REDSHIFT Kitchen Sink Handlebar review

Have you ever wished your handlebar could feel like an old friend — reassuring, familiar, and honestly designed to make your rides easier?

This image is property of Amazon.com.

First impression of the REDSHIFT Kitchen Sink Handlebar

When you first unpack the REDSHIFT Kitchen Sink Low Flare Handlebar without Loop for Road, Gravel, Touring, and Commuter Bikes, Aluminum Drop Bar, 31.8mm Clamp, with 20mm of Rise, 44cm Width, you notice a quiet confidence. The aluminum finish, the gentle sweep, and the compact drop all suggest a bar that wants to be useful more than flashy. You can tell immediately that someone thought about how hands rest, how wrists angle, and how a rider transitions between positions.

How it looks and feels straight out of the box

The bar arrives with a clean, no-nonsense aesthetic and a slightly tapered silhouette where it meets the clamp. It has the tactile certainty of machined aluminum — cool to the touch and sturdy in the hand. You won’t be dazzled by neon paint, but you will appreciate how every curve seems measured to invite comfort.

Key specifications at a glance

You should be able to understand the crucial numbers before you commit. The specifications below summarize what matters most for fit and compatibility, making it easier to match the handlebar to your bike and riding style.

Why these specs matter to you

Each dimension here translates into comfort, control, or compatibility. The 20 mm of rise nudges your hands higher to reduce wrist extension; the 7-degree backsweep brings your palms into a more natural angle; the compact drop keeps the lower position more accessible if you shift often. You feel these choices when you ride.

This image is property of Amazon.com.

Ergonomics and fit: how your hands and wrists respond

Ergonomics isn’t just a marketing line; it’s the reason you’ll enjoy longer rides with less numbness and fewer aches. This handlebar tries to anticipate the ways your body wants to move.

The effect of 20mm rise and 7 degrees of backsweep

With the modest 20 mm rise, your shoulders relax just a little more than they would on a zero-rise drop bar. The 7-degree backsweep reduces the twist in your wrists that often leads to pins-and-needles on long days. Together, they create a position that feels as if someone reshaped the bar to fit the natural angle of your hands.

The compact drop and low flare: comfort without compromise

The compact, shallow drop is generous to your back and neck on long climbs and gives you access to the drops without feeling like you have to commit to a full tuck. The low flare opens up the hands slightly for stability on rough roads and gravel, but not so much that it becomes wide and awkward for tight city traffic or narrow climbs.

Performance on the road

If you ride mostly paved surfaces but sometimes want to push the pace, this handlebar gives you a sense of aerodynamic possibility without forcing an aggressive posture. You can find a tuck when needed, yet remain comfortable.

Stability and control at speed

The low flare and compact drop let you adopt a stable and aerodynamic position when you ride in the drops. The bar’s shape reduces wrist twisting, which gives you a steadier front end at higher speeds. You’ll notice small improvements in how confidently you can hold a line during a hard effort or a fast descent.

Transitioning between positions smoothly

You move between tops, hoods, and drops with ease because the drop isn’t too deep and the reach isn’t excessive. If you shift into the drops for a sustained effort, the ergonomics bring your hands into a supportive grip rather than a cramped posture.

This image is property of Amazon.com.

Gravel performance: when roads turn rough

Gravel riding asks for a compromise between control and comfort. The Kitchen Sink bar was conceived as a gravel-first design, and that intention shows in how it behaves off-road.

How it handles rough surfaces

The slight flare and backsweep together act as shock-absorbing geometry for your hands. You get a more open stance without losing control, and if the trail widens or narrows, you can still manipulate the bike precisely. On washboard or choppy surfaces, the bar encourages a relaxed grip, which reduces hand fatigue.

Cornering and technical sections

When a trail tightens, the bar’s width and flare allow you to quickly adjust weight distribution. The 44 cm width is a friendly middle ground for many riders — broad enough for stability, narrow enough for twists and turns. If you often ride aggressive technical singletrack you might prefer a flatter bar, but for mixed-surface gravel rides this bar is a strong match.

Touring and commuting: everyday reliability

Touring and commuting demand durability and comfort for hours in the saddle and repeated stops and starts. This bar supports both.

