Moots Unveils "California Dreamin'" Routt CRD: Limited Edition Titanium Art (Only 25!)
Moots launches the "California Dreamin'" Routt CRD. Limited edition (25 units) titanium gravel bike collab w/ Chris Johnston. Unique anodized finish.
Moots, the Steamboat Springs-based authority in handcrafted titanium bicycles, has today announced the release of an exceptionally limited-edition gravel bike: the "California Dreamin'" Routt CRD. With only 25 units being produced worldwide, this exclusive model represents a vibrant celebration of the West Coast spirit, blending Moots' renowned craftsmanship with the creative vision of Chris Johnston from OutdoorBros.
Johnston, celebrated for his compelling fusion of high-performance cycling and lifestyle storytelling, collaborated with Moots to bring the adventurous essence of California vividly to life on this unique Routt CRD build. The project aims to embody the Moots ethos of creating bikes designed to "Outlast Everything," while capturing a distinct regional style.
"Partnering with Chris was a natural fit,” says Elizabeth Reeder, Director of Marketing at Moots. “His passion for storytelling and cycling aligns perfectly with our dedication to crafting bikes that offer exceptional performance and timeless appeal.”
Inspired by the Golden State's Diverse Terrain
The concept for the "California Dreamin'" edition sparked during Johnston's travels along the West Coast, where he tackled everything from the smooth pavement of the Pacific Coast Highway to challenging gravel routes in the Sierras and damp singletrack through redwood forests. "I wanted a bike that could adapt seamlessly to whatever terrain I encountered,” Johnston explains. “It needed to have both capability and personality, capturing the essence of California style and performance.”
The result is designed to be more than just a race bike; it's positioned as a "manifestation of freedom, precision, and west coast spirit," capable of handling diverse conditions while turning heads at the trailhead or in a group ride.
The Routt CRD Platform: Titanium Race Bred
The foundation for this limited edition is Moots' top-tier Routt CRD (Complete Race Design) gravel frame. Handcrafted in Colorado using Moots' race super light titanium tube set for weight savings, the Routt CRD incorporates over a decade of gravel innovation. Key features include:
- A stiff chassis optimized for speed.
- Fully integrated cable routing for clean aesthetics.
- Updated 3D-printed dropouts and brake mount for precise alignment and power transfer.
- Clearance for up to 45mm tires (optimized for 40-42c).
- A reliable threaded T47 bottom bracket.
- UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) compatibility.
- An all-new integrated Moots cockpit system.
- The improved legendary Moots gravel fork for front-end precision.
The Artistry: Hand-Anodized and Utterly Unique
What truly distinguishes the "California Dreamin'" edition is its stunning, meticulously hand-applied anodized finish. Executed in-house by Moots' anodizing expert, Richard Jara, the time-intensive process creates a seamless transition from high-voltage blue to vibrant pink, accented with checkerboard graphics and subtle skull details.
Crucially, due to the nature of hand-anodizing, no two frames will be exactly alike. Each will possess unique nuances and subtle color shifts. "The anodizing process is like painting with voltage and Jara is Michaelangelo,” adds Johnston. “Every frame will have nuances, subtle color shifts, and intentional imperfections that add character and depth. It’s raw, refined, and thoughtfully detailed.”
Premium Build and Availability
This limited run is offered as a complete bike featuring a curated selection of high-end components, reflecting its premium positioning and "Made almost entirely in America" ethos:
- Drivetrain: SRAM RED XPLR AXS 1x13 speed
- Wheels: ZIPP 303 XPLR SW
- Tires: ZIPP/Goodyear XPLR Slick 40c
- Cockpit: Moots MOD Carbon Stem & Handlebar
- Headset: Chris King
- Seatpost: Moots Titanium Post
- Saddle: WTB Gravilier Ti with Moots logo
- Bar Tape: Lizard Skins DSP 2.5 Black
The MSRP for this complete build is $15,899.
The Moots "California Dreamin'" Routt CRD is available starting today, April 10, 2025. Customers can order directly from Moots.com (with "Ride Now Pay Later" financing options available) or through select Moots retailers. Retailers can also offer the "California Dreamin'" finish as a frameset or built with SRAM Force XPLR components.
For those attending the Sea Otter Classic (April 10-13, 2025), the bike can be viewed firsthand at the SRAM booth.
Given the extreme scarcity (only 25 units), this represents a fleeting opportunity to own a unique piece of Moots history – a visually striking, high-performance titanium gravel bike that embodies both elite craftsmanship and the free spirit of California.
