Interbike: ExPo's Best of Show

[Christophe Noel]

At a time when many companies are working feverishly just to stay afloat and relative in the market place, there are a few manufacturers keeping their tools sharp as they cut into the future of the sport.

After a careful review of what was on display at this year's show, the real standout was Moots of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Thanks to a comprehensive guided tour of the line with PR gurus Cathy and Jon, I walked away feeling Moots was without peer at this year's show.

The two bikes drawing most of the attention by onlookers were the new Moots MX Divide and Divide full suspension bikes. As one representative from Moots said in jest, "We wanted to see how much labor we could put into one bike." These two new models, the MX Divide in 29" wheels, the Divide in 26" wheels, feature advances in titanium fabrication paired with carbon and aluminum, that I haven't seen in 25+ years in the business. They really are the zenith of design and execution.

The 26" wheeled Divide

The stalwart offerings from Moots such as the MootoX and MootoX YBB didn't get passed over, and received some head turning updates. Below is the MootoX RSL (Race Super Light). Built to provide the ultimate in hard tail performance, this bike is elegant, refined, and just begs to be railed into a tight turn.

The most obvious change to the MootoX RSL is the beautiful curved down tube. It reminds me of just what this bike is designed to do - flow.

I made two visits to the Moots exhibit on the last day at Interbike. The second visit was just to drink it all in before walking strait to my car to go home. I wanted Moots to be the last thing I saw at the 2012 show. Moots has a dedication to perfection that is rare these days. There is a culture of excellence at Moots that can be seen in every weld, miter, and curve of their bikes. Having owned two Moots bikes in my past, I can't wait to own another.

Mr. Moots headbadge

 

[Christophe Noel]

Press Release:

Moots Introduces New Full Suspension Mountain Bikes for Spring 2012

MX Divide (29”) and Divide (26”) feature Mootsʼ new Fusion Link Suspension System
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO (September 9, 2011) -- The new Moots MX Divide and Divide are the most advanced full suspension titanium cross country race and recreational mountain bikes to date from Moots. Designed and built from the ground up to be light, stiff, and responsive, both feature Moots’ new Fusion Link Suspension System. The MX Divide and Divide will be available beginning spring 2012.
Developed in collaboration with the Sotto Group, a leading full suspension engineering firm, the Fusion Link Suspension single pivot linkage driven system provides maximum plushness throughout the full range of travel while minimizing pedal bob.
“The new Moots Divide full suspension mountain bikes are the result of more than two years of research and design efforts,” said Rob Mitchell, President of Moots. “We co-developed the Fusion Link Suspension System with the Sotto Group specifically to balance overall stiffness and ride quality for 29” and 26” wheeled cross country bikes. We’ve incorporated numerous features from our RSL frames to create cross country bikes that excel equally well whether climbing, descending or accelerating over mixed trail conditions. We’re excited to move titanium full suspension forward.”
MX Divide

Elements of new Fusion Link Suspension platform include:
✦Fusion Swing Link: formed out of carbon fiber to be light, stiff and clean, this provides the connection between seat stays, frame and shock.
✦7/8” titanium seat stays: ovalized and shaped for strength, stiffness and clearance with sculpted bearing points on each end (designed and machined in-house).
✦Fox RP-23 Kashima Shock: Fox’s top of the line rear shock provides minimal friction during shock compression and rebound.
✦Lower pivot design and placement: the pivot is located low on the seat post, specifically placed for 26” and 29” sized wheels respectively, works in conjunction with the Fusion Swing Link and RP-23 for a plush ride. Oversized bearings at pivot locations provide durability and require little maintenance.

A 100mm front fork combined with the Fox RP-23 Kashima rear shock eat up trail obstacles while the aluminum chain stays provide stiffness, larger tire compatibility and multiple chainring options.

New Moots Full Suspension Mountain Bikes Press Release 9.9.11
Handbuilt in Steamboat Springs, CO from Moots’ proprietary 3/2.5 Pi Tech size specific titanium tubing, the MX Divide and Divide also feature:
✦ 44mm head tube for precise steering and responsive handling (can accommodate 1 1/2” to 1 1/8” tapered steerer tubes).
✦ double-curved down tube to facilitate fork crown clearance and add style. ✦ single butted seat tube designed for an oversized 30.9 seat post for added stiffness and weight savings.
✦ PressFit 30 bottom bracket to maximize stiffness and provide more immediate power transfer.
✦ post mount/disc dropout that’s light, clean and strong.
✦ custom titanium bolts used in Fusion Swing Link and lower pivot.

The MX Divide and Divide will be available spring 2012. MX Divide (29”) sizing: 16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”, 22” and custom. MX Divide frame weight: 5.75 lb. (19”). Divide (26”) sizing: 14”, 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 20” and custom. Custom options include: Shimano Di2 routing, English threaded BB shell, 2nd water bottle boss, and custom geometry. All Moots bikes are handcrafted to the highest standards to last a lifetime and come with a lifetime warranty.

About Moots:
Moots Cycles, based in Steamboat Springs, CO has been a respected leader in the cycling community since 1981. The company is known for hand building the finest quality titanium road, mountain and cross bicycle frames, and select components from its facility in the Rocky Mountains. Moots bikes are enjoyed by cycling enthusiasts worldwide for their unsurpassed ride quality, attention to details and superior craftsmanship. In recognition of Moots’ business leadership, product innovation and corporate/ environmental responsibility Moots has been recognized as a Colorado Company to Watch. Moots frames and parts are available from high-end specialty bike dealers throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. For more information on Moots, visit: www.moots.com.

 

[Funrover]

Moots are super nice. I would love to have one...SOMEDAY!!!!

 

[Ron Mexico]

Thank you for putting this together Flounder. For those of you who may not be familiar with Moots, check them out. The build quality is 2nd to none, the welds are pure art, and you can't beat the weight savings and durability.

I bought my first real road bike almost 2 years ago, a Compact. I absolutely love it and can't wait to build my next.

Flounder, do you ever see/hear of any used Comooters coming up for sale?

 

[Christophe Noel]

Flounder, do you ever see/hear of any used Comooters coming up for sale?

Honestly, I've only ever seen one Comooter in person. I love the idea of commuting to work on a Moots, but that's a touch exotic for my needs. I suspect that bike has a small production volume, which would explain the lack of used Comooters in the world.

Now, the Mootour with the S&S couplers...that's something I could see in my future.

I think it's also worth pointing out that the cool factor of a Moots goes way beyond just their amazing bicycles. As a company, they're a neat bunch of people. It's obvious they're very proud of their products, and their company as a whole. They should be. They're all really great people.

 

[Ron Mexico]

I assumed that was probably the case with the Comooter. I'll keep looking :drool:

I'd encourage everyone to go to Moots.com and watch some of the videos. They really are a great company.

 

[Bullsnake]

I LOVE MY MOOTS! Thanks Flounder for posting up - now I have to start saving my pennies AGAIN!

I currently have a Vamoots and a MootoXZ and love them! Growing up in the age of the dawn of BMX and mountain bikes they remind me a lot of the bikes that were built back then - all handcrafted with love, functionality, and a definite nod to style as well. It is always great to see another offering from my favorite frame builder!