Overview
The lightweight heart of the ADV 9.6 is its 990-gram C10 carbon frame and 420-gram carbon fork. Its neutral 71.5-degree head angle delivers predictable handling on and off the road. In addition to its low weight and reassuring handling characteristics, the frame boasts hidden mounts for full-length mudguards, fixings for a pannier rack, dropper post routing, and bottle and storage fixings on the top tube, seat tube, and downtube.
It is said that details matter, and this is certainly true with Shimano's flagship GRX Di2 12-speed gravel groupset. Of course, it features the mandatory smooth shift, wide ratio gearing and clean aesthetic you would expect from a top-tier groupset. Yet it's in the details where Shimano has laboured, working on the ergonomics and what it's like to live with day-to-day, ride-to-ride. The lever hoods have not only been widened to reduce palm numbness but also texturised to prevent slipping and improve control in the area you spend most of your time in. Similarly, the lever blades feature a non-slip coating and greater modulation in their pull to ensure you stay upright and in charge when the terrain gets more challenging, or the weather takes a turn for the worse.
The Zipp 303 S carbon wheelset is arguably Zipp's most versatile set of hoops, which is further strengthened when paired with Goodyear's 40mm Connector gravel tyre. The 303 wheelset is capable of tackling the biggest adventures thanks to its 27mm wide, aero-optimised 45mm deep carbon rim. Wider rims equal lower tyre pressures, especially when running tubeless, resulting in a larger contact patch for the tyre, providing improved grip, addittional complicane and vibration reduction.
Flared alloy handlebars allow for an optimal ergonomic hand position on the hoods, more control whilst in the drops and facilitates more frontal space to carry additional luggage.
Prologo's Akero AGX saddle has been developed specifically for the rigours of gravel and adventure riding. Its T-shaped profile and supportive padding support the sit bones, while its central channel helps to reduce numbness by relieving pressure on sensitive tissues.
ADV 9.6 HIGHLIGHTS
Frame: 990-gram C10 Carbon 142 x12 Thru Axle
Fork: 420-gram C10 Carbon 12mm Thru Axle
Gears: Shimano GRX Di2, 2x12
Brakes: Shimano GRX Hydraulic Disc
Wheels: Zipp 303 S Carbon
Tyres: Goodyear Connector, 40mm Tubeless Ready