Bombtrack has just launched the Hook ADV, a promising looking, suspension and dropper-equipped steel “hyper-gravel bike” that further blurs the boundaries between gravel and mountain bikes.
The Hook is a longstanding name in the Bombtrack lineup and we’ve spent time on the Hook 2 and ogled the carbon Hook EXT C, but this bike is a different beast altogether.
- The Bombtrack Hook EXT C has the most bosses I’ve ever seen on a carbon bike
- Bombtrack Hook 2 review
The new bike is built with a double-butted Columbus 4130 steel tubing and features full external routing — except for the stealth routed dropper through the seat tube — and uses an oversized T47 threaded bottom bracket. An ISCG 05 chain guide mount hugs the bottom bracket shell for the rowdiest riders out there.
Otherwise, the Hook ADV uses all of the standards you would expect of a modern gravel bike, including 12mm thru axles and flat mount brakes.
The build is where the bike really stands apart.
Up front is MRP’s 40mm travel Baxter gravel suspension fork. There’s not a huge number of suspension-equipped gravel bikes on the market just yet, but I expect it’s something we’re going to see a lot more of in the future.
The KS dropper post is activated by a regular trigger remote that is located on the clamping area of the flared Ritchey WCS Venturemax bars.
The bike rolls on WTB ST rims which are laced to Bombtrack’s own hubs. These are fitted with 2.25” wide WTB Ranger tyres. A SRAM Rival groupset finishes off the bike.
The suspension fork means that pannier bags or Anything cages can’t be mounted up front. The same issue applies to the dropper post and saddle bags.
To get around this while retaining a reasonable level of luggage carrying capability, Bombtrack has built the bike with an Anything mount on each seatstay.
This complete build as pictured comes in at €3,600.
Is this just a mountain bike in disguise?
Well… kind of.
The geometry — which is based on Bombtrack’s Hook EXT adventure bike — bears much resemblance with an early 2000’s XC hardtail, but that’s not a trait that’s unique to the Hook ADV, it’s just that the build cuts such a mountain bike-like silhouette that it’s hard not to draw comparisons.
Whether “hyper-gravel” will become a thing is yet to be seen, but it’s safe to say this is one we’re looking forward to seeing in the flesh.
What do you think of the bike? Is it the perfect gravel bike or just a step too close to mountain bikedom? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
