Riding in the drops on loose gravel or chunky pavement puts your weight forward and your hands closer together, which can feel sketchy when the surface gets unpredictable. The Cervelo AB09 Flared Carbon Road Handlebar addresses this with a 16-degree outward angle at the drops, widening your hand position by several centimeters compared to the hoods. That wider stance shifts your center of gravity and gives you more leverage for steering corrections without changing your cockpit height or reach. The flare keeps the aero benefits of the UD carbon construction while adding confidence when conditions deteriorate. If you've ever white-knuckled through a gravel descent wishing for more control, this geometry change makes a noticeable difference.

Cervelo built the AB09 Flared around the same platform as their standard road bar, maintaining the 80mm reach and 128mm drop that work well for compact geometry preferences. The ovalised top section provides a comfortable palm rest during long stints on the hoods, and the mild aero profile reduces drag without creating an awkward hand position. Width is measured center-to-center at the lever mounts, so a 40cm bar becomes approximately 48cm at the drops once the flare opens things up. Options run from 38 to 44cm to match your shoulder width at the hoods while gaining the spread where you need it most. The carbon layup handles vibration damping well, taking some harshness out of rough surfaces before it reaches your hands and shoulders. Cervelo uses textured surfaces at the clamp areas to ensure the bar stays put without overtightening, which matters when you're bouncing over washboard sections or hitting unexpected holes.

Cable routing stays clean regardless of your shifting system. Entry holes near the bar ends accommodate Di2 junction boxes, and when paired with a compatible Cervelo stem, both electronic and mechanical cables disappear entirely. External grooves along the underside handle hydraulic lines and housing for setups that don't route internally. The textured clamp zones at the stem and lever mounts grip securely at lower torque values, protecting the carbon structure while maintaining position over rough terrain.... Read More