Still, while the progressive geometry and rider comfort designs still seem fresh years after Salsa introduced them, the Warbird also has some details that are starting to look a bit out of date. Though I'm sure it works, it's not exactly what you might expect in a bike that's listed as compatible. Instead, Salsa has some optional adapters that look a lot like what you can find with aftermarket fender and rack systems. While the specs say it is, and there are mounts down low near the bottom bracket and thru axle, there's nothing up top. It's worth noting for those who care about racks and fenders: the Warbird isn't really all that compatible because of the VRS system. It's also paired with a steeply sloping top tube and plenty of exposure for the round 27.2 (dropper post compatible with a 1x build) seat tube. The design allows the carbon to flex and effectively shorten the rear triangle in only one direction. There are no suspension pivots or anything of that nature, just seat stays that are oval and oriented vertically, as well as attached ahead of the seat tube and heavily bowed outwards. The current Warbird design uses version 2 of the VRS system but as before, it's relatively hard to see. The other significant design detail that the Warbird uses with rider comfort in mind is the v5 vibration reduction system. If you've had your eye on something a bit less complicated and wondered if it still made sense, keep reading to see if the Salsa Warbird is right for you. As modern gravel bikes continue to add distance between race bikes and adventure bikes, is a bike designed to see racing as an adventure still relevant? Could it still find a place in the best gravel bikes in a field of specialized choices? I spent time on a 2023 Salsa Warbird with a custom build, turning that question over in my mind. Today, the Salsa Warbird is only available as a carbon frame and it's seen a number of updates but it's still long, low, and compliant as well as relatively simple. The first-generation Salsa Warbird was a way to answer that question with a longer, lower, and more compliant bike.įifteen years later, those early lessons are still evident. Like everyone, the team was using cyclocross bikes and wondered if there was a better solution. The story Riemer tells is that back in 2008, many of those involved in Salsa were racing bikes in early gravel races.
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