Custom Winter Road & Gravel Bike Kinesis GX Race

Case Study: Custom Winter Road & Gravel Bike

Project Brief: Build a budget-friendly winter road bike capable of handling gravel events in 2026
Bike of Choice: Kinesis GX Race

The Challenge

Oli approached us with a clear and purposeful vision — to create a versatile training bike that could perform reliably through winter road conditions while also being robust enough for upcoming gravel events in 2026. As an elite-level athlete and long-standing client — as well as an ambassador for VeloElite carbon wheels — Oli knew exactly what he wanted from the build: performance, durability, and value.

Our Approach

The goal was to design a build that blended the best of both road and gravel worlds without exceeding Oli’s set budget. He supplied us with his precise bike fit data, which we carefully assessed to ensure an exact match for stack and reach, while also providing the optimal stem and handlebar measurements for his fit and riding style.

To stay within budget, we sourced a mix of components — some dedicated gravel parts and some road-oriented — ensuring compatibility and reliability in all conditions. Oli also provided several components from an existing bike, which we seamlessly integrated into the new build.

The Result

The final bike — a Kinesis GX Race — is a perfectly balanced all-weather training machine. With full mudguard compatibility for winter and geometry suited for gravel endurance, it meets Oli’s needs for year-round performance. The project highlights how thoughtful design, component selection, and close collaboration with the rider can deliver a high-performance custom build without compromising on budget or capability.