Creo 2 Flat Bar Conversion

[Rás Cnoic]

Exactly, things change. Now a slammed stem is slower than a non slammed stem, tires are getting much wider on road bikes with no speed loss. Geometry changes with nearly every new model year. The Creo 2 alloy has slightly different geometry than the carbon versions. You just can't base things solely on geometry as to whether a flat bar will work on a drop bar or not. The whole industry started as an experiment which is why we have so many different types of bikes for different styles of riding and within each discipline the different brands have different geometry and designs that they feel work best. You never know what's best for you unless you try many different things and that's ok.

You have to try it for yourself definitely, to see if changes work and the bike is still comfortable. Bike fit will tell if the changes work or not.

I guess the idea of spending a lot of money for a shiny brand new drop bar bike only to immediately make such expensive changes feels high risk and expensive. I've changed plenty of bars on bikes in the past, but usually after owning them for a while and curious about a change. Some worked like this one- 26er MTB with full swept back bars, very comfy and still use:

Some didn't work like this one, All road, drop bars with swept back bars but was just too cramped. That bike- a medium Croix De Fer, was already a bit small for me & a bigger frame size to start with would have helped. Was stupid to try, but you live and learn. So it's always an experiment.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Turned out to be a perfect bike for me but still wonder sometimes about the one that got away...

You still can book a Creo 2 demo ride, can't you?

I might have already written about this but will repeat the story. Jacek is close to Marin distributor in Warsaw (I do not talk the distance), so he made an aware choice of DSX 3 (flat bar) over Gestalt (drop bar) two years ago. Now, he had a chance to try the latest Gestalt. He did a long demo ride and came back with the following conclusions: "Gestalt is very fast on paved surfaces or good gravel. However, the bike control in rough terrain is nothing compared to DSX 3. I prefer the flat bar e-bike because I am an MTBer by heart and want to be fast off-road". Bear in mind, DSX and Gestalt have different geometries unlike Skitch or Nytro.

Stefan went back and stalked my prior posts which in no way contradict anything I've said in this thread.

You said that Creo 2 was a perfect bike and you would encourage anyone considering a Vado SL 2 to try Creo 2 with the drops first. I would recommend to @vado SL the same as you: buying (or demo riding) a Creo 2 and riding with the drop bar for awhile. But the plan of the OP is to convert the Creo 2 immediately. That is what I say is not correct.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

You still can book a Creo 2 demo ride, can't you?

Yes, though not easily around here. Besides, I'm not giving up the SL, and buying a Creo on top of it would be a DLE (divorce-level event). Why torture myself?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Yes, though not easily around here. Besides, I'm not giving up the SL, and buying a Creo on top of it would be a DLE (divorce-level event). Why torture myself?

I admire Creo 2 but am happy with what I own and ride (like you)

 

[Ebikelife72]

You still can book a Creo 2 demo ride, can't you?

I might have already written about this but will repeat the story. Jacek is close to Marin distributor in Warsaw (I do not talk the distance), so he made an aware choice of DSX 3 (flat bar) over Gestalt (drop bar) two years ago. Now, he had a chance to try the latest Gestalt. He did a long demo ride and came back with the following conclusions: "Gestalt is very fast on paved surfaces or good gravel. However, the bike control in rough terrain is nothing compared to DSX 3. I prefer the flat bar e-bike because I am an MTBer by heart and want to be fast off-road". Bear in mind, DSX and Gestalt have different geometries unlike Skitch or Nytro.


You said that Creo 2 was a perfect bike and you would encourage anyone considering a Vado SL 2 to try Creo 2 with the drops first. I would recommend to @vado SL the same as you: buying (or demo riding) a Creo 2 and riding with the drop bar for awhile. But the plan of the OP is to convert the Creo 2 immediately. That is what I say is not correct.

On that we can agree, yes I would encourage him to give the drops an honest chance. But again nothing I previously posted contradicts anything I've said here. You seem to think it sacrilege for anyone to even consider a flat bar conversion on a Creo 2. I'm just saying it's not a big deal.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

You don't castrate a good stallion without a really good reason.
Yes, I know, very rude.

 

[Allan47.7339]

Sorry to have created any friction with my original post. I was just hoping for some technical support on the potential conversion. Like others I would just like a bike that is suited to me, and if that means going away from the original design concepts then so be it.

If anyone does have any detailed technical advice re specific parts then that would be very welcome ....

There is a post today in the Creo FB page of someone converting a Creo 1 to flat bars although it was a bit of a mullet between Shimano brakes and a SRAM derailierur. It really depends on which model of Creo 2 you are starting from. if you are looking to convert a 2 Comp Carbon with eTap it is different than a 2 E5 with manual SRAM. The carbon frame will be about 2 pounds lighter than the aluminum frame. Basically its flat bars, bar grips, brake levers, Specialized shifter button, SRAM shifter eTap or mechanical, possibly brake hoses if they are too short. The brake levers need to be compatibnle with the brake calipers unless you replace them too.

