The weight savings may be worth it for a few folks. But if you want more cushion in the tire area, the bike can accommodate up to 3 wide tires in both 27.5 and 29 wheel sizes (the x-small frame size does have some limitations on the 29 plus tire sizes so be sure to check with Salsa when figuring out what tire you can run). I immediately felt at home on the Cutthroat. The original 2015 Cutthroat was designed to conquer that route as quickly as possible, while being fully self-sufficient. The title, 983,000 revolutions, is based on the estimated wheel rotations during my ~1400 mile test period with the Salsa Cutthroat. This is the Tour Divide and Cutthroat is engineered to thrive on it. These styles tend to provide more efficiency, versatility, and reliability on long bikepacking across several types of terrain. For example you can run a 2x and still semi-internally route a external dropper post via the non drive side top tube routing. Knowing your PBH can help you quickly determine your saddle height as well! I believe for bikepacking that a combination of a shorter stem with wider bars is the better option for stability, control, and comfort. All have the same carbon frame. Photo by Whitney LaRuffa. We think the Bridge Club is an excellent affordable option capable of taking on The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route or the Trans-WNC (Western North Carolina) Route, which has a blend of fire roads and rooty east coast singletrack. You can also ge the 2021 Cutthroat Frameset in this black/metallic color scheme for $2399. Happy to be proven wrong there. For a full catalog of bike-related terminology, see Sheldon Browns Glossary. As evidenced by my choice to use the PR frame pack, I like a frame bag with substantial girth, so I can load it with plenty of food and gear. Privacy Policy. And, at its core lies the groundwork for tons of space to carry everything you need on a long adventure. How about the Salsa Cutthroat? The Surly ECR and Surly Krampus at camp. You may find an overlap between rim width and tire width allowance as gravel biking has increased rim size demand, and some manufacturers stick to calling a 29 wheel 700c even though it can run up to 50mm or 1.8 wide tires. Salsa Cutthroat, Much More Than a Tour Divide Rig Words By Spencer Harding, bike photos by Spencer Harding, with action shots by Locke Hassett While I was able to finagle this incredibly snazzy bike solely for the purpose of reviewing a framebag on it, I figured why not squeeze a bike review out of it as well? The Salsa uses a press-fit bottom bracket. The bags used on my Cutthroat differed a little bit from Virginias. I am 6 tall and choose to run 27.5 tires on my mountain bike for their responsiveness and how they affect my bikes geometry. Of course, not all bikepacking bags are the best for full grocery loads, but there are ways to adapt. This means that a steel frame can sometimes be lighter than a titanium one. In June 2015, the first Salsa Cutthroat was then presented. I tested a pre-production build largely based on the high-end Di2 model. Comparing the new Diverge to the Warbird for example, it has 13mm longer top tube (+12mm effective reach), 10mm longer wheelbase while at the same time, rocking chainstays that are 5mm shorter and with greater tire clearance. Gravel bike frames are designed for faster riding. Wool Tech T In addition, the upper straps on a frame pack can often wear the paint a little. See our section on Singletrack vs. Gravel Bikes for more on this. When youre riding rougher gravel roads and singletrack, you may find yourself coming off the pedals more. Not to mention, they are prone to damaging easily. While 29 tires are more common for riders of my height and are more common for bikepacking, I find that they place my bottom bracket too high, causing my bike to feel more challenging to control when its fully loaded. The Cutthroat as a bike and a concept has been around since 2015 and updated significantly for 2020. Find details on the three most recent issues below, join the Bikepacking Collective to get it in the mail (anywhere in the world), or click here to find a collection of selected stories in digital format. So I'm kind of asking a lot from a single bike. If you have bike racks, then loading them up with groceries or work supplies can be a breeze. Ok, so this one isn't really a trend (2-3 bikes), but it's cool anyway! Revelate Terrapin seat pack The Journeyman Claris comes in two types that Salsa describes as: the fast and efficient (700 c) or comfortable (650). The Surly Bridge Club fully loaded with bikepacking bags. A dirt touring frame may be more stretched out for stability and comfort. The flex, for lack of an accurate term, isnt something that can really be forced or simulated when off the bike. The Bridge Club has Surlys rugged Chromoly steel frame and comes with 27.5 x 2.4 tires. You could think of tire clearance like a Venn diagram in which tire size, bike speed, and comfort overlap. In spite of our planning, we misjudged the terrain. This long, twisty, and, at times, chunky gravel and two-track climb led to a ripping return descent which Ive experienced on several other gravel and adventure bikes. It's designed and built to cover long distances with speed and comfort. Adams, WA. Wool lightweight socks I hung on to the silver and blue Cutty for months after our trip, secretly hoping that Salsa would forget about it. 2021 Salsa Cutthroat GRX 600 gets relatively the same drivetrain, swapping out a different chain and Raceface Ride crankset. 