Our 13 Favorite Drop-Bar MTBs + History and Interpretation

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By Neil Beltchenko

Associate Editor & YouTube Host

99 Posts

Dirt-specific drop-bar bikes are undoubtedly one of the most—if not the most—prolific styles of bicycle we feature on the site. In this piece, we review the history of this genre, consider where it is today, and list what we feel are the 13 best drop-bar MTBs, ranked based on votes from our team of editors here at BIKEPACKING.com. Find it all here…

Over the last decade, we’ve seen more and more off-road bikes built specifically around drop bars. While “gravel” might be the first genre that comes to mind to define this style of bike, there’s another category that’s even more popular among folks who are into mixed-terrain rides and dirt-road touring, where big tire volume reigns supreme. In our latest video series, we dive into what makes a drop-bar MTB (which you could also refer to as a drop-bar ATB), explore the history of this niche, and highlight our favorite 13 options. Watch and read below. And be sure to visit our Gear Index for a complete list of drop-bar mountain bikes.

History of the Drop-Bar MTB

Okay, so drop-bar mountain bikes, monstercross bikes, adventure gravel bikes, or whatever you want to call them, have a history that needs some explanation before we get into what they are today. While it’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment when drop bars started being used on bigger volume tire bikes, in chapter 12 of Frank Berto’s book The Birth of Dirt, he mentions Jacques Jiel-Laval’s 1891 Paris-Brest-Paris racing bike, which was built to be ridden over rough dirt roads and was equipped with drop bars and fat tires. But let’s fast forward nearly a century to more modern bicycles. Generally speaking, it seems like the use of dirt drops was a byproduct of experimentation in the 1980s as an innovative approach to off-road cycling. Innovators like Charlie Cunningham and Steve Potts were instrumental in developing and popularizing dirt drops, creating models designed for the unique demands of off-road riding.

Early adopters, including cyclists like Cunningham, Jacquie Phelan, and eventually John Tomac, all embraced dirt drops for their versatility and ergonomic benefits, allowing for multiple hand positions and better aerodynamics on mixed terrain. The concept gained traction as riders appreciated a different approach to control and comfort on long, varied trails. This riding style ultimately gained a small but devoted following, so much so that in 1987, Specialized introduced the Rock Combo, which I believe was the first production mountain bike with drop bars. EDIT: as a reader pointed out, the Bridgestone MB-1 was the first production drop-bar MTB and the Rock Combo was positioned as more of a hybrid. Around the same time, WTB (Wilderness Trail Bikes) launched the Dirt Drops handlebar, further fueling the trend.

Over the next few years, folks like Mike Varley, a bike industry lifer and current owner of Black Mountain Cycles, started experimenting with drop-bar-equipped mountain bikes while he worked at Pacific Coast Cycles in Carlsbad, where owner Chuck Hoefer shared a similar interest. But what pushed Mike over the edge was when someone in Crested Butte, Colorado, let him borrow a drop-bar Steve Potts bike in 1988. He mentioned, “I was able to really appreciate the added control and comfort of drop bars on a mountain bike. The Potts was a metallic dusty rose/pink. It was one of the most memorable bikes I’ve ridden.”

There were obviously many more of these experiences as this period saw cyclists seeking bikes capable of handling mixed terrain comfortably over long distances, and this, alongside more production bars, helped create a trend. That included Sam Allison of Singular Cycles with the Gryphon, arguably the first production steel 29er mountain bike frame designed for use with a drop handlebar. But it wasn’t until 2008 that the term adventure was injected into this style of bike. That’s the year Salsa launched the Fargo, a dedicated bike built around drop bars and big-volume tires explicitly made for adventure rides.

Joe Meiser, 20-year Quality Bicycle Products (QBP) employee and team leader responsible for strategy, planning, and execution for all Salsa Cycles bikes, mentioned, “When we started working on the concept for Fargo, many of us on the Salsa team had already started riding gravel and playing with what was at the time referred to as ‘monstercross.’ Monstercross was characterized as cyclocross bikes like the Surly Cross-Check, or more notably, the Salsa Las Cruces with disc brakes in 2004, which could fit 700 x 45mm or larger tires. So, we kept pushing the limits, and around that same time, I made the declaration to ride Tour Divide in 2009 after a successful TransIowa in 2007 on a Salsa hardtail 29er. It was this intersection of monstercross and the observation that drop bars allowed for a wider range of hand positions that could alleviate the hand/wrist problems nearly every Divide rider complained about at the time riding flat bars. This spurred Salsa to build the Fargo, a drop-bar bike inspired by monstercross, Tour Divide, and the rich drop-bar history.”

