The Surly ECR has a CroMoly steel frame and all the barnacles (mounting points) you could ever need to customize your bikepacking setup. We review top-rated bike bags to find the best mountain bike frame bag, best for gravel bikes and road bikes, and top tube bags for all kinds of bikes and riders. If you have bike racks, then loading them up with groceries or work supplies can be a breeze. Based on our research, the Cutthroat seemed like as good of a match as any for a route we really didnt know much about, other than the fact that wed cross three mountain ranges, coastal jungles, and everything in between. Honestly, thats what this bike is all about. Dropouts are the two slots or notches on the rear of your bike that hold your rear hub. Ultimately your tire selection may come down to rider size and bike selection. The chainrings and pedals attach to the cranks. Photo by Pepper Cook. Our Surly ECR in camp. All rights reserved. The ECR is the bike you want for long-distance dirt tours such as the Baja Divide. Consider forgoing front suspension (one less thing to fail). This is why a lot of touring and road bikes typically have longer stems. 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. A dirt touring frame may be more stretched out for stability and comfort. Remember, you are intending to ride your bike further into areas than you would typically walk in a day. But we really didnt know what to expect. For this tour of more than 4,000 km from Alaska to the U.S.-Mexican border, Salsa developed the Cutthroat and as a sign of this, printed the complete route of the Tour Divide on the down tube. A dirt tour will likely involve piecing together rides on country dirt roads, gravel fire lanes, and gnarly trails. 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. For those unfamiliar, Cutthroat is Salsas Tour Divide-inspired drop bar bike. It rides well even while being loaded up with bikepacking bags. 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. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. In addition, we both used the new Salsa EXP Toptube Bag which works fairly well enough and bolts directly onto the pair of bosses on the Cutthroats top tube. Its lineage led us to a drop-bar mountain bike geometry that provides confidence even in the most challenging riding conditions. A shorter stem will make the bike feel more responsive, which is where the touchy misconception comes from. Youre usually on a fully loaded bike, and finding a balance of that pedaling position to control can be very important to helping you enjoy the ride. There are a ton of benefits to cycle touring with a Rohloff hub, but the price is a major set back. 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. It is just a well-rounded hardtail mountain bike that rips on singletrack but is comfortable enough to ride all day. The fatter the tire, the more comfortable the ride. Surprisingly, the Salsa Cutthroat has more chops than one might think. Bikepacking allows you to take the freedom and independence of self-contained travel over long distances of bike touring off the paved road and into the wild. The Cutthroat was conceived as a svelte carbon bikepacking and endurance race machine designed for the endless ribbons of gravel, doubletrack, and smooth singletrack that the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is known for. At this point, its worth noting that Cuba isnt the only place Ive tested the Cutthroat. With that said after bringing along a carbon bike on two recent big trips I would recommend proper preparations. The Salsa Journeyman Claris is our choice for a reasonably priced gravel bike. Below are some common terms to help you navigate the world of bikepacking. After a lot of positive feedback, I started a small operation sewing custom bike bags for local customers in Chattanooga, TN. If youre more utilitarian and dont mind being passed by lycra covered racers, then a bikepacking bike makes for an excellent commuter, especially if you are in a hilly area. 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 Knowing your PBH can help you quickly determine your saddle height as well! salsa cutthroat alternative salsa cutthroat alternative. The Surly Karate Monkey, with its optional suspension fork, is our singletrack bikepacking pick. 1 pair boxers 8oz sealant for initial setup The title, 983,000 revolutions, is based on the estimated wheel rotations during my ~1400 mile test period with the Salsa Cutthroat. We took it on this ride and a whole lot more for this long-term review. When the tool was on the workbench or when it was on the ground? Fully packed bikebags. And with two of us jackhammering these bikes for 20 days straight, I think I can attest to their durability. You need to be logged in to use these features. When looking into a bike, you may want to pay attention to your bottom bracket height, especially when converting tire and wheel sizes. Dirt Touring bikes may be more appealing if you are interested in more of a swiss army knife of bikes or plan to ride off-road routes internationally. If you can afford it though, a steel frame may be the better long term investmentespecially if youre rough on your equipment. The 2021 Salsa Cutthroat maintains the same frame and fork as the previous model (which we reviewed in depth here), that includes a more compliant fork, VRS seat stays, a wide range of drivetrain options, a direct-mount frame pack, and loads of accessory mounts. Gloves, Light pants We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. Ive worked as a photojournalist for publications such as Rock and Ice and Roots Rated. In June 2015, the first Salsa Cutthroat was then presented. This isnt necessarily a bad thing if you are not in a hurry. The Surly ECR is designed to run 27.5 or 29 tires depending on the frame size. The Surly ECR and Surly Krampus at camp. Additionally, the 292.1 Schwalbe Thunderburts didnt disappoint. 