Colorado-based titanium specialists Moots have been around a very long time, building bikes since 1981 in fact, and are one of the early pioneers in titanium bicycle frames.
Bringing things right up to date and on trend is the new Mootox RSL 29er hardtail, which was on show at the recent North American Handmade Bicycle Show along with the latest creation from Independent Fabrication.
The frame has been built for “serious cross country”, says Moots, and promises quick and responsive handling. It’s certainly appears that could be the case based on the Press Fit 30 bottom bracket, zero-stack 44mm headtube (a standard that is rapidly being adopted throughout the industry) and oversized and butted seat tube, which accepts a large 30.9 seatpost, to ensure it’s stiff enough for the most demanding racing.
Offering generous fork clearance, the downtube has been shaped and oversized, and the rear triangle offers as much tyre and mud clearance as is possible, while the tubes are as slender as the company can get away with to reduce the overall weight. Most of the tubes are made from 3/2.5 titanium pipes except the seatstays which have been formed in the tougher grade 6/4 titanium.
To ensure the best fit for every height rider, the geometry and tube set is particular to each frame size the company will offer the Mootox RSL in, which will total five.
Finally, weight for the frame is a claimed 1.58kg (3.5lb). There’s a lifetime warranty on craftsmanship and materials.
It’s due for release in the spring. Price TBC.
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