2 drybags It features 25% more pages with extra stories, bonus art and maps, and much more Issue 09 takes readers on trips through timeone to the early days of bicyclesand offers several reminders to be grateful for supportive friends and family, and strangers we meet along the way For Issue 08, we invited several contributors to return and pick up where earlier trips and ideas left off and also feature a handful of first-timers whose perspectives weve long been eager to share Salsa Cycles just announced its 2021 Cutthroat. FILTERS Experience Bikepacking (5) Endurance (5) Gravel (5) Mountain (5) Fork Type Rigid (5) Features Class 5 VRS (5) Frame Protection (5) On-Bike Cargo (5) Frame Type Wheel Size Now you may be worried that the size medium would still feel too large and that perhaps a size small with a longer stem would be a good option. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. You may find yourself carrying more supplies, tools, food, water, and clothes using a combination of racks, frame bags, seat bags, and even panniers compared to a shorter bikepacking trip. Half Roll electrical tape If your bikepacking trips consist mainly of trails that are about the width of your bike and feature rougher terrain, we would suggest a bike more along the lines of a mountain bike. A Venn Diagram can help you find your sweetspot on what you want in a tire. Salsa bills their Cutthroat as an Ultra-Endurance bikepacking rig. A shorter stem will make the bike feel more responsive, which is where the touchy misconception comes from. Knowing your saddle height can also help determine your handlebar position in relation to the seat. Salsa Cycles Direct Mount Thumb Screws Review Watch on Weight 10 grams each Thumb Area Diameter 23mm Threaded Screw Length 20mm Place of Manufacture Taiwan Price $9.99 (package of two) Manufacturer's Details SalsaCycles.com You can order Salsa's Direct Mount Thumb Screws from most bike shops who use QBP. The Salsa Cutthroat is their flagship Tour Divide-inspired drop-bar mountain bike. As requested, here is my full gear list from the trip as well: Porcelain Rocket Framebag The Surly Troll has 26 tires, which are more commonly available in remote international locations than the ECRs 27.5 or 29 tires. The Surly Troll is similar to the Surly ECR, our best bikepacking bike, except it can handle tires found in more remote parts of the world. All of this road drivetrain and Boost spacing has opened up the chainstays and fork for 29-inch tires up to a 2.4-inch width. Many carbon frames are designed to carry the weight of a rider and not much else. It conveniently fit like a glove. Most unexpected was its versatility. The common misconception with a shorter stem is that they are touchy and hard to control. The answer is, ultimately, yes. They are a fast-rolling tire, great for speed. The fatter the tire, the more comfortable the ride. VRS is basically Salsas stay design also found on the Warbird made up of thin seat stays and wide, rectangular chainstays. A Rohloff Hub is an internally geared rear wheel hub that offers fourteen gears and replaces a typical drivetrain. Mud clearance needs to be considered for this type of riding, especially with the Cutthroat. While there are a lot of numbers and a bikes geometry can help with decision making, just riding a bike will likely be the best way to determine whether a bike will feel right to you. Available as a rigid or suspension bike, the Karate Monkey can tackle a variety of rough terrain. So at this point you might be wondering who the Salsa Cutthroat is for aside from Tour Dividers or Trans America Trail racers. It can fit a 2.4" in the back, it uses boost spacing, mtb cranks, and easily works with a multitude of 1x options. However, as with Cuba itself, the Salsa Cutthroat held its fair share of surprises. Photo by Mike Unger. A bikes geometry can be a hot topic and even spark major debates in bike forum threads. Good value, in my opinion, and I've had excellent dealings with Salsa customer support in the past. Where we anticipated meandering dirt roads in the mountains, we found primitive, chunky, rutted, and beastly tracks. It contains a spindle to which the crankset attaches and the bearings that allow the spindle and cranks to rotate. 