Reader’s Rig: Antoine’s Omnium CXC

Words and photos by Antoine Willemart

My name is Antoine Willemart, and I’m a freelance photographer and bike mechanic at L’Atelier HC in Brussels. You may have come across my other Reader’s Rig article about my Brother Big Bro dream bikepacking build (linked at the bottom of this post). This time, I’m introducing a completely different bike, but one particularly close to my heart: the Omnium CXC. 

In 2020, while mainly riding fixed gear and having no prior bikepacking experience, I considered getting a geared bike. The idea was to be able to go on short trips, explore forests, and enjoy off-road rides. At the time, I worked at Hush Rush, a bike courier company in Brussels, and that’s where I discovered Omnium—a brand well-known for its cargo bikes. At the company’s HQ, I came across a stunning Omnium CXC with a deep aubergine-purple paint job and horizontal dropouts, allowing it to be converted to fixed gear, with clearance for up to 40mm tires. It was love at first sight. I had to get one. 

This led to my first real rides and my first bikepacking adventures in the Belgian Ardennes—and then came the COVID-19 lockdown. While tinkering with my bike, I impulsively decided to strip the paint off. It’s a decision I almost instantly regretted but one that gave it a whole new identity. It became my rat city bike that I could leave locked up overnight in the city center without too much worry, as the rust, in theory, would deter thieves. 

• Frame/Fork: Omnium CXC
• Rims: DT Swiss X432
• Hubs: Shutter Precision dynamo (front) / DT Swiss 350 (rear)
• Tires: Continental Terra Trail
• Handlebars: Tommaselli Moto Bar with handmade clamp adapter
• Headset: Omnium
• Crankset: SRAM Apex
• Pedals: Omnium
• Cassette: SRAM 11-speed 11-42
• Derailleur(s): Sram APEX
• Brakes: Shimano Deore XT
• Shifter(s): SRAM Apex
• Saddle: Selle Italia Flite Titanium 1990
• Seatpost: Thomson Masterpiece
• Stem: Thomson X4 25.4
• Front bags: Jack the Rack + Restrap drybag
• Frame bags: AGU
• Rear bags: Moga Bags dry bag
• Accessory bags: Moga Bags food pouch, AGU rack bag
• Rack: Ortlieb QR Rack
• Lights: B&M IQ XS (front) / SP dynamo x Supernova (rear)
• Other accessories: Zefal Z Adventure Cage

The Omnium CXC v1 is undoubtedly one of the most versatile steel frames of recent years. With its many possible setups—flat bar, drop bar, slick or knobby tires, with or without fenders, dynamo or not—it adapts to all kinds of riding. Initially designed for urban use with its compact geometry, horizontal dropouts, and rock-solid durability, it has become my all-purpose bike. Gravel, city commuting, or travel companion, it has  evolved over the years to match my needs. If I had to keep just one bike, this would be the one, no hesitation. 

This particular model dates back a few years, and Omnium has since released a new generation of CXCs. You’ll now find it with thru-axles and the ability to fit much wider tires. It also features more mounting points, including on the fork. For all these reasons, we primarily sell this brand at L’Atelier HC. Between the CXC, the cargo bikes, and the  Day Ripper, Omnium offers a wide enough range of bikes to meet every need.

See more from Antoine on Instagram.

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