Beautiful Bicycle: Moots MXC Frostbite Is a Titanium XC Masterpiece

Beautiful Bicycle: Moots MXC Frostbite Is a Titanium XC Masterpiece

Written by Nick Sowards, on August 15, 2025

There’s a reason Moots sits at the very top of so many dream bike lists. Hand-built in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, every titanium frame is a masterclass in ride quality, craftsmanship, and timeless style. The new MXC carries that legacy into the modern XC era—progressive geometry, exceptional handling, and the kind of durability you can ride for decades. 

For our latest Beautiful Bicycle showcase, this Contender customer started with the MXC’s ultra-premium Frostbite finish and matched it, piece for piece, with components chosen as much for performance as for visual harmony. From the crisp welds and polished headbadge to the deep blue accents on the RockShox SID SL fork, every detail feels deliberate. The result? A titanium hardtail that’s equal parts race machine and rolling work of art. 

Frame: Titanium, Frostbite, and Moots Magic

As an opening disclaimer, we love this color scheme, full stop. Shimmering like sunlit alpine snow, the Frostbite finish features icy silver and blue touches, shifting subtly with every angle. Up close, the details come alive—perfectly even welds that are a Moots signature, a jewel-like headbadge, and the playful alligator that speaks to the brand’s Colorado roots. Built in small batches, the MXC blends modern XC geometry with the unmatched smoothness only titanium delivers.

Moots MXC hardtail mountain bike, against concrete steps
Frame closeup of Moots MXC hardtail mountain bike, against concrete steps
Frame closeup of Moots MXC hardtail mountain bike, against concrete steps
Headbadge closeup of Moots MXC hardtail mountain bike, against concrete steps

Drivetrain: Wireless and Workhorse-Ready

This MXC runs a SRAM X0 Eagle T-Type AXS drivetrain, delivering crisp, cable-free shifts and rock-solid performance. The PVD-coated Dark Polar X0 Flattop chain, X0 cassette (10–52T), and matching derailleur strike a perfect balance between race-ready efficiency and long-haul durability. A POD Ultimate controller keeps the cockpit streamlined, while the lack of shift cables delivers a clean, simple aesthetic, letting the Frostbite frame steal the show. 

Drivetrain closeup of Moots MXC hardtail mountain bike, against concrete steps
Drivetrain closeup of Moots MXC hardtail mountain bike, against concrete steps
Crank and cassette closeup of Moots MXC hardtail mountain bike, against concrete steps

Suspension: Blue Crush Control

Front suspension comes courtesy of a RockShox SID SL Ultimate Race Day 2 in the striking “Blue Crush” finish—its color perfectly echoing the Frostbite graphics.

Fork closeup of Moots MXC hardtail mountain bike, against concrete steps
Saddle and seatpost closeup of Moots MXC hardtail mountain bike, against concrete steps
Saddle and seatpost closeup of Moots MXC hardtail mountain bike, against concrete steps

Wheels & Tires: Fast Meets Surefooted

Rolling on Zipp 1Zero HiTop SW Carbon wheels, this build pairs lightweight efficiency with confident handling. The Maxxis Rekon 29 x 2.4 EXO+ tires are the sweet spot for modern XC—efficient on climbs yet confident in loose or rocky terrain. To take the guess work out of tire pressure SRAM's TyreWiz is installed front and rear.

Rear wheel closeup of Moots MXC hardtail mountain bike, against concrete steps
Maxxis Rekon tire closeup on Moots MXC hardtail mountain bike, against concrete steps
Zipp carbon wheel and Maxxis Rekon tire closeup on Moots MXC hardtail mountain bike, against concrete steps

Cockpit & Details: The Finishing Touches

Chris King headset crowns the build with jewel-like precision and lifetime smoothness. Up top, ENVE M6 carbon handlebars deliver a lightweight, responsive feel with just the right amount of compliance for all-day rides. Paired with the cable-free AXS controls, the cockpit stays clean, functional, and visually in sync with the Frostbite frame.

Front end cockpit closeup on Moots MXC hardtail mountain bike, against concrete steps
SRAM brakes closeup on Moots MXC hardtail mountain bike, against concrete steps
Chris King headset and stem closeup on Moots MXC hardtail mountain bike, against concrete steps
Handlebar closeup on Moots MXC hardtail mountain bike, against concrete steps

Bottom Line: Built to Last, Built to be Fast

This Moots MXC isn’t just a bike to admire under shop lights—it’s a modern XC machine with the pedigree and parts to handle high-speed racing, big-mile epics, and everything in between. In true Moots fashion, it’s built to be ridden hard, loved for decades, and still look this good doing all of it. 

Moots MXC hardtail mountain bike, against concrete steps

Learn More

Interested in learning more about Moots, the Moots MXC model, or Contender's "pro build" customization offering? Drop by the shop any time, send us a message, or give us a call at (801) 364-0344. 

Spec Table

Component Spec
Frame Moots MXC – Frostbite Finish, Size L
Headset Chris King
Fork RockShox SID SL Ultimate Race Day 2 – Blue Crush, 100mm
Handlebar ENVE M6 Carbon
Drivetrain SRAM X0 Eagle T-Type AXS
Crankset SRAM X0 Eagle
Cassette SRAM X0 Eagle XS-1295, 10–52T
Chain SRAM X0 Eagle T-Type Flattop, Dark Polar PVD
Derailleur SRAM X0 Eagle T-Type AXS
Shifter SRAM AXS POD Ultimate
Seatpost Moots Cinch Post Straight
Wheels Zipp 1Zero HiTop SW Carbon
Tires Maxxis Rekon 29 x 2.4, 3C Maxx Terra, EXO+, WT, Tubeless
Brakes SRAM Level Ultimate
Finish Frostbite Titanium

 


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