What’s My Bike? // Falco Bachmann’s Stardust Speed Machine.

Images by Kai Luge

The gravel scene in Dresden has a new crown jewel, and it belongs to local hero Falco Bachmann. For the kickoff of our new series, "What’s My Bike," we’re diving into a build that balances high-end aero performance with a bold, almost defiant aesthetic.

There is an unwritten rule in gravel: everything gets dirty. So, when Falco decided on a "Stardust Silver" frame, white bar tape, and white-walled tires, it wasn't a choice born of practicality—it was a statement. "I figured it makes the most sense for gravel," Falco says with a wink, fully aware that his pristine setup would soon be baptized in the mud of the Erzgebirge Mountains.

The heart of the build is the SEKA EXAERO GR RDC frameset. Shimmering in its silver coat, it’s a frame designed for the sharp end of the race, where every watt counts. To complement this aero-first approach, Falco opted for the HUNT 40 Limitless Gravel Aero Wheelset. It’s a pairing built for speed, slicing through the wind while remaining stout enough to survive the technical abuse of a Dresden "local loop."

Shifting duties are handled by the latest SRAM Force XPLR AXS Wide (1x13), featuring an integrated power meter to keep the efforts honest. To keep the weight low and the look clean, Falco added a touch of "budget weight-weenie" flair with a China Carbon saddle, proving that a dream build doesn't always have to follow the rulebook.

The Stress Test: Stoneman Miriquidi A bike this beautiful deserves more than just a showroom floor. Falco recently teamed up with his friend Kai to put the SEKA through the ultimate "Stresstest." They didn’t choose a smooth gravel path; they went for the Stoneman Miriquidi MTB Route.

170 kilometers and over 4,000 meters of elevation through the rugged Erzgebirge. From technical root sections that felt like "a different sport" compared to road cycling, to high-speed descents where the HUNT wheels had to hold their line through rock gardens, the bike survived unscathed. Between blueberry pancakes and moments of "Little Canada" scenery, the build proved it wasn't just a "pretty face"—it’s a race-ready weapon.