Salsa Updates Full Suspension Lineup, Including First Official Downcountry Bike

Mar 2, 2019
by James Smurthwaite  

Salsa has launched an overhaul of its full suspension bike line up today with three new models - the Spearfish, the Horsethief and the Rustler. Salsa's new range comes revamped with shorter chainstays, more travel, refined geometry and dropper posts on all models. They have also tuned the Split Pivot suspension system’s leverage rate to offer a more progressive ramp feel in the final third of the stroke. Frame designs will cover the XC to trail spectrum, including the first bike to be officially labeled as Downcountry. (please, nobody tell Levy.) As the bikes all share a similar shape and DNA, here's what you're looking at across the range.

Split Pivot Updates: Salsa claims their revised leverage rate offers more progression and improved bottom out performance, increasing confidence and control on big hits and giving the travel a deeper feel. The beginning and mid-stroke remain relatively unchanged. A slightly lower overall rate yields lower shock pressures for easier initial setup. The Split Pivot suspension will now be driving metric shocks, and there is also a flip chip that adjusts the bottom bracket height and head angle.

Salsa have also revised the anti-squat which is claimed to offer better pedaling performance in tandem with the new 1x-specific design optimized for a 32-tooth chainring. The result is more efficient pedaling without over-damping the shock (which hinders small bump compliance) or using a lockout.


Shared frame features: Salsa have switched up their carbon manufacturing for these bikes, using pre-molded EPS foam mandrels. They claim, "EPS construction allows for greater manufacturing control, smooth surfacing, a simplified bottom bracket junction, and an integrated shock mount." The carbon bikes all have aluminium stays and sleeved internal cable routing. Aluminium frames are also available and share the tube-routed internal housing feature.


Spearfish - Progressive XC


The Spearfish is the shortest travel bike in the range. It's a 100mm travel 29er with efficiency in mind. It comes paired with a 120mm fork, which has led to Salsa officially calling this a 'Downcountry' bike.


- 100mm rear travel
- 120mm front travel
- 29 x 2.3" tire spec
- Fits 27.5 x 2.8–3.0" and 29 x 2.1–2.6"
- Super Boost 157mm rear spacing standard
- Fits two 24 oz water bottles inside frame triangle
- Available sizes: S/M/L/XL.
-Prices: $2,399 - $5,199
Click specs to enlarge

Horsethief - All-round trail bike


The Horsethief is another 29er but this time it's 120mm travel is designed to be mated with a 140mm fork for trail thrills.


- 120mm rear travel
- 140mm front travel
- 29 x 2.5" tire spec
- Fits 27.5 x 2.8–3.0" and 29 x 2.1–2.6"
- Super Boost 157mm rear spacing standard
- Fits two 24 oz water bottles inside frame triangle
- Available sizes: S/M/L/XL.
-Prices: $2,399 - $5,199
Click specs to enlarge

Rustler - Playful trail bike


The longest travel bike in the range, the Rustler is a 130/150mm trail bike with "popping off rocks and roots, sending drops, boosting doubles, railing berms" in mind.


- 130mm rear travel
- 150mm front travel
- 27.5 x 2.6" tire spec
- Fits 27.5 x 2.3–2.8"
- Boost 148mm rear spacing standard
- Fits one water bottle inside frame triangle
- Available sizes: XS/S/M/L/XL
-Prices: $4,199 - $5,199
Click specs to enlarge

Full ride impressions and a deeper dig into the tech coming soon

More info here.

