Fast, responsive, and still controllable when the surface falls apart: that is the brief the Mission 9000 sets out to answer. It uses the same CF4 II carbon gravel race frame and Mission CF4 II tapered carbon fork found further up the range, with race-focused geometry, 100x12mm and 142x12mm thru-axles and a threaded BSA bottom bracket.

Clearance runs to 700x40C at the frame, which is the sensible ceiling for a bike meant to be ridden hard rather than loaded up. The position is more aggressive than the adventure-minded Silex but not as road-bound as the Scultura Endurance, so it holds a line well on gravel while still making sense on a chain gang or a long tarmac transfer between sectors.

SRAM Force XPLR AXS handles the gearing: wireless 1x13 with a 10-46 XG-1371 cassette and a 44 tooth carbon chainset with a power meter built in, giving a spread wide enough for steep, loose climbs without the chain slap and dropped shifts that used to come with a single ring. Force XPLR hydraulic discs do the stopping. Zipp 303 XPLR S carbon wheels bring a 32mm internal rim width and a 54mm depth, wrapped in Goodyear XPLR Slick 40-622 tubeless ready tyres that roll quickly on hardpack.

A one-piece integrated carbon cockpit, a Team SL II carbon seatpost and a Prologo Nago R4 PAS Nack saddle round it off. It is a genuine race build at a price that stops short of the flagship.

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
• SRAM Force XPLR AXS wireless 1x13 shifting, XG-1371 10-46 cassette
• SRAM Force XPLR AXS carbon chainset, 44 tooth, with integrated power meter
• SRAM Force XPLR hydraulic disc brakes
• Zipp 303 XPLR S carbon wheels, 54mm deep, 32mm internal rim width, tubeless ready
• Goodyear XPLR Slick 40-622 tubeless ready tyres
• One-piece integrated carbon bar and stem, Team SL II carbon seatpost