With some brand new models, some complete re-vamps, and a slew of updates otherwise, the 2017 Salsa line is looking so nice and riding even better.
Salsa’s history of outlandish ideas that make sense is well documented. Since 2008 and the development of their “Adventure by Bike†concept, Salsa has focused on what riders want and not what riders know, never fearing the unfamiliar.
We know you can ride the Continental Divide on a mountain bike, but you want a carbon, drop-bar 29er Cutthroat if you want to win the Tour Divide. If you are looking to do road rides, you get a road bike of course; but for those who want to hit that gravel fire-road that peels off into the hills halfway along your route, Salsa created the Warbird. You’re going on a self-supported over-nighter and you want to put some seriously shred-able singletrack between you and the X on your map, you want a Fargo with 27+ tires. We all know that if you are looking to ride you can do it on any bike. If you want to have an adventure, you want a Salsa.
The all new Fargo
Perhaps our favorite of the updated bikes for 2017, the Fargo is the original Tour Divide bike. Now outfitted with 27+ wheels and tires and a shorter rear end, this bike handles the choppy stuff better than ever and whips around a switchback more easily too. Meant for bike packing, this bike hangs with the mountain bikes comfortably as well.
We took the Fargo out and gave it all we had. And it replied, “Is that all you got?â€
Updates to the already incredible Cutthroat
Not messing too much with perfection, Salsa kept the Cutthroat frame unchanged for 2017 but introduced some new colors.
A new Cutthroat specific fork cleans up the frame/fork interface, and allows for a clean generator light wire routing via a full length guide through one leg of the fork. Â Nice move, Salsa!
This bike is surprisingly fast on and off road, and capable of carrying all of your gear. If you are looking for something like the Cutthroat, there is no other option.
A new line of Salsa frame packs is en route to our our store as well. Keep an eye out.
Vayas for the masses.
We choose to carry the Vaya because it is a true all-arounder. More fun than a traditional touring bike, more relaxed than a cross bike, and able to go to all the same places, with all of your stuff. Soon to be available in a new entry level spec for $1099!
Watch out for the Warbird
A bike that can keep up on pure road rides, and still peel off when a dirt option presents itself.
Featuring the same Class 5 vibration-reduction system as the Cutthroat with its long, bowed seat stays and vertically flexing chain stays. Salsa is able to tune the flex in the rear end of these frames to give the Warbird the perfect amount of compliance yet remarkable lateral rigidity for that punch you want when hammering. Making for snappy responsiveness and a remarkably smoother ride than anyone expects when hitting the fire-roads of the Headlands.
Marrakesh of your DreamsÂ
Touring? Touring far and self-supported? Well you want to consider a Marrakesh as your steed. Our friend Erik Mathy is taking one of these beauties across the country with a mountain of camera equipment to take photos and raise funds to fight cancer. More on this at picsfordays.com/brains-ride.
If you want to ride the length of Route 66 with all of your supplies and a grip of camera equipment we know you can make it on a traditional touring bike, but if you want to enjoy yourself along the way you need the wheelbase and Cobra Kai tubing used on the Marrakesh.
A new color pallet awaits you, including the very limited Adventure Cycling Association edition. Only available on the ACA auction block.
In our efforts to be well rounded cyclists we felt it necessary to offer those bikes in the Salsa lineup that we don’t generally stock as well. Want to know about these models or look into getting one? We’re your people. Let’s talk.
The Bucksaw
The Woodsmoke. Yes, that rear end is for real. To allow for a tight rear end with 27+ to 29+ tires, Salsa raised the drive side chainstay. Take a look at how close the chainring runs to the rear tire!
Design superiority and handling aside, Salsa is a brand that has always tugged at our heart strings. You always want to love your bike. Find a good match and your Salsa will love you back.
These and other 2017 Salsa models will be hitting the sales floor soon. . .
