Salsa’s looking to make a splash in 2023 with its venerable aluminum hardtail, the Timberjack. The bikepacking-friendly ride boasts the same progressive geometry, accessory and rack mounts, and adjustable dropouts as the 2022 models, but with updated colorways and specs.
Let’s take a look.
The Salsa Timberjack XT Z2 has the most high-end components of the lot. The XT Z2 boasts a Marzocchi Z2 Rail 130 mm fork, a Shimano XT 1 x 12 drivetrain with Shimano SLX hydraulic disc brakes, and a TranzX adjustable-travel dropper post. The 29er comes in an eye-catching marigold, while the 27.5 model leaps off the screen in glossy merlot (above). Both models have an MSRP of $2,899.
Meanwhile, peep the subtle bluish-green tones on display with the Salsa Timberjack XT 29. A RockShox 35 Gold RL 130 mm fork pairs with a Shimano XT/SLX 1 x 12 drivetrain for a more moderately priced build that still delivers in the quality department.
Even better, the TranzX adjustable-travel dropper post carries over from the higher-end model. Salsa’s mid-range Timberjack comes with an MSRP of $2,499.
The XT 27.5 takes a page from its big brother’s book by rocking a muted, neutral colorway reminiscent of brass or light honey. All other specs remain the same as the XT 29.
