2x Chris King Custom Build Review: A Do-It-All Gravel Machine

When a rider wants one bike that can tackle big mountain climbs, loaded bikepacking trips, and fast local gravel, compromises usually have to be made. But not always.

This Niner RLT 9 RDO build, completed by Maklin Bikes in June 2026, proves that a single bike can handle all three without sacrificing performance. The key? A clever 2x drivetrain setup that Niner doesn’t offer stock, paired with a hand-built wheelset centered around legendary Chris King hubs.

Build Specifications at a Glance

The frame is Niner’s carbon gravel platform—the RLT 9 RDO in 56cm—which is already known for its neutral handling and ability to clear 50mm tires. What makes this build special is everything that went onto it:

• Drivetrain: SRAM Force 12-speed 2x Wide (43/30T chainrings, 10–36 cassette)
• Wheelset: Custom build with Chris King hubs, HED Belgium Gravel rims
• Spokes: DT Swiss Aero Comp with brass nipples
• Tires: Challenge Strada Bianca (handmade)
• Cockpit: Easton EA90 AX handlebar (46cm), Niner RDO stem and seatpost
• Finishing: Lizard Skins 3.2mm bar tape in red, Infinity Gravel saddle

The Drivetrain: Why 2x Makes Sense

The SRAM Force 12-speed 2x Wide is the heart of this build. With 43/30 chainrings paired to a 10–36 cassette, the gear range is incredibly generous. The 43/30 combo gives tight spacing for fast gravel sections, while the 10–36 cassette provides a true bailout low gear for steep, loaded climbs.

This setup is perfect for the mixed riding this bike will see—from Minnesota gravel grinding to fully loaded alpine passes out west. It’s a drivetrain configuration Niner doesn’t offer stock, which is exactly why going the custom route made sense.

The Wheels: Built to Last a Decade

The wheels deserve special attention. Chris King hubs are legendary for their durability and serviceability, and they’re laced here to HED Belgium Gravel rims—a 25mm internal width rim that’s become a benchmark for gravel performance. DT Swiss Aero Comp spokes with brass nipples complete the build.

At roughly 1,700 grams after assembly, these aren’t the lightest wheels on the market. But they’re not meant to be. This is a build-once, ride-for-a-decade setup—incredibly solid, versatile, and dependable. The kind of wheel you never have to think about.

Tires and Cockpit Details

The Challenge Strada Bianca tires add a noticeably smooth ride feel. They can be tricky to mount at first, but once you learn the technique, they go on fine. Maklin Bikes has ridden these tires in 33mm, 36mm, 40mm, and 45mm widths—all excellent. The tan sidewalls look loud initially, but they tone down beautifully once they get some dust and miles on them.

The cockpit pairs Niner’s carbon seatpost—which offers great flex and comfort—with the Easton EA90 AX bar. This bar features a subtle ergo top with comfortable reach and drop, making it a popular choice in the shop’s fittings. At 46cm, it runs a touch wide for the 56cm frame, but it fits this rider well.

Red Lizard Skins 3.2mm tape ties visually into the red Chris King hubs, creating a clean, cohesive look. The Infinity gravel saddle was a specific rider request—he already runs the road version and wanted the same comfort for gravel.

The Value Proposition

Like many Niner builds from Maklin Bikes, this one started from the frameset using parts kits kept in stock. That approach lets them match the bike exactly to how the rider will use it, often at a price competitive with stock complete bikes.

Because they’re small and nimble, they can mix components across tiers to build something unique without overpaying for features the rider doesn’t need. The result is a bike that handles everything from loaded touring to steep alpine passes while still feeling quick on everyday gravel.

Final Thoughts

This 2x Chris King custom build is a masterclass in thoughtful specification. It’s not about chasing the lightest weight or the most exotic parts—it’s about building a bike that does everything well, reliably, for years to come.

For the rider who wanted one bike for big mountain climbing, bikepacking, and fast Minnesota gravel, this Niner RLT 9 RDO delivers on every front.

Watch the full build walkthrough on the Maklin Bikes YouTube channel.