Flared drop handlebars changed how gravel bikes handle rough terrain, but the geometry only works if the flare angle and drop depth match your riding style. The Ritchey Comp Beacon takes a moderate approach with 12 degrees of flare—enough to open your hand position in the drops for stability on loose surfaces without forcing an awkward wrist angle during longer paved sections. This isn't an extreme backsweep design meant for bikepacking expeditions; it's a do-everything bar that works equally well on mixed-surface fondos and daily gravel commutes.

The 6061 aluminum construction keeps weight reasonable while delivering the stiffness you want when standing on climbs or sprinting out of corners. Ritchey uses a 31.8mm clamp diameter at the center—standard for modern stems—with a compact 70mm reach and 115mm drop that positions the hoods and drops closer together than traditional road geometry. That compressed drop measurement means you're not diving into a significantly lower position when you move to the drops, which matters when terrain gets rough and you need quick access to your brakes.

The tops feature a flat profile with subtle shaping that provides multiple hand positions for all-day comfort. Internal cable routing channels keep housing organized, and the bar accepts both mechanical and electronic shifting systems. Four sizes cover cockpit preferences from 40cm to 46cm measured center-to-center at the hoods, with the flare adding effective width in the drops.... Read More