The ADV 9 Series range is designed to shine on the U.K.'s network of bridleways, fire roads and towpaths, not to mention those pothole-ridden lanes. The all-new 9.4 adds SRAM's wireless Rival XPLR eTap AXS 12 speed groupset to our award-winning carbon ADV frameset, giving outstanding comfort, control and performance on almost any surface.

FRAMESET

At the heart of the bike is our all-new C10 Carbon frame - light and efficient at 990g, but with geometry and features to make off-road or rough-road riding fun and confidence-inspiring. A contoured seat tube and bow-curved seat stays add compliance, absorbing impacts and reducing fatiguing vibration. Stable handling comes from slack head angles and a low 73mm bottom bracket drop, but short stems offer agility and responsive steering across the size range. Long top tubes still allow an efficient position for fast rides too. With clearance for 42mm 700c tyres, hidden mudguard mounts and multiple mounting points for bottles and accessories inside the front triangle as well as under the down tube and top tube, the 9.4 is ready to go anywhere your imagination (and legs) can take you.

SPECIFICATION

SRAM's Rival XPLR eTap AXS groupset is the most affordable gravel-specific electronic groupset and offers impressive performance. Wireless shifts across the 12 speed 10-44t cassette are fast and smooth and combined with a single 42t chainring up front; there's a massive range of gears for off-road climbing right through to fast road descents. A 1X system brings simplicity to shifting; simply press the left shift paddle for an easier gear or the right one for a harder gear, leaving you free to stay in the moment as you explore. Powerful hydraulic disc brakes make the 9.4 easy to control on loose surfaces, with plenty of stopping power on tap when you need it.

Tyre choice is critical when it comes to mixed-terrain riding; too aggressive and you'll struggle on the road, not aggressive enough, and you could find yourself the wrong side up when the terrain gets tricky. For that reason, the ADV 9.4 comes with Panaracer's 38mm GravelKing SK tyres. A closely packed centre tread rolls fast on compacted surfaces, while the blocky, more widely spaced edge knobs give plenty of bite for cornering on looser, muddier surfaces. A supple, 120tpi tubeless-ready casing enhances grip and comfort. Wheels are a custom-built Boardman ADV set up, with through-axle hubs laced with 28 Sapim Race spokes to 20mm internal width alloy rims. They come taped for tubeless and with valves supplied; it's just a case of adding sealant to reap all the benefits of ditching inner tubes!

A Prologo Akero AGX saddle is a comfortable, lightweight perch designed for rough riding. The Boardman ADV handlebars have a 6-degree flare to the drops, offering a wider stance for better control when descending off-road and a bit of extra space if you wanted to fit a bar bag.