Moots’ First Carbon Frame Electric Gravel Bike: A Dream Build for WTB Ambassador Saboo
This is Moots’ first carbon frame bike with electronic assist, seamlessly integrating all eBike components and the power supply. The carbon frame is both stiff enough for the eBike system's load and lightweight for high performance.
Photos by Tyler Nutter
I previously rode a similar bike on paper—a carbon gravel eBike with a front suspension fork—but I never imagined my experience would be so dramatically different. After envisioning this build for months, the result is truly a dream come true!
I wanted a bike that was more capable, exciting, and ready for bigger adventures, and this bike delivers on all fronts. The sturdy cockpit, higher hand position, and capacity for big tires (up to 29x2.25) allow me to effortlessly point the front wheel and pick a line without sacrificing ride quality. With the carbon MOD cockpit, modern geometry, and suspension fork, this bike puts a huge smile on my face every ride. The generous wheelbase, relaxed 69.5-degree head angle, and short 70mm stem make it easy to forget I'm on a gravel bike, letting me ride playfully while staying comfortable all day. Plus, the quick battery swap feature from the downtube panel is perfect for extended adventures.
WTB CZR i23 Carbon Wheelset: Built for Tough Trails
These are the toughest and most reliable wheels that just keep on spinning! I first used this wheelset on my previous bike, which had a similar build. Over the course of 16,000 miles, I put them through the wringer, tackling the rough, teeth-chattering trails of Marin County. While the rims show plenty of cosmetic wear, there haven’t been any mechanical issues. Despite the heavier-than-typical weight of my e-bike (15.4 kg/34 lbs) and the torque from the motor, these wheels have held up remarkably well—all this with the light weight of 1395g! They strike the perfect balance between stiffness and compliance, maximizing power transfer and enhancing comfort on every ride. It’s a no-brainer to choose them again for my new bike.
WTB Gravelier Saddle: Compact Design for Ultimate Comfort
I appreciate the compact design and comfort of this saddle. With its titanium rails and flex profile, it strikes just the right balance of comfort, support, and durability, making it perfect for how I ride. The compact body is especially ideal when leaning the bike, providing better control and maneuverability. While I can't pedal out of the saddle easily and sitting on it for long periods can be a challenge for me, it's still the right blend of performance and reliability for long rides or challenging terrains.
WTB Resolute Tires: Unmatched Grip for Every Terrain
This is the bigger volume version of the existing tire, and I love them! I've ridden on wet rocks with roots, dry baby-head rocks, and sandy, loose fire roads. When things get challenging, they keep gripping, providing the traction I need to power through any terrain. Now wider with a better 120 TPI casing, they offer even more comfort by absorbing bumps and enhancing the overall ride. Best of all, I can corner confidently, and with excellent puncture protection, I stay worry-free on tough trails.
Shimano EP801 Motor: Smooth and Powerful Assistance
It provides seamless assistance with impressive power, all while the motor remains nearly silent! I don’t have the most elegant pedal stroke, and motor assist can sometimes feel jerky because of that. However, this motor delivers a smooth, linear power output. When I need to tackle a punchy climb, it effortlessly ramps up the assist, allowing me to conquer tight switchbacks and steep, gnarly sections without worrying about bailing out! With a 504wh battery, I can keep riding longer and forget the range anxiety.
Ultegra Di2 and XT Di2 Linkglide: Precision Shifting at Its Best
This is my first time using electronic shifting levers, and although I had no complaints with mechanical shifters, I’m loving how quickly and smoothly they change gears at any moment. The ability to never miss a shift lets me focus entirely on the trail. I also ride exclusively on the hoods, and braking from this position with just two fingers still provides more than enough power to slow down effortlessly.
Riding an eBike can be tough on the drivetrain, but with the Linkglide cassette, I can shift under load whenever I need to! Its durability is another standout feature—it never complains and changes gears flawlessly. The 11-51t range provides all the versatility I need for my trails. Plus, this setup, combined with the EP 801 motor, enables 'Free Shift,' allowing me to shift without pedaling. This is hugely beneficial since I sometimes can’t pedal to shift when descending, and it lets me downshift before approaching a punchy uphill switchback. I never thought I needed this feature, but now I can’t imagine going back.
FOX 32 Taper Cast Suspension Fork: A Game-Changer for Gravel Bikes
You might think, 'A suspension fork on a gravel bike?' but trust me, this game-changing piece of gear completely transforms the ride. It makes gravel riding so much more fun! Having a suspension fork has improved my riding experience immensely, allowing me to ride faster while staying comfortable. It soaks up the small bumps on fire roads, gives me the confidence to corner with ease, and, best of all, it lets me actually send it down a single track! Plus, you can lock it out when you're on the road, so there's no power loss when I'm trying to keep up with my friends on a climb.
FOX Transfer Dropper Post: Comfort Meets Maneuverability
This may be an unintended use of a dropper post, but it's vital for me to mount safely, especially since I have limited range of mobility with my legs. I lower it when I get on and raise it back to the optimal saddle height once I'm settled. It also makes descending technical trails much easier and fun, giving me the ability to maneuver the bike and lower my center of gravity when needed to navigate obstacles on steep downhill sections. Plus, I can tuck and get really low when descending on a road, gaining aerodynamic advantages and improving control and stability.
CushCore Gravel Tire Inserts: Extra Protection for Every Ride
I like having that extra mental security since I run lower air pressure (19-22 psi). It not only adds a dampening effect for a smoother ride but also helps keep the bead securely locked in. Plus, it protects the carbon rims by reducing the impact on rough terrain. I also use it as a run-flat. If I get a flat and the hole is too big for the plug, I can still ride to the nearest safe area without worrying too much.
Bike Details
Frame: Moots Express Carbon Medium
Fork: FOX 32 Taper Cast Grip SL 40mm 115psi 3 volume spacers
Wheels: WTB CZR 23 Carbon 700c
Tires: WTB Resolute 700x50 120tpi F/19.5psi R/23psi
Hubs: WTB Frequency hubs F:24 h R:28 h
Inserts: CushCore CX/Gravel
Cockpit: Moots MOD Carbon Handlebars 42mm, Stem 70mm
Saddle: WTB Gravelier Ti
Cranks: Shimano XT 165mm
Pedals: Shimano XT SPD
Drivetrain: Shimano XT Di2 Linkglide Deraillure, 11-51 Cassette
Motor: Shimano EP 801 65nm
Battery: Shimano 504wh
Shifter levers: Shimano Ultegra Di2
Brakes: Shimano Ultegra, Rotors F/180mm R/160mm, Metal Pads
Learn more about Saboo's story.
