In 2027 Salsa Cycles will be celebrating their 45th anniversary as a company, that's impressive. Salsa began building frames in 1982 from his home in Santa Cruz, CA. If the early 80's in Santa Cruz doesn't already give it away - they were mountain bike frames. In the early 80's mountain bike's began to emerge as more than just personal projects. The Specialized Stumpjumper hit the market in 1981 and is considered to be one of the first commercial mountain bikes. Santa Cruz, CA was a hot bed for this new category of riding and Salsa was right there in it.

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Salsa is all about adventure. No matter the surface your adventures take place on, Salsa aims to offer the best bikes and accessories to get you out there. Over the years they've been industry pioneers with bikes like the gravel-race focused Warbird (recently retired and replaced with the new Salsa Flyway), their full carbon fatbike called the Beargrease, drop bar 29er adventure mobiles like the Fargo and Cutthroat, as well as countless other trendsetting, category-mashing bikes. Salsa dares to explore the "what-if's" then put their wild ideas into the world for riders to push the limits of. 

Salsa is a brand that's easy to love. They make bikes that are approachable for the recreational rider and bikes that deliver performance for riders who crave it. There's a deliberate welcoming nature to the brand. The pride they have for the bikes they create is obvious paired with a refreshing lack of ego. 

A Little Nostalgia....

This is a fun buyer's guide to write because the very first mountain bike I purchased for myself was a Salsa Mamasita - a speedy feeling hardtail. As a relatively new MTBer, I used that Mamasita to hang on the best I could in my local WORS series (now owned by Trek). I was fresh into my first job in the cycling industry working as a customer service rep at Saris Cycling Group (Saris, CycleOps, PowerTap), and getting my hands on industry discounts was intoxicating. I tested that Salsa Mamasita's limits before swapping it out for my first full suspension MTB a fews years later.

Tech that Sets Salsa Cycles Apart

Split Pivot Suspension:

This design utilizes a concentric rear axle pivot to isolate pedaling and braking forces from each other.

Split Pivot +:

A suspension system that allows riders to swap suspension travel within a single chassis. Available on Spearfish, Blackthorne, Moraine, Notch, Cassidy.

Flip Chip:

This tech allows you to flip a shock mount hardware to adjust bottom bracket height, head tube angle, and seat tube angle so riders can fine-tune the bike to match their specific ride style or adjust based on the trails of the day. Available on Spearfish, Blackthorne, Notch, Cassidy, Moraine.

Flex-Stay Suspension:

This is a new design specific to Salsa's latest Wanderosa full suspension, electric gravel bike. It's a linkage-driven single pivot design with a flexing frame element in the rear triangle that acts as a pivot normally would, but without the added hardware and material.

In-House cockpit components designed for specific model use: 

Salsa not only makes bikes, but cockpit components as well. They also share a parent company with Whiskey Parts Co., Teravail, 45NRTH, problem solvers, and MSW. This gives them the unique ability to design new parts around models to achieve the exact ride character they're after. If they need a wider drop bar with a unique offset for some new gravel concept - easy.

Built for Adventure:

Every Salsa has adventure in mind. So, every model has mounts for bringing gear and frame protection to handle the rough stuff integrated, even on race-inspired frames like the new Flyway or Warroad. 

Modular Chassis:

A newer strategy Salsa is adopting is the concept of one frame platform that can be manipulated to cater to various ride styles. The latest Blackthorn frame utilizes this idea by allowing riders to customize their suspension travel with the purchase of a small linkage yolk, and of course, a new shock and fork. 

Salsa Mountain Bikes:

Spearfish, Horsethief, Blackthorn, Rangefinder, Timberjack

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Spearfish

Best for: XC Racing, Fast Technical Trails, Bikepacking/Touring
Travel: 120mm front // 120mm rear
Frame Material: Standard or Deluxe Carbon
Wheel Size: 29”
Weight: As light as 25 lb 14 oz (medium - Spearfish C DLX XO Transmission model)

Like most of the industry, Salsa has evolved their Cross Country race bike to blend more travel with more progressive geometry to deliver not just a fast bike, but confident bike. Is it because XC MTB racing is getting more and more technical? Is it because having a bike that feels like a rocket ship that still feels capable on the steep, chunky terrain is a blast. Is it because fewer riders are willing to have a garage full of mountain bikes designed for a very small range of trails?

