When choosing a road or gravel drop bar, check whether its stated width is measured at the controls or in the drops. Reach is the horizontal distance from the clamp centre to the front of the bar; drop is the vertical distance between the tube centreline at the tops and the lowest part of the drops. Flare describes the outward angle of the drops.
Two designs illustrate the difference. The Salsa Cowbell has 68 mm reach, 115 mm drop and 12° flare; the Ritchey WCS Beacon measures 65 mm, 80 mm and 36° respectively. Similar forward reach therefore does not mean a similar lower grip: the Beacon has much shallower, more widely flared drops. Suitability depends on the rider’s position and preferred hand placements.
Both bars use a 31.8 mm clamp diameter, yet the Beacon is incompatible with the Ritchey C260 stem. Before ordering, compare the new bar’s dimension drawing with your existing bar, check stem compatibility and assess whether the brake levers will remain comfortably accessible from both the hoods and the drops.