First off, I HATE that term. Hardcore (hardtail) is in the eye of the beholder Not everyone can hold their own on the "hardcore" trails that the best and most talented users of most bikes ride on, probably using skills most of us can only aspire to emulate. That said, away back in 2018 when I bought my first Moxie, that was definitely the buzz term that everyone was using to describe longer, lower and slacker hardtail bikes.
However be under no illusions. If you want to go there. This bike will most definitely take you!
"steel is real" was another widely used hashtag that was (and is still) circulating at the time too. Though having owned may alloy hardtail frames, at my level of riding and "advancing years" the attraction of owning a steel one was not lost on me. I won't go into why alloy is much less forgiving than steel (especially 4130) so I won't. Instead, to to avoid boring stuff and keep it short, I'll refer you to the Pipedream website to read up on such complexities.
Mostly, I'm only writing this because I really want to tell you how good my bike is.
My very first Moxie was a pink Mx1. You can read my first thoughts on it here. I absolutely loved it but had the same (albeit small) concerns about "stuff" that others had too. I sold that bike after a year solely because I couldn't run the tyres I wanted in the 29" wheel format. That was it, no other reason.
As I moved my way through the the more refined Mx2 onto a "long" Mx3 I find myself now at the (probably final) destination of this absolutely beautiful "longer" 2022 Mx3
So for those that may care, here's the full spec of this pretty special build.
FRAME: Pipedream Moxie Mx3 size longer.
FORK: FOX Float Factory Grip2 160mm.
HEADSET: Cane Creek Forty.
SEATPOST: FOX Transfer dropper 150mm.
WHEELS: Hope Fortus 30mm Pro-4 hubs.
TYRES: Schwalbe Magic Mary / Big Betty.
BRAKES: Shimano Deore XT 4 piston.
ROTORS: Shimano Deore XT RT-86 Ice-Tech. 203mm.
CASSETTE: Shimano Deore 12spd.
CHAIN: Shimano SLX 12spd.
REAR MECH: SRAM AXS wireless.
SHIFTER: SRAM AXS wireless.
CRANK ARMS: SRAM X01 carbon.
SADDLE: SDG.
GRIPS: ODI Vans signature.
HANDLEBARS: Burgtec Alloy.
STEM: Burgtec Enduro Mk3.
PEDALS: Burgtec Penthouse Mk5.
CHAINRING: Burgtec 30t.
REAR AXLE: Burgtec.
FRONT AXLE: Burgtec.
STEM CAP/BOLT: Burgtec.
MUDGUARD: RRP direct mount.
I'd call this a dream build, but I would have added a lighter chain and cassette, but I just ran out of money! A load of stuff came off my old bike, but I got a bit carried away at the Burgtec stand at the Fort William World Cup and then with some help, the guys hooked me up with a full component set in the awesome "Toxic Barbie" colour-way.
Anyway, I actually don't have a reason for writing this entry other than I just wanted to show my new bike off. I am however excited to see how well the SRAM AXS GX performs. It's my first wireless component set barring a really shit experience with early Magura droppers (less said about that the better) But shifts really well so far.
When you have a proven product, a reduced price on said product, then Klarna telling you that it can be more affordable. Then hell, as Tom & Donna said. Treat yo' self!
Doddy did a really good job of trying to destroy it in a GMBN Tech video and I have to say was pretty impressed with every bit of it. I'm not a luddite by any means but I thought it would be a bit longer before a took the plunge. It's a bit of a tightrope buying first generation, innovative technology as it can go bad pretty quickly on occasion. But the evidence seems to suggest that SRAM have got it right first time with this.
I also found a shop selling the upgrade kit for just £395. (RRP £599) So, when you have a proven product, a reduced price on said product, then Klarna telling you that it can be more affordable then hell. As Tom & Donna said. Treat yo' self!
The nerd in me does love the fact that I can trim and customise my gearshifts with a phone app though. If you catch the mech on something, say a rock, stump or some other sturdy object, the mech instantaneously jumps inboard, out of the way then back into the last gear you were in (WTF?) It does look a bit "large" but honestly you just get used to it. I actually had to point it out to most people for them notice it was even there.
Hold the shifter down and it will jump up to 3 gears up or down (or not) which is also programmable, as well as choosing what button does which job. Pretty cool. Chain jangling? Just open the app and trim the servo to stop it. You can also do this from the shifter pod.
If you want to keep the cost down, AXS GX is absolutely 100% compatible with Shimano chains and cassettes.
Also, a useful tit-bit. I had to search the web for compatibility and to try and keep the cost down. AXS is absolutely 100% compatible with Shimano chains and cassettes. I like Shimano pick-up as it shifts better under pressure IMO. SRAM is a little less predictable across the groupset hierarchy with th really cheap ones being pretty bad. Hyperglide is just a little more consistent for me. So if you're Eagle eyed (no pun intended) you'll see ASX shifting with Shimano drivetrain on this bike which is perfect combination for me.
I'm on the longer frame now and It seems ok. I've slid the saddle forward 10mm and the reach when standing seems great as trails get faster and steeper. I haven't messed with the dropout slides yet, but I tend to start at the longest and see how it goes. Time will tell I guess?
Last up is the finishing kit. After I'd been to the Fort William World Cup and bought Toxic Barbie part, there was no turning back. I got the wee discount at the event that everyone got, then contacting the guys at Burgtec afterwards to get the full finishing kit, the gave me a hand to get over the line with a full set of parts. Absolutely amazing.
The ODI Vans limited edition grips are a little thinner than I usually like but they they feel ok and boy do they look pretty! Handlebars are down to 760mm including grips (I live in Innerleithen) and I think that's about it done and dusted!
Not a huge write up, but a small insight into what I did to make this excellent Frame to make it into a spectacular bike. Alan Finlay from Pipedream has always had my back on one way or another so a massive thanks to him. Also, huge respect to him in building a brand that is so low key but popular and really consistent in its message. The fact it has such a huge following and consistant customer base is incredible.
That boys and girls is what you get when your brand integrity and product are strong!
Mox·ie (mŏk′sē) n. | Courage; guts | Aggressive energy; initiative | Skill; know-how.
Thanks for reading. See you out there.
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