Long days in the saddle

The ergonomics that reduce wrist pressure become more valuable the longer you ride. On multi-day tours where you carry weight and change positions frequently, the 20 mm rise and compact drop make it easier to manage fatigue. Your shoulders and lower back will thank you at the end of a day.

Practicality for commuting

For commuting, you want a bar that’s predictable when traffic is tight. The modest flare doesn’t make you wider than necessary, and the shape gives good hand positions for lights, bells, and hoods. Because it uses a standard 31.8 mm clamp, swapping into a commuting stem or adding auxiliary accessories is straightforward.

This image is property of Amazon.com.

Installation and compatibility

You should be able to fit this handlebar to most modern road and gravel stems. The 31.8 mm clamp diameter is standard, so compatibility is widely assured.

What you’ll need and what to watch for

Make sure your stem accepts 31.8 mm bars and that your brake/shift lever reach matches the bar’s compact drop and reach. If you’re using internal routing or certain shifters, check cable/hose lengths to avoid surprises. The lack of a loop on this version means you won’t have that top-aero grip, but you also have a cleaner bar for traditional setups.

The optional loop and accessory considerations

You can choose a loop version if you want an additional aerodynamic hand position and a place to mount accessories like the Kitchen Sink Handlebar Bag & Computer Mount. Even without the loop, the bar is designed to accept common cockpit accessories and pairs well with REDSHIFT Cruise Control Grip System and Really Long Bar Tape for enhanced comfort.

Materials and durability

The bar is aluminum, a tried-and-true choice that balances strength, weight, and price. It’s built to last with predictable flex characteristics.

Aluminum feel and longevity

Aluminum gives you a confidence-inspiring stiffness without the brittleness you might fear. It will take knocks, and the finish is practical rather than delicate. With normal care — avoiding overtightening the clamp bolts and checking for cracks after crashes — this bar should last many seasons.

Care and maintenance tips

Keep the clamp area clean and inspect regularly, especially if you ride year-round in salty or muddy conditions. If you switch stems or re-clamp, use the correct torque setting for your stem and consider a light tuck of anti-seize or carbon paste if you’re mixing materials. Regularly check tape and grips, replacing them before they become overly worn to maintain comfort.

This image is property of Amazon.com.

Pairing and accessories

You don’t have to ride the bar as-is; it’s meant to be personalized.

Suggested pairings for comfort and function

Pair the Kitchen Sink bar with REDSHIFT Cruise Control Grip System and Really Long Bar Tape to increase comfort on longer rides. Even without the loop, the bar provides a nice platform for a compact bar bag, mirror mounts, or lights. If you want an aero option, consider the loop version to add a spot for an aero grip and electronics.

What accessories make the most difference

Bar tape quality, hood position, and choice of grips will influence comfort more than tiny differences in bar geometry. Choose thicker, denser tape for long-distance rides or cork-based tape for a balance of cushioning and feel. A simple computer mount or a small bag at the top of the bar adds function without compromising the clean lines of the non-loop version.

Who should consider the REDSHIFT Kitchen Sink Handlebar

This bar is for riders seeking versatility. If you habitually mix road miles with gravel sections, commute during the week, and occasionally tour on the weekends, this bar will align with your needs.

Ideal rider profiles

• The gravel rider who still spends many hours on pavement.
• The commuter who wants the option to push harder on weekend rides.
• The touring cyclist who values multiple hand positions without overly wide flare.
• Riders who want a comfortable drop without sacrificing aerodynamic potential.

Who might look elsewhere

If you are a pure crit racer craving full aero tuck geometry or a mountain biker needing wide, flat bars for technical singletrack, there are better specialized choices. This is about balance rather than specialization.

This image is property of Amazon.com.

Pros and cons

You should weigh strengths and trade-offs side by side before deciding.

Pros

• Comfortable ergonomic design with 20 mm rise and 7-degree backsweep.
• Versatile for road, gravel, touring, and commuting.
• Standard 31.8 mm clamp for wide compatibility.
• Compact drop for easy access to multiple hand positions.
• Sturdy aluminum construction that balances weight and durability.

Cons

• Without the loop, you miss an additional aerodynamic hand position and integrated accessory mounting point.
• Aluminum lacks the compliance of certain carbon bars, which some riders prefer for vibration damping.
• If you need extremely wide flare or a completely flat gravel-specific silhouette, this is more of a hybrid choice than a pure gravel-specific bar.

