Moots Routt YBB (Sea Otter Classic 2019)

compose Logan Watts
time Apr 13, 2019
comment 5

While Steamboat Springs, Colorado-based Moots had several bikepacking-appropriate options on display, it was the new Routt YBB that caught my attention. In addition to a beautiful titanium frame, clearance for 45mm tires, plenty of cage mounts, and all day off-road geometry, the Moots Routt YBB also features a “softail” micro-suspension design that looks like it would take the sting out of long and rough dirt roads. Here’s a peek at it, along with a bunch of photos from yesterday morning at the Sea Otter Classic…

The rainbow anodized graphics scheme is called Stanley, and is one of several finish options Moots offers for the build. According to the company, the iconic pattern on the chainstay is from the infamous Estes Park hotel’s carpet pattern. The downtube logo and model name are also treated treated with a vivid gradient. This finish is available on all of Moots’ models or can be applied to an older frame as a refinish.

The Moots YBB “softail” micro-suspension design was first introduced on Moots’ mountain bikes in the 1990s. Since releasing it on the 27.5+ Mountaineer in 2016, it was only fitting that Moots adapted it for a long-distance gravel bike. The “shock” uses an elastomer and spring combination of internals to provide about 20mm of rear axle travel to “take the edge off backcountry road and trail chatter.”

The Routt YBB features a few other interesting specs, such as an ENVE-designed carbon fork (without bottle mounts, unfortunately), a 3D-printed flat disc brake mount, and clearance for 700 x 45mm or 650 x 2.1″ tires. Prices for the frameset start at $4,999 and builds go up to $8,670 for a Di2 Ultegra model with loads of titanium parts. Find out more over at Moots.com, and see additional images from their 2019 Sea Otter Classic booth below. And be sure to follow our Sea Otter Classic 2019 coverage at #SeaOtterClassic2019.