
The idea of putting drop bars on a mountain bike isn’t new, but with many of the latest “gravel bikes” speccing mountain bike forks and tires, many riders are giving the concept a fresh look. How many riders? That’s what we’d like to know!
Tell us why you think putting drop bars on a mountain bike is a good or bad idea in the comments below. 👇









24 Comments
Feb 8, 2026
Feb 8, 2026
Feb 9, 2026
Feb 9, 2026
Feb 9, 2026
Feb 9, 2026
Feb 12, 2026
Feb 8, 2026
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Feb 9, 2026
How long have you had this setup? Any gotchas so far?
Feb 10, 2026
Feb 10, 2026
Feb 9, 2026
Feb 14, 2026
But it was also a reminder of what my Dad said about using the right tool for the job. You can use a butter knife for a flat head screwdriver but it's the wrong tool for the job.
Feb 9, 2026
Feb 8, 2026
I have always put bar ends on all my MTB s giving you alternative hand positions and when going through Forrest's and bushes you can get hand protection by bringing your hands inboard.
There is no place in MTBing for drop bars. Leave them to roadies
Feb 8, 2026
I think the desire to build one comes from people riding more jeep track/double track. Its not gravel and its not mountain biking. Its genuinely is a confusing bike to plan for. Drop bars to get you to the good stuff and flat bars once you get there.
If I do try to build one it will defiantly be a used 26 or 27.5 with disk brakes. Cheap builds are fun.
Feb 8, 2026
Feb 9, 2026
Feb 9, 2026
I use a fast xc mtb with inner bar ends, and tri bars of there's a reasonable amount of tarmac.
While I like various hand positions, I prioritize comfort, control/being able to stop well, even on gravel.
I hate my gravel bike on anything remotely technical.
Feb 9, 2026
Feb 9, 2026
Feb 14, 2026
Feb 9, 2026
On rough gravel style trails, I leave my buds on their non-suspended, small width tires behind. I have to work harder on the road and smoother stuff.