I imagine a mix of all of the above is at fault for the evolution of modern "down-country". In general, on the spectrum of mountain bikes, the middle section of "all-trail" type bikes is ballooning and when deciding where on that spectrum you'd like your bike to fall, the Salsa Spearfish is clearing caters to the rider wanting to prioritize speed and efficiency. 

Current options for the Salsa Spearfish (new) range from $3999.99 for a Shimano Deore 12spd build to $10,999 for a SRAM X01 Transmission/RockShox Flight Attendant build. It should be noted that the Spearfish comes in two carbon frame options: Standard or Deluxe (saves 250g from the standard frame).

Horsethief

Best for: Moderately technical trails with a mix of up and down
Travel: 120mm front / 140mm rear
Frame Material: carbon 
Wheel Size: 29”
Weight: As light as 30 lb 7 oz (medium - Horsethief C XT model)

The bike finds itself smack dab in the middle of the "all-trail" spectrum. The Horsethief has 120mm of rear suspension, but boasts 140mm of travel up front with a stiffer fork than the Spearfish. The head tube is strangely steeper than other bikes in this category and even steeper than the lesser travel Spearfish. 

I've found Goldilocks to be a contentious term, given that every rider's preference for where that "just right" middle ground is is different, but between the Horsethief, Rustler, and Blackthorn - it's likely that one of these bikes fits the definition for you. Speaking of the Blackthorn, it's rumored that the multiple platforms for the Blackthorn (as well as the increased travel of the Spearfish) are causing the Horsethief to become redundant is likely to be phased out moving forward. Still an incredible bike, but the Blackthorn 125 may be what you're after if you can't seem to find a Horsethief anywhere. I didn't include all the Salsa bikes that appear to be being phased out, however the Horsethief has a cult-like following and we'll continue to buy/sell the Horsethief for some time, so it was grandfathered in.

Blackthorn 125

Best for: The rider who knows they have to climb, but is just dreaming of the downhill the entire time
Travel: 145mm rear / 160mm front
Frame Material: Aluminum or Carbon
Wheel Size: 29"
Weight: As light as 31 lb 13oz (size medium Blackthorn 145 C XO Transmission)

I'll be honest, I find it strange when brands do this. There's really nothing wrong with it, but it's similar to how Toyota has the Corolla and the Corolla Cross, two very different vehicles - Toyota just wanted to lean into the Corolla's name recognition. Maybe that's the case here? I'm not sure. It seems like if Salsa wanted to do that they would have leaned into the Horsethief name. Trek recently adopted it with their Fuel lineup and Specialized has done it with the Stumpjumper for years. Maybe it makes sense and I'm the outlier. 

Inconsequential opinions aside, the Blackthorn 145 is a badass bike. On the spectrum of our all-trail rigs, the Blackthorn 145 leans on the side of the rider who knows they have to pedal occasionally, but is just dreaming of the downhill the entire climb. 

I enjoy both parts of the ride equally - some would accuse me of possibly enjoying the climb even more than the descent. If choosing between Blackthorns, I'd pick the 125. My cohort Owen is an Enduro maniac and often makes me question the laws of physics - he'd choose the 145. 

Rangefinder

Best for: Newer mountain bikers dipping their toes in the sport, comfy/capable commuter
Travel: 120mm
Frame Material: Aluminum 
Wheel Size: 29"
Weight: As low as 30 lb 12 oz (medium - Deore 11)

It's easy to underestimate the importance of a bike like the Rangefinder. Bikes like the Rangefinder are the gateway for many new trail riders and sets them on a path of loving an entire new sport or category of cycling. The Rangefinder takes the basics and executes them well. Looking for a nice little upgrade to help you feel more confident on the trails? Add a dropper post, if the model you chose didn't come with one. 