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech First Looks Downcountry Bikes Salsa Downcountry


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203 Comments

  • 97 6
 Waki is going to lose it!
  • 41 3
 He might be cooled with 2 water bottles.
  • 49 45
 Downcontry . Another stupid name that will become some sort of useless category with a bunch of new silly and pricey Standards.
  • 171 3
 @downcountrycat: Hey, hey, hey... just take it easy, buddy.
  • 103 4
 If Waki is going to lose it I will help him find it even though he does not like dogs. I found a tennis ball in the hedge a few weeks ago and it had definitely been there for some time. It tasted delicious but my owner said it was not for me and threw it into that magic treat can, I think it is called trash. Also these bikes look terrible for dogs. They have only two pedals.
  • 8 1
 He's having a WAK attack
  • 54 2
 "Another stupid name that will become some sort of useless category with a bunch of new silly and pricey Standards."
a post by endurocat:
  • 5 0
 @reborn10speeder: Haha #Wakattack Didn't kno it was Shark Bike Week!!
  • 3 0
 @IamTheDogEzra: I've heard these bikes are good for huskies, any thoughts?
  • 3 1
 @IamTheDogEzra: Apart from "What's that smell?" and "Why can't I get enough of this nutsack", obviously.
  • 2 0
 @reborn10speeder: from the monsta wak
  • 2 0
 @endurocat: Didn't know this was even a real term. Thought it was a joke to be honest. What's next level downhill..
  • 6 0
 Looks like a stumpjumper to me.
  • 6 0
 There actually is a picture of Wakattack!

www.pinkbike.com/photo/12423720
  • 1 1
 Commencal meta. @reverend27:
  • 88 2
 "The Rustler is a 130/150mm trail bike with "popping off rocks and roots, sending drops, boosting doubles, railing berms" in mind."

i.imgur.com/VAeA885.jpg
  • 36 6
 LOL! That sentence was definitely written by someone who clearly does none of those things.
  • 5 0
 @nuttypoolog: Send it!
  • 7 1
 @rcrocha: I prefer to pop off some rocks. The last time I was sending drops I fell and couldn’t get up.
  • 2 0
 @nuttypoolog: i love poprocks! poprock smotthies, poprock shakes, poprock enemas...
  • 2 0
 @flipoffthemonkeys: wtffff
  • 72 2
 Shoutout to Salsa for using women and husky dudes in their promo videos.
  • 17 171
flag Seldomseen83 (Mar 1, 2019 at 10:18) (Below Threshold)
 ha! the two kinds of people you dont want to ride with-
  • 83 1
 I was being sincere with my comment. Stoked that they cast real people in their video. I’m a husky dude. Frown
  • 14 122
flag Seldomseen83 (Mar 1, 2019 at 10:35) (Below Threshold)
 @sriracha: no offence. i just like going fast-
  • 38 0
 @Seldomseen83: I like going fast, too. I’m just a little slow on the climbs, these days.
  • 8 90
flag Seldomseen83 (Mar 1, 2019 at 12:05) (Below Threshold)
 @sriracha: dont church it up. your slow all the time. -husky
  • 11 3
 @sriracha: You know how i know you're not husky? Cuz you think anyone in those videos is
  • 2 1
 @Seldomseen83:
  • 51 2
 @Seldomseen83: Is your name Seldomseen 'cause you're below threshold? Wink
  • 12 1
 @Seldomseen83: I heard you walk Horsethief
  • 4 0
 @Seldomseen83 has never seen the Whistler local ladies shred. Those girls are fast as @#&$!!!!
  • 11 22
flag muyguapa (Mar 1, 2019 at 17:17) (Below Threshold)
 @sriracha: "Stoked that they cast real people in their video" - Yeah, as opposed to the fake people who choose to hit the gym and exercise, instead of stuffing their face with snacks and spending hours doing nothing, like me.
  • 1 1
 @muyguapa: yeah, I maybe I should’ve typed it differently. Realized that after it was too late. No editing function.
  • 3 0
 @Seldomseen83: dick comment
  • 2 3
 @sriracha: don't apologize. In the real world, every body type is out there shredding.
  • 41 1
 Yay it's a 2016 Stumpjumper!

