Tom Ritchey has been riding off-road and riding far – and designing products for such adventures – decades before anyone thought to call it “gravel riding” or “bikepacking.” His real-life experiences directly inform every product made by Ritchey – such as the beloved VentureMax handlebar. With its short reach, shallow drop and purposeful flare, the original VentureMax offers comfort and confidence to legions of riders looking to settle in and have some fun on those dirty drop bar adventures.

Like its predecessor, the new generation WCS VentureMax is influenced by those life experiences, but some adds new features – continuing to inspire riders to chase gravel and other mixed surface adventures. Aero-shaped 38×22.5mm ergonomic tops offer a more comfortable hand position, while drilling for a Shimano EW-RS910 junction box expands the adaptability of the WCS VentureMax.

Multiple hand positions are key for comfort and confidence on any ride, and the WCS VentureMax offers plenty of options there – especially with its wide 24° flare at the drops. But it’s the return of the Bio-bend in the drop that adds yet another design element that is practical and comfortable for whatever surface you choose to ride upon and for however long your adventure endures.