Forwards x HMC
King Alfreds Way.
Inspired by the iconic 350 km gravel bikepacking route in the UK that both starts and finishes in Winchester—home of The Handmade Cyclist—this King Alfred’s Way design draws from the Art of The Adventure Collection. It proudly features the bold message “King Alfred Salutes You.” emblazoned on the top tube.
Build specification.
This Handmade Cyclist KAW is a 49 cm medium gravel bike built for versatility and performance. The complete bike weighs around 9 kg (without pedals or bottle cages), offering a lightweight, responsive, and comfortable ride on gravel, dirt, or paved roads.
It is equipped with a 44 cm Pro Discover handlebar with 12° flare and a 100 mm stem, providing a stable and controlled riding position. The Shimano GRX 2x12-speed drivetrain, with a 48/31T chainset and 11–36T cassette, gives a wide range of gears for climbing and fast sections. Braking comes from Shimano XTR hydraulic discs with 160 mm rotors for reliable stopping power in varied conditions.
The bike rides on Hunt 35 Gravel Carbon wheels paired with Vittoria Terreno Dry 700x45c tyres, offering a good balance of grip, comfort, and speed. The Pro Stealth 142 mm saddle provides a performance-oriented fit suitable for long rides.
Overall, this is a light, capable gravel bike that handles a mix of terrain comfortably while remaining efficient and responsive.
