“Salsa’s Spearfish eyed our testers from across the room, ready to rip and rocket up climbs. But we were suspicious of the 80-millimeter-rear-travel bike’s intentions. Once we got on trail, though, all preconceived notions regarding Salsa and the Spearfish evaporated as we got to hammering and discovered the true nature of this lean machine.”
-BIKE Magazine Video Review - January 2014

“Our test trails for the Spearfish were typical of those found throughout the Midwest—loamy in spots, greasy in spots, cluttered with small rocks and roots, lacking in substantial elevation changes and quasi-trialsy at times—and the Spearfish handled everything superbly.”
-BIKE Magazine – July 2013

“Salsa set out to improve suspension performance, increase frame stiffness and incorporate more progressive geometry, while keeping the intended use—endurance racing —firmly intact.”
-BikeRadar – June 2013

“My Spearfish ride was quite a bit shorter but was long enough to tell the bike is indeed more of a race machine. The suspension was still impressive, but in a smaller package that wants to charge on the flats and climbs more than anything. Shorter chainstays are immediately noticeable and result in a 29er that is fun to flick around and slash corners.”
-BikeRumor – July 2013

“Out on the trail, it was quickly clear to me the Spearfish will nicely fulfill it’s intended mission of helping rider’s endure long hours in the saddle. Though I wouldn’t describe this bike’s suspension as plush, it is responsive when pedaling and offers great traction over roots and rocks. This is a hard-edge tool for covering ground with speed and efficiency, not a cushy trail steed—exactly what Salsa set out to build.”
-Dirt Rag – June 2013

“I got some serious saddle time on the Spearfish XX1, and front the moment I swung my leg over this bike I had an ear-to-ear grin. Some bikes are just perfect for certain people, and the way this Spearfish felt – from the fit to its uncanny ability to accelerate – I knew this bike was tailor made for my riding style.”
-MTBR – June 2013

“Steve and I logged some 25 miles on tight, twisting singletrack, and by the time we looped back to the car, I’d decided that the Spearfish was every bit as capable a race bike as anything on the market.”
-Outside Magazine – August 2013

““…Salsa has really stepped things up. With competent suspension, neat welding and lovely finishes, Salsa has moved into the big league.”
-Singletrack – July 2013