*not a criticism*
  • 37 15
 I don't get these bikes at all. They're expensive, heavy, and the geo is a bit dated. The Revel, Eminent, and Esker all seem more attractive...and those are brand new (mostly) companies. Heck, for the same price, I can get a better spec'd Spot Mayhem or Rollik...and, despite being a couple years older, have better geo.
  • 4 0
 Spot just posted that they are updating the Mayhem. New geo and builds next week.
  • 41 1
 Better geo is subjective, the Rustler seems spot-on to me.
  • 39 0
 People realize that "dated" geometry still works tho right?? It's ok to sip the koolaid...one doesn't have to drink the whole jug. Yes, I agree it's going to be a hard sell...there will be a few on 50% clearance next winter no doubt.
  • 33 0
 It's almost as if Salsa know what their customers are likely to buy........
  • 26 0
 @loopie: No, in fact I see a complete, fanatical dismissal of that from the PB comments section. If it's not longer, longer, loooonger, it gets slandered in the comment section. Last year's bike of the year is complete garbage this year because they added 10mm reach or a degree to the seat tube angle or some other such triviality. The new Yetis will be 'dated" and "unridable" in less than two years, mark my words...

Not every bike, especially a 100mm XC bike needs 1300 wheelbase and 500+mm reach. I think @mgolder is right. These may not sell to the endure crowd, but a lot of people will be happy riding them.
  • 8 2
 @ridenwc1: ya, but those seat tube angles tho! I'm out
  • 3 0
 @ratedgg13: I've actually been waiting for this!
  • 6 0
 @mgolder: exactly! I have a fs with more modern geo and a ht with less modern geo. Fs sits unridden more now. The Rustler looks perfect for me.
  • 4 17
flag SlodownU (Mar 1, 2019 at 13:15) (Below Threshold)
 Forget about dated geometry, releasing a single-pivot 4-bar bike as your "redesign" is just plain lazy. And the fact that they're sticking their heads up Pinkbike's ass with the downcountry BS is even more lame.
  • 13 1
 @loopie: Some even realize that new geo doesn't work everywhere.
  • 2 0
 @actually the drink you’re looking for is flavor-aid
  • 8 0
 @EgoLicentia: ...What do we win if we bring Monster Energy drink into this?...a flat brim cap with a Douche sticker on it and some white framed Oakleys? ...a coal rollin' douche truck with 24" of lift and low pro tires from a sports car?...sign me up! hahaha
  • 3 0
 @bohns1: I agree. I’m tall and when the seat is in climbing mode I feel like I’m way too far back there. Wish more companies would get their seat angles right and then respectively match the chain stay to the front end length of the bike.
  • 6 0
 They appeal to the wax mustache plaid wearing types.
My local bike shop sells salsa and surly.

I asked the mechanic whats the point of a 35lb hardtail and the response was "surly don't care".

Fair enough.
  • 1 1
 @reverend27: what’s surly got to do with salsa? Surly make cheap heavy hipster bikes, I don’t see what that has anything to do with Salsa.
  • 1 0
 @colethompson: Part of the story. Anytime some brand redesigns its model or even whole lineup it ends for me with not offering of big enough bike. Like is it that hard to make XXL size!?
  • 2 0
 @blackthorne: both Salsa and Surly are owned by QBP.
  • 1 1
 @sriracha: Yeah, I think that’s pretty well known. I’m not sure I get your point.
  • 31 7
 When something else makes the Stumpy look sexy...
  • 11 0
 salsa-works
  • 23 12
 it's already better because it's not made by specialized
  • 50 16
 I am surprised they didn’t put drop bars on it. Like they did with their fat bike. “Salsa - when you want to cross Alaska on bike but you also want a Soy-Latte”
  • 6 4
 @WAKIdesigns: that is too true ! Haha
  • 7 7
 @WAKIdesigns: never heard of #bikepacking ? it doesn't always have to make sense but if it's useful, it works
  • 25 22
 @tgr9: so you want to defend drop bars making sense on a fatbike? Did flat earthers just kick you out for being unreasonable?
  • 3 3
 @tgr9: except the spec has more up to date geo and still looks better in my opinion
  • 5 6
 @WAKIdesigns:
Yeah makes no sense.
I hate both, narrow bars and drop bars.
My back starts aching just looking at them and they are ugly.
No thanks.
  • 8 0
 sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/bik/d/santa-cruz-epic-expert-xl/6830319630.html Hey Look It's the new Salsa! Wink
  • 19 11
 @OneTrustMan: the only function of drop bars is to decrease aerodynamic drag created by riders body. It becomes an issue above like 20km/h and resistance grows by square of the speed. So road riders sacrifice optimal pedaling position in favor of aerodynamics. Problem is... Fatbikes never reach 20km/h on flat... there is nothing more to be gained other than star points in God only knows what social arrangement. Position is crap and handling is terrible.
  • 9 3
 @WAKIdesigns: I actually believe the earth is round...
It just makes sense because for longer rides, you have more options for your hands and you can haul more stuff on the bars...