You can get your hands on a Rangefinder from $1099-$1399 MSRP, but there are plenty of sale Rangefinders under $1k currently, including at theproscloset.com

Timberjack

Best for: Rowdy riders not wanting the added expense or maintenance of a full-suspension
Travel: 140mm
Frame Material: Aluminum
Wheel Size: 29"
Weight: 32lb 13oz (medium - Eagle 70 Transmission 29)

The Timberjack is the slacker, bigger travel hardtail option from Salsa. A 140mm front travel fork, 66degree head tube angle, short chainstays, and aggressive 2.5" 29er tires make the Timberjack a super nimble, playful hardtail. Great for riders pursuing more technical trails that don't want a full suspension bike. Hardtails are less expensive, weigh less than a comparable spec'd full suspension, and require less maintenance. The top end Timberjack build from Salsa is $2199, which gives you a SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission build, a decent fork, wheels, and dropper post. For comparison - the Blackthorn 125 (full-suspension) with a similar build and aluminum frame is $3499. 

The Timberjack is a great choice for beginner to intermediate riders who know they're going to explore more technical riding and want a bike their skills won't quickly outgrow. A great value. 

Salsa Gravel / Touring Bikes

Flyway, Warbird, Cutthroat, Stormchaser, Fargo, Journeyer, Vaya

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Has there been a brand more influential on gravel for as long as Salsa? If so, not many. Salsa hasn't been afraid to push boundaries and set trends with bikes like the Warbird - considered one of the first dedicated gravel race bikes or the Steel Fargo - one of the first drop-bar 29ers. For most of our bike buyer's guides Gravel, Road, and Touring would be divided into different sections, however Salsa's lineup blurs the lines. Models certainly lean a little further one way, but all fall somewhere 

Flyway

Photo Credit: Salsa Cycles

Best for: Gravel racers, riders who want their gravel bike to pull double-duty gravel & road
Travel: None
Frame Material: Standard or Deluxe Carbon
Wheel Size: 700c
Weight: 17 lbs 11oz (medium/large - Flyway C DLX Red XPLR) 

Over a decade ago Salsa bet big on gravel racing and broke barriers with the Warbird - the first race-focused gravel bike at the time. Fast forward to 2026 and we're treated with an entirely new gravel-race platform from the storied brand: The Flyway.

Whether you've participated or not, it's likely you've paid witness to the evolution of gravel racing. Some courses are buttery smooth, some bordering on chunky singletrack. The pros are pushing paces to incredible speeds and participation of riders simply looking to conquer new distances on ribbons of gravel roads are inspiring. 

Warbird

Best for: Fast Gravel, Riders looking for a great balance of comfort, stability, and speed on gravel
Travel: N/A
Frame Material: Carbon
Wheel Size: 700c
Weight: 19lb 1oz (Size 56cm Warbird C Force AXS Wide)

The Salsa Warbird introduced the concept a bike capable of going fast on gravel in 2012. At the time, most riders were pushing the limits of their cyclocross tire clearance and drooling over the capabilities of 35mm tires while simultaneously being terrified of the perceived efficiency loss of wider tires. Disc brakes, especially on a bike with drop bars, were quite foreign looking - riders were skeptical.

Salsa initially launched the Warbird in an Aluminum and Titanium option, but with quick industry adoption, the Warbird evolved rapidly. To this day the Warbird is a great choice for gravel riders looking for a great balance of stability, speed, and comfort. There are faster gravel bikes and there are more comfortable gravel bikes. However, most riders don't have the luxury of stocking a garage full of hyper-focused gravel rigs depending on what type of gravel roads they're exploring. For those riders, the Warbird strikes a great middle ground that'll perform well at a wide range of gravel.

Cutthroat

Best for: Comfort Gravel, Adventuring, Bike-Packing, Chunky Gravel Roads
Travel: Rigid or Optional 100mm Front Travel
Frame Material: Carbon
Wheel Size: Optimized for 29er
Weight: 23lb 13oz (56cm Salsa Cutthroat C Rival GX AXS Transmission)

The Cutthroat is another game changer in the cycling industry. This gravel bike isn't intended for everyone, but works incredibly well for the rider it is intended for. It's optimized around 29er wheels and boasts tire width clearance up to 2.4". For gravel folks more familiar with width in millimeters, that's nearly 61mm wide! 

