Salsa joins the 27.5+ hype and presents a new, still nameless prototype trailbike using the new tire-size. The carbon frame was equipped with WTB 27.5+ tires, has 120 mm of travel and seems to be one of those fun-oriented short travel trailbikes with a geometry tuned for fun on gnarly descents.

Salsa zeigte einen Carbon-Prototyen.
A bike with no name – Salsa’s latest prototype
Die Dämpferaufnahme des Carbonrahmens wirkt wie aus einem Guss.
The rear shock mount is engineered nicely.

While the main-frame is made from carbon, the chainstays are aluminum. The looks of the bike are similar to the Salsa Horsethief model, only the rocker mount has been switched behind the seat tube. This should result in a stiffer rear triangle.

Salsa wird auch beim Komplettbikes auf WTB-Felgen und Reifen verbauen.
Not only the prototype, but also the production bike will run on WTB rims and tires.
Lediglich die Kettenstrebe ist aus Alu gefertigt.
Only the chainstays are made from alloy.

The rear triangle is made for hubs with the new Boost 148 standard and features the well-known Split Pivot suspension system by Dave Weagle. The wheels are build with WTB Scraper rims, combined with the new 27.5×3.0″ tires WTB Bridger and Trailblazer. According to Salsa, you will find this exact combination at the production bike too. More information about the new frame is not available yet – we’ll keep you updated on this interesting bike as news comes in!

Words: Martin Stöckl / Aaron Steinke Pictures: Robin Schmitt


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About the author

Aaron Steinke

Aaron was our first employee and actively helped make our company what it is today, significantly shaping the look and direction of our various magazines. Aaron has been pursuing his own projects since mid-2020 but he continues to advise and support us on issues of marketing and technology. For many years, you would usually have found Aaron at casual enduro races, but increasingly you'll find him riding his road bike – long live freedom on two wheels!