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2012 Moots FrostTi
Built up by Palo Alto Bicycles.
The Moots FrosTi is a limited batch edition fat-tire bike. Many riders build a fast tire bike for snow riding, but the fat tires also apply to soft sandy conditions.
Moreover, the ride is so different that for true bike fans, a fat tire bike fills in a gap not filled by a conventional mountain bike.
For my own build with the 18" frame, I selected parts to keep the weight down and versatility up. I also wanted a bike with some style and good looks, hence the timeless choice of Moots titanium. Parts selection and build are discussed on the build page.
(image courtesy of Moots, NOT my bike as built)
Specs:
- Frame weight for 18" model: 3.7 pounds (as actually weighed upon delivery, not a “spec” but actual true weight.
- 44mm HT
- 100mm BB
- 170mm rear spacing
- Standard dropouts with replaceable derailleur hanger
- Single curved DT
- Geometry designed for Salsa Enabler rigid fork
- Also suitable for 80mm 29er fork for summer use
- Curved TT on 3 smallest sizes
- 30.9mm seat post
- 160mm rotor compatible
- Through guides for full housing for derailleurs.
- 4 stock sizes: 16/18/20/22" (all top tubes measured effective). No custom sizes.
- Options: 3rd H2O carrier, upper/lower eyes, colors.
- NOT options: YBB, Slider, Couplers
- Requires a direct mount front der and direct mount adaptor (Problem Solver, Salsa).
- 3.7" tires max.
- Requires 100mm BB shell crankset (Surly Mr. Whirly or e13)
- Orders must be placed along with non-refundable deposit through your local Moots dealer by November 1, 2012. Delivery by Dec 15th, 2012.
(image courtesy of Moots, NOT my bike as built)
Reader comments
David K writes:
It’s a cool looking bike but I'm wondering the wisdom of paying so much for a limited application bike such as this when a cheaper, stiffer framed Surly would do just as well if not better.
Things might have changed or you might weigh less than my 168 lbs but I remember my old moots YBB and Ti Ibis were somewhat flexy and I don't see flex as a good thing for the conditions that a Surly is designed for. Just a thought...
WIND: Flex not an issue with any of my Moots frames.
Many factors here, and I agree that everyone can make their own call on this. But I consider Moots a great value when all things are considered, not to be confused with how many dollars one spends taken out of context with quality and looks and durability and total build cost.
The frame is only a portion of the total cost (perhaps 40%) because I build up my bikes with top-grade components like Shimano XTR and sometimes two wheelsets. Context matters.
Value in a product is whatever brings lasting satisfaction to the buyer, whatever that might be for that particular person.
Surly appears to be a very fine brand, but one that I have not used. My commentary here should not be construed as anything to slight Surly (saying I like chocolate ice cream does not imply that I do not like vanilla). My costs in building up a Surly frame would be the same as for a Moots. Context matters.
I respect everyone’s personal financial choices, but I have worked (and work) very hard for my money, so I use my hard-earned money wisely and for what I see as value to me.
At the same time, I reject the financial masturbation of online posters spewing their mental vomit into forums by dismissing the Moots option out of hand because of cost. How many $500 iPhones have some of those self-flagellating pimple-faced posters been through? What a waste of time on those forums.
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On to my views on the Moots FrosTi—
I have 5 Moots not counting the FrosTi, and they all are PLENTY stiff. And I am a powerful rider. Hence, the suggestion of a stiffness issue must be summarily dismissed.
Other points—
- The FrosTi for me will be mainly a dirt bike pushed into duty for loose sand and mixed snow/rocks, useful for where my smaller-tired bikes cannot go. But I don’t want a MoonLander over-the-top bike; it’s too heavy and awkward for the mixed duty I envision.
- Steel flakes off paint. Steel rusts. Steel is ordinary. Steel is heavy. Steel is not necessarily stiffer in any practical way, even if it might be (and might not be) stiffer in a laboratory. Fodder for those who don’t ride well made bikes.
- The Moots FrostTi frame is 3.7 pounds (actual weight as weighed upon arrival). The Surly Pugsley frame is about 1.9 pounds heavier (5.6 pounds). Try making that huge gap up on parts. I ride my bikes up very, very steep stuff. A light bike is more maneuverable, more responsive to input.
- Titanium rides like nothing else. Admittedly this might be muted with FAT tires, but it still holds.
- Titanium can be bead-blasted and look like new at lower cost than a high quality paint job. And it never rusts and never looks bad, ever.
- Titanium lasts forever (when welded properly as with Moots). I doubt that any of my Moots frames will ever fail.
- The Moots frames are made by master craftsmen — there is satisfaction in exchanging value (money) for a product that expresses the ultimate in craftsmanship and excellence. I respect quality work more than just about anything, hence it has a high value proposition above and beyond the physical.
There you have it—.