 

[VadoSL]

There is a post today in the Creo FB page of someone converting a Creo 1 to flat bars although it was a bit of a mullet between Shimano brakes and a SRAM derailierur. It really depends on which model of Creo 2 you are starting from. if you are looking to convert a 2 Comp Carbon with eTap it is different than a 2 E5 with manual SRAM. The carbon frame will be about 2 pounds lighter than the aluminum frame. Basically its flat bars, bar grips, brake levers, Specialized shifter button, SRAM shifter eTap or mechanical, possibly brake hoses if they are too short. The brake levers need to be compatibnle with the brake calipers unless you replace them too.

Hi, Its a Creo 2 Comp Carbon that I am looking at, so does that change any of your suggestions ?

Also is it correct that the Creo 2 Comp uses DOT brake fluid rather than Mineral Oil and does this mean changing levers, lines and calipers ?

 

[Nubnub]

Hi, Its a Creo 2 Comp Carbon that I am looking at, so does that change any of your suggestions ?

Also is it correct that the Creo 2 Comp uses DOT brake fluid rather than Mineral Oil and does this mean changing levers, lines and calipers ?

Yes, my Creo 2 needed DOT brake fluid. The conversion you are considering is exactly what I did. You need to change lever to compatile flat bar levers - I used a SRAM G2 series. The stock Creo 2 calipers on my bike were compatible and didn't need replacement. Brake lines can be reused but you may need/want to consider trimming depending on the bars you choose. You will also need an AXS shift pod or similar. The existing dropper control can be retained tho it may look a bit out of place on a flat bar. It is functional and appearance doesnt bother me. The handlebars can also be retained which saves the cost of needing to get the flat bar type f1/f2 control. I located the bips inside each of the handlebar grips and they are ez to use. Because they are not the same as F1/F2 buttons, they both need to be simultaneously depressed to cycle thru the TCU displays. Inside the grips makes it easy to do. Also need simultaneous pressing for pairing the phone app. I've used this setup for 5000ish miles over the past year or so and I'm happy with it. Definitely way better than the 4 year old Vadol SL 4.0 EQ it replaced.

 

[Ebikelife72]

Yes, my Creo 2 needed DOT brake fluid. The conversion you are considering is exactly what I did. You need to change lever to compatile flat bar levers - I used a SRAM G2 series. The stock Creo 2 calipers on my bike were compatible and didn't need replacement. Brake lines can be reused but you may need/want to consider trimming depending on the bars you choose. You will also need an AXS shift pod or similar. The existing dropper control can be retained tho it may look a bit out of place on a flat bar. It is functional and appearance doesnt bother me. The handlebars can also be retained which saves the cost of needing to get the flat bar type f1/f2 control. I located the bips inside each of the handlebar grips and they are ez to use. Because they are not the same as F1/F2 buttons, they both need to be simultaneously depressed to cycle thru the TCU displays. Inside the grips makes it easy to do. Also need simultaneous pressing for pairing the phone app. I've used this setup for 5000ish miles over the past year or so and I'm happy with it. Definitely way better than the 4 year old Vadol SL 4.0 EQ it replaced.

Nope, sorry that's impossible that a flat bar Creo 2 is better than the Vado SL it replaced

 

[Allan47.7339]

Hi, Its a Creo 2 Comp Carbon that I am looking at, so does that change any of your suggestions ?

Also is it correct that the Creo 2 Comp uses DOT brake fluid rather than Mineral Oil and does this mean changing levers, lines and calipers ?

A Creo 2 Comp has an eTap wireless derailleur so it's a little easier in that you don't have any shifter cables. You will still need to swap the brake levers. The SRAM brakes used on the Creo use DOT 5..1 fluid which is not compatible with mineral oil.
You can save about a half pound by upgrading the cassette from the PG-12110 to the XG-1275. Upgrading from the SRAM NX chain to the SRAM X01 chain will make everything last longer.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Nope, sorry that's impossible that a flat bar Creo 2 is better than the Vado SL it replaced

Your turn. Perhaps the drop bar isn't as good as you thought.

 

[Ebikelife72]

Your turn. Perhaps the drop bar isn't as good as you thought.

lol, that of course is a silly thing to say. Clearly he prefers flat bars and I prefer drops, but we both have bikes that we absolutely enjoy and suits our needs.

 

[Ebikelife72]

Incidentally I noticed today that in the US Specialized has made significant price increase to the Creo Alloy and Comp Carbon. I’m glad I got mine when I did.

 

[edobici_forza]

Incidentally I noticed today that in the US Specialized has made significant price increase to the Creo Alloy and Comp Carbon. I’m glad I got mine when I did.

Wow...I just checked. I paid $6500 USD, in June 2025, now the Carbon Comp is $7000 (Sept 2005). The specs remain the same.

 

[Ebikelife72]

Wow...I just checked. I paid $6500 USD, in June 2025, now the Carbon Comp is $7000 (Sept 2005). The specs remain the same.

Indeed, it’s quite the increase. I assume it must be tariff related but who knows.