This is my commuting bike, a Sirrus X 3.0. It is a very flexible starting point. I got the bike half-off, leaving room for some upgrades. I slammed and inverted the stem and put on 720mm bars, and some ESI grips. I had an Ergon seat post that takes out road chatter – but was not really up to gravel or CX – so I put it on here and it helps. The saddle is a Specialized Power saddle that I have moved forward, and between that and the bars the position is similar to my xc bike (that I wish I had time to ride). I switched from the very plastic Pathfinder tires that were stock to these Panaracer tires, 44mm, and they deliver a much better experience. I have kept the microshift drivetrain and it works very well. I had to replace one of the tektro hydraulic brakes but I abused it for two years and I think that was fair service. In the winter, 45mm studded tires fit easily under fenders.
by Stig-blur