Some thoughts on the exceptional bikes and makers that we represent, ride, and recommend.
Moots Mountaineer
The Moots YBB micro suspension system has been steadily refined over 2 decades! The ability to have the chainstays able to flex and be controlled by a spring/damper system makes for a simple, elegant way to minimize ride harshness and maintain efficiency without any pivots or shocks. It works. It works well. This innovation is available on two Moots models: Mountaineer MTB and Routt 45 Gravel bike.
Having now spent two seasons on this bike racing endurance XC, bike packing, and ripping around the city, I can very much report that this is a bike that I wish to retire with. It is a keeper.
The bike’s ability to roll over roots and smaller hits without transmitting those forces to my lower back is significant. I wouldn’t call it as plush as a full suspension bike, but it absolutely takes the edge off. The 2+cm of travel also helps keep the rear wheel planted during hard cornering giving the rider confidence to really pin the curves. Having spent 70+ mi day trail races on the bike, this really helps. It still climbs like a hardtail, but certainly more forgiving.
The three bottle cage mounts makes adding bottles and accessories easy and the bigger frame triangle makes a lot of room for a big frame bag for bike packing. Adding a large handle bar bag, a big seatpost bag and a few accessory bags allowed easy packing for a 2/3 day 2 night bike packing adventure easy and fun.
Moots is the only game in town for a bike like this and for good reason. It takes a lot of time and engineering to get a frame like this to really work and work consistently. The basic maintenance for a the YBB is to clean/lube the slider occasionally and when the slider sees significant wear, an inexpensive replacement is installed, making the system new again. Far more simple and inexpensive vs. a full suspension bike. After pushing the bike hard for two years in the mid-west in fairly good conditions, I am nowhere needing this service yet.
The bike pictured is a medium size and available for test rides by appointment. Just reach out and we can get it prepped for you.