Moots Routt RSL review.
There are many many really good do it all bikes out there these days. Sublime ones like the Routt RSL however are much rarer. One bike that fits into that category is the Moots Routt RSL, the flagship titanium gravel “forever” bike from the legendary Ti builders Moots in Colorado
The Routt RSL sits right at the top end of the price bracket for a frameset and while most will find it hard to justify the high price tag when compared to more focused carbon offerings from any number of brands and at various price points, this really is a 'forever' frame. One that transcends what you think a bike can do or feel like. Titanium lovers around the world will need no convincing of the value in this bike and once I rode it I wished I had the funds available to be the proud owner of such craftsmanship that will surely last a lifetime and more.
On this Routt RSL, we have oversized and custom butted 3/2.5 titanium main tubes with size-specific tubing diameters and butting profiles, sleek wishbone-style seatstays, and an oversized 44mm-diameter head tube. All of the tubing is sourced from well-known suppliers Sandvik, Haynes, and Reynolds, depending on the application.
With a claimed weight of 1,400g in a 54cm size, with the matching Moots carbon fork adding another 475g. Seven stock sizes are offered, ranging from 50-60cm, Custom geometry is of course also offered and there are a wealth of options available, including a variety of different routing styles for mechanical, hydraulic, wired electronic, or wireless.
Geometry-wise, the RSL is a cross between the cyclocross racing-focused PsychloX and the more relaxed standard Routt gravel model, essentially pairing the more aggressive positioning of the former with most of the stability of the latter, all while leaving ample room for 40mm-wide tires on 700c rims. Some 650b setups may technically fit, but Moots doesn’t recommend it.
A bottom bracket drop of 71mm is shared with the Routt to give similar high-speed confidence on loose surfaces, but the shaper 72-degree head tube is borrowed from the Psychlo X, this is a degree steeper for more precise steering. The RSL’s 430mm chainstays are 7mm longer than both the Psychlo X and the standard Routt.
Handling:
So, this thing is smooooth, like, buttery smooth....., like Kerrygold buttery smooth. I took it out around the flat farm and vineyard lanes of Emporda. Fast, flowing corners taken at full gas didn't derail the RSL it is just lively and when commanded settles on its line quickly and holds it. There's zero drama, it responds just as you'd expect with plenty of snap and rigidity when directed. The front triangle feels solid when you put down the power and the rear wishbone stay does a great job keeping everything in check, tracking perfectly with ease.
Yet, this solidness is accompanied by the springiness and resilience often associated with top-end titanium framesets. This is the characteristic that I find so charming in titanium and one that is hard to pin down. Owners often wax lyrical about how this mysterious metal’s performance transcends definition. There is definitely a magical blend of flex, springiness, and how this works with the rider's input and energy rather than against. It's as if the experience is being lifted and amplified rather than dulled.
We arrived back in Girona after tearing around the flats of Emporda and I swapped out the 30mm Tune wheels shod with 35mm Schwalbe G-ones for my own DT-Swiss CR1400's with 40mm WTB Nano's (which I feel are the best tyres for the wide range of terrain that I like to ride). I then headed straight up Sant Daniel towards Els Angels on the steep fastest route to the tight twisty technical single track that I really wanted to push this bike on. This little hour-long steep up - steep down jaunt is one I do regularly and know how the bike should feel and respond. Could the Moots Routt RSL deliver wide grins here too? Yep, you betcha! I really pushed it but it point blank refused to buckaroo. It felt a little slower than my normal 'gravel' machine, a Focus Mares which is a flighty, sharp handling pure CX machine, but I love this bike on gravel and the Moots was no less impressive in the tight stuff which I have to say surprised me.
I was getting tired at this stage and downed the last of a bag of tropical Haribo to give me the sugar to get me (the bike) back down the hill in one piece. Off I went, full gas (but it didn't feel fast) and I don't know if I like or enjoy how planted and unflappable this bike truly is?! It just went where I wanted, tracked lines, and held turns like a dream. The different wheels and tyres really changed the feel of the bike, even riding the cobbled streets leaving town it felt more sure-footed and ready for fun. I didn't want the test ride to end but I needed food.
To summarise, this bike is almost too well behaved under all conditions to really wow me while riding it. It feels a fair bit heavier than my usual but is no slower anywhere, in fact, our average speed for the first flat 90k loop was a few kph faster than usual which surprised us afterward. Titanium is definitely in a category all by itself and the Moots sits top of that singular pile in my opinion also. If you love that 'feel' you will adore the Moots and it will reward you with many faultless years of riding no doubt. Personally, I would find it a stretch to spend that much on this frame ($5500)! but the sheer joy of riding this is priceless I'm sure in many a mind.
Moots is stocked here in Girona by the good folk at EatSleepCycle and they were kind enough to allow me this bike for the day. It was a pleasure and you too can test ride this very bike at the moment there for a while longer. Give it a whirl if you're a fan of Ti.
Adios for now,
Best,
Zippy