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0 pointsprmoustache3y ago0 comments

Drop bars can be set as high as you want. There are even off road drop bar bikes built with stems looking like goose necks to put the bar high enough (see example in the link). It is more about the position in which you want to put your hands/wrist that matters.

Gravel bikes are sold in many different kinds, and different materials. Steel, alu, titanium, carbon, you name it. They are also build with different use in mind. Some are "racing" gravel with many lightweight high end components, other are made for bikepacking with provision for fenders, front and rear racks and usually more common standards. Those are commuters friendly.

Link: https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hVZNsMpWmxk/V9rqVdtLBHI/AAAAAAAAQ...

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4 comments · 2 top-level

CobaltFire3y ago· 2 in thread

I cut my stem long and run my bars high due to a back injury.

It does mean that I essentially had to learn how to build my entire bike from scratch since noone builds a bike that way, but I'm happy I did.

prmoustacheOP3y ago

For what its worth there are custom builders that do bikes in any geometry. There are also a number of small bicycles companies that may not have a shop in every city but that provide bikes with various kind of geometries.

CobaltFire3y ago

Eventually I may do that, but for now keeping the stem long has been a good fit for me.

dvzk3y ago

To clarify for some readers, you really only need super tall stems for major downhill sections and drops. Standard gravel bike geometries are just fine for most singletrack, even on gnarly terrain that most riders would balk at. Brake levers that are angled inward and spaced properly matters much more for instant responsiveness and precise turning control on hazardous technical terrain.

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