The Fargo was the start of something special. Not only did it coincide with more off-road-centric routes, but it helped popularize this category of bikes as we know them today. It ultimately gave birth to a carbon sibling, the Cutthroat, when Salsa integrated their Class 5 VRS (Vibration Reduction System) previously found on the gravel-specific Warbird to make a bike built for the Tour Divide. As it happened, the Cutthroat was introduced at the start of the 2015 Tour Divide in Banff. Today, countless options are available, some of which we’ll highlight in our top bikes in this category below.

Criteria

Let’s talk about what defines a drop-bar MTB. The answer to this question will vary depending on who you ask, but to me, this style of bike has clearance for tires that are 29 x 2.2 inches or wider, which usually means the bike is designed differently than a gravel bike. This tire clearance often changes the bike’s design, resulting in a slightly longer rear end, longer wheelbase, slacker front end, and components built for more rugged off-road use. While plenty of 27.5″ bikes can fit wider tires, that’s primarily a byproduct of the smaller wheel size. So, for the most part, we will focus on 29ers in this video series.

What’s the real difference between drop-bar MTBs and gravel bikes? The primary disparity lies in the geometry. Drop-bar MTBs are designed for stability and comfort over long periods and have more progressive angles and mountain bike standards, such as bottom bracket and axle spacing and suspension compatibility. Drop-bar MTBs are built for more aggressive off-road use, typically featuring a stronger tubeset, larger tire clearance (for larger tires and more mud), and burlier rear triangles. In contrast, gravel bikes balance efficiency and versatility with narrower axles, lighter tubing, moderate tire clearance, and designs that favor a mix of comfort and performance on varied terrain.

In short, most of us on the team prefer drop-bar mountain bikes over gravel bikes for bikepacking due to their versatility. They have the geometry to handle anything mixed-terrain routes dish out—from singletrack to dirt roads—while offering all-day comfort on gravel.

Geometry

Not much has changed in the core geometry of drop-bar MTBs. For example, only a degree separates the head tube angle of the 2009 Fargo from the 2024 Fargo, changing from 70 to 69 degrees, and that’s a common range for other bikes being released up to this year, with some being a little slacker at 68 degrees. Seat tube angles have also remained similar, not trending too far from 73 degrees. Despite slight variations in the stack and reach measurements among sizes, the general trend of keeping an upright position has also been a priority since their inception.

However, several other aspects of these bikes have evolved significantly. Frame designers have learned how to fit wider tires into shorter rear ends, thanks to new axle standards and bottom bracket designs. The 2009 Fargo had a longer wheelbase due to its 460mm chainstay, whereas today’s Fargo has a 445mm chainstay. This shorter rear end allows for snappier acceleration and better maneuverability while maintaining ample tire clearance. Many bikes hold a similar rear center or are slightly longer at 450mm, such as the Tumbleweed Stargazer.

Another notable change is the concept of suspension correction, meaning a bike might come with a rigid fork but can accommodate a 100mm or even 120mm suspension fork. This, along with fork offsets, has made a big difference in how some bikes ride, with the increase in trail, such as the Pipedream A.L.I.C.E. with a 42mm offset fork, which makes it ride quite differently than a bike with a 51 offset fork.

Perhaps the most significant change over the years has been the refinement in how these bikes are specced. Stem lengths are now considered in the development process, as are drivetrains such as the 1×12 systems or, say, Salsa working with Race Face’s Cinch chainring standard to allow for boost-spaced 2x drivetrain while maintaining ample tire clearance. One of the most inspiring changes is the adoption of wider drop bars, which provide more confidence on rough terrain and additional space for cargo. Brands like Crust and Curve helped spearhead this change with bars over 46cm, and now we see plenty of options in the 50+ cm range.

