A stock Niner RLT 9 RDO Rival AXS build personalized with a few targeted swaps — HED Emporia GA Pro wheels, an Easton EC90 AX carbon bar, GravelKing X1 tires, and standout bar tape. A good example of how a handful of changes can make a stock build feel like your own without blowing the budget.
The Build
Not every custom build is a full frame-up. This one started as a stock RLT Rival AXS — one of the best-value gravel bikes on the market right now, especially at current pricing — and the customer wanted to keep that excellent wireless drivetrain while upgrading where it matters most: wheels, cockpit, and touch points. The drivetrain stayed stock, which makes sense at this price point. Rival AXS does the job.
The Wheels
The HED Emporia GA Pro alloy set is a straight swap from the stock carbon wheels — one of our favorite alloy wheelsets, light, durable, and hard to beat for the price. We’ve put them on a lot of customer bikes and have been impressed every time. For most gravel riding they’re every bit as fast as the carbon set they replaced, with better long-term durability.
The Cockpit
The Easton EC90 AX bar has become a shop favorite for 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 ride gloveless if you want to.
The Tires
Panaracer GravelKing X1 45s round out the build. They mount up nicely, roll well, and balance traction and speed — after a few test rides we liked them enough that they may end up on some of our personal bikes too. Altogether, these are the kinds of upgrades that turn an already-great gravel bike into a noticeably better-riding one without blowing up the budget.
Want a Custom Gravel Build?
We can spec, order, and build any configuration. Stop by or reach out.