Flared drop bars changed the equation for gravel riding by putting your hands in a wider, more stable position when you're descending rough terrain or wrestling the bike through loose corners. The Ritchey Classic VentureMax takes this concept and applies it to a bar designed specifically for riders who spend more time on unpaved surfaces than pavement, building in 24 degrees of flare that spreads your grip significantly wider in the drops than at the hoods. This isn't a subtle road-bar-with-some-flare situation—it's a deliberate geometry choice that prioritizes control and breathing room over aerodynamic tuck.

The 6061 aluminum construction keeps costs reasonable while delivering a bar stiff enough to handle loaded bikepacking setups without flex. The Classic tier sits below Ritchey's WCS and Comp lines, but the VentureMax shape itself is the draw here. You get 12 degrees of backsweep built into the tops, which angles your wrists into a more neutral position during long days in the saddle. The drops extend 115mm with 70mm of reach, giving you a meaningful second position that actually makes sense to use rather than just existing as a theoretical option.

Ritchey designed the bar with their Beaver Tail profile on the tops, flattening the clamping area to create a more comfortable platform for hand positions during climbs or cruising. The 31.8mm clamp diameter works with modern stems, and the bar ships in HP Silver—a polished finish that matches Ritchey's classic aesthetic if you're building something that doesn't need to look like a stealth bomber.... Read More