"Cool Moots roadbike! Do you like it?" A simple question from a fellow cyclist in NYC sparked a deeper exploration into the true nature of my Moots Routt RSL. Caught at a traffic light, I fumbled to explain it was, in fact, a gravel bike, cleverly disguised with road wheels. This innocent encounter ignited a thought: What truly distinguishes a gravel bike from a road bike? It felt almost comical, yet insightful.
Equipped with HED Vanquish wheels wrapped in Pirelli Velo tubeless 26’ tires, the Routt RSL undeniably adopted the sleek profile of a road machine. However, beneath the surface, it remained a gravel bike at heart. The beauty of the Routt RSL lies in its remarkable adaptability. It seamlessly transitions to "road mode," its only visual giveaway being the generous clearance within the fork, designed to accommodate robust 45’ tires. This seemingly minor detail belies its inherent versatility. My experiences bombing down descents in California, Spain, and France solidified this – the Moots Routt RSL, even in this road-oriented setup, handled flawlessly. Initially, the only modifications were the wheels and pedals, yet this simple change yielded a significant benefit: a weight reduction of over a pound compared to its gravel configuration. The difference was palpable, enhancing the bike’s responsiveness and agility.
Unleashing the Inner Climber: The Lightweight Transformation
The journey didn’t stop at mere road conversion. As summer approached, and with L’Etape du Tour looming on the horizon, the desire to further optimize the Routt RSL for climbing took hold. My wife Emma and I were preparing to tackle the formidable climbs of L’Etape du Tour (an incredible experience in itself!), and the prospect of a lighter bike for conquering ~14,000 feet of elevation gain was undeniably appealing. Every gram saved would be a victory on those grueling ascents.
Fueled by this ambition, and with the invaluable assistance of teammates, eBay finds, and our collective spare parts stash, a series of strategic upgrades commenced. The cockpit underwent a complete carbon fiber transformation, shedding weight with a lighter road saddle and carbon seatpost. A new Force cassette and chain further contributed to the weight reduction. These meticulous changes collectively shaved off another pound from the bike’s overall weight. The impact was transformative. Throughout our French cycling adventure, the enhanced Routt RSL proved to be an absolute joy to ride, especially on the climbs. This newfound agility unlocked a new dimension of enjoyment, solidifying the desire to continue refining its performance and lightness. A bike of this caliber, the Moots Routt RSL, simply deserves such dedication. Its inherent quality and potential beckon for continuous improvement, rewarding each upgrade with an amplified riding experience.
