Notch C Deore 12

Notch uses the Bosch Performance Line CX mid-drive smart system. This system features a motor built into the bike’s bottom bracket, powered by a battery in the bike’s downtube. The Bosch Performance Line CX system delivers up to 85Nm of torque and is paired with a Bosch 625Wh PowerTube 625 battery. This is a Class 1 system that only provides electric assist up to 20mph / 32kph*.

For more information, visit our Why Bosch? page.

Learn more about Performance Line CX and the Bosch smart system here.

The Bosch Flow app (free in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store) bolsters the dynamic ebike ride experience. The app offers mode customization, ride tracking, route planning with navigation, and the Bosch eBike Lock feature.

Custom riding modes allow you to adjustment of the support or assist sensitivity, plus the dynamic power output for the Eco, Tour+, eMTB, and Turbo modes.

The ride tracking feature maps your routes so you can save them in both GPX and FIT file formats. The app also displays riding time, distance, average speed, average power, cadence, and elevation profile data. Real-time firmware updates are also available directly in the app.

The Bosch Smart System with Performance Line CX provides active and sporty support with the option to open up the power output in eMTB and Turbo modes. The system offers dynamic modes with intuitive controls for class-leading trail performance. When new to the system, it is important to familiarize yourself with the system and operation for best ride experience.

To switch the system on, briefly press the On/Off button on the top tube controller. After the start animation, the battery’s state of charge is displayed in color with the battery charge indicator on the display. The assistance level is indicated by the color of the LED display. The ebike is now ready to ride.

All Notch models include the Bosch Mini Remote Bluetooth handlebar controller. Using the handlebar controller, briefly press the "+” or “-“ buttons to increase or decrease assistance mode. The mode can also be switched using the "+/- button on the System Controller located on the top tube of the bicycle. Briefly press the mode button to increase assistance. Press and hold the mode button for longer than one second to decrease the assistance. The assistance level can be changed at any time during the ride. To switch off the ebike, press and hold the On/Off button briefly until the battery charge indicator and the assist mode LED go out. The system switches off automatically after being stationary for approximately 10 minutes.

To engage walk assist, press and hold the walk button (same as "-") on the handlebar controller for more than one second until charge indicator goes out. A white moving light in the direction of travel shows when push assist has been activated. Within the next ten seconds, push the ebike forward or backward. The drive will begin to push and the white LED bars will turn blue. Release the push assistance button to pause. Reactivate within 10 seconds by pressing the walk assist button.

Notch features four Bosch assist levels. Mode is indicated by the color of the assist level LED at the forward part of the display. A green light indicates "ECO" mode, providing effective support with maximum efficiency and range. A blue light indicates "TOUR+" mode, offering dynamic support for normal and extended riding. A purple light indicates "eMTB" mode, optimized for trail performance with rapid acceleration and improved dynamics. A red light indicates "TURBO" mode, for maximum support on the most challenging terrain and hottest hot laps.

Each blue bar on the battery charge indicator display represents 20% capacity and each white bar represents 10% capacity. For example if three blue bars and one white bar are displayed, the state of charge is between 61% and 70%. The battery is at maximum capacity when all five bars are illuminated blue. When charge is below 30%, the display changes to orange. When charge is below 10%, the display changes to red. The display will flash red when the battery is down to reserve or no charge.

For a visual diagram of the system controls and operations and complete instructions, please see the Notch Bosch Instructions found on salsacycles.com

For complete instructions, please visit the Bosch help center and download the Model year 2024 Owner's manual for CX | Cargo | CX Race Edition | Speed drive unit and the User Manual System Controller | Mini Remote.

Ebike range depends on many factors, including rider and equipment weight, weather conditions, route choice, assist level, and more. Bosch’s Range Calculator offers the most accurate range estimate possible. Click through the tabs on the right to customize your inputs. Input rider, terrain, and environmental conditions that best apply to you. In the “eBike” tab, adjust the settings as follows:

Drive: Performance Line CX
Battery: PowerTube 625
Type of bicycle: Mountain eBike (eMTB)
Tire tread: MTB tires (Enduro)

The Bosch PowerMore 250 range-extender battery (sold separately) can extend Notch’s range for those that want to ride further on a single charger.

