This is one of the ADHX 45s Steve is most excited about — and not the first one the shop has built. Steve rides an ADHX 45 himself with the previous-generation SRAM Force; this one is the latest frame, with the UDH, so it runs the new direct-mount SRAM Force XPLR E1 13-speed. It came together really clean, and Steve thinks it’s one of the better-looking bikes to come out of the shop.
The Build
The Frame
This isn’t the first ADHX 45 the shop has put together — Steve’s been riding one himself with the previous-generation SRAM Force. The difference here is the frame: this is the latest ADHX 45 with the UDH, which is what lets it run the new direct-mount Force XPLR drive. The finish is the highlight — a silver frame with a paint cutout that shows the raw carbon through the clear coat. Steve leans toward classic, traditional-looking bikes, and he rates this one near the top of his favorites out of the shop.
Drivetrain – SRAM Force XPLR E1 13-Speed
It’s pretty much a straight Force XPLR E1 build: Force hoods, the Force Wide XPLR crank with a power-meter spindle and a 42-tooth chainring, the 13-speed XPLR Force cassette, and the direct-mount 13-speed Force XPLR derailleur. Steve’s a fan of the new E1-generation SRAM brakes — he runs a set himself and says if you haven’t grabbed a lever on the new E1 brakes, it’s worth getting into a shop to feel them.
Build detail: we added SRAM Blip buttons in the drops, hidden under the bar tape. The Zipp bars have a cutout specifically to mount the Blips, and we put a tiny hole in the tape right over each button so there’s no tape pressure on top of it — you can feel exactly where it is to shift.
Cockpit
Up front is the new FSA SMR2 stem, which is an interesting one — you can route the housings under the stem or up through it. On this 70mm stem it’s actually better to route them up through, since underneath they’d probably kink more in the fairing. It’s paired with the Zipp SL-70 XPLR carbon bar, wrapped in Lizard Skin’s new 3.5 tape — it’s substantial, and honestly not the easiest to wrap because it doesn’t move around much, but once it’s on it feels awesome. It’s one of the more popular tapes we reach for on builds.
The post is a carbon Easton EC70 in zero offset — Steve likes how they adjust — with a Selle Italia saddle. Pedals are Time ATAC XC.
Wheels & Tires
The wheels are the Reserve GR40|44s on DT Swiss 240 hubs — a great gravel wheelset that Steve rides himself. They’re wrapped in the new Vittoria Corsa Control 42s, which he’s also been running on a set of GR40|44s of his own. They’re fantastic on the road and have been great on the gravel around here.
For context, Steve, Lynn, and their son all ride Challenge Strada Biancas — a supple, fast tire the shop likes a lot. Seat-of-the-pants, Steve still slightly prefers the feel of the Strada Bianca, but the Corsa Controls are easier to mount up, and for most riders he thinks they’re a great tire and a good add to the shop.
One of the best-looking bikes out of the shop
Steve loves how this one turned out — super clean, and probably near the top of his list of favorites. The silver frame with the raw-carbon paint cutout, the new Force XPLR 13-speed, and a cockpit dialed down to the hidden Blips all add up to a classic, traditional-looking build done really well. It’s a killer bike.
Want a Custom Build Like This?
We love putting together custom builds at Maklin Bike Shop in Scandia, MN — TIME, Moots, Cervelo, Santa Cruz, Salsa, Jamis, Ritchey and Soma. Tell us how you ride, and we’ll come up with the setup that fits. We’re also building a bike configurator on the site so you can spec parts and get a quote.