No, it's not the lightest gravel bike at the party, but for big adventures, riders will appreciate the weight penalty for all the added features and comfort. 

Stormchaser

Best for: Single Speed fanatics, gravel races that turn to a mud-fest, commuter
Travel: N/A
Frame Material: Aluminum
Wheel Size: 700c
Weight: 21lb (56cm Single Speed)

Salsa debuted the Stormchaser at Midsouth 2020 as an option for gravel racers who were tired of destroying drivetrains and wearing through carbon frames racing gravel courses notorious for sticky, peanut buttery mud. I was there that year, the bike was a head-turner! And, what a year to debut it.

Watching Instagram and Strava updates from riders I knew racing the course that year it became less about seeing their finish times and more about seeing how much of the course they were able to survive - whether it was their body or their bike tossing in the flag. Impressively, there were 2 people I knew that year that were riding on the new Stormchaser and they made it impressively far. 

The bike initially debuted as a single speed bike only, leaning into the concept of removing as many potential mechanical mishaps as possible. A rigid, single speed, metal bike with mechanical disc brakes. That build is still available, but they've also added geared options with available dropper posts and front suspension as well. Whichever configuration you choose, the frame features reinforcements inside the fork to protect from mud build up, a threaded bottom bracket to limit issues, an absence of any proprietary components/sizes, and a super sturdy aluminum frame with gear mounts throughout. 

Like many of the bikes in Salsa's catalog, the Stormchaser is super unique and fills a void in the cycling industry. 

Fargo

Best for: The Adventurer 
Travel: 
Frame Material: Steel & Titanium
Wheel Size: 29", but keep an eye out for 32" soon....
Weight: 27lb (Medium - Salsa Fargo Apex S1000 AXS Transmission)

Salsa's first production drop-bar 29er was the Fargo. It was made for big adventure days like the 3,000 mile tour-divide. As with many Salsa's, it was a bike that received some skeptical side-eyes at first, but would be later credited with igniting an industry trend of drop-bar mountain bikes.

If you're into big-time adventures that feature a mix of the unknown, the Fargo is probably your jam - especially if you plan to haul a lot of gear! For ultimate durability and reliability, the Fargo is available in steel or titanium frames.

More than just a rumor.... Salsa's website indicates that a 32" wheeled version is coming soon. While change is hard, I'm far more willing and excited to adapt to 32" wheels than AI or crypto. 

Journeyer

Best for: Touring, Casual Gravel, Commuting
Travel: N/A
Frame Material: Aluminum
Wheel Size: 700c or 650b
Weight: 23lb 2oz (55cm Salsa Journeyer GRX 610)

The Journeyer is built for adventure, but also just as happy as your dependable daily commuter. It has a reliable aluminum frame, efficient 700c wheels, and copious gear mounts whether you're packing a change of clothes and lunch for the office or a few nights worth of a bikepacking setup. 

The Journeyer is available in both a drop-bar and flat-bar configuration. 

Vaya

Best for: Light touring, commuting
Travel: N/A
Frame Material: Steel
Wheel Size: 700c
Weight: 25lbs (55cm Salsa Vaya GRX 600)

The Salsa Vaya delivers the silky smooth ride of a steel frame with the ability to haul plenty of gear and a comfortable upright posture in a super affordable package. 

In so many situations simple-done-right is what you need, but is oddly hard to find. In this arena, the Salsa Vaya delivers.

Salsa Road Bikes

Warroad

Best for: Endurance Road, Century road rides, rough pavement, roadies looking for a slightly more upright posture
Travel: N/A
Frame Material: Carbon Deluxe
Wheel Size: 700c
Weight: 18 lb 6 oz (56cm - Salsa Warroad C Ultegra Di2)

The Salsa Warroad is the brands contribution to the extremely popular "Endurance Road Bike" category. It delivers on many of the performance aspects of a traditional road bike, but with a more upright posture, longer wheelbase, and enough clearance for 32mm tires. These features all come together to deliver a buttery smooth ride, so you can ride longer. 

