New Specs & Colors for 2018
We’re excited to introduce the new 2018 specs and colors for Vaya, Warbird, Cutthroat, Fargo, Timberjack, and Woodsmoke.
Our Product Managers and Creative Designers thoughtfully appoint components and colors that enrich the rider experience and speak to the spirit of each platform.
How thoughtfully? I asked Joe Meiser and Justin Steiner from Product, and Collin Grant and Kelly MacWilliams from Design to share a little bit about what went into each model lineup and why.
For over ten years, Vaya has kept the “road” part of road biking open to interpretation. With a comfortable and forgiving steel frame and stable geometry, Vaya is ready for a gravel race, backroad exploration, or light touring. Vaya takes the restraints off your average road bike.
Justin – “For 2018, Vaya gets wider range adventure gearing, 48/32 in front with an 11/34 in back, and a clutch rear derailleur for precise shifting on rougher terrain. We understand the need for comfort and control in these conditions, so we approach the cockpit layout with tried and true touchpoints like our short-reach, 12-degree flared Cowbell handlebar. Tubeless ready rims and big tires also help take the edge off the ride and add to the amount of time you’ll be able to spend out.”
Collin – “A versatile machine capable of handling any road, the Vaya graphic represents the one constant of the experiences it’s designed for—the open sky.”
Vaya Apex – Charcoal or Orange - $1,799, Frame $799
Vaya Tiagra – Mint or Red - $1,399
When the gravel route could include mud, wind, rain, and rocks of every size and shape, but speed is first and foremost on your mind, Warbird is always the best answer. Our Class 5 Vibration Reduction System, rough surface-friendly geometry, and tire clearance make Warbird the gravel racing leader.
Joe – “Tubeless ready wheels across the line with 40mm Maxxis Rambler EXO reinforced casing tires, upgraded performance wheelsets from DT Swiss and SUNringlé, Cowbell handlebars and Guide Carbon seatposts all speak to the intent of Warbird—maximum performance and comfort over long, intense days on gravel. We’re stoked to bring in new price points too, that will allow more people to enjoy this constantly growing segment of competition.”
Kelly: “A geometric and abstracted wheat graphic is inspired by the sights viewed in the environments of so many of the renowned gravel races like Almanzo and Dirty Kanza—the windswept terrain of rolling farm fields.”
Warbird Carbon Ultegra – Hot Red - $4,299, Frame $1,999
Warbird Carbon Rival – Raw Carbon - $3,299
Warbird Carbon Apex 1 – Matte Sand - $2,499
Warbird Apex 1 – Matte Gray - $1,999
Initially crafted for the Tour Divide Race, Cutthroat’s rough-stuff capability in the longest, burliest any-road events has made it a favorite amongst the endurance racing crowd. With features engineered to cover big demanding distances quickly, comfortably, and efficiently, Cutthroat is a tough bike to beat when the race might include multiple sunrises.
Joe – “Knowing the kinds of situations many Cutthroat riders will put their bikes in, we made comfort, simplicity, and reliability our top goals for spec. Tubeless ready wheelsets with durable Maxxis Icon EXO Casing 2.2″ tires, 1x drivetrains, and our incredible Cowchipper adventure handlebars helped us get there. The Cutthroat fork has nice touches too like Three-Pack mounts for extra layers or food, and internal dynamo wire routing so riders with the grit to do so can ride long into the night.”
Kelly – “As a race endurance rig, we choose colors that carried energy, vibrancy, and the feeling of speed. Details like the Tour Divide route map on the downtube, and bar tape icons with symbols of what you’re sure to encounter while racing that route are there to help you keep the momentum up.”
Cutthroat Carbon Force 1 – Silver Fade - $4,299, Frame $1,999
Cutthroat Carbon Rival 1 – Blue/Yellow - $3,299
Cutthroat Carbon Apex 1 – Red/Dark Orange - $2,499
salsacycles.com/bikes/cutthroat
Fargo is the drop bar mountain bike for those who like to say yes to any ride whether it’s on minimum maintenance roads, rustic country byways, or high mountain singletrack. With the responsiveness of steel or Ti, off-road capable geometry, and the multiple hand positions of drop bars, Fargo is a tool for most any cycling task.