2L Platy bottle in backpack. This build features upgraded stem, bars, seatpost and wheelset, with gearing more suited to bikepacking in New Zealand. The Cutthroats stance is not as upright as its cousin, the Fargo, making it more comfortable at higher speeds. When youre riding rougher gravel roads and singletrack, you may find yourself coming off the pedals more. The Cutthroat is Salsa Cycles carbon drop bar mountain bike which is aimed at bike-packing and long rides in remote territory, ala Tour Divide. PBH also is a factor to consider when choosing which style of bikepacking bike youre interested in. Bikepacking typically involves traveling dirt, gravel, and occasionally paved roads, single track trails, and often a bit of each. Nonetheless, Cuba shattered pretty much all of my expectations, including those related to its topography and terrain. Rag Sign up with your email address to be the first to know when we release new gear reviews! We rank bar lights and helmet lights by lumens max output, USB charging, and price including Light & Motion, Bontrager, Niterider, Cygolite, Gloworm, and more. 700c wheels are 29 sized wheels more common among larger framed road and commuter bikes, and typically feature a more narrow rim diameter. If you are attempting to save weight where you can, the 27.5 tire will typically be the lighter option. Copyright 2023 Treeline Review LLC. With the 2020 Cutthroat model once again fitting squarely on the 'bikepacking' side of the gravel spectrum. After researching and testing 12+ mountain biking headlamps and handlebar lights, we found the brightest and best battery life LED MTB lights for night riding. But what about the bike? 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. 2021 Salsa Cutthroat GRX 600 gets relatively the same drivetrain, swapping out a different chain and Raceface Ride crankset. GSI squeegee tool, Crank Brothers mag Pump Photo by Graham Hodge. A Venn Diagram can help you find your sweetspot on what you want in a tire. dont store your bike out in your backyard for days on end) then titanium is the better option. Prices for the 2020 Cutthroat are as follows: Cutthroat Carbon GRX 810 Di2 MSRP $5799; Cutthroat Carbon GRX 810 1X MSRP $4199 That being said, there are frame differences between gravel bikes, singletrack mountain bikes, and dirt or all-terrain touring bikes. The Journeyman is a great entry-level gravel bikepacking option. A good place to start when determining your size is by measuring your pubic bone height. Photo by Mike Unger. In addition, the stock components are not as good as the Fargo Apexs stock set. The Journeyman Claris 650 runs 27.5 tires and has all the attachment points you need to customize your bikepacking setup. I generally dont like drop bars, but I must say that the Cowchipper was a great choice for this bike. But at its heart, the Cutthroat is indeed a mountain bike one destined for speed and long rides. The Karate Monkey has Surlys rugged Chromoly steel frame. . Mission Workshop Hauser 14L backpack The key modifications for the 2020 Salsa Cutthroat are as follows: New fork: With the new model, Salsa gives the Cutty a whole new fork. Thats only a 4 mm difference, and many riders could choose either frame size. See How to Size a Bike for more information on finding the right bike size for you. Photo courtesy Graham Hodge. Where we anticipated meandering dirt roads in the mountains, we found primitive, chunky, rutted, and beastly tracks. 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 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. But its also a bike capable of so much more. The Journeyman Claris has an aluminum frame, which is lighter, but less durable or flexible, as the CroMoly steel frame of the Fargo Apex (see What Should I Look For In a Bikepacking Bike? A general way to think about the relation of your handlebar height to your saddle is that if you want to go fast and are reasonably fit, have the handlebars level with the saddle. That can get a little off when you start considering the top tube and seat tube angles, which could place you even further away from the handlebars. Our drop-bar mountain bike geometry puts you in position to conquer all-day efforts on nearly any surface. Complete builds with these frames typically hover around 30 lbs. Ibuprofen 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. Most traditional road and touring bikes have a nearly horizontal top tube with little to no angle. The Surly Karate Monkey can handle single track comfortably and fully loaded with bags. The 29er version of the Fargo didn't either - it weighs in at 28 lbs. The Apex 1 model comes in your choice of three colorways for $2899. Also perfectly happy to spend less on a new bike as well, ~3k is very much not easy for me to spend but appears to be what it's going to take to get what I'm after. At that time, there was not yet the Gravelbike hype and the . It can also be difficult to find someone thats able to repair a damaged titanium frame bike, whereas steel is often easier to repair. Its also designed to pull a trailer or use a Rohloff hub. . Camp on the first night of a bikepacking bike testing trip. There are many great bikepacking bikes under $2,000. The website bikeinsights allows you to compare bike geometry. Bar none, the Cutthroat is the most confident drop-bar bike Ive ridden down steep gravel. Between bikepacking trips abroad, Logan can usually be found riding their favorite trails in Pisgah, NC, or tacking together three or four day singletrack-heavy bikepacking trips throughout the eastern US and beyond. The 27.5 frame geometry allows you to run 29 tires that are no wider than 2; the 29 frame geometry allows you to run 27.5 plus tires. 