with short top tubes and quick steering.

Having appropriately low gear ratios is important for the steeper-than-typical gravel ascents – the gravel bike’s weight will also help here (both total 30% of the score). A few more points are up for grabs for frame features, value-for-money and tubeless compatibility (the remaining 40% of the score).

• Frameset Quality (/4) – Based on frame features, fork material, cable routing, mounts and axle type.
• Flat Bar Sizing (/3) – Flat bar frame length is 3 points, a bit longer than normal is 1 point, drop bar geo is 0 points.=
• Steering Speed (/3) – 70mm+ steering is 3 points, 65-70mm steering is 2 points and sub-65mm steering is 0 points.
• Low Gear Ratios (/3) – Sub 23″ is 3 points, 23-26″ is 2 points, 26-28″ is 1 point, 28″+ is 0 points – learn more HERE.
• Bike Weight (/3) – Sub-10kg is 3 points, 10-11kg is 2 points, 11-12.5kg is 1 point, 12.5-15kg is 0 points.
• Value For Money (/3) – A subjective score based on my opinion of the frameset and specification.
• Tubeless-Ready (/1) – An extra point for tubeless tyre compatibility.

TOTAL: /20

If you’d like to learn everything about gravel bikes, check out my in-depth book, The Bikepacking Bike Buyer’s Guide.

Ranking The Best Flat Bar Gravel Bikes

FLAT BAR GEOMETRY GRAVEL BIKES

• Norco Search XR – 19/20 – A killer bike with low gear ratios, modern features and 27.5″ wheels for small sizes.
• Marin DSX 2 – 18/20 – My favourite ‘affordable’ gravel bike. Deore 12-speed, 29×2.1″ clearance, carbon fork.
• Specialized Diverge Expert EVO – 18/20 – The nicest frameset here with an excellent array of components.
  
• Surly Bridge Club – 16/20 – The highest-scoring steel bike, exceptionally low gears, affordable.
• KTM X-Strada 20 FIT – 16/20 – Nice frameset, Shimano GRX 2X drivetrain, internal cable routing.
• Giant Escape Disc – 16/20 – A very compelling $930 option that is available in shops all around the world.
• Priority 600 – 15/20 – A 12-speed Pinion gearbox and belt drivetrain built into a well-priced flat-bar package.
• Kona Dew Deluxe – 15/20 – Another well-priced bike option, with excellent gear ratios and 27.5″ wheels.
  
• Commencal FCB Essential – 14/20 – A 29×2.0″ gravel bike that’s light enough, with all of the modern frame features.
• Marin Muirwoods – 14/20
• Salsa Journeyman Sora – 14/20
• Whyte Portabello V3 – 14/20
• Stevens C12 Lite – 14/20

DROP BAR GEOMETRY FLAT BAR BIKES

• Specialized Sirrus X 5.0 – 16/20 – A best-kept secret, exceptionally well priced, 20mm of suspension, sub-10kg.
• Rose Backroad Multicross – 16/20 – Super lightweight (8.7kg!), fully internal cables, nice GRX components.
• Cube SL Road Race – 14/20 – Shimano GRX 2×11, hydro brakes, carbon fork, very well priced.
• Focus Atlas 6.6 EQP – 14/20 – Nice frameset, Shimano GRX, lots of touring accessories included.
• Poseidon Flatbar X – 13/20 – Cheapest bike on the list ($749!), 10-speed components, carbon fork.
• Octane One Gridd Flat – 13/20
• State Bicycle 4130 Flat – 10/20

Flat Bar Gravel Bikes (Flat Bar Geometry)

2022 Norco Search XR Flat Bar – Global – $1299

19/20 – Excellent frameset with all of the modern features, great flat bar geometry, 650B wheels in the smaller bike sizes and perfect climbing gears. The 42mm maximum tyre size will be limiting for people heading into rougher terrain, so this will be more suitable on smoother gravel roads.

• Frameset Quality (4/4) – Lightweight aluminium frame, carbon fork, thru-axles.
• Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
• Steering Speed (3/3) – 77mm trail is appropriate.
• Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 21.4″ climbing gear is fantastic.
• Value For Money (3/3) – Excellent value build with all of the right features.
• Bike Weight (2/3) – Approximately 10.9kg without pedals.
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 Marin DSX 2 – Global – $1349

18/20 – My favourite affordable gravel bike, Deore 12-speed, huge 29×2.1″ clearance, carbon fork. There is a $979 model too which ranks equally well.

