The Moots Express gravel bike is Moots’ flat-bar Class 3 eGravel bike with up to 28 mph assistance and clearance for a 50mm tire. This eBike falls somewhere between a 90s MTB, an eBike, and a hybrid. While this seems really odd, it does fit into a nice void. I can definitely see my dad riding riding something like this. It easily gives someone like him the ability to go further, a tad faster, and not exhaust himself so he can do it the next day.
The express rolls on the very same frame and motor system as seen on the drop bar Moots Express, only with a flat bar for those who prefer the more upright pedaling position. Sounds like Moots is going after a new market. That means it has the same generous tire clearance of 700c x 50mm, three water bottle mounts, three-bolt pack mounts on the fork, and new “industry standard” thru-headset cable routing.
The Express Flat Bar is powered by the Shimano EP801 motor and a 504 Wh battery that is removable for ease of charging off the bike. There’s also an in-frame charging port. While the standard EP801 motor delivers a maximum torque of 85 Nm, Moots have had this one retuned such that it gives a maximum of just 60 Nm torque – this helps to prioritize range over acceleraction. Several of brands in the industry are doing this.
As shipped from Moots, the system has two reconfigurable assistance modes. Those are:
- The Explore profile: it offers four assist settings with lower torque ramps, lower peak torque values, and subsequently offers extended range
- The Jaunt profile: it provides three progressive assist settings that create faster torque ramps, higher peak torque values, and as a result has decreased range
The Moots Express Flat Bar: Details
- Equivalent to the Moots Express, only with a flat bar
- Carbon frame
- Class 3 eBike, with assistance up to 28 mph
- Sizes: S-XL (caters to rider heights of 5′ 2″ to 6’5″
- Motor: Shimano EP801
- Battery: 504Wh
- Tire Clearance: 29″ x 2.1″ (700c x 50mm)
- Claimed Weight: 33 lbs (15 kgs)
- Two builds available
- Price: $7,499 USD
- More info: moots.com
Moots Express Flat Bar Model – $7,499 USD
The Express Flat Bar is considerably more affordable than the drop-bar equivalent. In fact, it is a whopping $2,500 cheaper. There are a few good reasons for that.
The original drop-bar model benefits from an 11-speed Shimano Deore XT/Ultegra Di2 drivetrain. The electronic shifting combines with the EP801 motor to deliver the premium Autoshift features, wherein the derailleur shifts the gear ratio in line with the rider’s cadence and torque inputs. It also rolls on Shimano GRX carbon wheels, home to 50 mm Panaracer Gravelking + tires.
The Express Flat Bar model is a little more budget-oriented. It runs a mechanical 1 x 11 speed Shimano Deore drivetrain, and rolls on an FSA AGX i25 wheelset with 2.1″ WTB Nano tires. Learn more at moots.com.