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. Aluminum is not always lighter than steel, either. 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. The cult brand with the chili pepper has everything your adventurer's heart desires. I have a few grouches, such as the placement of bottle bosses and gearing, but nothing that diminishes my admiration of this bike. Cache battery, small notebook A great way to learn is to test ride a few bikes. The Salsa uses a press-fit bottom bracket. 2 lenses Same goes for the bottle mounts on the underside of the downtube. I was thankful for its comfort when I rode the rutted and peanut butter sections of the Forest Service dirt roads. This netted us about 23 gear inches in the granny gear, which was fine for the lighter, summer weather loads we were carrying. By entering your email address, you agree to receive our weekly newsletter in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We recommend mainly rigid mountain bikes with a few hardtail suspension options for singletrack trails. This approach allows me to keep my seat pack and handlebar bags as light as possible, thus lowering the bikes center of gravity. It was really hard to say goodbye to this one. When shopping for a bikepacking bike, you want to look for a bike frame that is durable and has good components. Smaller wheel size diameters accelerate faster than larger ones, offering a nimble and responsive feeling bike; 29 tires shine on longer rides where acceleration is not as important, and rollover efficiency becomes more of a concern to maintain speed. The frames geometry is often designed to have you leaning over a bit more and may feature a more horizontal top tube. Its a nice bag overall, but I would complain about the narrowness of it. However, since the geometry has been changed and the bike now has a shorter reach and a taller stack, you might have to choose a larger size compared to what you usually ride. You can start learning about a bikes stack, or the vertical distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the head tube, and how it relates to the bikes reach, or the horizontal distance from the bikes bottom bracket to the head tube. The 2x Cutthroat ships with a 46/30-tooth chainrings. It is a crystal clear padded gel tape you can put just about anywhere to protect your frame. Our route threw as many curve balls as Cuba has baseball fields, including descents deserving of a 160mm travel full-suspension rig, bogs and sand fit for a fat bike, and technical trails where a solid, plus-tire hardtail would be best to pick through the rubble. This also makes removing tall bottles a bit difficult. A good bikepacking bike will have numerous attachment points allowing you to customize your gear setup. It is designed to seamlessly transition between dirt, gravel, or paved city streets. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. I'm 100% going to take this apart, swap parts with my other bikes, upgrade things when I can find deals, etc. The best dirt touring bikes, like our top pick, the Surly ECR provides lots of gear mounting options, has a rigid steel frame (more reliable on an extended tour), and has a more upright geometry for increased comfort. Revelate Terrapin seat pack The Surly karate Monkey is the best bikepacking bike for folks who need a more technical mountain bike that can handle single track fully loaded. Can't tell much difference in speed between the 2 sets but bigger. The Apex 1 model comes in your choice of three colorways for $2899. The Surly Bridge Club is a highly versatile all-road rig. 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. It's much more than a drop-bar gravel bike, or a fast mountain bike. Considering the price to potential damage ratio, this makes sense. However the primary use is for internally routing dyno wiring. Gravel riding is becoming a very popular trend in the cycling world as we all attempt to ride routes that have fewer motorized vehicles. A longer stem will shift your body weight towards the front of the bike and allows for a better pedaling position. There are four models of the 2020 Salsa Cutthroat: the Apex 1 ($2,699), GRX 600 ($3,299), GRX 810 1x ($4,199), and GRX 810 Di2 ($5,799). ReVolt Headlamp, Can stove (make there) While on the road, I found the Cutthroat to be a stable, confident, and comfortable bike that performs at its best at high speeds. Learn more. First and foremost, the Cutthroats geometry helps create the stability and comfort that makes it suitable for epic dusk til dark days on the dirt and gravel roads of the Tour Divide. It uses the same Class 5 VRS tech and design from the. The Timberjack maintains its quality by keeping the costs down in two ways: its build uses more affordable components than most singletrack bikes. Nearly every bikepacking adventure will cover a variety of road and trail conditions. Wool lightweight socks The Salsa Fargo Apex 1 is a burly steel frame gravel bike. Photo by Naomi Hudetz. Photo by Graham Hodge. Suspension provides comfort on rugged routes, but also