SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING

Lazer etched graphics add to the contemporary feel and marker lines ensure easy alignment of brifters/brake levers. Shot-peening distributes stresses more evenly and ultimately reduces fatigue. Standard at this price point but welcome nonetheless. Ditto the cable routing groove.

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The top section is a semi aero pattern, which is flattened for a palm friendly ergonomic, when cruising along the tops. This is refreshingly uniform, so lights, computers and other creature comforts should be compatible.

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There’s a reasonable amount of scope space-wise, but given I run a handlebar cam, dynamo and USB charger, I’ve popped charger and wireless computer head on their Neuron Accessory Bar .

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Since we’re on the subject, those sticking to metaled roads but wanting to take advantage of the bike packing type bar bags, should have no troubles width-wise with the broadest (44cm, as tested). There are three sizes 38cm, 42 and 44cm. The 4degree flair equates to an additional 17mm, when riding on the drops, which is another factor to consider when choosing-especially online. 

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Shape/Reach 3.75/5

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The gravel and adventure markets are widely credited for the introduction of dropped bars with a “riser” section. As with the flared ends, the riser element gives some additional height, without resorting to taller head tubes, flipped stems and/or additional spacers.

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The 20degree rise offers a slightly more upright stance, without playing the spacer lottery. Not that we approve of bodging. However, many of us can relate to the frustration of a steerer found to be fractionally too short. This additional lift could prove an elegant and relatively inexpensive solution.

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The Reach is 75mm and drop 105mm, which strike a good balance for general road-biased riding, without being detrimental to a little rough stuff, or competitive cyclo-cross for that matter. Now, while the adventure/gravel markets are the obvious drivers for this design, the breed may also benefit riders like me, who are of “feminine proportions” i.e. long in the leg, short in the body.

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Yes, semi/compact geometry framesets and a much wider choice of stem/steerer length has greatly reduced the need for custom frames. However, top tube length can still prove proportionally too generous. Shorter stem and bar lift can solve this-without a frumpy aesthetic. 

 

Flare

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Now a quick word about flare, in the more generic sense. This refers to the degree by which a handlebar slopes outwards. Most road bars have no, or as with this version of Genetic’s Driser, minimal flare. The growth in gravel/adventure, as a genre has brought with it, bars with quite pronounced flare. This is designed to provide additional stability and control when on the drops.

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Having experimented with all kinds of drops on mountain bike/based cyclo cross/touring builds for over 20 years, flared designs ensure drops are practical off road, without loss of control.