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NAHBS 2015: Moots Takes to Dirt with Prototype Dirt Road Build, Shows New Finish Option with Pedaler’s Fork Build

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Moots pedaler's fork gravel road prototype enve chris king (13)

Perennially a show favorite when it comes to titanium, Moots had their usual welding prowess on display but two bikes in particular were gaining the most attention. Calling it their Dirt Road Prototype, Moots’ newest build is based on their popular Routt gravel bike. Designed to take advantage of the new ENVE GRD thru axle fork for gravel/road use, the Dirt Road offers improved handling on the road but still offers clearance for all but the biggest gravel tires.

Along with the Dirt Road Prototype, Moots also entered the Best Campagnolo bike competition with a special build for Pedaler’s Fork. Of course outfitted with a drool worthy Campagnolo build kit, the real story was the finish of the bike which will be available for new builds very soon…

Moots pedaler's fork gravel road prototype enve chris king (22) Moots pedaler's fork gravel road prototype enve chris king (21)

Moots pedaler's fork gravel road prototype enve chris king (19)

Created for the owner of MOAB Bicycle Shop in in Tennessee, essentially the Dirt Road Prototype was built around the new ENVE GRD fork. Due to the fork’s lower 382mm axle to crown measurement, the DRP is able to have a lower front end but still clears 38mm tires with the integrated fender. The bike’s 44mm head tube allows for the use of a tapered fork including the 1 1/4-1 1/8″ steerer of the GRD.

Moots pedaler's fork gravel road prototype enve chris king (25)

Moots pedaler's fork gravel road prototype enve chris king (15) Moots pedaler's fork gravel road prototype enve chris king (23)

Built using Moots’ internally butted top and down tubes, and 3.25 US made titanium tubing, the Dirt Road should offer the perfect blend of light weight and gravel durability. Like all Moots builds you have the choice of mechanical or electronic drivetrains, and the frame uses a 12x142mm rear thru axle, PF30 BB, and replaceable post mount brake tabs.

Moots pedaler's fork gravel road prototype enve chris king (3)

Part restaurant, part coffee shop, part bike shop, Pedaler’s Fork in Calabasas, CA is a must see for any cycling foodie. As part of their concept, the restaurant features an ode to Moots throughout the space along with farm to table food, and great drinks. Technically the only Moots “concept store,” this incredible build is headed to the owner of Pedaler’s Fork, Robbie.

Moots pedaler's fork gravel road prototype enve chris king (6)

 

Moots pedaler's fork gravel road prototype enve chris king (7)

As the entry for Moots into the Best Campagnolo Bike competition, this stunning Vamoots RSL also includes a new finish option that will soon be available on all Moots builds. Called their Etched finish, the process starts with their standard satin finish and then the logos are masked off and blasted to etch the surface. Available on new bikes starting in April, the finish will be an additional $300 over the decal finish. Etching will also be available for refinished frames but it will be more expensive ($650) due to amount of work needed to reblast  the frame then etch the finish.

 

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Psi Squared
Psi Squared
9 years ago

Now that they’ve an option other than decal logos, it might be time to go back to Moots.

Roy
Roy
9 years ago

ugh that rear caliper mount is heinous. Ritchey’s post mount system on their steel bikes is so much tighter and minimal. Maybe Moots could design something much sleeker to go with the rest of their frame and have it 3D printed in Ti? I am under the impression that 3D printing Ti is useable structurally, unlike aluminum. At the very least go to rim brakes to give that beautiful frame a visual brake

Will
Will
9 years ago

I actually prefer that type of disc mount. Since the caliper bolts are threaded into a barrel nut instead of the frame itself, you’ll never risk stripping the frame. Not that I’ve ever done that, but I see a Moots as a once-in-a-lifetime sort of bike, so anything to promote longevity is a good thing. Form follows function. At least it ought to.

Choco
Choco
9 years ago

I think the fenders need their own article…

Huck
Huck
9 years ago

I heard Moots won best gravel bike

j-bone
j-bone
9 years ago

If Enve can figure out the rear fender to match they’ll have true innovation.

YoMamma
YoMamma
9 years ago

Nice! Might be time for another Moots. Built up a Firefly in XCR w. 44m HT ENVE fork, and all the disc and fender mounts a couple of years ago. Does triple duty as CX racer, commuter, and roadie. Might ditch the carbon roadie that never gets ridden, dedicate the Firefly to CX only, and get this new build as the new roadie/commuter. Might have to sell the MX RSL due to back injuries so another MOOTS may need to fill the gap.

John
John
9 years ago

That Dirt Road Prototype is probably one of my dream bikes, except for the rear caliper mounted on the seatstay and subsequent CX hose routing on top of the top tube.

It’s a shame Enve couldn’t figure out a way to tidy up that loose front brake cable, or they’d really have themselves a winner with that GRD fork.

Luke
Luke
9 years ago

So the prototype has a mudguard on the front (which is awesome by the way), but no fitting on the frame for a mudguard on the back? Unless they are very well hidden?

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