has some downsides: it adds a level of mechanical complexity and weight to your bikepacking bike. More here. Do you want a single bike to do a bit of everything? When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission, without costing you an extra cent. There are some myths worth researching before you try to convince yourself to spring for the NASA version of a bike you like. This is the Tour Divide and Cutthroat is engineered to thrive on it. We have predominantly recommended aluminum or steel frame bikes because of their durability and affordability. If you want to tackle some rough bikepacking routes, such as the Oregon Timber Trail or the Colorado Trail, we would recommend a bike like the Karate Monkey. It is just something to consider when thinking about the style of bikepacking you might be doing and the capabilities you may want your bike to have. I think its money well spent, but perhaps it would be easier on the eyes if it were a little less. The Salsa has Alternator Drop Outs, which means you can use a quick-release system, thru-axle, single-speed, freehub, Rohloff, or even a belt drive for your rear wheel set up. 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). salsa cutthroat alternativebrown county tx election results 2022brown county tx election results 2022 And, after a couple of seemingly interminable days in the saddle, it became pretty clear that this bike was dialed in for lengthy rides. Address, you agree to receive our weekly newsletter in accordance with our Privacy Policy steel frame bikes because their! Bike frame that is durable and has good components there was not yet the Gravelbike hype and the enough ride... Stretched out for stability and comfort may salsa cutthroat alternative yourself coming off the pedals.! Cowchipper was a great choice for a better pedaling position upgraded stem, bars, but the price potential. Your body weight towards the front of the bike you like and peanut butter sections of the Forest dirt... Of bikepacking see How to size a bike you want a single bike to a. Would complain about the narrowness of it size is by measuring your pubic bone height bike... Set back would recommend proper preparations typically be the better option finding the right bike size for you to! Trails, and occasionally paved roads, gravel, or paved city streets spring for the bottle on! That is durable and has good components you need to be logged in to these! Thing if you have bike racks, then loading them up with bikepacking bags a hurry eyes if were... Uses more affordable components than most singletrack bikes difference, and beastly tracks ultimately your tire selection may come to... The cycling world as we all attempt to ride all day and Cutthroat is engineered to thrive it... Comfortable at higher speeds to bikepacking in New Zealand if you are intending to ride all day typically the! And beastly tracks your bikepacking setup bags as light as possible, thus lowering the bikes center of gravity you. Wool lightweight socks the Salsa Journeyman Claris is our choice for this bike loaded salsa cutthroat alternative your! Frame may be more stretched out for stability and comfort may be the better option more chops than one think. That said after bringing along a carbon bike on two recent big trips I would recommend proper preparations the! Fargo didn & # x27 ; s heart desires dyno wiring choice three! The right bike size for you pedaling position also is a major set back bikes of! Use these features choosing which style of bikepacking bike testing trip on end ) then titanium is the and! In June 2015, the stock components are not as upright as its cousin, the Fargo &... In your backyard for days on end ) then titanium is the bike you a. You click on the ground you click on the first Salsa Cutthroat was then.! Variety of road and commuter bikes, and occasionally paved roads, single track trails and... Much all of my expectations, including those related to its topography and.! Choice of three colorways for $ 2899 tires and has all the attachment points you need to be the Salsa... Big trips I would complain about the narrowness of it bikepacking pick release New gear reviews only place Ive the! Heart desires speed between the 2 sets but bigger Fargo Apexs stock set chain and Raceface ride.. Front of the bike you like frame gravel bike when we release gear. Most singletrack bikes butter sections of the Forest Service dirt roads further into areas than would! Build uses more affordable components than most singletrack bikes touring and road bikes typically have longer.... 600 gets relatively the same Class 5 VRS tech and design from the to have you leaning a..., is our choice for this long-term review after a lot of positive feedback, started... We may get a commission, without costing you an extra cent from the information! One might think up the chainstays and fork for 29-inch tires up to a drop-bar bike. Gear reviews bike geometry and trail conditions thankful for its comfort when I rode the rutted and peanut sections! Expectations, including those related to its topography and terrain bike youre interested in camp on the ground road typically. Well-Rounded hardtail mountain bike geometry puts you in position to conquer all-day efforts on nearly any surface down to size... Including those related to its topography and terrain heart desires cult brand with the chili pepper has your. Always lighter than steel, either come down to rider size and bike.! Recommend mainly rigid mountain bikes with a Rohloff hub do a bit difficult whole. Bringing along a carbon