The fargo is compatible 27+ or 29'' so you can easily fit whatever you want and ride over whatever terrain... There's not just downhill and enduro in life.
  • 12 9
 @tgr9: ergonomics of drop bars are detrimental in every single aspect compared to wide bars, which give you plenty of options where to put your hands. I even taped the bars of my “road” bike next to the stem so I can hold them there as if I was riding a fixie. Add seagull wing shaped wide bars and you have a winner in long distance riding ergonomics. There is no defending of these other than it is a quite ill advised kink
  • 4 1
 @tgr9: it’s not a belief, it’s a fact: the earth is not flat and has a slightly squashed ball shape.
  • 24 7
 @WAKIdesigns: I rarely post, but often lurk. I'm aware that Waki post nonsensical gibberish on every article, but your argument on drop bars is a special kind of stupid.

Try holding your hands straight down beside your waist. Do your hands face pinky out, or do they face at some angle or even pinky towards your backside? The natural ergonomic position for your hands is not horizontal in front of you. The natural position is somewhere between thumbs up and a 45 degree angle. Thus riding in the hoods or the drops of road bars is a much more natural riding position. I can ride for hours on road bars with no hand discomfort or numbness. On wide mountain bars I get numbness very quickly especially if I'm riding rough terrain or pushing aerobically.

Also your take on aerodynamics only mattering above 20km/h is just not based in any fact. Aerodynamic drag is essentially a constant. At low speed aerodynamics isn't the main cause of drag, rolling resistance is. That doesn't mean aerodynamic drag doesn't exist, it just means it's not the highest thing you have to overcome.

Your take on drop bars giving crap pedaling position is also...........well crap! I can put out more watts on a crank based power meter on a road bike than a mountain bike for longer periods of time. If you think that pedaling efficiency is lost with drop bars you need to get a bike fit.

Road bikes handle great.............on the road!
  • 6 0
 @georgiamtbiker: I can’t think of any force less constant than aerodynamic drag...
  • 2 0
 @EnduroManiac: oblate spheroid
  • 5 1
 @Loche: Your not wrong here. I should have said that drag coefficient is essentially static. Aero drag is like I think your implying does grow exponentially with speed.

Meaning that at low speeds the drag is still there and makes large portions of a bikes total drag at almost any speed. Sheldon Brown implies that aero drag equals rolling resistance drag at 12kmh or 7.5mph. But a 10% gain in aerodynamics at 12mph is still a 10% gain at 30mph.

All I'm saying about aerodynamics is that they matter just as much on mountain bikes as on road bikes. There is a reason xc riders ride in road kits and are even riding skin suits nowadays.
  • 1 0
 @K1maxX: except its 6 pounds heavier with a way more low end build then an s works
  • 3 2
 Juan Pablo Valencia Gonzales Knows there is another reason for drop bars! They are actually longer than straight bars and you can fit more cocoaine in them than you can fit in a seat tube! ???? @WAKIdesigns:
  • 6 13
flag WAKIdesigns (Mar 2, 2019 at 7:00) (Below Threshold)
 @georgiamtbiker: oh well ergonomics are not just about your hands, for the same reason masturbation will never replace intercourse. Road bikes don’t handle great anywhere. And if you want to tell me that drop bars are great for handling a bike that is loaded with tent and food you better check your head.

