Salsa Cycles released the 2020 Warbird, their raciest gravel bike. While the carbon frame and fork haven’t been changed this year, new paint schemes and important spec updates add to an already-successful platform. A frameset option is also offered for those that want to build their ride from the ground-up.
2020 Salsa Cycles Warbird carbon gravel bike
Salsa updated the Warbird frame only a year ago, so 2020 brings new colors and spec to the existing frame design. While the brand has an extensive gravel and adventure line, the Warbird stands out as the lightest and raciest of the bunch, intended for events such as the Dirty Kanza 200, Trans Iowa, Almanzo 100, or other ultra-distance timed events.
The Warbird keeps its Class 5 VRS (Vibration Reduction System) to reduce fatigue, along with flattened and bowed chainstays. The frame also forgoes chainstay and seatstay bridges to improve compliance and increase mud clearance.
Tire clearance is generous at 650b x 51mm (47mm with fenders) or 700 x 45mm (38mm with fenders). Stock tire spec from the factory is 700 x 42mm.
Salsa keeps its wide fit range with 7 sizes.
Spec & Pricing
The Warbird is available in four different build levels plus a frameset, and a total of six new colors.
The Warbird Carbon GRX 810 Di2 ($5,699) features a full Shimano GRX electronic groupset, 48/31 chainrings, 11-34 cassette, and DT Swiss CR 1600 wheels.
The Warbird Carbon GRX 810 ($4,099) features a full Shimano GRX mechanical groupset, 48/31 chainrings, 11-34 cassette, and DT Swiss CR 1800 wheels.
The Warbird Carbon GRX 600 ($3,199) downspecs the shifters, crank, and shifters to 600-series RX (but retains the same gearing as above), paired with WTB Speedterra wheels.
The Warbird Carbon Apex 1 ($2,599) is available in two colors (shown above). Spec includes a full SRAM Apex 1x groupset, 42t chainring, 11-42 cassette, and WTB Serra wheels.
A frameset is also available for $1,999, including fork and headset.