Our 13 Favorite Drop-bar MTBs

In part two of our drop-bar mountain bike series, we gathered the top bikes we have tested in this class. I have personally tested and reviewed eight of these bikes over the past four years, and I pedaled a few more before that. The team here at BIKEPACKING.com has tested well over 20 bikes in this category, taking them on rides all over the world. We’re well acquainted with this style of bike, and despite many of them feeling very similar, several stand out for various reasons. Watch the video below, and scroll down for a list of these bikes to review them in more detail.

Here are all 13, ranked based on voting among our editor team, each with a short description and a link to the review where applicable.

13. Tanglefoot Moonshiner

Joe Cruz reviewed the Moonshiner last year and had this to say about it: “The Moonshiner is conceived for rugged New England woodsy explorations, and it has all the right manners for getting over blowdowns and through rock gardens on Vermont’s legendary Class IV roads. But really, it’s a mountain bike that I’d take anywhere in the world. In spirit, if not necessarily in technical details, it’s a drop-bar Surly Pugsley. It comes with all the essentials for an adventurous ride.” Also, check out the Hardtack, a similar bike at a lower price.

12. Velo Orange Piolet

From its segmented fork and clean lines to ample mounts, the Velo Orange Piolet is a classic that harkens back to a pre-suspension and pre-indexed shifting era in mountain biking. However, the similarities with early mountain bikes end with its looks. Unlike the bikes that initiated the off-road boom of the 1980s, the Piolet features disc brakes, 29″ wheels (with 27.5+ compatibility), clearance for 29 x 2.4-inch tires, and an abundance of braze-ons. This combination makes the Piolet a true “modern classic.”

11. Salsa Cutthroat

At first glance, some might see the Salsa Cutthroat as a gravel bike on steroids. But at its heart, the Cutthroat is truly a mountain bike designed for speed and long rides. Its design includes ample space to carry everything needed for a long adventure. It’s perfect for those who enjoy long mixed-terrain rides and prioritize comfort, with the capability to handle trails that diverge from gravel roads. Developed specifically for the Tour Divide, the Cutthroat excels in various applications and routes. It’s the only carbon bike on our list and the only carbon drop-bar bike with 2.4″ tire clearance.

10. Kona Sutra LTD

The Kona Sutra LTD replaced the Sutra ULTD, which was released in 2020. The LTD version mirrors the ULTD, including geometry, mounting points, thru-axles, and clearance for 29 x 2.4″ tires. Logan spent six months riding the original Sutra ULTD (now the LTD) and described it as “a bike that can carve up your local singletrack and is perfectly equipped for multi-day, mixed-terrain bikepacking.” The chromoly frame and fork are equipped with loads of mounts for bags, fenders, and racks, a dropper post, and a quality build for the price point.

9. Curve GMX+

Originally designed for Australia’s Race to the Rock event, the GMX+ is based on their GMX platform but with geometry better suited to riding off-road over long distances. The GMX+ has massive tire clearance for 29 x 3″ rubber, Boost hub spacing, and their new GMX+ carbon fork. It just happened to be the perfect platform for their super-wide Walmer bar, which was released a few months ahead of the GMX+. The bike is available in titanium and steel, and Miles mentioned it blurs the lines between traditional touring bikes and mountain bikes. Its long reach, low stack, and ultra-low bottom bracket offer unique ride characteristics, unlike the upright Salsa Fargo or Tumbleweed Stargazer.

8. Salsa Fargo

The Fargo is one of the bikes that ignited the current trend of drop-bar MTBs. Designed for long rides like the Tour Divide, it’s a dirt-drop 29er at heart. Since its inception, Salsa has refined it into a versatile machine. The frame now clears 29 x 3.0-inch tires. It also has a Carbon Firestarter Fork, a 73mm threaded bottom bracket, boost spacing, and thru-axles. While we haven’t reviewed the Fargo directly, we have spent plenty of time on it and the old 29+ Deadwood, which is essentially the same bike with different colors and graphics. The Fargo is now 15 years old, and without it, the drop-bar mountain bike category might not be where it is today.