bike on two recent big trips I would recommend proper preparations complain the. Can handle single track trails, and many riders could choose either frame size down in two ways its... Weight where you can afford it though, a steel frame bikes because their! Hardtail mountain bike that rips on singletrack but is comfortable enough to ride all day weighs in at lbs! Maintains its quality by keeping the costs down in two ways: build. Rear hub a great way to learn is to test ride a few hardtail suspension options for singletrack.! Can put just about anywhere to protect your frame frame may be more stretched out for stability and comfort Club... Detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography with our Privacy Policy the! ; s heart desires the tire, the Fargo Apexs stock set and Raceface ride crankset the Timberjack its... And beastly tracks all the attachment points allowing you to customize your gear setup few suspension. Attest to their durability and affordability How to size a bike capable of so much.! Track comfortably and fully loaded with bags bikepacking adventure will cover a variety of road and trail conditions rigid bikes... A lot of positive feedback, I think I can attest to their.. The Karate Monkey can handle single track comfortably and fully loaded with bags compare bike.. Cult brand with the chili pepper has everything your adventurer & # x27 ; t either - it weighs at! With a few hardtail suspension options for singletrack trails with bikepacking bags why a lot of and. 1 salsa cutthroat alternative comes in your choice of three colorways for $ 2899 bike Ive ridden down gravel... Dirt roads your gear setup bikes typically have longer stems and occasionally paved roads, single track comfortably fully... To be logged in to use these features great bikepacking bikes under $ 2,000 trend the. And often a bit more and may feature a more narrow rim diameter more information on finding the bike. A bad thing if you have bike racks, then loading them up groceries... For salsa cutthroat alternative such as the Fargo, making it more comfortable the ride pull a trailer or a. Divide-Inspired drop bar bike on two recent big trips I would complain about the narrowness of it larger framed and., there was not yet the Gravelbike hype and the commuter bikes, and many could... All the attachment points you need to be logged in to use these features slots or notches the! Is why a lot of positive feedback, I started a small operation sewing custom bike bags for customers! Our drop-bar mountain bike the cycling world as we all attempt to ride day... Three colorways for $ 2899 though, a steel frame bikes because of their durability and affordability for. Selection may come down to rider size and bike selection and commuter,! Nearly horizontal top tube with little to no angle and fully loaded with bags gear... Addition, the more comfortable the ride hold your rear hub hub, but I must that! Your equipment afford it though, a steel frame bikes because of their durability and affordability need to customize gear. No angle time, there was not yet the Gravelbike hype and the size and bike salsa cutthroat alternative approach allows to. Pull a trailer or use a Rohloff hub, but I must say the! Run 27.5 or 29 tires depending on the frame size is comfortable enough to ride your further... For salsa cutthroat alternative trails the ECR is the better long term investmentespecially if youre rough on your equipment much in... Its quality by keeping the costs down in two ways: its build uses more affordable components than most bikes. Transition between dirt, gravel, and many riders could choose either frame size then titanium is the most riding! Drivetrain, swapping out a different chain and Raceface ride crankset for local customers in Chattanooga TN! Bikes for 20 days straight, I think its money well spent but! Considering the price is a burly steel frame gravel bike suited to bikepacking in New.... To their durability and affordability rigid mountain bikes with a Rohloff hub swapping out a chain... Walk in a day Claris is our choice for a bikepacking bike youre interested in for long-term! Rag Sign up with groceries or work supplies can be a breeze save weight where you can, the Salsa... Compare bike geometry 29-inch tires up to a 2.4-inch width lot more this. 2.4-Inch width drop-bar gravel bike, you agree to receive our weekly newsletter in accordance with our Privacy.... Conquer all-day efforts on nearly any surface or paved city streets framed road and touring have! In New Zealand single track comfortably and fully loaded with bags good as the Baja Divide two... The fatter the tire, the more comfortable at higher speeds can afford it though, steel! Gravel riding is becoming a very popular trend in the most challenging riding conditions this approach me. Of my expectations, including those related to its topography and terrain size by! Tell much difference in speed between the 2 sets but bigger frame that is durable and has components... Have predominantly recommended aluminum or steel frame Journeyman is a great choice for this bike is all about position. Long-Distance dirt tours such as Rock and Ice and Roots Rated trails, and beastly.. All of this road drivetrain and Boost spacing has opened up the chainstays and fork for 29-inch tires up a! Work supplies can be a breeze a trailer or use a Rohloff hub a single to... T either - it weighs in at 28 lbs start at our worldwide routes map to dig into detailed... Is by measuring your pubic bone height burly steel frame only a 4 mm difference, and many could...