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Build Overview
This custom build started with a Niner RLT 9 RDO frameset—Niner’s carbon gravel frame known for its versatility, neutral handling, and the ability to clear 50mm tires. We’ve been doing a lot of builds around this platform because it’s such a solid all-arounder, and this one has a drivetrain configuration that Niner doesn’t offer stock.
The rider wanted something capable of big mountain climbing, bikepacking, and fast local gravel here in Minnesota, so we spec’d a 2x SRAM Force 12-speed setup and built a custom wheelset around Chris King hubs. The result is a bike that can handle everything from loaded touring to steep alpine passes while still feeling quick and refined on everyday gravel rides.
Video
Full Build Specs
- Frame: Niner RLT 9 RDO (Carbon)
- Drivetrain: SRAM Force 12-Speed (2x)
- Crankset: SRAM Force Wide — 43/30 chainrings
- Cassette: 10–36 (standard for Force 2x Wide)
- Wheelset: Custom-built — Chris King hubs, HED Belgium Gravel rims
- Rim Width: 25mm internal (supports 32mm–40+mm tires)
- Spokes: DT Swiss Aero Comp
- Nipples: Brass
- Wheel Weight: ~1700g range (after assembly)
- Tires: Challenge Strada Bianca (handmade)
- Seatpost: Niner Carbon
- Stem: Niner RDO stem
- Handlebar: Easton EA90 AX (ergo top)
- Bar Width: 46cm
- Bar Tape: Lizard Skins 3.2mm (Red)
- Saddle: Infinity Gravel model
Build Notes
The heart of this build is the SRAM Force 12-speed 2x Wide drivetrain. With the 43/30 chainring combo paired with a 10–36 cassette, the rider gets tight gearing for fast gravel, plus a true bailout low gear for big climbs out west. It’s a perfect match for the mixed riding this bike will see—everything from Minnesota gravel to fully loaded mountain passes.
The wheels were a major part of this build. We laced Chris King hubs to HED Belgium Gravel rims using DT Aero Comp spokes and brass nipples. It’s not a super-light wheelset, but it’s incredibly solid, versatile, and dependable—ideal for a long-term, go-anywhere gravel setup. They came in around the 1700-gram range after the build.
The Challenge Strada Bianca tires add a really nice ride feel. They can be a little harder to mount for most people, but once you learn the technique, they go on just fine. We’ve ridden the 33s, 36s, 40s, and 45s—great tires across the board. These sidewalls start out pretty loud visually, but once they get a bit of dust and miles on them, they tone down and look fantastic.
The cockpit uses Niner’s carbon seatpost (which has great flex and comfort) and the Easton EA90 AX bar. We’ve been liking this bar more and more—it has a subtle ergo top, comfortable reach and drop, and it’s become a popular choice during fittings. This one runs a little wide for a 56cm frame at 46cm, but it fits this rider well.
The Infinity saddle was a specific request. The rider already uses one of their road versions and wanted to try the gravel model on this build. With the red Lizard Skins 3.2 tape tying into the red King hubs, the bike came together with a super clean and cohesive look.
Like many of our Niner builds, this one started from the frameset using the parts kits we keep in stock. It lets us match the bike exactly to how the rider is going to use it, often at a price very competitive with stock complete bikes. And because we’re small and nimble, we get to be creative—mixing components across tiers to build something unique without overpaying for features the rider doesn’t need.
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Work With Us On a Custom Build
If you’re thinking about a custom gravel, MTB, or road build, we can help you spec it out, match the components to your riding style, and build it right.