Moots Routt ESC Gravel Bike

The Moots Routt ESC: An Adventure-Ready Titanium Gravel Bike

Depending on when you started cycling, the Moots Routt ESC might seem either very familiar or very off-the-wall. This dropbar adventure gravel bike certainly has some design points that remind us old-timers of our trail bikes in the 90s, but several modern features and the expert craftsmanship we always find at Moots speak to the needs of a rider looking for the type of bike that won’t be afraid to take on any two-wheeled challenge.

Well named, the Moots Routt ESC is all about escaping the daily grind, the usual routes, the typical conditions. It’s not surprising to see Moots making a bike that has adventure written all over it, but it’s super fun to see just how far their engineers and designers are willing to take it. Made from the most robust titanium tubing that you will find on any of the Routt line-up, the Routt ESC is designed to be able to take a beating. Of course, it looks so exquisite that you will naturally do everything you can to keep it from getting that first scratch! Don’t worry. This Ti is as tough as it gets. The oversized tube set ensures that this is a frame ready to perform across all types of terrain, loaded or unloaded.

The Routt ESC does nothing by halves. The frame and fork are designed to be able to accommodate up to 2.4-inch knobby tires on 29-inch wheels. This is not one for your race days, unless you are racing across Iceland, or something. Combine those tires with the Boost mountain bike spacing, and you can take the ESC just about anywhere. Not only does the Boost spacing mean you can fit in the big volume tires, but it also allows for seriously robust, capable wheel builds that will be able to withstand the most demanding terrains without busting up. Something that is extremely important when planning bikepacking expeditions.

A change compared to the Baxter that precedes the ESC is that now the ESC accommodates 1x only and can have up to a 38-tooth front ring. With the wide spacing you’ll get in the cassette at the back, that should give you an idea that this is a bike for multiple long days in the saddle. Appropriately, the geometry puts the ESC in the stable, comfort-oriented side of the gravel geo spectrum. No one is expecting you to win sprints off the stop light on this one, but you will feel comfortable hauling not only yourself but your luggage across country.

Bearclaw Bicycle Co. Rigid Fork used in the Moots Routt ESC

Interestingly, Moots has turned to another Ti manufacturer to create their rigid fork that is spec’d with the Routt ESC. Made by the Bearclaw Bicycle Co., this rigid fork provides the tire clearance Moots wanted without having to resort to a heavier, meatier suspension fork. With 51mm offset, you can count on the predictability of the steering and the cargo bosses on the fork legs will encourage you to pack more in your cargo cages than you should on your overnighters.

The Moots Routt ESC titanium gravel bike for 29-inch wheels provides the level of durability and ride quality that will make riding any distance over all types of rough gravel and unpredictable terrain not only super fun but a huge adventure.

Also check Wilier Gravel & CX bikes.