“Adventure by bike”
Just hearing these words might get some of you excited.
When it comes to adventure-style rides, Salsa Cycles is the first brand that comes to mind.
We recently introduced their Ti frame, but today we’re highlighting the brand-new 2014 models that have just arrived.
This year’s paint jobs are simple, with a cool finish that hints at the classic Salsa style of years past.
Salsa “Colossal 2” Frame/Fork:¥147,000 Complete:¥275,100
First up is the Colossal disc road bike. Although it's a road bike, it's not a racer; it's a versatile machine capable of handling everything from paved roads to light gravel, and it excels at long rides. It’s best described as a rackless randonneur—the kind of bike you can take out for a spontaneous ride with minimal gear. It offers absolute stability in its handling regardless of the road surface, providing a truly reassuring ride, yet it still delivers a nice, spicy performance.
It features a steel frame with an ENVE ROAD DISC FORK, and the bottom bracket has been updated from last year's PressFit 30 to BB86, narrowing its focus to cranks with 24mm axles, such as those from Shimano or SRAM. This is great news for those looking to repurpose existing components during a build.
Salsa “Warbird 2” Frame/Fork:¥159,600 Complete:¥297,150
Next is the Warbird. Positioned as a gravel racer, this bike features a slacker head angle—closer to that of a touring bike—which boasts exceptional stability. That said, it’s not too sluggish; in addition to a performance worthy of its "gravel racer" name, the flattened seat stays effectively absorb vibrations. While not specifically designed for it, it works perfectly well for cyclocross, so it comes highly recommended for those who base their weekends around long rides but might want to try out some CX racing when winter rolls around. To match the frame, it sports an ENVE CX DISC FORK dressed in red, and like the Colossal, it also utilizes a BB86 bottom bracket.
Though they may look similar, each bike has its own strengths. While they can handle similar terrain, the Colossal is firmly based on pavement and built to take you further, whereas the Warbird shines on unpaved roads. One thing is for certain: what both of these bikes have in common is that they will follow you anywhere, responding to your sense of adventure. If you're looking to escape the daily grind and go on a little weekend adventure, Salsa is the clear choice!