Salsa E-Bikes

Wanderosa, Confluence, Notch, Tributary, Moraine

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Wanderosa

Best for: Big adventure days, chunky gravel
Travel: 110mm rear / 120mm front
Frame Material: Carbon
Wheel Size: 29"
Weight: 38lb 2oz (large - Salsa Wanderosa C X0 Force AXS Transmission)

E-Bike Stats:

e-bike Class: 3 (28mph Max Speed)

Motor: Fazua Ride 60 bottom bracket mounted / 450W / 60Nm max torque 

Battery: Fazua Energy Li-ion 480Wh 

What the heck isn't this Frankenstein of a bike made for? Well, other than anything on the road, of course. Salsa is so dang good at taking bold risks and pushing bikes into the world that we're very unfamiliar with seeing and often times they're just ahead of the times and we (the cycling community) don't truly appreciate it until years later when the industry adopts it and every brand follows suit with their own version. Saying the Wanderosa looks WILD is an understatement, however, it feels like we've been here before - many times. 

Sure, full suspension gravel bikes aren't new. But, how about full-suspension, carbon, gravel, class 3 e-bikes, with 29er wheels? The fact that this bike comfortably sits under 40lbs in an X0 Transmission build is astonishing. 

People love to adventure and e-bikes have proven their place in the industry. For riders wanting to extend their adventures, bring lots of gear, tackle various terrain, and feel dang comfortable doing it - check out the Salsa Wanderosa.

Confluence

Best for: extending your gravel ride, commuting, comfy bike path rides
Travel: N/A or up to 40mm suspension fork
Frame Material: Aluminum
Wheel Size: 700c
Weight: 32lb 2oz (55cm - Salsa Confluence GRX 600 2x)

E-Bike Stats:

e-bike Class: 1 (20mph)

Motor: MAHLE X30 Hub drive / 250W / 45Nm max torque 

Battery: Lithium Ion 237Wh 

Think of this as a Salsa Journeyer with a very generous tailwind. The Salsa Confluence is great for extending your gravel ride or a comfy electric commuter. It features a lightweight e-bike design from Mahle that keeps the profile sleek, the weight minimal, and helps you see more on your ride or get you to where you want to be, quicker. Like most Salsa bikes, it has plenty of mounts for racks, fenders, and gear to ensure nothing gets left behind for whatever the adventure of the day brings.

Salsa currently offers the Confluence in a flat-bar or drop-bar design.

Notch

Best for: riders who like steep technical descents and want their own personal shuttle service to the top 
Travel: 170mm rear / 180mm front
Frame Material: Carbon (Aluminum on older models)
Wheel Size: 29"
Weight: 49lb 2oz (medium Salsa Notch C GX Eagle Transmission)

E-Bike Stats:

e-bike Class: 1 (20mph)

Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX / 600W / 85Nm max torque 

Battery: Bosch PowerTube 625Wh lithium ion 

Go Big. 

With massive amounts of suspension and an aggressively slack head tube paired with a 600w Bosch Performance Line motor, the Salsa Notch is your personal lift ticket to big DH lines. The Bosch system will levitate you up climbs so you can session your favorites trails over and over and over again. 

Tributary

Best for: Long journeys on the open road or the road less traveled
Travel: Rigid or 120mm front
Frame Material: Aluminum or Carbon
Wheel Size: 29"
Weight: 43lb 6oz (Medium Salsa Tributary C X0 AXS Sus)

E-Bike Stats:

e-bike Class: 3 (28mph)

Motor: Bosch Performance Line Speed / 600W / 85Nm max torque 

Battery: Bosch PowerTube 625Wh lithium ion 

The Salsa Tributary is made for exploring. This drop bar 29er gravel bike is available as either a fully rigid frame or optional 120mm front suspension fork. It's the perfect vehicle for leaving the house and feeling confident that no matter what terrain you encounter, you'll be ready. Road, gravel, single track - you're all set. The massive Bosch Power Line Speed motor delivers an assist up to 28mph, so you can get out and see more.