7. Esker Lorax

I wasn’t initially planning to include the Lorax since I’m still testing it, but it has made such a significant impression on me that I’m adding it. The Lorax offers a nimble, quick, and stable ride on various terrain, from dirt roads in the Midwest to smooth singletrack in the high desert of Colorado, and it continues to surprise me with everything I throw at it. It features a relatively light frameset with a carbon fork, plenty of mounts, Esker’s Portage UDH dropout system, and it’s available in both titanium and steel versions.

6. Cotic Cascade

Logan tested the Cotic Cascade last year and enjoyed its confident descending compared to other drop-bar 29er bikes, as well as the tubing design and selection that provided a comfortable yet responsive and quick ride. The steel frame and fork have clearance for 29 x 2.4″ tires in the rear and 2.6″ up front. The bike’s geometry is tailored for comfort and control, featuring a 70mm BB drop and numerous mounts for bikepacking gear. The Cascade excels in versatility, making it an ideal choice for adventurous cyclists seeking a reliable and adaptable bike for varied terrain.

5. Black Mountain La Cabra

The Black Mountain La Cabra is drop-bar monstercross bike based around a full chromoly double-butted frame, a segmented fork design with triple cage bosses, clearance for up to 29″ x 2.4″ or 27.5″ x 2.8″ tires, and internal dropper post routing. It’s offered in five sizes and is available as a frameset or a semi-custom build. La Cabra can climb extremely well, and it possesses a remarkable balance between surefooted stability and the capacity to react quickly and jump to another line when needed. It’s confident going downhill and can clamor up anything if you have the legs. It’s also loaded with mounts and possibilities and is ready for light touring and bikepacking on a range of surfaces.

4. Surly Grappler

While the Grappler is sold as a 27.5″ bike and only has clearance for 29 x 2.1″ tires, I made an exception because it offers some of the most inspiring handling of any drop-bar bike I have tested. And I think, while not often for me, there is a time and a place for 27.5″ wheels. Logan put it perfectly: “It’s a super fun platform with a genius set of decisions made in its construction, including tire size, frame details, and a geometry that properly blends a long front center with short chainstays and other angles and measurements that add up to a fun, comfortable, and stable bike. In true Surly fashion, it’s heavy, and there are a few wishes left on the table, but these certainly won’t derail its intent or success.”

3. Pipedream A.L.I.C.E.

Back when there simply weren’t many options on the market, the Pipedream A.L.I.C.E. (All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment) was one of only a handful of drop-bar MTBs that cleared big 29er tires. We first posted about it back in 2017, and even then, it had been out for a year. The highlight of the A.L.I.C.E. is the 42mm offset carbon fork, giving it 97mm of trail. This is a lot for this style of bike, but paired with some adjustable dropouts, clearance for 29×2.4″ tires, a thoughtful tube selection, and some simple yet practical bikepacking features, this bike is ready for the road less traveled and excels on rough descents.

2. Otso Fenrir

After testing this bike all last year, I found it to be high on my list of favorites. In fact, I recently rebuilt it using a few different parts that are in for review this summer. The Otso Fenrir is built around a custom-butted stainless steel or titanium frame featuring numerous mounts and adjustable dropouts specifically designed for rides like the GDMBR. What makes it particularly unique is its geometry, which is designed for use with either drop bars or flat bars. This means it has a longer reach than most drop-bar bikes and a shorter reach with a higher stack than most mountain bikes, giving it very capable ride characteristics when the going gets rough.

1. Tumbleweed Stargazer

The Tumbleweed Stargazer is a versatile drop-bar all-terrain bike available in both steel and titanium. Built around Boost hub spacing, thru-axles, and a 1x specific design, it can clear 29 x 2.6″ tires and features a range of mounts for touring or bikepacking. The frame comes with a steel fork, a 73mm bottom bracket, and a slightly longer wheelbase. In our respective reviews, both Logan and I noted its excellent descending capabilities and its comfort, thanks to the thoughtfully chosen tubeset.

There you have it: 13 drop bar mountain bikes that have stood out to our editors for one reason or another. To be sure, there are plenty of others out there, and we have Gear Indexes on both 29 and 27.5″ drop-bar bikes, which are linked below. What do you think about drop-bar MTBs? Do you have a favorite? And what bike would you like us to test next? Let us know in the conversation below!

Further Reading

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