Moots Routt RSL Review

There are titanium bike makers and then there’s Moots. Known for fine craftsmanship, the Rocky Mountains based brand has been producing two-wheeled jewels since 1981. We tested the Moots Routt RSL to find out just how much gravel performance you can expect for around € 10,000.

Here you’ll find our current group test on the best gravel bike.

Straight away you can tell that the Moots Routt RSL is something special. Not only because of all the Enve, SRAM, and Chris King logos that adorn it, but also because of the superb craftsmanship behind the titanium frame and its elegant matt finish. The finely worked welds on the butted custom titanium tubes could provoke wet dreams from even the most discerning of bicycle snobs. The screwed-on Moots badge on the head tube is the icing on the cake.

The wireless SRAM Red eTap and elegant brake cable-routing lend the bike a very clean and tidy look. The mounting points for mudguards are well hidden and the 3D printed 142 x 12 mm dropouts add a unique technical touch to the frame. Not only have the team at Moots gorgeously integrated the flat-mount and thru-axle, but thanks to 3D printing they were also able to design hollow dropouts allowing for internal cable routing. Moots offer the Routt RSL as a complete bike in five build-kits or as a frameset at € 4,684.

If you prefer a more individual design, there are plenty of decals and finishes to choose from. And if none of the seven available standard sizes fits you Moots also produce custom geometries.

At 8.13 kg for a 55 cm size, the weight of the Moots Routt RSL stands right in the middle of our test field. The stretched sporty riding position begs you to go full steam. The setback of the seatpost needs some getting used to but in combination with the soft Fizik Aliante saddle it also makes for a very comfortable rear end; it literally sucks up the vibrations without rocking about. On the contrary the front end is very stiff and somehow lacks some comfort. A carbon cockpit with better damping characteristics would make the Moots Routt RSL feel more balanced. Still, on the trail the bike is precise and easy to handle while offering good amounts of grip. The 35 mm Schwalbe G-One tires match the Enve SES wheels nicely and have an actual width of 37 mm. In terms of tire clearance the Routt RSL offers room for rubber of up to 40 mm. Our 75 kg test riders found an air pressure of 3 bar at the front and 3.5 bar at the rear to be the ideal compromise for optimal acceleration, traction, and comfort.

The electronic SRAM Red eTap group works accurately but can’t match the shifting speed of the Dura-Ace Di2. Thanks to the compact cranks (50/34) and an 11–28 cassette you’ll be able to climb any sort of mountain without a problem, while enjoying the excellent feel of the hydraulic shifters. Our testers all agreed that with the latest eTap levers SRAM has made big steps forward in terms of ergonomics. Braking performance is good, however, we would prefer a 160 mm rotor at the front for more control, better braking power, and balance.

The Moots Routt RSL in detail

Drivetrain SRAM RED ETap
Wheelset ENVE SES 4.5 AR Disc
Brakes SRAM RED HRD
Tires Schwalbe G-One Allround
Weight 8.13 kg
Price€ 4,684 (frameset)

Geometry of the Moots Routt RSL

Conclusion

All in all, the Moots Routt RSL offers a sporty and fast all-round package with an excellent finish and an exclusive touch. On top of that you will definitely attract a lot of attention. If you like timelessness, craftsmanship, and strong brands, this bike from Steamboat Springs might be just what you’re looking for. The five build-kits and seven standard sizes make for an easy choice and if you really want to customise your dream bike, you can have it made to measure both aesthetically and technically.

Tops

– Titanium-craftsmanship
– Excellent finish
– Options for individualisation

Flops

– Unbalanced comfort due to a stiff front

More info at: moots.com