Comparison to alternative handlebar types

You’ll want to compare this bar to pure road drop bars, flare-heavy gravel bars, and bars with integrated loop options.

Compared to traditional road drop bars

Traditional road bars usually have less flare and less rise, favoring aggressive positioning. The Kitchen Sink grants you a slightly more upright, forgiving ride without losing the ability to ride aggressively when you want to.

Compared to flare-heavy gravel bars

Heavily flared bars give wider hand placement for demanding gravel or bikepacking setups; the Kitchen Sink keeps flare modest so you don’t feel unwieldy in traffic or technical climbs. It’s a compromise that suits mixed riding.

Compared to bars with loop

Loop versions add a secure aero hold and a top-mount accessory area. If you expect to race time trials or desire an enforced aero position, you might prefer the loop. If you favor simplicity and cleaner looks, the no-loop version is a better fit.

This image is property of Amazon.com.

Practical riding tips to get the most from the bar

Little adjustments and habits can make a big difference in comfort and control.

Tape and grip choices

Invest in decent bar tape — thicker tapes will absorb vibration better and reduce hand fatigue. Try multiple layers of tape if you want extra cushion, and consider gel pads beneath tape if your palms need more protection.

Hood and lever setup

Set hood height to complement the 20 mm rise; you don’t want hoods excessively high or too low relative to the rest of your cockpit. Adjust lever reach to suit the compact drop so you can easily access brakes and shifters from multiple positions.

Hand placement and posture

Let the backsweep guide your hands into a natural angle and avoid twisting your wrists inward. Practice moving into the drops smoothly; the compact drop makes it easier, but you still need to engage your core and hips to maintain a stable posture.

Real-world riding scenarios

Let’s imagine a few typical rides to show what the bar does for you.

Morning commute with light traffic

You’ll appreciate the predictable handling when you weave through intersections. The bar’s moderate width helps you keep a narrow profile, while the ergonomics prevent wrist soreness from short, frequent stops.

Weekend gravel loop with mixed surfaces

On gravel, you’ll value the open but not excessive flare. You can drop into the lower position for fun descents and return to the hoods for casual climbs, all without feeling like you need different handlebars for various segments.

Multi-day tour with loaded panniers

When loaded, bikes want stable handling and predictable control. The Kitchen Sink’s geometry gives reliable leverage, and the rise helps keep your back from rounding too much across long days. You’ll end each stage less drained than you might expect.

This image is property of Amazon.com.

Final verdict: should you buy it?

You should consider this handlebar if you want a single, practical cockpit solution that will perform across different disciplines. It blends comfort and function in a way that aligns with riders who value long-term stability over fleeting trends.

Summary recommendation

If you ride a mix of road and gravel, commute occasionally, or tour, the REDSHIFT Kitchen Sink Low Flare Handlebar without Loop is a thoughtful choice. It’s not the most specialized bar for any single discipline, but it is an excellent all-around performer that prioritizes your comfort and control.

Frequently asked questions

You probably have a few practical questions before you decide. These answers should clear up common concerns.

Can it be used with all brake/shift levers?

It works with standard road and gravel brake/shift levers, provided your lever reach and cable lengths are compatible with the bar’s compact geometry. If you have unique brake systems or very long hose routing, check before you swap.

Is the clamp diameter standard?

Yes — 31.8 mm is a common standard and should fit most modern stems without issue.

How much rise should I choose?

This bar has 20 mm of rise, which suits many riders who want a little bit of relief for the wrists and a slightly more upright posture. If you need more radical upright position, consider spacers or a different stem, but be mindful of handling changes.

Closing thoughts

When you ride a lot, the little decisions compound: a small change in wrist angle, a few millimeters of rise, a slightly shallower drop. The REDSHIFT Kitchen Sink Low Flare Handlebar without Loop for Road, Gravel, Touring, and Commuter Bikes, Aluminum Drop Bar, 31.8mm Clamp, with 20mm of Rise, 44cm Width is made for those cumulative improvements. It doesn’t shout its virtues; it quietly gives you better positioning, a more natural hand angle, and a versatile platform for varied riding. You’ll find it becomes part of the bike’s personality — practical, steady, and ready for whatever route you lay out.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.