My croix de fer commuter....

[Robbo]

I wanted to start commuting to work to get fitter and save money  But ridding the 17 mile each way on my mountain bike was hard work so i treated myself to this

But try as i did i just couldn't get on with drop bars, it may have something to do with the beer belly and being brought up on mountain bikes, so as i was cleaning it ready to sell on i had the idea of trying on an old riser bar that was kicking around and it felt much better so que a bit of ebaying i ended up with this
 
Then on went some bar ends, mudguards and a brooks b17 and now she looks like this
 

Next on the list is a layback seat post, luggage and when funds allow hydraulic brakes.

[Blodwyn Pig]

very nice, but for traffic you may want to push the controls in 1 or 2" either side and lop the bars down, and angle the bar ends down abit. I find that the old onza ski bends are great, and have them 'almost horizontal' and I find I can rest my hands along them, and get very 'aero' indeed.  I know what you mean about being brought up on mtbs. I still prefer the set up on my Orange to the drops on the Pearson.

[edscoble]

The drop bar will take some time for those who only ridden MTB in the past, much longer than a couple of weeks.

it should feel comfortable straight away, but I'm not sure why you went for a new CX bike and spend even more money when a cheaper flat bar hybrid does just the job for you.

[LEE]

The optimal top tube length of a bike with Drop bars and a bike with Flat bars is typically different for the same rider.

If you didn't get on with Drops but feel the bike is comfy with Flats you may have bought a bike with the wrong top tube length for Drops.

Looks nice in either case (but I prefer the original).

[Robbo]

Cheers i brought it second hand and as its a commuter its definitely a case of function over fashion so i'm not worried about spoiling its looks and i think i will try cutting the bars down a little.   

[edscoble]

If you didn't get on with Drops but feel the bike is comfy with Flats you may have bought a bike with the wrong top tube length for Drops.

This.

I ride a medium CdF with 54cm TT, but with flat bar, I need  a large CdF with a 56-57cm TT.