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In an Olympic year, the XC bike market tends to see a raft of new offerings. Not to miss out on the hype train, Moots is bringing its unique Ti knowledge and experience to the party with the launch of the MXC.
The team from Steamboat Springs, Colorado has, with the MXC, introduced the brand’s “most advanced mountain bike tube set to date”, with a bike built around “bigger tubes, more weld space, and enhanced axle-to-axle tracking.”
In short, everything you’d want to hear when designing and building a race day whip for an Olympic XC course. Or is it?
Details, Details, Details
The 1x-specific frame has space for a 38T ring, clearance for 2.4” tyres, and space for up to 3 water bottle mounts. The lightweight, large-diameter, double-butted front triangle joins a T47 bottom bracket and boost 148mm dropouts to manifest in ultimate axle-to-axle tracking. Keeping with the on-trend themes, the MXC is designed around the UDH standard.
Moots highlights that the MXC is best paired with 100mm suspension forks to achieve a 69-degree headtube angle (as also found on the Cervelo ZHT-5, compared to the Pinarello Dogma HT XC at 68-degrees).
To avoid any confusion, the launch announcement states: “And no, that’s not a typo – this rig is purpose-built for riders seeking a bike that excels in high-speed yet mellow terrain.”
So more XCM then? Think Leadville 100, Chequamegon, and Sea Otter Classic—fast, efficient, and fun.
Or, more down country, if that is still a ‘thing’? Here, riders might opt for the 120mm YBB-equipped Mountaineer or lean even more aggressively with the 140mm trail-capable Womble.
Making a (maybe unfair) comparison with a brand that also has its share of die-hard fans, the Yeti ARC, fitted with a 130mm fork, features a 67-degree headtube.
Why the headtube angle obsession?
For a long travel hardtail, headtube angle and reach are arguably the defining ride characteristic elements. This is definitely the case with a bike sporting a 130mm or 140mm fork, which will take capable riders to places where few pedal-friendly, out-and-out XC hardtail rigs would want to go: Versatility, plus rider skills, equals a unique blend of trail fun.
How does this all fit in with Moots legacy?
The brand calls the MXC “a close cousin to the MX RSL and Mooto X of past years” with “updated tyre clearance, longer travel fork and more modern-day off-road geometry.”
Details
- 4 Sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Double-Butted Front Triangle
- 1.5” to 1.125” Steerer
- 24mm, 29mm, and 30mm Crank Spindle Compatible
- 30.9 Seatpost – Internal Routing
- Boost 148mm Dropouts
- Post Mount 160mm
- External Rear Brake
UK-based retailers will be able to access the Moots MXC via long term distribution partner, Saddleback.
