By now, you’re sure to have seen bikes that advertise two wheel sizes in one. Due to the similarity in size between 29″ and 27+ wheels and tires, we’re seeing a number of new models that can run one or the other. As one of the highlights in their new 2017 lineup, the Salsa Woodsmoke is taking that to the next level.
Not content with simply 27+ or 29″ as an option, the new hardtail adds another dimension with the addition of 29+ wheel compatibility, all in the same bike. To make it all work the frame resorts back to the days of elevated chain stays and a wild bottom bracket junction to offer super short chain stays with some massive tire clearance.
Just one of a slew of new and updated models, Salsa is bringing a big line for 2017…
One frame, three different builds. If you’re wondering how three different wheel sizes play well together in the same frame, the answer lies in the suspension and in the dropouts. Up front, the 27+ builds run a 140mm travel suspension fork. To accommodate the extra height of the 29″ and 29+ tires, those builds will use a 120mm travel fork.
Between the 27+ and the 29″ wheels and tires, Salsa’s new Alternator 2 dropout allows additional adjustment of the chain stay length and wheel base with chain stays measuring 409-417mm. The Alternator 2 plates move the slider mechanism to the plate instead of the carbon frame for a cleaner, lighter, and more robust system.
That crazy short chain stay length is the result of a combination of the elevated stay design, Boost rear hub, and BB92 bottom bracket which work together to provide the needed chainring and tire clearance. To go along with the short rear end, the bikes have longer front center measurements meant to be used with shorter stems for a modern ride.
Meant as a bike for single track, bike packing, or just offroad exploration, the bike is fitted with top tube mounts for their new EXP top tube bag, three bottle mounts, and there will be a custom fit EXP frame bag available in the future.
Both the 27+ and 29″ builds will be 1x or 2x compatible with a slick hidden derailleur mount behind the seat tube.
Offered with all carbon frames, there will be 5 Woodsmoke builds available, a 29+ Xo1, 27+ X01, 29+ GX1, 27+ GX1, and a 29″ NX1 complete bike.
Models and Pricing:
- Woodsmoke 29+ XO1 – U.S. MSRP $3999.00
- Woodsmoke 29+ GX1 – U.S. MSRP $2999.00
- Woodsmoke 27.5+ XO1 – U.S. MSRP $3999.00
- Woodsmoke 27.5+ GX1 – U.S. MSRP $2999.00
- Woodsmoke 29 NX1 – U.S. MSRP $1999.00
While not quite as wild, the new Timberjack is equally interesting due to its dual wheel size options and more affordable price. An aluminum hardtail, the Timberjack could be viewed as a gateway offroad bikepacking bike or as a competent single track slaying hard tail. Offered in 27+ or 29″ builds with 120 or 130mm travel forks, the aluminum frame uses Alternator dropouts to adjust for the difference in wheel size.
At its most affordable build, the NX1 29″ Timberjack comes in just under a grand at $999. That includes a pretty solid build with a pieced together NX1 drivetrain, Tektro hydraulic brakes, and a Manitou M30 fork.
All of the Timberjack models feature fairly short chain stays, with longer front centers and shorter stems. The frames are dropper post compatible, rack compatible with Salsa’s Rack Lock adapter, and will also have custom EXP frame bags available in the future.
Available in 2 models (27+ and 29″), there will be two colors of each model and even a frame only option.
- Timberjack 27.5+ GX1 – U.S. MSRP $1,399.00
- Timberjack 29 NX1 – U.S. MSRP $999.00
- Frame Only – Timberjack will be available in the Matte Gray colorway – U.S. MSRP $399.00
A bit of a departure from their previous fat bike design, the new Mukluk grows with bigger hub spacing and an all new frame. In order to fit the biggest tires available, the frame now runs a 197 x 12mm rear dropout and moves to a 100mm threaded bottom bracket with a narrower q-factor. Like many other brands, Salsa maintains the narrower q-factor with the wider rear hub spacing by running a direct mount chainring flipped so it is dished to the outside of the bike. However, Salsa has not abandoned 2x options with both the aluminum and carbon models still 2x compatible.
Also equipped with the new Alternator 2 dropouts, Salsa claims the Mukluk has the shortest stays available with a 430mm measurement – though for bigger tires the dropouts will need to be pushed back, up to a 450mm chain stay length.
Along with other bikes, the Mukluk gains top tube bag mounts, and offers internal cable routing including compatibility for stealth droppers.
All of the bikes look particularly good in person, but the bikes with metal flake in the paint really stand out in the sun.
Offered in aluminum and carbon frames, there are 5 builds total with availability by October/November depending on the model.
Builds:
- Mukluk Carbon XO1 at $4,499.00
- Mukluk Carbon X1 at $3,499.00
- Mukluk Carbon GX1 at $2,699.00
- Mukluk ALU NX1 SUS at $2,499.00
- Mukluk ALU NX1 at $1,799.00
One of the first production carbon fat bikes on the market, the Beargrease remains in the line mostly unchanged in its 4th year. That means it still clears 4″ tires and uses a 177 x 12 rear axle. The bike will have carbon and aluminum frame options with 100mm suspension corrected rigid forks, four builds from $1599 to $3999, and some wild paint jobs.
The Powderkeg tandem MTB remains unchanged as well, but as one of the few mountain tandems available, it’s worth a mention.
For complete spec, visit salsacycles.com.
