Time ADHX 45 — Force XPLR | Custom Build Review

Steve’s personal TIME ADHX 45 — a custom build on a frame he intended to eventually sell to a customer. Force XPLR drivetrain, HED Emporia GA Pro wheels, Vittoria Mezcal 44s. One of the most fun gravel bikes ridden. Quickly became a personal favorite.

The Frame

The ADHX 45 fits 45mm tires and runs them at 44mm measured. The head tube is noticeably steeper than something like a Niner RLT — this is a sporty, racy-feeling gravel bike, not an adventure platform. No fork mounts, no rack mounts, no fender points. Two bottle cages and a top tube bag mount. Internal headset routing with housing stops inside the BB area for mechanical compatibility.

This frame predates TIME’s UDH update. The newer frames have a universal derailleur hanger, which opens the door for Transmission builds. The cables were left exposed at the top with extra housing to make rerouting easy for the next owner.

Drivetrain & Bottom Bracket

Force XPLR with the 10–44 cassette and D1 hoods — the D1 shape is preferred over D2. The Wheels Manufacturing thread-together BB with CeramicSpeed bearings is a strong choice for this frame — smooth, easy to service, and the bearings have held up well. The old Force bolt-on power meter spider was already on hand and works cleanly.

Wheels & Tires

HED Emporia GA Pro continue to be one of the most popular wheelsets in the shop. On the Mezcal 44s — first time running them in a gravel size and they’re fast. The son had been pushing these tires for a while and the recommendation was right. If you’re in the 44–45mm range these should be on your short list.

What It Is

This is not the bike for racks, fenders, or bikepacking. That needs to be said clearly. For a high-quality, performance-oriented gravel bike — it’s fantastic. It quickly became one of the most fun gravel bikes ridden. Sporty, racy feel, more road-bike-like than adventure-bike-like, and that’s exactly what this platform is built for. If you’re comparing Cervélo Áspero-5 or top-level Bianchi gravel bikes — the ADHX 45 belongs in that conversation.