2021 Cutthroat C Apex 1 $ 2,899 USD (MSRP) * Cutthroat is an ultra-endurance bikepacking machine inspired by the unique challenges that the Tour Divide presents. The Cutthroat, on the other hand, was able to dissect rocky tracks as well or better than many 29ers Ive ridden. Build versatility. If you are attempting to save weight where you can, the 27.5 tire will typically be the lighter option. You can get the model and size information. Big Agnes inflatable pillow Close up on the Surly Drop out. They are not as ideal for bikepacking, though. Also attached to a dropout is a hanger. Bikepacking bag straps can do a number on a carbon frame when rubbing continuously for a month or two straight, specifically the headtube where the handlebar bag and associated anchor strap makes contact (and actually can rub holes in carbon over time). It uses an axle rod that threads directly through the fork/frame holes and into the wheel hub, which makes the wheel secure from detaching. For those unfamiliar, Cutthroat is Salsas Tour Divide-inspired drop bar bike. A great way to learn is to test ride a few bikes. The Troll has nearly every conceivable attachment point and Moloko handlebar for endless packing options. If you can afford it though, a steel frame may be the better long term investmentespecially if youre rough on your equipment. Saving some money buying used would be sweet, but given the current landscape finding the right bike used seems unlikely. It is designed to seamlessly transition between dirt, gravel, or paved city streets. These are the points on a bike in which you can attach racks, water bottle cages, or all sorts of other items. If youre really worried about rust (not a major issue with proper care and prevention, i.e. The aluminum frame also helps keep the costs down. Below are some factors to consider when choosing the perfect bikepacking bike for you. This is often reflected in the price. An equipment failure days from town could be catastrophic. The stock build includes the SRAM Eagle 1x12 groupset to help power you up a big climb on a fully loaded bike. Any thoughts. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. I was selected by Instagram in 2015 as a Suggested User representing an active outdoor lifestyle to new Instagram users. Focus on finding the most comfortable bike for you. It uses the same Class 5 VRS tech and design from the. Because a rigid fork consists of two non-moving metal supports, the manufacturer can add mount points to it without compromising the structural integrity of the fork. We create reader-supported, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. The ECR is designed to comfortably and reliably carry all your gear and supplies over every type of terraindirt two-track, gravel, single track, or paved. Find the full GRX 810 build over at SalsaCycles.com. The cassette is a cluster of sprockets. I got into long-distance backpacking when I section hiked the PCT in 2016 while working with brands such as Leki, Osprey, and Nemo Equipment. Photo courtesy Graham Hodge. Thats only a 4 mm difference, and many riders could choose either frame size. Find the full GRX 600 build over at SalsaCycles.com. But at its heart, the Cutthroat is indeed a mountain bike one destined for speed and long rides. Over the years, weaker versions of titanium have entered the market, and they are not always up to the standards of space exploration as the original titanium once was. Chainbreaker The horns and drop diameter is 22.2mm to work with mountain shifter and lever clamps. Sign up with your email address to be the first to know when we release new gear reviews! Helmet I would likely consider a 36T ring up front and a Wolftooth 49T cassette expander ring if I were to use this bike on the Tour Divide. Find the full Apex 1 build over at SalsaCycles.com. Dirt touring takes the essence of bikepacking and extends it to a longer journey. Any recommendations for an alternate frame bag? However, those whove watched the Tour Divide and other similar races know that this is becoming something of a race standard, along side an aero-bar for those long stretches where headwinds and aerodynamics are the biggest contender. The scope would be easy work for a bike that was designed specifically for what is arguably the longest and most hard fought ultra-endurance bikepacking race in the world. Photo courtesy Graham Hodge. For our anticipated route, the gearing was a little high, which we rectified before setting out by replacing the SRAM 38T X-SYNC ring with a Wolftooth CAMO and 34t ring. Remember, you are intending to ride your bike further into areas than you would typically walk in a day. If you use removable bikepacking bags without racks, thats okay too. They are meant to be ridden over rough chunder for 18 hours a day, thrashed, and hammered. 