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Build Overview
This Niner RLT 9 RDO started life as a stock 3-Star Rival AXS build—one of the best value gravel bikes on the market right now, especially with the current pricing. The customer wanted a bike that kept the excellent wireless drivetrain but received upgrades where they matter most: wheels, cockpit, and touch points.
We swapped out the stock wheelset for a set of HED Emporia GA Pros and upgraded the handlebar to an Easton EC90 AX, finished with Lizard Skins tape. The result is a bike that feels noticeably lighter, smoother, and more responsive while still retaining its stock drivetrain and overall RLT personality.
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Full Build Specs
- Frame: Niner RLT 9 RDO
- Drivetrain: SRAM Rival AXS 12-speed (stock)
- Crankset: SRAM Rival AXS
- Shifters/Brakes: SRAM Rival AXS
- Wheels: HED Emporia GA Pro (upgrade)
- Tires: Panaracer GravelKing X1 – 45mm
- Handlebar: Easton EC90 AX (upgrade)
- Bar Tape: Lizard Skins (upgrade)
- Top Tube Bag: Apidura Racing Top Tube Bag
Build Notes
Not every custom build needs to start from a bare frame. A lot of what we do in the shop is closer to what you see here—taking a really solid stock bike and upgrading the parts that make the biggest difference on gravel: wheels, bars, and tires.
The HED Emporia GA Pros continue to be one of our favorite alloy wheelsets. They’re light, durable, ride incredibly well, and are hard to beat for the price. We’ve installed them on a lot of customer bikes and have been impressed every time.
The handlebar upgrade plays a big part too. The Easton EC90 AX has become a shop favorite thanks to its shape, feel, and controlled amount of flare. Paired with Lizard Skins tape, it’s a combo that just feels right—enough grip and comfort that you can even ride without gloves if you want to.
The new GravelKing X1 tires round out the build. These 45s mount up nicely, roll well, and balance traction and speed. After a few test rides, we’re liking them enough that they might end up on some of our personal bikes as well.
These are the kinds of upgrades that turn an already great gravel bike into a noticeably better-riding machine without blowing up the budget. If you’re curious what upgrading your bike would look like—whether wheels, bars, or something bigger—we can help with that.
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Work With Us
If you want to upgrade your gravel bike—whether it’s a simple handlebar swap or a full custom setup—we can help build something that fits your riding style and budget.