There are a variety of bike handle bar and bike styles. One that was initially known as a hybrid is the flat bar road bike. This type of handle bar comes with what some view as the preferred style. The flat bar road bike gets it’s name from the fact that it has a flat or straight handle bar as opposed to the drop handle bar or the mustache handle bar. Long distance riders find the flat bar to be limited to how many ways riders can grip the handle. Basically there is only one way.
Smart designers have listened to these concerns, which were showing up on forums back in 2004 when the flat bar road bike style was just becoming known. Since the inception of this style a newer, more flexible option has been implemented. Nowadays a flat bar can come with a drop bar so riders have a 2-in-1 option. In a way this adds even more than a drop bar alone as riders have one more position they can use whenever those wrists need to adjust. As it turns out the flat bar is now a flex bar.
Some riders prefer to have more control with the handlebars. If riders are accustomed to the upright handle bar position then a flat bar road bike is likely to feel more familiar. Touring bikes tend to use flat bar styles and riders had created their own homemade versions long before the style became official. Visibility is a debatable issue with drop bars and has resulted in favoring flat bars. There is still a lot of discussion that is narrowed down to preference. All styles do promote visibility. Wind resistance has been easier to conquer with the drop bar. With the combined flat bar and drop bar option this can be the best of both worlds.
A flat bar road bike is best for commuting, long distance riding and casual riding. Having these options they have the flexibility for meeting most riders desires. This style has more adaptability. Adjustments can be made with tyre sizes, fenders and racks for luggage. They can be rugged or lightweight depending on personal needs of riders. There is also less leaning required, which many riders prefer. When it comes to commuting and the need to accessorize this is the style best suited. One last mention is that with the addition of bar ends there is more flexibility for those preferring to adjust hand movements from time to time.
