Moots Vamoots RSL Road Bike – Quick Review

How long has it been since you’ve ridden a metal road bike? Steel… maybe 10 years? Alumimum… likely in the past 5 years or so, sure. How about titanium? Titanium… yes, titanium. Have you ever ridden a titanium road bike? Well, I hadn’t until now and I had to go and ride one of the most amazing titanium road bikes on the planet out the gate; the Moots Vamoots RSL.

Moots Vamoots RSL Features:

• Certified highest US-grade Moots 3/2.5 CWSR internally butted seamless tubing
• 12% increase in stiffness and 15% reduction in weight over the CR
• Race-fit geometry for aggressive riding, training and racing
• Size-specific geometry, matching rider profile with tubing size.
• BB30 assembly increases crank stiffness by 38%
• Specific Vamoots RSL carbon fork
• Price: $4495 (frame and fork)

Moots Vamoots RSL – Quick Review

A few weeks ago, I got an email from a friend at Backbone Media asking if I would join him for a group ride during Outdoor Retailer. The destination was Emigration Canyon, just East of downtown Salt Lake City. While I’m game for 5:30 am starts, the ultimate decision-maker was that I’d get to ride on a Moots roadie.

The night before the ride, I connected with Corey from Moots, who dialed me in on the flagship Vamoots RSL. Honestly, I didn’t have any idea just how sweet the RSL was before that time, but Corey said multiple times that it was an amazing bike and I got the hint. The next morning, I arrived bright and early and rode the bike up-and-down the street… thats about all it took for me to realize just how amazing this bike really was.

Yes, this was my first ride on a titanium bike of any type. I thought carbon was the ultimate material for a road bike and yes it is, but holy smokes does this titanium steed up the ante. Dialed in with some of the most high-end components available, my test bike was light, smooth and sleek.

Corey mentioned that he tells people to aim for the potholes and to see just how well the RSL smooths them out. Well, Corey… the RSL didn’t disappoint. On our way through downtown Salt Lake, I did just that and was amazed at the characteristics of titanium and this bike in particular. As I clicked through the gears using the SRAM Red drivetrain, everything felt as dialed as I’ve ever experienced on a road bike.

I loved remaining seated on the climb and just feeling as if the bike was ascending on its own… effortlessly. Then, standing up to push through the steeper stuff, I got nothing but instant power transfer. Yup, now I know the magic of titanium.

While I’m obviously a huge fan of climbing on the RSL, it absolutely floored me on the downhill. Many times the first descent on a new road bike can be a bit skittish. All it took was a few hundred feet and a hairpin turn and I felt connected with the bike unlike any first descent I’ve ever experienced. The flowing downhill from the top of Emigration Canyon was an absolute pleasure as I seemingly floated my way on the asphalt — cranking away in the big ring. The entire smooth-rolling package allowed me to push hard and coast in a tucked position while carrying amazing amounts of speed.

Good Vamoots RSL

• Just a few hundred feet was all it took to appreciate this bike
• I could climb all day on this bike
• Descents are calm and collected
• Lifetime warranty for a lifetime bike
• Sleek and subtle titanium look
• You’ll be a part of a very exclusive club

Bad Vamoots RSL

• Steep price of entry (as spec’d, this bike would be in the $8000+ range)
• Hard to find at your LBS

Bottom Line: Moots Vamoots RSL

My first spin on a titanium bike would have to be one of the best on the market. The Moots Vamoots RSL is an absolute dream to ride as it motors uphill and flies downhill.

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