• Frameset Quality (4/4) – Lightweight aluminium frame, carbon fork, thru-axles, 29×2.1″ clearance.
• Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
• Steering Speed (3/3) – 81mm trail is appropriate.
• Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 22.9″ climbing gear is great.
• Value For Money (3/3) – Exceptional value for a Deore 12-speed build.
• Bike Weight (2/3) – Approximately 10.9kg without pedals.
• Tubeless-Ready (0/1) – Tubes only.

2022 Specialized Diverge EVO – Global – US $2700

18/20 – This is the bike that solidified the flat bar gravel category. It offers the nicest frame and fork here along with an excellent array of components. The front suspension, frame features and geometry make this a great pick, despite its price.

• Frameset Quality (4/4) – Top-tier aluminium frame, carbon fork, 20mm of suspension, thru-axles, lots of mounts.
• Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
• Steering Speed (3/3) – 70mm trail is appropriate.
• Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 21.2″ climbing gear.
• Bike Weight (2/3) – 10.7kg without pedals.
• Value For Money (2/3) – Exceptional components and frameset quality, price is expensive but not unreasonable.
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 Surly Bridge Club – Global – $1399

16/20 – One of only a few steel bikes on this list, insanely low climbing gears, 47mm tyre clearance, hydraulic brakes and a great geometry for flat bar gravel riding. If you don’t mind a bit of extra weight the Bridge Club will make a really nice gravel rig.

• Frameset Quality (2/4) – Sturdy steel frame and fork, quick-release axles, lots of mounts.
• Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
• Steering Speed (3/3) – 77mm trail is appropriate.
• Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 17.5″ climbing gear is insanely low (ride up anything!).
• Value For Money (3/3) – Great value for a Deore 11-speed build and decent frameset.
• Bike Weight (1/3) – 12.4kg without pedals.
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 KTM X-Strada 20 FIT – Europe – €1599

16/20 – The latest KTM X-Strada has a lovely aluminium frame and carbon fork, it’s lightweight, tubeless compatible and runs reasonably low gear ratios for most climbs.

• Frameset Quality (4/4) – Lightweight aluminium frame, carbon fork, thru-axles.
• Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
• Steering Speed (2/3) – 67mm trail is a touch quick.
• Low Gear Ratios (2/3) – 23.2″ climbing gear.
• Bike Weight (2/3) – 10.9kg without pedals.
• Value For Money (2/3) – A decent Shimano GRX 10-speed build with hydro brakes.
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) –Tubeless compatible.

2022 Giant Escape 1 Disc – Global – $930

16/20 – A very compelling $930 option that is available in shops all around the world. The gear ratios are low enough and the components have all of the modern tech, including tubeless compatibility.

• • Frameset Quality (3/4) – Decent aluminium frame, carbon fork, flex seatpost, quick-release axles.
  • Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
  • Steering Speed (2/3) – 69mm trail is a touch quick.
  • Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 22.8″ climbing gear.
  • Bike Weight (1/3) – Approximately 11.9kg without pedals.
  • Value For Money (3/3) – One of the cheapest bikes here, yet still with nice frame features.
  • Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 Priority 600 – North America – $2499

15/20 – This bike is different to many others because it has a Pinion 12-speed gearbox built into the crankset along with a belt drivetrain. This results in a silent, maintenance-free drivetrain (no lubricant or degreasers required) that will last as long as you will – ok, belts typically last around 30,000km. The only thing you need to do is change the gearbox oil every 10,000km.

• Frameset Quality (2/4) – Aluminium frame and fork, quick-release axles.
• Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
• Steering Speed (3/3) – 87mm trail is great.
• Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 16.0″ climbing gear is crazy low (ride up anything!).
• Bike Weight (0/3) – Approximately 13.0kg without pedals, fenders and the kickstand.
• Value For Money (3/3) – Amazing price for a gearbox/belt drive bike including dynamo light, fenders & kickstand.
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 Kona Dew Deluxe – Global – $1099

15/20 – Another great ‘affordable’ bike option, with excellent gear ratios, 27.5″ wheels and Shimano Deore 11-speed.

