Niner RLT 9 Steel — Custom Build
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Build Overview
This Niner RLT 9 Steel is one of several custom gravel builds we’ve been working on lately, and we’re making an effort to showcase more of them instead of letting them roll out the door without a proper highlight. Things move fast in the shop, but this one looked too good not to film.
The bike uses the latest Shimano GRX 12-speed drivetrain, a hand-built wheelset, and a clean, classic steel aesthetic that feels right at home on an RLT frame.
Video
Full Build Specs
- Drivetrain: Shimano GRX 12-speed
- Hubs: Velo Orange
- Rims: Velocity Cliffhanger
- Tires: Panaracer GravelKing SS 700×45 (tan sidewall)
- Handlebars: Salsa Cowchipper
- Saddle: Brooks
- Frame Bag: Niner bolt-on frame bag
- Bar Tape: Wolf Tooth 5mm thick
- Accessories: Rear rack planned, Ortlieb fork packs to be installed
Build Notes
This build came together really well. The tan-wall GravelKing SS tires pair nicely with the bronze Niner lettering on the frame, giving it a classic, understated look that fits the steel RLT perfectly. The Velo Orange hubs and Velocity Cliffhanger rims add to the clean aesthetic while keeping the wheelset strong and practical for gravel use.
The Brooks saddle adds to the classic look. The Niner bolt-on frame bag fits cleanly without straps, and the rider prefers thicker padding, so we went with the Wolf Tooth 5mm bar tape. One thing we love about custom builds is that you can personalize everything—from drivetrain to bar tape thickness—to exactly what the rider wants.
We sent teaser photos to the customer during the build, and they were excited to pick it up. A different seatpost and stem were planned for final setup, and a rear rack and fork packs will be added soon. The bike looked so good in this stage that we wanted to document it before it headed out the door.
We talk in the shop about how a bike should be something you enjoy riding, but also something you enjoy leaning up against a tree and stepping back to look at. This build definitely fits that mentality.
We’ve had a run of RLT custom builds lately. The last three Niner gravel bikes were all frame-up customs, and we’ve got two more carbon RLTs in the queue for next week—each with completely different drivetrain setups. The previous build before this was a 2×12 GRX 800 series, and the upcoming ones include an Apex/Rival mix and a 1×11 GRX setup.
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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.