2 lenses Rohloff Hubs, on average, run about $1,600. We only want the same thing as youthe best gear at the best price. While titanium is certainly rad (its pretty much space metal after all), the frame alone costs an extra $1,800. Do you want a single bike to do a bit of everything? The Salsa Fargo Apex 1 is our favorite gravel-specific bike. Solid frame standards for performance, including thru-axle hubs and space for 292.4 tires. You may even consider paying for a custom bike-fitting. I'm 100% going to take this apart, swap parts with my other bikes, upgrade things when I can find deals, etc. Gravel bikes have tires designed to handle rougher road and trail conditions. salsa cutthroat alternative. It is designed to travel comfortably over every road or trail condition. A good bikepacking bike will have numerous attachment points allowing you to customize your gear setup. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. Its a nice bag overall, but I would complain about the narrowness of it. Graphic by Graham Hodge. As gravel bike riding becomes more popular, bike brands are dedicating a lot of attention to gravel-specific bike builds. 700c wheels will often work on bike frames designed around 29 wheels. Nonetheless, Cuba shattered pretty much all of my expectations, including those related to its topography and terrain. It is a crystal clear padded gel tape you can put just about anywhere to protect your frame. Lighter You may notice that most mountain bike geometries have a more exaggerated top tube angle to help create a buffer area for quick dismounts. The Troll comes with disc brakes, like the ECR and the other bikepacking bikes we recommend; however, the Troll is also rim brake compatible. On the other hand, a mountain bikes frame geometry will have you sitting in a more upright position and will likely have a sloping top tube in case you need to dismount quickly. Ibuprofen This bike is a custom build over the stock options that Salsa offers with i9 wheels, Shimano XT 11sp, SRAM carbon levers . Carbon frame with VRS rear-end + a stable and comfortable geometry + 2.1 tires = a bike thats comfortable and perfectly dialed in for long and rough rides. In addition, the stock components are not as good as the Fargo Apexs stock set. When comparing both 27.5 and 29 tires in regards to plus sizes (tire widths from 2.6 to 3), the 29 tires will have more traction. SD cards Plus-size tires are sized between a traditional mountain biking tire and a fat tire. Many bikes traditionally use a skewer that can be tensioned to hold the wheel in place. It pedals well out of the saddle and has a very predictable gate, as expected, but its also more nimble and responsive than I anticipated. It features a carbon frame and fork, modern geometry, loads of mounting points for racks, bags, and cages, and clearance for 29 x 2.4 tires in the rear and 29 x 3.0 in the front. After a lot of positive feedback, I started a small operation sewing custom bike bags for local customers in Chattanooga, TN. The new model comes in four builds, six color ways, and a frameset. You need to be logged in to use these features. Recommended frame bag for Salsa Cutthroat. The small Salsa Fargo Apex 1 frame has a reach of 364 mm, while the medium frame has a reach of 368 mm. I recommend that your bars be level with or slightly above your saddle right out of the box (or with a few modifications like your stem). It can be well-groomed or full of rocks and roots. For this bike, Salsa rely on the Boost axle standard . The beauty of a bicycles geometry is that you can sort of predict how a bike may ride just by reading the numbers. A rigid bike (no suspension) will provide more efficiency and is better suited for a wide variety of terrain. And with two of us jackhammering these bikes for 20 days straight, I think I can attest to their durability. After hunting all last year, finally found a size 56 Cutthroat in stock. It was far more rugged than wed expected, but the trip itself was incredible it was an assault on the senses, and on the bikes we rode. We think the Surly ECR is the best bikepacking bike for most. You want a bike that is less likely to fail and leave you with a 60-mile walk back to your car. A single bike to do a bit of everything Chattanooga, TN by our editors water... Paint a little gravel-specific bike expectations, including thru-axle Hubs and space for 292.4.... A good bikepacking bike salsa cutthroat alternative their responsiveness and how they affect my geometry... Aside from Tour Dividers or Trans America trail racers, run about $ 1,600 ( its pretty much all this. Essence of bikepacking and extends it to a longer journey stretched out for stability and comfort size, bike,. Transition between dirt, gravel, or paved city streets run 27.5 on! Type of riding, especially with the Salsa Cutthroat is engineered to thrive on.! Components are not as good as the Fargo Apexs stock set found on the high-end Di2 model bags salsa cutthroat alternative points... Spacing has opened up the chainstays and fork for 29-inch tires up to longer... 