Justin – “Versatility is the name of the game for adventure riding, and Fargo has it in spades. Multiple bikepacking or touring gear mounting options, room for 27.5″ or 29″ or 29+ wheels and tires, and Alternator 1.5 dropouts for a smorgasbord of drivetrain choices. Spec-wise we added clutch Rival and GX rear derailleurs for their rugged quality, tubeless ready WTB Rangers, and as always, our ever popular Woodchipper handlebar.”
Kelly – “Fargo’s look and graphic icons are drawn from the wild; visual elements that remind you of the kind of terrain and critters you and Fargo could, and should, find yourself around.”
Fargo Ti Frame/Carbon Firestarter Fork – Raw - $2,499
Fargo Rival 1 27.5+ - Purple - $2,299, Frame $899
Fargo GX 29 – Cream or Forest Service Green - $1,799
Timberjack is our aluminum hardtail mountain bike that’s equally at home on singletrack or bikepacking to places you’ve yet to discover. Whether you roll on 29″ or 27.5+ wheels and tires, its super-short chainstays give Timberjack plenty of get up and go, and Alternator Dropouts facilitate diverse drivetrain setups. Timberjack is the modern interpretation of everything that makes hardtails awesome.
Justin – “This year we focused more on dialing in the cockpit—750mm Salt Flat bars on XS and SM, a 750mm Rustler on the MD, with 800mm Rustler on the LG and XL. The long/low/slack trail geometry will appeal to new and veteran riders alike for the finesse and control it offers. Internal cable routing options, three water bottle mounts, Alternator 1.0 dropouts, and rear rack compatibility all encourage custom tailoring to many situations. We also brought in two new price points due to popular demand—a higher-end Shimano SLX build and a SRAM NX1 build.”
Collin – “The natural look of woodgrain is integrated into the Salsa logo on the downtube as well as the rear seatstay to encourage you to go for a rip through the forest.”
Ti Frame – Raw - $2,299
Timberjack SLX 1x11 27.5+ - Lime - $1,699
Timberjack GX1 27.5+ - Silver or Matte Charcoal - $1,399, Frame $399
Timberjack NX1 27.5+ - Orange - $1,099
Timberjack NX1 29 – Blue - $999
salsacycles.com/bikes/timberjack
Woodsmoke is our carbon hardtail mountain bike that comes in three wheel size flavors; the punchy grip and agility of 27.5+, the XC speed of 29″, or the momentum and rollover of 29+. Fully modern trail bike geometry with ultra-short chainstays and a stiff and light chassis that features Alternator 2.0 dropouts allow for multiple drivetrain options. The large front triangle welcomes all the gear you need for backcountry trips. If you’re looking for one hardtail to accompany you on all your singletrack missions, Woodsmoke should be at the top of your list.
Joe – “As with Timberjack, we took the same approach to touchpoints with appropriate-to-size bar widths. 140mm forks are matched up with 27.5″ tires with 120mm on the 29ers and 29+ for a great front end feel on the trail. Wide range cassettes and killer tubeless ready tires from WTB and Maxxis will add to the capability of Woodsmoke whether the rider is racing, bikepacking, or just getting out for some good old-fashioned mountain biking.”
Collin: “Clean graphic details and a bold color mask highlight the technical features of the frame and its unique shape.”
Woodsmoke Carbon X01 Eagle 27.5+ - Matte Maroon/Navy - $4,299
Woodsmoke Carbon SLX 29+ - Matte Green/Gray - $3,199
Woodsmoke Carbon SLX 27.5+ - Orange-Red/Gold - $3,199
Woodsmoke NX1 29 – Black/Teal - $2,199, Frame $1,499
salsacycles.com/bikes/woodsmoke
Viewing the new models in person for the first time is always an exciting event here at Salsa HQ, and we hope you like what you see. Please visit the product pages via the above links for complete information.