Aerodynamic drag is constant only in space, hence less of an issue at lower speeds on Earth (read those achievable by road bikes) it is not that hard to grasp, but I don’t want to discriminate you in case you can’t.
  • 2 1
 benefits of drops = better climbing, 3 different positions to alleviate fatigue and more comfortable performance position than flats (when riding on the hoods of drops)
flats give better stability/maneuverability, a more comfortable position for your back and better positioning for brake levers.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: You just described Minnesota in a nutshell.
  • 25 2
 DOWNCOUNTRY YAAAAAA
  • 7 0
 The only downcountry thing about these is the rear hub.
  • 5 0
 oh HELL NAH!
  • 7 0
 What’s a down country?
  • 23 0
 @muddysocks: I think it's kinda like "third world" or "developing nation".
  • 7 2
 @DirtbagMatt: AMEERRRIIIICCAAAAAAAAH *Cue puppets and explosions*
  • 7 0
 @muddysocks: just another word for mountain biking.
  • 3 0
 @muddysocks: anywhere in the Southern hemisphere.
  • 5 2
 I still don't know what "downcountry" means.

I just ride "bikes"
  • 5 0
 @SeanC1: ah, trail rider eh?
  • 16 2
 these are by far the best looking Salsa bikes to date. I'm looking for a XC frame this year and am only bummed about the fact that I just went "normal" boost, and this thing takes a "super" boost. bummer. I guess I'll just build another wheel... lol
  • 2 6
flag mikealive (Mar 1, 2019 at 11:08) (Below Threshold)
 Agreed, nice updates, good looking bikes. My one complaint though (and this isn't unique to Salss) is the single name down the *underside* of the downtube. I've seen Kona, and just yesterday Revel make this move, though there may be others. It just makes the profile of the bike look so damn... plain. Is this a cost saving move I wonder? Or just a purely aesthetic choice?
  • 3 1
 @plume ... There's already super boost adapter kits if you have a boost hub.. single tracks just did a full article on this
  • 3 1
 The other bikes look pretty good but the Rustler is absolutely stunning.
  • 5 0
 Salsa makes beautiful bikes; if they improved the suspension performance over previous bikes like the RedPoint, these could be great bikes.

What I don’t get is the price. As QBP’s own brand, these should be much more affordable.
  • 16 1
 "Excuse me, do you have any salsa?" We need more salsa." "Where's the salsa? No salsa?"
  • 3 0
 The majority of this comments section will be way too young to get this reference.
  • 6 0
 Not a huge fan of Salsa bikes, but I suppose that is better than a seltzer bike...
  • 1 0
 I thought you wanted seltzer?
  • 1 0
 a show about nothing.
  • 12 0
 Wow, tough crowd.

If these bikes don't make sense to you and/or you simply feel the need to poke fun at Salsa, you're clearly not their target customer.

Just like I don't want the longest, slackest and lowest endur-bro machine, there's many, many people who are loyal and excited by what this and other like-minded brands produce.

Take a breath and gain some perspective.
  • 11 0
 What Levy wants! Levy gets!
  • 8 0
 Again with the stupidly long seat tubes.... But that Spearfish has very similar geo to the SB100. More DC bikes!!!
  • 6 1
 I like this direction in short travel bikes too, but it does seem that downcountry is a bit relative. 67.8° HA, RS Reba and Forekaster/Ikon is ok, but to me DC should be a bit more out there! 65-66°, RS Revelation and Aggressor/Forekaster sounds better and appropriately inappropriate for a 100mm XC bike
  • 2 0
 Came here to post this. 460ish reach with 480+ seat tubes??? Just why? Agree with another poster that Salsa is wasting their time trying to capture the trail bike market, focus on your niche, no one is going to buy these.
  • 1 2
 I appreciate the long seat tubes. Better than snapping them off because your post is too far out of the frame. Tall people with long legs are a market that Salsa has foreve served well. Not many brands do the same.
  • 3 0
 @gdharries: You've snapped 170/200mm 31.6mm diameter droppers inserted past min insertion before? Haven't seen that happen personally. It's about matching seat tube length to reach given modern droppers... 460mm reach is something a 5'10"-6'0" rider would want with modern geo, yet with a 480-490 seat tube, unless they have long legs they will struggle to fit a 150 dropper and 170 is out of the question.
  • 1 1
 @gramboh: Not with dropper posts, as I just started using those. I've put enough leverage on a few 30.9mm 400mm rigid seat-posts (Race Face, Thompson and others) sitting below the minimum insertion point to break frames.