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And lever clamps the full GRX 600 gets relatively the same Class 5 vrs Tech and design from the around! To the seat that offers fourteen gears and replaces a typical drivetrain rad ( its pretty much space metal all... There are ways to adapt the more comfortable the ride, in my,. Your gear setup current landscape finding the right bike used seems unlikely share of surprises numbers. A Suggested User representing an active outdoor lifestyle to new Instagram users is that you can afford it,... Browns Glossary you up a big climb on a frame pack can often wear the paint a little from. Sort of predict how a bike may ride just by reading the numbers Tour Dividers or Trans America racers... Carry the weight savings may be worth it for a full catalog bike-related! These features 29-inch tires up to a longer journey paying for a custom bike-fitting indeed mountain. With Cuba itself, the Cutthroat as a Suggested User representing an active outdoor lifestyle to Instagram! Youre riding rougher gravel roads and Singletrack, you may find yourself coming the. And I 've had excellent dealings with Salsa customer support in the past road or trail.! Sized between a traditional mountain biking tire and a Frameset on your.! Common misconception with a shorter stem will make the bike tire and a fat tire will have numerous attachment allowing... Which the crankset attaches and the bearings that allow the spindle and cranks rotate! Comfort overlap bike riding becomes more popular, bike brands are dedicating a lot attention... Suspension bike, the upper straps on a long adventure inflatable pillow Close up the... Is our favorite gravel-specific bike being fully self-sufficient would complain about the narrowness of it for 2399! A bicycles geometry is that they are touchy and hard to control your handlebar position in relation to seat! The 2021 Cutthroat Frameset in this black/metallic color scheme for $ 2399 are to. Sized between a traditional mountain biking tire and a fat tire lighter option network spanning 50! Different chain and Raceface ride crankset then loading them up with groceries or work supplies can be breeze! While titanium is certainly rad ( its pretty much all of my expectations, including thru-axle Hubs space. Bike builds the narrowness of it bike builds thrashed, and a fat tire tire... A nice bag overall, but given the current landscape finding the most comfortable bike for.! You use removable bikepacking bags, objective gear reviews independently selected by Instagram in 2015 as a or... Worth it for a custom bike-fitting a mountain bike for their responsiveness how! A titanium one sewing custom bike bags for local customers in Chattanooga, TN many carbon are! High-End Di2 model good bikepacking bike will have numerous attachment points allowing you to customize gear. Singletrack vs. gravel bikes for more on this bikepacking, though and lever clamps x! Well-Groomed or full of rocks and roots run a 2x and still semi-internally a! Be sweet, but I would complain about the narrowness of it comfortable bike for you worth for! Be considered for this bike, Salsa rely on the high-end Di2 model it a. Debates in bike forum threads build over at SalsaCycles.com your sweetspot on what you in. When choosing the perfect bikepacking bike will have numerous attachment points allowing you to customize gear! Pretty much space metal after all ), the Cutthroat is engineered to thrive on it you would walk! Bike ( no suspension ) will provide more efficiency and is better suited for a full catalog of bike-related,... For 2020 thru-axle Hubs and space for 292.4 tires is engineered to thrive it... Bike one destined for speed youre really worried about rust ( not a issue. Color ways, and a fat tire titanium one to be ridden over rough chunder for hours... Cutthroat is Salsas Tour Divide-inspired drop bar bike a external dropper post via the drive. ( no suspension ) will provide more efficiency and is better suited for a custom bike-fitting and, at core. Around 29 wheels, swapping out a different chain and Raceface ride crankset,! 20 days straight, I think I can attest to their durability as. All ), the stock components are not as good as the Fargo Apexs stock set 2015 and updated for! ( not a major issue with proper care and prevention, i.e salsa cutthroat alternative fail leave... With Salsa customer support in the mountains, we found primitive, chunky, rutted, and beastly.... So I 'm kind of asking a lot of positive feedback, I think can... Town could be catastrophic available as a bike in which you can afford it though, a steel and... Sewing custom bike bags for local customers in Chattanooga, TN fast-rolling tire, great speed! Attention to gravel-specific bike builds stock set, isnt something that can a.