Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS Review
- Price: $11,446
- Frame: Titanium
- Tires: 29″ Carbon
- Gear: 1×12
What we like about it: The titanium frame is very strong and durable, and can accompany you through longer riding.
What we don’t like about it: It’s a little bit expensive and can be unfriendly for some people to afford.
Rating: (4.9/5)
Once I tried bikes of various materials, I became interested in titanium frames. How much improvement can this pricey material bring to the riding experience? After some research, I found a Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS in the cycling community, so let’s find out.
Below, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications as well as other versions of the Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS. And at the end of the review, we will also compare several best bike models. If you want to know more about bike reviews, don’t hesitate to follow us.
Riding Experience
I’ve always been interested in off-road riding. Once I got this Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS, I started looking forward to how it would perform on off-road terrain. I was going to take the bike on a nice day to a riding park a few dozen miles away from home, where there is a nice forest road to cross. After booking a hotel on Skyscanner, I couldn’t wait to get going and try it out.
Climbing
Here the Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS gave me a good feeling of climbing. The bike didn’t wow me much on the accessible routes at first. It wasn’t until I rode some steeper terrain that I felt a huge boost from SRAM’s pro-level X01 Eagle AXS package.
Also, the 12-speed electronic drivetrain was promptly adjusted to the gear I wanted, and the suitable range of gears didn’t ride hard or give out too much power.
I was pleasantly surprised by how well the MAXXIS ICON 2.35’s large-grain tires held the ground and provided good traction when driving over loose ground and slick rock surfaces. However, a few muddy sections had some slippage, and a wider tire size would have added some stability.
Finally, the hardtail nature of the Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS gave me good feedback on the road as I worked my way up steep climbs, and the proper rear fork length kept the front wheel from leaving the ground.
Downhill
By nature, hardtails aren’t usually known for their descending skills. But the Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS’s 120mm-travel MRP RIBBON SL fork still provided a nice level of comfort, with excellent damping and rebound that did a good job of easing the bumps transmitted to the arms by the road. And the sturdy and durable titanium frame also gave me the confidence to brave those sections with a large drop-off.
In addition, I was unable to spot a sharp protruding rock early enough because the weeds were partially obscuring the road. But the Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS with G-2 ULTIMATE hydraulic brakes provided good braking power, allowing me to stop in time to avoid injury.
Overall, I really enjoyed riding the Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS off-road bike. Not only did I have the sense of accomplishment of having conquered nature, but I could also adjust my position at any time through the dropper, thus always keeping me in a more comfortable state.
Specification
The titanium frame has always been used as a luxury option. Indeed, this material does improve the strength of the Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS, making it highly resistant to fatigue and corrosion, thus giving the bike a long expectancy.
In addition, the 68° seat tube angle allows the rider to remain stable in the saddle on uphill climbs, improving comfort and making it easier to pedal. This seemingly steep geometry also helps provide the Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS front wheel with the ability to climb on slopes while allowing the rear wheel to have plenty of grip.
Finally, as a mountain bike, the Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS can conquer all kinds of challenging terrain. Even on steeper downhill sections, its G-2 ULTIMATE hydraulic brakes do a great job of stopping the bike for riders’ safety.
Video (related videos)
Other versions
The Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS is a powerful titanium hardtail trail bike. Still, we’ve made recommendations for other models if you’re looking for a comparable vehicle for a lower budget.
Moots Mountaineer Shimano XT
Moots Mountaineer Shimano XT also uses a titanium frame, which is solid and durable enough. And the complete set of high-end Shimano XT kits also has good performance. However, there is still some gap compared to the Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS professional-grade SRAM X01 Eagle AXS kit, which has a more sensitive and labor-saving traditional electronic system.
Moreover, the dropper design of the Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS allows you to change your riding position in time to suit the terrain, thus making it more comfortable. However, it should be noted that Moots Mountaineer Shimano XT is cheaper by $2,906. For riders with limited budgets, Moots Mountaineer Shimano XT is relatively cost-effective.
What do we like about it?
- Titanium frame is robust and has a long expectancy.
- With the SRAM X01 Eagle AXS high-performance kit, the bike is more durable.
- G-2 UTLIMATE hydraulic disc brakes are a great way to keep you safe.
- The dropper design allows the rider to adjust the sitting position in time during the ride.
- Multiple installation points are sufficient for daily use.
What don’t we like about it?
- A little bit unfriendly to wallet.
FAQs
- What kind of tires does the Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS use and what is the tire size?
It uses MAXXIS ICON 2.9×2.35″ tires to provide good grip. The large-capacity tires help with riding comfort.
- What kind of kit does the Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS use?
It uses the SRAM X01 Eagle AXS kit, which has excellent performance in a variety of circumstances.
- How do I choose the size of this bike?
The Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS is rider-friendly for all heights, with 4 sizes to choose from. You can use the sizing chart below as a reference. It’s no big deal if it differs from your own idea because the best way to find the best size is to test ride it.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 158cm – 171cm | SM |
| 168cm – 180cm | MD |
| 178cm – 189cm | LG |
| 186cm – 199cm | XL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Titanium |
| Fork | MRP RIBBON SL 120MM BLACK |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB |
| Headset | CHRIS KING I7 (ASSORTED COLORS) |
| Stem | N/A |
| Handlebar | ENVE M6 RISER BAR |
| Saddle | SELLE ITALIA SLR BOOST TM MANGANESE |
| Seatpost | REVERB AXS |
Wheels
| Rims | ENVE AM30 |
| Tires | MAXXIS ICON 2.35 |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | XO1 AXS |
| Crank | XO1 |
| Shifters | XO1 AXS |
| Brakes | G-2 ULIMATE |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click to view | Frame material | Kits | Driveline | Tires |
| Pivot TRAIL 429 Team XTR Live | Click View | Carbon | Shimano XTR, Race Face | 1 × 12 | Maxxis Dissector 29″ x 2.4″ WT |
| Ibis Ripley V4S XX Transmission | Click View | Carbon | SRAM XX Eagle Transmission | 1 × 12 Electronic | Maxxis DHR2 29″ x 2.4″ Exo TR |
| 2024 Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX AXS T-Type | Click View | Carbon | SRAM XX SL Eagle Transmission, X01 Eagle AXS | 1 × 12 Electronic | Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 29×2.40” |
| Transition Spur AXS | Click View | Carbon | SRAM GX Eagle AXS, X01 | 1 × 12 Electronic | Front: Maxxis Dissector 3C EXO (2.4), Rear: Maxxis Rekon 3C EXO (2.4) |
Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS vs Pivot TRAIL 429 Team XTR Live
First, the Pivot TRAIL 429 Team XTR Live uses a Hollow Core carbon fiber frame, a technology that Pivot calls a proprietary process that turns carbon fiber into the best bike in the world. Indeed, the TRAIL 429 Team does reach the weight of a race frame and is light to ride.
Meanwhile, the Pivot TRAIL 429 Team XTR Live combines the progressive geometry and handling of a long-distance all-mountain sled with the responsiveness and speed of a dedicated racing rig to deliver decent speed performance.
However, the Pivot TRAIL 429 Team XTR Live is less strong than the Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS. The latter has a more durable titanium frame and can handle crashes better. So for those riders who are not experienced in off-road cycling, growing up in falls is inevitable. In this case, I recommend the Moots Womble SHIMANO XTR XC.
Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS vs Ibis Ripley V4S XX Transmission
The Ibis Ripley V4S XX Transmission is a good combination of modern geometry. Its longer front end, wider head tube angle, and shorter rear end allow you to ride with confidence, while the steep seat tube angle and shorter offset fork enable you to tackle technical climbs with ease.
Compared to its predecessor, the Ibis Ripley V4S XX Transmission features a new UDH derailleur, resulting in great compatibility. The wider chain line allows for a stiffer rear dropout fork, which improves stability. However, although exciting mountain off-road is fascinating, various complex terrain can easily cause damage to the vehicle. Thankfully, the Ripley V4S adds thick enough rubber at the downtube and raised protectors at the rear lower fork.
It should be noted that the full shock design of the Ibis Ripley V4S XX Transmission may give you a letdown when pedaling. So for climbing lovers, the Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS is a better choice.
Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS vs Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX AXS T-Type
The Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX AXS T-Type is available in a variety of sizes, and even the more petite frame comes with a curved top tube. This user-friendly design lowers the standing height, making it easier for shorter riders to get on and off the bike.
In addition, the Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX AXS T-Type’s internal frame storage space at the downtube allows you to throw your backpack while still carrying some of your riding essentials. The included BITS multi-tool is cleverly integrated into the tube, allowing you to make simple adjustments and repairs to the bike.
However, I prefer the Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS for longer rides. Thanks to its relatively high Stack, I can maintain a fairly upright riding position and reduce the strain on my back.
So personally, if you’re looking for a longer ride, I’d recommend trying the Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS.
Learn More: Is Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT Worth Buying ? [Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT Review]
Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS VS Transition Spur AXS
For off-road lovers, this Transition Spur AXS must have come into view. The lifetime warranty makes you free from worries when going over rugged terrain. However, this doesn’t mean the Transition Spur AXS is fragile. Conversely, Collet main pivot technology improves rear-end stiffness and tightens the pivot hardware. The special cable routing is very user-friendly, further simplifying maintenance and making no noise during vehicle operation.
In addition, in terms of damping, the Transition Spur AXS is equipped with Fox’s highest-grade Fox Factory Float fork. The Fit 4 dampers can be adjusted in three compression levels and have rebound adjustment at the bottom, which can provide limited relief from arm fatigue caused by bumpy roads.
However, if you compare carefully, you will find that the SRAMGX Eagle AXS, X01 combo kit for the Transition Spur AXS is a little less impressive than the complete SRAM X01 Eagle AXS kit for the Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS. For riders who want to try titanium-framed mountain bikes, the Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS cannot be missed.
Summary
These are our tests of the Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS. The titanium frame is sturdy and durable. Its top-of-the-line kit makes this bike a shining performer.
In our opinion, the Moots Mountaineer SRAM XO1 AXS is a bike worth buying. That’s why we give it a high score of 4.9.
Of course, if you’re interested in exploring other titanium hardtail trail bikes, we have reviewed a variety of bikes at different price points that you might find interesting. Feel free to check out our other reviews as well.
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