I'm 6'4" with long legs. The sizes that Salsa produces fit people like me, but not everyone. I just don't think the trend of shortening seat-tubes and offsetting them with longer dropper posts is ideal in all cases.
  • 11 4
 Sweet! I always wanted a NOS 2015 bike.
  • 10 4
 ...with a paint job from 1992
  • 5 0
 @woofer2609: you say that like it's a bad thing
  • 1 0
 @woofer2609: I like the paint. Are you more of a cliche, done a million times, 80 retro d bag?
  • 2 0
 @panzer103: That's a bit harsh. I'm a forty something dad. The 80's and early 90's were a once is enough thing for me.
I didn't say i didn't like it. It actually looks better on welded or carbon frames than lugged bikes. It does remind me of this though...
www.steel-vintage.com/paletti-el-os-classic-italian-road-bike-1990-detail
  • 1 0
 @Lookinforit: i kinda think this bike pulls it off.
  • 2 0
 @woofer2609: Yes im sorry, seriously that was bitchy on my part
  • 8 5
 Man how do I choose between a bush-master, a bike that goes well with tostitoes, and a race bike that will make me as fast as the Athertons? I guess Ill wait for tomorrows slough of new bikes from companies I'v never heard of!
  • 5 0
 Why does Salsa make sweet paint schemes for their complete bikes, and then punish people who want to do a custom build by offering the frame-only in flat, boring black?
  • 3 1
 @zedpm Because flat boring black never goes out or looks dated... Salsa paint schemes always remind me of the early 90s.
  • 3 0
 Because only a small segment of bike nerds actually buy colourful bikes - most North American bike buyers just buy black. I love a bright colour bike, I'll show a customer one, and they'll usually say something to the effect of, "Yeah that looks great, do you have it in matte black?"
  • 1 0
 @seanondemand: I'm that customer... Although the new pole bushmaster looks bad ass in raw!
  • 1 0
 Flat, boring black actually looks spectacular on the Fargo, and it's generally a good choice, but I too would enjoy the ability to buy frames in wacky colors, or at least the same colorway as completes.
  • 1 2
 Why do manufacturers make sweet stealth schemes for their frames, and then punish people who want a complete build by offering them only in gaudy look-at-me paint schemes?
  • 2 0
 @muyguapa: you mean like this - I saw you on the trail the other day, I think that was you...not sure, because it was a bike that looked like everyone else’s...
  • 1 0
 @kuna26: Probably... With everyone wanting to scream "look at me, look at me! I'm special! acknowledge me!!!", what so bad about wanting to just chill and fade into the background?
  • 1 0
 @kuna26: That all goes away when u make ur riding not look like everyone else's tho.
  • 4 0
 Got to admire their balls. And I can't quite believe it but the red/yellow thing has made me feel all gooey I. Salsa pressing some sensitive buttons.
  • 6 0
 Apparently Salsa has a higher opinion of their buyers than Pivot does.
  • 6 0
 Old news. I’m waiting for a “side country” specific bike.
  • 6 4
 Salsa really missed a good opportunity to position and relaunch their mountain line up. Their thing has always been adventure by bike and they are shooting themselves in the foot by making middling trail bikes, trying to capture a saturated market. The only thing interesting and "salsa" about these bikes is the room for a large frame bag as well as several water bottles. They are never going to be able to compete with regular mountain bike companies and shouldn't try.

Give me a new Bucksaw, give me a Full-Stache competitor, make a XC bikepacking race 29er based on leaf springs with a thudbuster and lauf fork!