No. Notch is a class 1 eMTB with a maximum pedal-assist speed of 20 mph / 32 km/h. The Performance CX Smart System has an integrated speed sensor. You will find a small magnet installed at the rear wheel at the valve that must be present for the system to function.

The bike can exceed 20 mph pedaling un-assisted past the system threshold. This most commonly occurs while descending.

The Notch frame accommodates up to a 29 x 2.6" rear tire. Front tire clearance is determined by the fork — please follow the manufacturer's guidelines. All Notch stock forks offer ample clearance for 29 x 2.6" tires.

2.3" is our minimum recommended 29" tire size. However, we have found that Notch generally rides best with 29 x 2.5–2.6" tires. Enduro-rated mountain tires with additional protection or reinforcement are a great place to start, given Notch's capabilities and intended use.

Notch is compatible with mixed-wheel setups. For a Notch with 160mm of rear travel, we recommend a minimum 27.5 x 2.5" rear tire paired with a 29 x 2.5–2.6" front tire. We also recommend a minimum 170mm-travel fork (584mm axle-to-crown) and 165mm maximum crank arm length for mixed-wheel set ups. All Salsa full-suspension bikes should be run in the Default "DEF" flip chip position for mixed wheel sizes. Save the "LOW" flip chip position for a more stable ride feel with full 29" wheel configurations. We do not recommend use of a 27.5" front wheel with Notch.

Find shock setup instructions here. All Salsa full-suspension frames are designed for 30% sag at the rear suspension. Notch with a 205 x 65mm shock at 160mm of rear wheel travel should be run at 19.5mm of sag, as measured when seated on the bike in your pedaling position.

For service, please consult your local Salsa dealer recommendations and follow the suspension manufacturer's recommended service intervals and procedures. Your components will last longer and your bike will perform better when you keep up with the recommended service.

Basic shock and fork service is recommended after every 50 hours of use. Damper and spring service is recommended every 200 hours. Fork stanchions and shock body can be wiped clean with soft, clean towel for best results.

We have intentionally tuned shocks included with Notch models for the performance and support needed for this travel class of eMTB. We cannot guarantee satisfactory results using a non-OEM spec shock.

That said, it's your bike and we're here to support you. Please follow the portion of the Notch travel conversion instructions applicable to rear shock compatibility and installation. Out of the box, Notch utilizes a Trunnion-mount metric standard 205 x 65mm shock with no body eyelet bushing, attached with lower shock link for 160mm travel.

With our Split Pivot+ methodology, Notch is capable of running 160mm to 180mm of rear wheel travel. Please find the Notch travel conversions here.

In summary, to increase travel from 160mm, you'll need a 205 x 65mm shock, a 225mm body Trunnion-mount shock with 67.5 to 75mm of stroke with standard eyelet bushing. The lower shock link extension is removed and in favor of commonly available Ø8 x 35.0mm reducer hardware to mount directly to the lower shock mount on the frame.

For any shock and travel changes, we recommend consulting your local Salsa dealer for their expertise on alternate shock compatibility and performance.

Yes, Notch boasts a progressive leverage rate that provides ample end-stroke support for coil shocks. Please refer to the Notch travel conversions here for more details.

We select and design pivot hardware appropriate to the use case of our frames. That said, it is not uncommon for pivot bolts to loosen with time or more intense use.

Check pivots regularly to ensure they are secured to proper torque specification printed on the bolt head. If you notice play at any of the pivot points, check to ensure they are properly torqued to specification or bring the bike to your local Salsa dealer for service. If bearings are seized or there is slop between the inner and outer bearing race, they should be replaced.

Frame bearings wear with use. Check bearings for smooth operation at least annually, more often depending on frequency and riding environment. Bearing types, dimensions, and quantities can be found in the frame specification section. All of our suspension frame service instructions, service procedures, and torque specifications can be found here.

No, we do not offer touch up paint. Hobby shops or automotive stores are excellent places to find paint. We suggest you test the paint on a scrap piece of metal before using it on your frame.

Stop riding your frame immediately and take it to the nearest Salsa authorized dealer for inspection. A dented or cracked tube represents a structural weakening of the frame, and is a safety risk.

Please see our warranty page here.

The battery is designed to be removed only by a bike shop for service.