• Frameset Quality (2/4) – Aluminium frame and fork, quick-release axles.
• Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
• Steering Speed (3/3) – 72mm trail is appropriate.
• Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 20.0″ climbing gear is super low.
• Bike Weight (1/3) – Approximately 11.9kg without pedals, fenders and the kickstand.
• Value For Money (3/3) – Amazing price for Shimano Deore 11-speed, hydro brakes and a bunch of accessories!
• Tubeless-Ready (0/1) – Tubes only.

2022 Commencal FCB Essential – Global – $1999

14/20 – A 29×2.0″ gravel bike that’s light enough, with excellent frame geometry and all of the modern frame features.

• • Frameset Quality (2/4) – Lightweight aluminium frame and fork
  • Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
  • Steering Speed (3/3) – 75mm trail is appropriate.
  • Low Gear Ratios (2/3) – 23.6″ climbing gear.
  • Bike Weight (2/3) – 10.9kg without pedals.
  • Value For Money (2/3) – SRAM GX 12-speed, hydro brakes and nice wheels for the price.
  • Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 Marin Muirwoods – Global – $999

14/20

• Frameset Quality (2/4) – Sturdy steel frame and fork, quick-release axles, lots of mounts.
• Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
• Steering Speed (3/3) – 99mm trail is great.
• Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 20.8″ climbing gear.
• Bike Weight (0/3) – 12.8kg without pedals.
• Value For Money (3/3) – The Muirwoods offers exceptional value for money!
• Tubeless-Ready (0/1) – Tubes only.

2022 Salsa Journeyman Sora – Global – $1199

14/20

• Frameset Quality (3/4) – Nice aluminium frame, carbon fork, quick-release axles.
• Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
• Steering Speed (2/3) – 69mm trail is pretty good.
• Low Gear Ratios (2/3) – 24.1″ climbing gear.
• Bike Weight (1/3) – 11.3kg without pedals.
• Value For Money (2/3) – A decent frameset and reasonable spec for the price.
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 Whyte Portobello V3 – Global – £850

14/20

• Frameset Quality (3/4) – Decent aluminium frame and fork, thru-axles.
• Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
• Steering Speed (3/3) – 72mm trail is appropriate.
• Low Gear Ratios (1/3) – 26.8″ climbing gear is too high.
• Bike Weight (1/3) – Approximately 11.5kg without pedals.
• Value For Money (2/3) – Quite a well-priced package.
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 Stevens C12 Lite – Europe – €3099

14/20 – This is another low-maintenance Pinion 12-speed gearbox bike that runs on a silent belt drivetrain. It’s a bit more expensive than the Priority 600, but it’s available across Europe.

• Frameset Quality (3/4) – Hydroformed aluminium frame and fork, thru-axles.
• Flat Bar Sizing (3/3) – Dedicated flat bar frame.
• Steering Speed (3/3) – 80mm trail is great.
• Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 17.5″ climbing gear is crazy low.
• Bike Weight (0/3) – Approximately 13.5kg without pedals, fenders and the kickstand.
• Value For Money (2/3) – Excellent price for a gearbox/belt drive bike including dynamo lights, fenders, rack & kickstand.
• Tubeless-Ready (0/1) – Tubes only.

Flat Bar Gravel Bikes (Drop Bar Geometry)

2022 Specialized Sirrus X 5.0 – Global – $2250

16/20 – Here is an industry secret: hybrid bikes aren’t as marketable as gravel bikes, so by choosing the Sirrus X, you can get 90% of the Diverge EVO for substantially less money. Just like the Diverge EVO, it has 20mm of suspension, lots of nice parts and all in a package that’s sub-10kg. The only downside is that the frame is a bit shorter than it should be (drop bar geometry).

• Frameset Quality (4/4) – Lightweight carbon frame and fork, 20mm of suspension, thru-axles.
• Flat Bar Sizing (0/3) – Drop bar frame with a flat bar installed.
• Steering Speed (2/3) – 66mm trail is a bit quick.
• Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 21.6″ climbing gear.
• Bike Weight (3/3) – 9.6kg without pedals.
• Value For Money (3/3) – Amazing value for a carbon bike, with suspension and Shimano SLX gearing.
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 Rose Backroad Multicross – Europe – €2399

16/20 – Despite losing 3 points for using drop bar bike sizing, the Rose scored incredibly well thanks to the nice frameset and spec, including a flex seatpost. The Multicross is ultra-light, has decent gear ratios and includes all of the modern gravel features.

