The Ritchey Comp Beacon Drop handlebar offers a drop of 80mm, which features the smallest amount of drop I could find at the time. The retail price of $55 (now $60), seemed relatively affordable, so it was easy to justify ordering one just to “try”.
Features and Specs
- Material: double-butted 6061 alloy
- Drop:80mm
- Drop flare: 36°
- Backsweep: 4.5°
- Accessory mount diameter: 31.8mm
- Listed weight: 300g (42cm)
- Size tested: 44cm
- Anatomical bend shape
- Available Widths: 40, 42, 44, 46cm
- Reach: 65mm
- Flare out: 6°
- Clamp diameter: 31.8mm
- Clip-on compatible
The Beacon Handlebar is most notable for its wide 36º drop flare, and shallow 80mm drop. It also has a shorter than usual reach, and a slight backward sweep.
According to the marketing copy, the intended use for this bike is bikepacking and bike touring.
I am running the Ritchey Comp Beacon Bars on a Kona Rove Titanium, which is from the 2014-2017 run Kona did with Lnydsky. Depending on my tire choices, it’s part cyclocross, part gravel, part touring, in an all-around, “all road” package. I primarily use the bike for commuting, road riding, and the occasional mixed terrain/gravel ride in the Portland, Oregon area.
On the bike
What I like the most about this handlebar is how the short reach, shallow drop, and flare combine to make the various hand positions closer together than typical drop bars. It results in making hand placement changes easier and less drastic. I especially like the shallow drop and flare, which has me utilizing the drop position far more often. So many bars are designed for racers in a head down position that IMO add risk when riding in urban environments. It’s exhausting to be in an aggressive position that forces you to crane your head upwards to see where you’re going, and I’m not at all into it.
I don’t race road bikes, and I don’t care or want an aggressive riding position. And I have a feeling many others don’t either. Because of this, lots of riders are placing their hands on the hoods of their drop handlebars far more than on the drops.
However, the “drop” section of the handlebars is the optimal point to place one’s hands for braking, cornering, and descending. Too many riders are fitting their bikes so they’re comfortable on the hood, as opposed to the drops. That has a negative effect on handling of the bike, which can make things even more sketchy riding on gravel roads and uneven natural surfaces.
I’ve experimented with a few different gravel handlebars now, including a set of super-wide Spank bars. So far, the Beacon bar has been my favorite drop handlebar.
As I don’t harbor aspirations of being competitive on the road, my priority is comfort over aerodynamics on longer rides. So why have I been running my bars so low? I’m pretty sure it’s simply because it looks “pro”, that is to say, it looks cool.
I’m also pleased with the wider position provided by flared bars and the additional control they offer when riding on gravel roads and loose conditions.
The Beacon Handlebar shape is available in two price points, the “Comp” ($60) and “WCS” ($120).
Learn more at www.ritcheylogic.com or support the site by shopping for Ritchey bars with our affiliate link at retail partner JensonUSA.