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Build Overview
This Time ADHX 45 started as a frameset we brought into the shop and built specifically for Steve to ride and review through the fall. It’s not a stock Time build—this one was pieced together with parts we trust and wanted to try on this chassis. The frame itself is designed as a sporty, fast-feeling gravel bike with space for 45 mm tires but without the adventure or bikepacking features found on some other gravel platforms.
Compared to other gravel bikes Steve has spent time on—Trek Checkpoints, Niner RLT 9 RDO, Salsa Warbird, Bianchi Arcadex, Cervelo Aspero, Jamis Renegade—this Time feels noticeably racier. The geometry is more aggressive, the frame quality is extremely high, and the overall experience leans more toward performance gravel than all-day touring.
This build uses SRAM Force XPLR with a mix of components Steve has preferred on other gravel setups, paired with HED Emporia GA Pro wheels and Vittoria Mezcal 44s. It’s set up to be fast on gravel, capable on pavement, and comfortable enough for long rides without drifting into bikepacking territory.
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Full Build Specs
- Frame: Time ADHX 45 (pre-UDH version)
- Tire Clearance: Up to 45 mm
- Fork: Stock Time ADHX 45 fork
- Wheelset: HED Emporia GA Pro
- Tires: Vittoria Mezcal 44 mm
- Drivetrain: SRAM Force XPLR (10–44T)
- Cassette: 10–44T XPLR
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM Force XPLR
- Crankset: SRAM Force Wide crankset, older version with bolt-on power meter spider
- Shifters: SRAM Force Di2 (D1 generation hoods)
- Brakes: SRAM Force hydraulic disc brakes (D1 ergonomics)
- Bottom Bracket: Wheels Manufacturing thread-together BB with CeramicSpeed bearings
- Seatpost: Easton EC70
- Handlebar: Easton EC90 AX
- Stem: Standard shop stem (temporary for demo setup)
- Bar Tape: Shimano Pro cork tape
- Saddle: Selle test saddle (temporary)
- Top Tube Bag Mount: Integrated bolts
- Accessories: Frame/top tube bags used for testing
- Notes: Frame uses headset cable routing; no mounts for racks/fenders or fork cargo
Build Notes
We brought in a batch of Time ADHX 45 frames to build up in different configurations, and this medium frame was built specifically for me to ride this fall. Even though I typically ride 56 cm road and gravel frames, this medium fits really well thanks to the geometry and stack height. The frame is designed around headset cable routing and has internal stops for mechanical housings if needed, but this build uses electronic shifting.
The ADHX 45 isn’t meant to be a bikepacking or adventure platform. There are no mounts for racks, fenders, or fork storage. What it is, though, is a sporty, fast-feeling gravel bike with just enough compliance to stay comfortable without giving up efficiency. If your gravel riding leans more toward training and spirited riding rather than loaded touring, this bike is right in that wheelhouse.
I built mine with HED Emporia GA Pro wheels and Mezcal 44s. It’s my first time on the Mezcal gravel version, and they feel fast and confident—similar to the XC Mezcal tires we’ve used a lot. The wheels are a popular option in the shop, and they pair well with the feel of this frame.
The drivetrain is Force XPLR with a 10–44 cassette, Force wide crank, and the older bolt-on power meter spider. I personally like the D1 hood shape over the D2, and I’m hoping SRAM will eventually update Force to match some of the ergonomic changes seen in the new Red group.
I installed a Wheels Manufacturing BB with CeramicSpeed bearings that had previously been on my Niner. They’re fantastic bearings—smooth, durable, and easy to service—so it made sense to bring them over to this build.
The cockpit uses an Easton EC70 seatpost and the Easton EC90 AX bar. We use this bar on a lot of gravel builds because the flare and the feel in the drops just work well. The stem is temporary, since I’ll be flipping this bike later and setting it up for whoever buys it next.
Overall, this bike has quickly become one of my favorites. It has the sporty road-bike feel I like on gravel, climbs well, and handles fast rolling terrain confidently. If you want a lightweight, high-quality gravel frame that leans performance over adventure, this should be on the list.
We also have two other ADHX 45 builds coming soon—a red frame with Campagnolo Ekar 1×13, and a blue small frame (last of the pre-UDH units). The latest ADHX 45 frames now include the UDH, making them a great candidate for 13-speed Campagnolo Ekar or even future Transmission-based gravel drivetrains.
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If you’re thinking about a custom gravel, MTB, or road build, we can help you spec it out and build it the way you want.