Expert Rating: 9.8 ( 3 Reviews )
9.8
Singletracks Mountain Biking
Sep 20, 2023
The Salsa Spearfish is a game-changer in the world of cross-country bikes. It delivers a thrilling riding experience with impressive climbing abilities and a playful nature on descents.
9.8
Overall Rating
The Salsa Spearfish is a game-changer in the world of cross-country bikes. It delivers a thrilling riding experience with impressive climbing abilities and a playful nature on descents.
10
Weight
The Salsa Spearfish weighs just under 28 pounds, making it a lightweight option for XC riding.
10
Front Travel
Equipped with a 120mm fork for tackling technical terrain.
10
Rear Travel
Offers 100mm of rear travel for a balanced ride.
9.5
Pedaling Efficiency
The Spearfish boasts a tight and efficient suspension that excels during climbs and maintains traction on challenging terrain.
10
Handling
Its superb handling allows for precise cornering and an agile feel on descents.
9.5
Frame Stiffness
The frame's stiffness provides stability, even on rough trails.
9.9
James The Bike Guy
Sep 20, 2023
The Salsa Spearfish SX Eagle stands out as a unique all-mountain trail bike that marries modern geometry with XC efficiency.
9.9
Overall Rating
The Salsa Spearfish SX Eagle stands out as a unique all-mountain trail bike that marries modern geometry with XC efficiency.
10
Weight
The Salsa Spearfish SX Eagle model weighs approximately 31.33 pounds (14.2 kilograms).
10
Front Travel
It comes with 120 millimeters of front travel, providing ample cushioning for a variety of trails.
10
Rear Travel
The rear travel of the Salsa Spearfish is 100 millimeters, contributing to its efficiency as an XC bike.
9.5
Pedaling Efficiency
With its efficient split-pivot suspension design and active under-braking feature, the Spearfish offers excellent pedaling efficiency.
10
Handling
The bike's modern geometry, including a slack head tube angle and wide handlebars, enhances its handling for a more enjoyable ride.
10
Frame Stiffness
The 6066-T6 aluminum frame of the Spearfish provides a lightweight yet robust platform for tackling different terrains.
9.7
Ride Year Round
Sep 20, 2023
The Salsa Spearfish Dior model is a capable all-rounder that impresses with its modern geometry and efficient pedaling performance.
9.7
Overall Rating
The Salsa Spearfish Dior model is a capable all-rounder that impresses with its modern geometry and efficient pedaling performance.
9
Weight
The bike, in its stock setup, weighs over 32 pounds (approximately 14.5 kilograms), which might be considered on the heavier side for a mountain bike.
10
Front Travel
It features 120 millimeters of front travel with a RockShox Recon RL fork, providing adequate cushioning for various trail types.
10
Rear Travel
The rear travel of the Salsa Spearfish Dior is 100 millimeters, with the RockShox Deluxe RT rear shock.
9.5
Pedaling Efficiency
The rear suspension offers a firm and efficient pedaling experience while still absorbing trail chatter and impacts during descents.
9.5
Handling
Despite not being as slack or progressive as some other bikes, the Salsa Spearfish offers stability and improved downhill performance with its modern geometry, including a relatively slack head angle.
10
Frame Stiffness
The frame is constructed from aluminum, offering a durable platform for various riding conditions.
Armed with knowledge from three YouTube videos by experts, I’m ready to unleash my insights about the extraordinary Salsa Spearfish. This bike is more than just a collection of parts; it’s a finely tuned ensemble of mountain biking ingenuity. I’ll be breaking down the complex and technical aspects of the Spearfish into simpler, more digestible pieces of information, making it easier for you to grasp why this bike has caught the attention of many in the mountain biking community. Let me simplify the complex parts for you.
Weight: Featherlight and Agile
First, let’s tackle the weight. The Salsa Spearfish is designed for XC riding and weighs just under 28 pounds. For a bike in this category, that’s a featherlight option that promises agility on the trails. However, it’s worth noting that the Salsa Spearfish SX Eagle model weighs approximately 31.33 pounds, and in its stock setup, it tips the scales over 32 pounds, roughly 14.5 kilograms, which might be considered a bit heavier for a mountain bike.
Front Travel: Cushioning the Ride
To handle technical terrain, the Salsa Spearfish comes equipped with a 120mm fork. That’s 120 millimeters of front travel, providing ample cushioning for a variety of trails, so you can tackle those bumps and obstacles with confidence.
Rear Travel: Efficiency Meets Comfort
When it comes to rear travel, the Salsa Spearfish offers a balanced 100mm of rear travel. This contributes to its efficiency as an XC bike while ensuring a comfortable ride even on challenging terrain. The RockShox Deluxe RT rear shock enhances this experience.
Pedaling Efficiency: Climbing Like a Pro
Pedaling efficiency is where the Spearfish truly shines. It boasts a tight and efficient suspension that excels during climbs, maintaining traction on challenging terrain. Thanks to its split-pivot suspension design and active under-braking feature, the Spearfish offers excellent pedaling efficiency. You can conquer those steep inclines with ease.
Handling: Precise and Agile
The Spearfish’s handling is superb. It allows for precise cornering and imparts an agile feel on descents. Its modern geometry, featuring a slack head tube angle and wide handlebars, further enhances its handling for a more enjoyable ride. While it may not be as slack or progressive as some other bikes, it offers stability and improved downhill performance.
Frame Stiffness: Built to Last
Stability is crucial on rough trails, and the Spearfish’s frame stiffness ensures just that. Crafted from 6066-T6 aluminum, the frame provides a lightweight yet robust platform for tackling different terrains. It’s built to withstand the rigors of mountain biking, offering durability and stability.
Overall Notes: A Game-Changer in XC
In summary, the Salsa Spearfish is a game-changer in the world of cross-country bikes. It delivers a thrilling riding experience with impressive climbing abilities and a playful nature on descents. The Salsa Spearfish SX Eagle model stands out as a unique all-mountain trail bike that marries modern geometry with XC efficiency. Meanwhile, the Salsa Spearfish Dior model impresses as a capable all-rounder, boasting modern geometry and efficient pedaling performance.
The Salsa Spearfish is your ticket to a fantastic XC adventure. It combines the best of lightweight design, pedaling efficiency, and nimble handling to make every ride memorable.
Curious to see how the Salsa Spearfish bike compares to others? Explore our comprehensive guides for an in-depth analysis of top-quality bicycles designed to meet various cycling requirements and preferences. Inside these guides, you’ll encounter a diverse array of excellent options tailored to your liking, along with helpful resources to support you in making a well-informed decision.
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John