The Mission 4000 is the way into carbon gravel racing without the flagship price. The frame is the same CF4 II carbon gravel race platform used across the range, with the matching Mission CF4 II tapered carbon fork, 100x12mm and 142x12mm thru-axles and a threaded BSA bottom bracket, so the part of the bike you cannot upgrade is already sorted.

Clearance runs to 700x40C at the frame, and the bike comes on Maxxis Receptor 700x40C tyres with EXO sidewall protection, which is a sensible pairing for rough tracks and flinty bridleways. The position is race-oriented rather than adventure-focused, so it feels quick and direct, but the volume in those tyres keeps things comfortable when the surface is genuinely poor.

Shimano GRX handles the gearing with a 2x10 setup: GRX600 46-30 chainset, an 11-36 cassette and GRX 400 shifting, giving a wide spread and a low bail-out gear for loaded climbs. GRX400 hydraulic discs provide braking, and Shimano WH-RX180 aluminium wheels are a solid, serviceable choice with a 25mm internal rim width. The bar and stem are aluminium, which makes fit changes easy and inexpensive, while an Expert SL carbon seatpost and the Comp SL saddle, made using 25 per cent recycled material, keep long rides bearable.

Features

• CF4 II carbon gravel race frame with matching Mission CF4 II tapered carbon fork
• Frame clearance for tyres up to 700x40C; the fork is rated to 700x45C
• Shimano GRX 2x10 drivetrain with GRX 400 shifting
• Shimano GRX600 46-30 chainset with an 11-36 CS-HG50 10 speed cassette
• Shimano GRX400 hydraulic disc brakes
• Shimano WH-RX180 aluminium wheels, 25mm internal rim width, Centerlock
• Maxxis Receptor 700x40C foldable tyres with EXO sidewall protection
• Aluminium gravel bar and stem with an Expert SL carbon seatpost
• Comp SL saddle made using 25 per cent recycled material