Product Review by PBE Squad member, Ross Perfetti
I was new to the wide drop-bar trend for gravel bikes before I came across the kitchen sink gravel bars. While narrower bars for road bikes purport greater efficiency and speed, wider, flared drop bars can enhance handling on rougher terrain, from gravel to trail and single-track for those wanting to take their road bikes, well, off the road (a good summary available here).
I had almost exclusively stuck to pavement over the past few years, but more recently had been enticed by the trails accessible from the Philadelphia area. After my first bikepacking adventure last year from Pittsburgh to DC on the Great Allegheny Passage and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath, I became interested in investing in some equipment that could optimize my experience offroad.
The kitchen sink handlebars come in 5 sizes, which range from 41 to 53 cm, and two styles, one with a “loop” and another without. The looped design is made to work with their handlebar bag. I chose a size 50cm with a loop. I’m 5’8” and have relatively narrow shoulders, and was initially concerned that the bars would be too wide (I run 40cm on my road bike). But I found the 50cm was easily comfortable. I felt that I had a more stable base from the cockpit and more relaxed posture. While the 50cm may be too wide for those also wanting to take their bikes on speedier, paved rides, the benefits were reaped offroad. Not only did I enjoy the enhanced handling, but I was also able to load gear underneath the handlebars for longer rides; the wider bars made it possible to strap a Nalgene or stuff sack with extra layers up front, where it was easily accessible.
The thing that I enjoyed the most surprised me: the loop. I underestimated how much of a difference the loop would make for the stability and accessibility of the bag. The loop structure keeps the bag from moving at all, no matter how rough the terrain. The shallower design with two entrance pockets keeps things easily accessible. I usually keep my keys, a cafe lock, and a few snacks in there (unfortunately, it’s not quite big enough for my phone). The garmin mount on top is also very secure and keeps the device in view and out of the way. I also discovered that the front of the loop is a great spot for mounting a headlight. I also paired my handlebars with the redshift suspension stem, adding even more comfort to long rides. The extra-long bar tape came in handy as well. I’d recommend this system to anyone looking for more comfort for longer days on rougher surfaces and for hauling gear.