Make Salsa Bikes Weird Again!
  • 3 0
 i'm a little down-country i'm a little en-duro with a little bit a nashville and a little bit a freeride in my soul don't know if it's good or bad i know i love it so blah blah blah
  • 7 2
 Looks more like "cut-n-paste" bike designing vs. "all-new-redesign"
  • 5 0
 who cares, bring back the el mariachi
  • 6 0
 Solid midwest geometry
  • 1 0
 Its true, so very true.
  • 2 0
 Their carbon XC bike is almost 28.5lbs in a size M? I'm always excited to see new bikes coming out, but these confuse me a bit. I think Salsa is just a conservative brand; they make good bikes but not great headlines.
  • 1 0
 So Salsa frames have a tendency to break, granted, most of that history is with aluminum frames, but still I’m not gonna put Salsa on on my burrito without a track record.

Big geo changes for Salsa equals mediocre geo changes for the rest of the world. Salsa is reaching for some market share, they need to succeed or it may be a last gasp; the tooling for carbon doesn’t come cheap.

Best wishes to Salsa.
  • 1 0
 Being 6'5" with long (38") inseam, it's the horsethief even worth the time to look at? Reach seems short, would long seat tube make up difference for the slack angle for a tall rider? Currently on a 2012 xxl spec rock hopper, so trying to figure out modern Geo's.....
Test ride stumpy St and felt like I was trying to slide back further on the seat to get comfortable...
  • 2 1
 Omg I just realized where the name down country came from... I’m very disappointed in myself and the bike industry.. I thought it might just be a fun silly name for a roudy trail bikes. But it’s just Downhill + cross country = downcoutry. f*ck, I’m an idiot.. but so is person who came up with that name
  • 6 2
 Take that saddle bag off... Gags.
  • 2 0
 Another Levy contribution.
  • 4 1
 With the exception of the split rear top tube section, they look really similar to the last generation of the Stumpjumper...
  • 6 2
 I'm continuously not impressed with Salsa
  • 2 0
 "and there is also a flip chip that adjusts the bottom bracket height and head angle."
YES. Salsa bikes NEED (flip) "chips".
  • 4 0
 What the hell is a downcountry bike?
  • 3 1
 I think Yeti also referenced “downcountry” when they let the SB100 out, but not this obviously. I bet Levy is going to be insufferable to work with for a while.
  • 4 0
 WTF IS A "DOWNCOUNTRY" BIKE??
  • 1 0
 Orbea's line up is a better value, has unbeatable customer support, and have better numbers/specs across the board--and the same split pivot. I don't even down country and have considered getting an Oiz
  • 1 1
 Is it my imagination or does this bike, frame, setup look a lot like an Orbea Oiz? Maybe same frame manufacturer? Either way, great looking bike. The 'Downcountry' marketing moniker is a bit of a turnoff, but these 120mm bikes are fun, fast, and really much more than anyone needs for travel around most XC/AM trail centers in my area.
  • 2 0
 Anyone else notice that the Horsethief video has a clip in reverse at 0:20? Watch the woman in the gray shirt un-eat her bar. Kinda disturbing!
  • 1 0
 These seem like awesome bikes. I dont agree with down country being so close to a cross country bike. I picture down country as a 140/130 67 degree type bike. Still, the evolution of mountain bikes looks very promising.
  • 11 9
 It's a trail bike. Short travel, not XC race, not enduro. Cut the DC BS please.
  • 4 1
 Salsa with the short reach! Where your 500mm+ reach at??
  • 2 0
 @salsacycles I think you’re numbers for stand over on the spearfish are backwards.
  • 4 2
 I was super excited about that HorseTheif until I saw the seat tube. Welcome to 2015, boys.
  • 1 1
 Looked at the Speafish. The prices hurt my eyes. You can get a sb100 for 5k with a better build package then the top end salsa gx for 5.2k. Dear salsa you are not Yeti! I thought he Konas I was looking at were expensive.
  • 4 0
 Downcountry grammar
  • 3 0
 I hate the word “Down Country”, please don’t use it PB!
  • 2 0
 Wow, Salsa making moves!!

