New this year, the X9 is one of Orange’s most exciting 2021 models. They have taken the RX9 gravel philosophy and turned up the capability dial – the X9 is encroaching on XC trail MTB territory. Featuring the same responsive and comfortable double-butted 6061-T6 alloy tube-set that Orange use for the RX9 but tuned the geometry for the suspension fork. The frame has internal dropper post compatibility, neat flat mount disc brake fixings and plenty of tyre clearance to allow large volume 650b set-up or up to 42mm 700c if that’s how you roll. It’s all about the grin factor and the Fox 32 STEP-CAST AX fork lets you hit trails with more confidence than you might be used to on a gravel rig.
As Fox say: “The 40mm short-travel specific fork features Fox’s FLOAT EVOL air spring couple with the FIT 4 damper with three on-the-fly settings —Open, Medium, and Firm— making the AX adjustable for any adventure you find yourself on, planned or not. A lightweight 32 Step-Cast chassis with lockout means you’ll still get great power transfer on those long stretches of fire road and pavement. With 40 mm of travel, you’ll have predictable cornering and descending when the route gets rough.” We can’t argue with that.
The X9 is the hardcore mountain bikers gravel bike, or is it the other way around. Either way, it’s a lot of fun to ride, you decide.
Features:
- Frame: 6061-T6 Custom Butted OS Aluminium Tube. Wheel Size: 650b.
- Fork: Fox 32 STEP-CAST AX 40mm.
- Drivetrain: SRAM Apex.
- Brakes: SRAM Apex Hydraulic.
- Cranks: FSA Comet Direct 38t.
- Bottom Bracket: FSA Mega Exo.
- Headset: FPD 44mm / 56mm zerostack.
- Wheelset: WTB ST i23 on Strange 650.
- Handlebars: Easton EA50AX Alloy.
- Stem: Easton EA50.
- Tyres: WTB Sendero 650×47 Tan.
- Seat: Prologo Dimension.
