Is it worth using aero road handlebars on a gravel bike?

Question

To improve speed during a gravel race, is it wise to ditch the usual gravel bars for aero road handlebars?

Answer 1

Aero road handlebars can be good on gravel bikes, especially on non-technical races like Unbound. Aero bars and perhaps even narrower bars have clear aerodynamic advantages. However, there should be a composition between the aerodynamics and the practicalities of riding and steering since very narrow bars are not necessary for most gravel racing scenarios.

Comments

Took forever to come out but I'll forgive you cause I LOVE these aero content, I'm the guy who gave u those aero bar ends at sea otter with the wild 32cm bar road bike. I also have the solution to the elbow flare out on narrower bars if you're interested.

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Dylan: Bottle down jersey
Me: "3 Watts"
Dylan: FIVE WATTS

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Interesting listening to the discussion of the airflow over the deeper rims. It never ceases to amaze me how almost all things that mimic the shape of a raindrop  are faster than things that are less similar. Deep section wheels add the same tail shape that raindrops form

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Another great content Dylan! I always look forward to and enjoy them! I really enjoy and appreciate the nerding out you do. Did you see the same areo gains with the wide tires and deep rims for various amounts of yaw (or will you only be going straight :) )

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Thanks, Dylan and Silca, for wind-tunnel results of various tire and wheel combinations.  And big picture, gravel is looking more tri with every big race, without the aero bars, happily, not a fan of those on dirt.  I'm cheering for you, Dylan, and everyone else contending for 16th place, not that I want anyone taking your place, Dylan!  Have fun, be safe, aim high!