LIFESTYLE
CPH
August 2026
Slamming my CXC
More reach, more aero, more cool factors. What's not to like?
CXC DROPBAR CONVERSION
Quick recap on the latest project where I converted my 720mm wide flatbar gravel bike to a "proper" gravel monster.
Written by Filip Malek | Started on August 2026 | Published on Septmeber 2026
WHY CONVERT IT AT ALL?
I guess I don't remember where the idea to do the conversion came from. Ever since I saw those dropbar bikepacking rigs on youtube I was hooked. Something about having the drop position with a loaded bike looked so sexy to me. After a bit of research I quickly realized that a said transition would be costly. Look here, CXC V3 was built and intended as a flatbar rig. Not Omnium words but my guess. It comes with IS mount standards. This means that you can put very old IS mount calipers or post mount calipers, but flat mount (like the GRX calipers that Shimano has) are a no-go. Unless you wanna trust AliExpress for your adapters - I don't.
I contacted Omnium and this was their response: 'IS to Flat Mount adaptors are not really a thing for a reason. You should contact Shimano to ask them what Post Mount calipers would work best with GRX levers ( they have non-series as well as road groups calipers in PM). In the shops we tend to work with SRAM a lot more.'. This had me do some research and I found a single post mount Shimano caliper that would work with my IS adapter, come BR-RS785 caliper. They apparently work with STI grips, which GRX are. Visually they look like my current Deore calipers, just a fancier brake pad and a 'Made in Japan' label. I am still not sure if I could have kept the Deore calipers and made it work, I guess we'll never know. Calipers were 732 DKK (for both).
THE PARTS
Securing the brakes I was ready to proceed. I found 2nd hand, unused GRX 810 shifters on Buycycle for a bargain. They came with GRX brakes that I sold. So net spend on the brand new levers was 1100 DKK. For the bars I initially went with Ritchey Venturemax in 440mm width but I quickly swapped them for Ritchey Beacon in 420mm. Reason is that Beacon has a 10cm less reach (65cm, vs 75 on the Venturemax's) which my lower back desperately needed - bars were 400 DKK with shipping.
My colleague and buddy Simon came in clutch with a very pretty RaceFace Tornado 60mm stem that I got for 250 DKK. Now I had a complete setup -> 65 cm reach to the brake levers and a shorter, 60 mm stem. Tape of choice was Fizik. Rear mech stayed the GRX 810 and chain is a KMC 11 speed EL chain with hollow pins. Love the silver!
THE BUILD
Assembly went pretty straight forward. Had to redo the front caliper as I didn't screw the hose into the caliper properly and I started to see some oil leak backwards which gave me PTSD. Almost forgot, I downsized the front chainring from the stock GRX 40 tooth one to a Stronglight 36 tooth. Decision was made against my ego but in favor of bikepacking trips on steeper terrain. I took the bike up to north of Sjælland for an overnighter and was very happy with the gearing. Of course I had to re do the brakes.
"Of course I had to re do the brakes..."
THE RIDE QUALITY
Not much to say here. Bike rides like a dream. Super wide flare that Beacon bars give you is absolutely awesome and makes for one very versatile bike. Narrow wheel base still makes for some awkward tight turns where my shoe runs on the front tire.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Did I spend too much - probably yes. Would I have spent even more had I taken it to a shop? Probably, yes as well. Am I happier now than I was? Most likely. Will this thing motivate me to go on more adventures and push further? 100%!
Oh, and her name is Jess (short for Jessica) now. Thanks Aga!
Filip Malek. All rights reserved.
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