Finally! I ordered this frame in December 2020 and it had been sitting at ACME waiting for Shimano parts for about 9 months. I went to the shop when the frame arrived, just to marvel at Moots’ craftsmanship. It has been a long wait since that day, and I am happy to report that it was worth every second.

Before I ordered it, I had toyed around with the idea of getting a Moots Routt RSL for a while. The reviews are outstanding, and I liked the idea of having a bike that can do anything and everything. Of course, it is a very pricey piece of equipment, so this decision took consideration, planning, and a commitment to ride many, many miles in order to turn a profit on it. With a big life milestone ahead of me and having overcome some recent difficulties (even before COVID!), I decided to treat myself to a forever bike. After all, cycling has become such an important part of my life that having a bicycle that will last longer than I will and handle anything I throw at it is an investment in my future happiness.

For 2021, Moots revamped all of the Routt models: the Routt RSL, Routt 45 and Routt YBB. Specifically, Moots updated the geometry for each model to support wider tire clearance, gravel-specific drive trains, and be slightly slacker overall. It might not sound like much, but in the world of frame building, that means a whole lot of changes. (Find the video with details below.)

Alvaro’s Moots Routt RSL Specs

• Frameset: Moots Routt RSL, size 52

• Finish: Matte Blue Anodized with engraved headtube

• Additions: Fender mounts, 3rd H20 mounts, internal brake routing

• Seatpost: Zipp Seatpost Service Course 27.2mm 0mm setback black

• Fork: ENVE G Series Gravel Fork

• Groupset: SRAM Rival AXS Wide

• Gearing: SRAM Rival 43/30t, 10-36t cassette

• Cranks: SRAM Force DUB GLS 48/35T, 165mm

• Stem: Zipp Stem Service Course 6A 110mm

• Bars: Zipp Service Course SL-70 Ergo Drop Handlebar

• Headset: Chris King, Matte Turquoise

• Wheels: Chris King HED Belgium G Disc R45D

• Tires: Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H 700 x 35 tan sidewall

• Saddle: PRO Stealth Offroad Saddle

• Bottle Cages: Moots TI H2O Cages

• Build and fit: ACME Bicycle Co