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For much of the past decade, gravel riders have obsessed over the usual suspects: pic  king the right tires, dialing in tire pressure, and selecting high-performance wheels and their perfect frame geometry. Yet, while you and all the bike brands fine-tune these specs, many overlook a crucial factor—how comfortably you can hold the levers and brake when it matters most. Without that, you’re missing the full experience.

Ergonomics are not as glamorous as deep carbon rims or electronic shifting but are the foundation for comfort and control. It’s about feeling at ease on the bars, whether in the middle of a sweaty 60-minute post-work ride or tackling a 60-hour ultra-distance gravel event. That’s why we took a hard look at ergonomics for the latest GRX levers, setting out to create the perfect balance of braking power, comfort, control, and handling to take your gravel rides to the next level.

This alchemy led us to some soul-searching because we knew our previous GRX levers – introduced as part of the first-ever gravel groupset – were already a hit. So, this time around, we zoomed in on pushing the braking performance without shifting your hands onto the drops, all while adding control in rough terrain and comfort for even longer adventures. To achieve this, we reshaped the lever, making the area you hold larger and rounder. Go as wide and flared as you like; the lever is designed for more grip and control, particularly on flared bars.

Benefits of GRX Levers

The levers’ “hoods” – the top section where your hands rest – now have a bigger surface area for added comfort. Pressure is spread more evenly, reducing hand fatigue and slips. With these larger, more rounded levers, you’ll feel safer and more in control—as if your hands are an extension of the bars, not just perched on small stubs.  The lever's integration with the handlebars also prolongs comfort, which unlocks longer, more enjoyable riding.

Here’s where it all comes together for those looking to get the most enjoyment out of gravel riding: comfort and control aren’t just luxuries—they’re what make the ride.

Close-up of a GRX bike handlebar with blurred background
Close-up of a GRX bike handlebar with blurred background
Cyclist in purple jersey riding a bike handlebar outdoors
Cyclist in purple jersey riding a bike handlebar outdoors

We also added textured ribbons and a special coating to the rubber for an even better grip so you can ditch the gloves without regret. Ultra-distance racer Sofiane Sehili, who has put in over 300 hours on the new GRX levers, says: “It would be hard to go back to the previous version. When the gravel gets rough and your whole cockpit starts shaking like crazy, you can feel your hands won't be going anywhere. With the way that the textured lines are positioned on the lever, it's basically impossible for your hands to slip, even if you're sweaty and gloveless. That sense of security is crucial when you're going full speed down technical stuff.”

Close-up of a bicycle handlebar and brake lever
Close-up of a bicycle handlebar and brake lever

Adventure rider Ibai Fradejas, who used to suffer from numbness in his hands, agrees: “Before, the pressure on my hands would cause nerve swelling, but with the new levers optimized for the 20-degree flare on my handlebars, I have forgotten what that even feels like. Earlier this year I rode for 23 hours straight at the Ultra Gravel Latvia without a single issue.”

“No issues” might not sound like the highest praise, but in the context of ergonomics – something you barely notice until it’s wrong – it speaks volumes.

GRX Brakes: Why it’s worth it

At this point, we’d be remiss not to mention the thought that went into braking as that’s also a critical part of the equation. Every gravel rider knows that moment when you hit a steep, technical descent without time to move your hands to the drops. Without the braking power you need to boss the section, you end up bumping down with compromised control and comfort. That’s often the result of levers that aren’t designed for the demands of gravel riding.

Close-up of a gloved hand gripping a bicycle handlebar
Close-up of a gloved hand gripping a bicycle handlebar

By raising the brake pivot point and optimizing the lever’s curve, we’ve ensured that you get just as much braking power on the hoods as you do on the drops.

It's small, thoughtful changes like these – how your hands feel on the levers, how in control you are on rough terrain – that make all the difference.

United in Gravel

The joy of gravel is riding wherever nature takes you. Whether you’re out with your best friends for a post-work grind or going beast-mode bikepacking a far-off trail, you’re out there, renewing your smile with every mile you ride. Riding gravel is about creating unique stories to share, building toward a healthier, more sustainable
community empowered by individuality.

Browse through our Bike Selector to find a gravel bike that brings out the best in you.

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