The wide-ranging gravel discipline has opened both roads and doors to more cyclists, riding more roads and terrain. Due the wider tire sizes afforded by most gravel bikes, riders are willing and able to tackle more technical and purely challenging terrain. One means of making the bikes more capable and providing greater leverage and stability on the roughest surfaces and on tricky descents, greater drop flares have been added to handlebars. The rider can get lower and wider, delivering more control and balance with a lower center of gravity. This stout aluminum bar features a 16 drop flare. but largely matches the design of the standard, and very popular EA70 in reach drop, radius, and features. Why 16 Based on extensive testing and rider feedback Easton determined that 16 was the perfect balance of maximum bar flare which still allowed for efficient access to the shifters and brakes in both the hoods and drops. These transitions are just as crucial as the flare. Matched with the 80 reach and 120mm through the MCD radius design, the EA70 AX Handlebar is both familiar, but different- both in a good way. The tops of the bar are round, and offers clean housing routing.