• Frameset Quality (4/4) – Ultralight carbon frame, full carbon fork, full internal cable routing, flex post, thru-axles.
• Flat Bar Sizing (0/3) – Drop bar frame with a flat bar installed.
• Steering Speed (3/3) – 71mm trail is great.
• Low Gear Ratios (2/3) – 24.9″ climbing gear.
• Bike Weight (3/3) – 8.7kg without pedals, lightest bike here.
• Value For Money (3/3) – Expensive but very good value when you consider the quality of everything.
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 Cube SL Road Race – Europe – €1149

14/20 – The Cube SL Road Race represents amazing value for money, offering the same high-end equipment as many other bikes but at half the price.

• Frameset Quality (4/4) – Ultralight aluminium frame, full carbon fork, internal cables, thru-axles.
• Flat Bar Sizing (0/3) – Drop bar frame with a flat bar installed.
• Steering Speed (2/3) – 68mm trail is ok.
• Low Gear Ratios (2/3) – 24.5″ climbing gear.
• Bike Weight (2/3) – 10.6kg.
• Value For Money (3/3) – Nice frameset, excellent parts, lightweight.
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 Focus Atlas 6.6 EQP – Global – €1599

14/20 – This flat bar version of the popular Focus Atlas gravel bike has a great spec and comes with a whole bunch of accessories for commuting or touring.

• Frameset Quality (4/4) – Top-tier aluminium frame, carbon fork, thru-axles, lots of mounts.
• Flat Bar Sizing (0/3) – Drop bar frame with a flat bar installed.
• Steering Speed (3/3) – 70mm trail is appropriate.
• Low Gear Ratios (2/3) – 24.3″ climbing gear.
• Bike Weight (1/3) – Approximately 11.5kg without the fenders, rack or kickstand.
• Value For Money (3/3) – Exceptional components and frameset quality, dynamo lights, fenders, kickstand and a rack!
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 Poseidon Flatbar X – North America – $749

13/20 – This price almost seems too good to be true. It’s lightweight, uses 1X10 gearing and has some of the lowest gear ratios of all gravel bikes here.

You can see more pictures and the full specification on the Poseidon website HERE.

• Frameset Quality (3/4) – Quite a decent aluminium frame, full carbon fork, quick-release axles.
• Flat Bar Sizing (0/3) – Drop bar frame with a flat bar installed.
• Steering Speed (2/3) – 66mm trail is a touch low.
• Low Gear Ratios (3/3) – 21.5″ climbing gear is excellent.
• Bike Weight (2/3) – 10.9kg without pedals.
• Value For Money (3/3) – It’s almost too good to be true!
• Tubeless-Ready (0/1) – Tubes only.

2022 Octane One Gridd Flat – Global – €949

13/20 – Deore 10-speed, hydro brakes, carbon fork, reasonably light, sub-$1000!

• Frameset Quality (3/4) – Solid aluminium frame, carbon fork, front thru-axle.
• Flat Bar Sizing (0/3) – Drop bar frame with a flat bar installed.
• Steering Speed (3/3) – 74mm trail is great.
• Low Gear Ratios (2/3) – 24.6″ climbing gear.
• Bike Weight (1/3) – Approximately 11kg without pedals.
• Value For Money (3/3) – Decent price for a Shimano Deore 10-speed build with hydro brakes.
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

2022 State Bicycle 4130 Flat Bar – North America – US $899

11/20 – A very well-priced 27.5″ gravel bike that can be ordered with 700C or 27.5″ wheels for under $1000.

• Frameset Quality (3/4) – Sturdy steel frame and fork, thru-axles, lots of mounts.
• Flat Bar Sizing (0/3) – Drop bar frame with a flat bar installed.
• Steering Speed (2/3) – 63mm trail is too quick.
• Low Gear Ratios (1/3) – 27.3″ climbing gear is too high.
• Bike Weight (1/3) – 12.4kg without pedals.
• Value For Money (3/3) – It’s amazing value, a choice of wheel sizes is a big value add.
• Tubeless-Ready (1/1) – Tubeless compatible.

If You’d Like To Learn Everything About Gravel Bikes, Check Out My Book: The Bikepacking Bike Buyer’s Guide