-anyone have gag reflex when seeing someone brake with their middle finger?
  • 2 0
 SUPERBOOST!!!! I like it when bike companies make it easy for me not to buy their bikes.
  • 2 0
 @dtimms There will be lots of bikes for you not to buy in the next few years then!
  • 1 0
 Hey salsa ; good looking bike but you nobody is gonna watch that video and be like "Maybe if I buy this bike it'll make me ride like the novice in that video"
  • 1 0
 Do you really think if you bought a bike that a pro rides, that you'll instantly be able to ride like said pro? You're why marketing departments around the world, are filled with people who look, sound, and behave like they love the smell of their own farts, and why bullshit articles filled with marketing-speak gets published everywhere.
  • 1 0
 @mike Levy-can you tell us well my bro who the UK Disty is?

He already has an original SF but wants a Pony tho realising it is a HT he needs lol
  • 1 0
 Tiger mountain! Predator trail! Cool to see somewhere I know in these videos. Strange choice having everything in slow motion though. Don't you want your bikes to look fast?
  • 4 2
 I hope levy copyrighted 'downcountry' Cha Ching.....
  • 5 4
 Sucks when your brand new bikes are out-of-date by the time launch day comes around
  • 2 0
 Today I give up mountain biking
  • 2 0
 Nope not enough pivots to be downcountry, thank u next
  • 2 1
 Is that really a 67.8 degree head angle on the Spearfish??

It looks way slacker.

#paralisysByAnal
  • 3 1
 Get out of here with that superboost garbage
  • 1 0
 That Rustler’s geo is pretty much how I set up my Mojo 3.. Looks like a fun bike!
  • 1 0
 Horsethief will help you clean Horsethief! 60% of the time, it works every time.
  • 2 0
 Super-Boost hubs. Introducing a new standard....
  • 1 0
 I missed that. For f*ck sakes they just came out with boost and now it will be outdated soon. Wtf.
  • 1 0
 "Excuse me, do you have salsa?" "We need more salsa." "Where is the salsa? No salsa?"
  • 1 0
 if you ride a downcountry get ready to loose your dog, wife, house and yer fishing boat.
  • 1 0
 These bikes make me itch to ride again! Can't wait for summer, I will definitely be picking up one of these three bikes.
  • 1 1
 Rustler = Budget Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt

Same numbers, identical main frame. top tube shock mount spitting image of the thunderbolt.
  • 1 0
 Pedaling forces are never "completely separated from the rear shock". Stop with the marketing bullshit.
  • 2 1
 UNDERSTANDING THE 2019 PB COMMENT
  • 1 0
 My Salsa makes all the pretty girls dance...
  • 1 0
 The old spearfish seemed better tbh
  • 1 0
 Nice Salsa, you've made an Ibis Ripley with a ibis mojo rear end.
  • 1 0
 Looks like a Specialized Epic
  • 1 0
 God damn you, Mike Levy. Look what you've done.
  • 2 0
 I'm sorry
  • 1 0
 No lycra, not interested.
  • 1 0
 They didn't! OMG, they actually did!
  • 1 0
 I’m gonna hold off until 36er update!
  • 1 1
 How is no one else upset about the 157 “super boost”? They’re already getting rid of boost 148?
  • 1 1
 Does this new style of bike " down country " come with a blow up doll? I love going down , but only if she likes to go down!
  • 1 0
 I really want nachos with some salsa after seeing the headline.
  • 1 0
 They look good, i like the Horsethief and it seems to attract the ladies.
  • 2 1
 Looks like a stumpy
  • 1 1
 I keep waiting on see an Ellsworth downcoutry bike review...common guys!
  • 1 0
 Nice paint!
  • 1 0
 Nice!!!!
  • 1 0
 R.I.P. Bike Industry.
  • 2 3
 "Please nobody tell Levy" @mikelevy Wink
  • 2 3
 When is the down country world championships?
  • 2 5
 Country allways brings me down. Hell country music makes me want to kill shit and maim stuff!
  • 1 0
 You might be listening to the wrong country music.
  • 2 0
 @woofer2609: he means doom country.





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