Moraine

Best for: All-Mountain riders wanting a little extra boost in a lighter weight, quieter platform 
Travel: 145 rear / 160mm front
Frame Material: Aluminum or Carbon
Wheel Size: 29"
Weight: 44lb 3 oz (Size Medium - Salsa Moraine C X0 Transmission)

E-Bike Stats:

e-bike Class: 1 (20mph)

Motor: Fazua Ride 60 / 450W / 60Nm max torque 

Battery: Fazua Energy 480Wh lithium ion 

If you're thinking, "looks an awful lot like an electrified Blackthorn 145", you'd be right. When comparing the numbers, the Moraine and Blackthorne 145 are pretty dang close to identical in geometry, suspension, and wheel size. That means, the Moraine delivers versatile "all-mountain" riding that'll conquer technical descents and make the climbs a breeze.

The Moraine features a sleek Fazua Ride 60 center mount motor that'll act as your own personal shuttle service to the top - if you want it to. Or, keep the assist low and get the HR elevated, but feel like you ate your Wheaties that morning. 

Salsa Fat Bikes

Beargrease, Heyday!

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Beargrease

Best for: Speedy, lightweight snow adventures or racing. Also on sand, for the coastal riders
Travel: Rigid
Frame Material: Carbon
Wheel Size: 27.5", 26",  29"+
Weight: 31lb 0oz (size medium Salsa Beargrease Deore)

Fat Bikes have existed for awhile, but Salsa's sister company, Surly, was the first to bring Fat Bikes framesets to market for the general consumer in 2005. Shortly after that, in 2010, Surly and Salsa delivered the first full build fat bikes to market. Shortly after, in 2012, the Salsa Beargrease was created. The Beargrease was designed with the idea of racing fast bikes, or at least going faster on them. Prior fat bike designs were slacked back with almost a cruiser attitude in mind. 

The Salsa Beargrease is still one of the best options for riders looking for a quick, efficient fat bike whether you're racing or just want the bike to feel quicker. It also has plenty of mounts whether you're taking on the Iditarod Fat Bike Race or headed out for a few days in the backcountry. 

If you haven't caught the trend, yet, Salsa is frequently at the forefront of new ideas. Influencing new categories in the cycling world and breaking down barriers for other brands to catapult from. The imagination at Salsa knows no bounds. 

Heyday!

Best for: Adventures and Versatility
Travel: Rigid
Frame Material: Carbon or Aluminum
Wheel Size: 26", 27.5", 29"+
Weight: 31 lbs 9oz (Medium Salsa Heyday! C Deore 12)

The Salsa Heyday! is a more traditional fatbike. Still light and efficient, but with a more laid back geometry than the Beargrease. The Heyday! is a great option for riders less concerned with speed and efficiency. Great for riders wanting more stability, a quicker ability to place a foot on the ground through slippery corners or deep powder, or a more upright posture for longer adventures. 

Conclusion

For decades, Salsa Cycles hasn't just been at the forefront of trends, they've been setting them. A brand with a strong passion for designing bikes with a clear rider in mind. Every design and detail in a Salsa bike has a purpose (and often times that purpose is adventure). It's refreshing when brands have a distinct personality and create bikes that express their passion. If Salsa hasn't been on your radar before or you haven't browsed their lineup in awhile, I'd highly recommend checking them out. 

Used bikes are cool. You give a new life to someone else’s past flame, and the savings make them even easier to love. Every bike we sell at TPC goes through a meticulous inspection and tune to ensure it's dialed and ready for its next adventure. All our bikes are also backed by our 30-day return policy and Guaranteed BuyBack program. 

If you still have questions about Salsa or any other bike on our site, our Ride Guides are always stoked to geek out on gear. Or, visit us Monday through Saturday at our Thornton CO showroom to see and test ride any bike on our site. It's the easiest place to shop used bikes in the Front Range of Colorado with more than 50 brands and hundreds of bikes in stock ready to test ride.