2021 Salsa Timberjack Unboxing & First Ride Impressions | New Bike Review | SLX 29

I sold my full suspension several weeks ago and went on the hunt for a hardtail MTB that I’d be more excited to ride. I considered a lot of different bikes, but wanted something that could had modern geometry, could fit plus tires, and could be run singlespeed. The redesigned 2021 Salsa Timberjack SLX 29 ticked all of those boxes and after some searching I found one in stock. In this video, I unbox my new bike, take it for a first ride and give my initial impressions on the newest bike in my stable.
#salsatimberjack #hardtailmtb #salsacycles

[@hardtailparty]

Great initial impression. You're right, it's a stiff frame.

[@lucaneuburg976]

I hoped it was comfortable! ..maybe plus wheels can help a bit like for the previous model?

[@nickpollice]

I just got mine on Monday and have about 50 miles in. I love the bike out the box! Salsa did a great job for the price point. I bought mine at Mikes Bikes online. Great experienced there too

[@RicQuintanilla]

looks and sounds like a great hardtail rider. looking forward to finding a frame to build up!

[@ASMRlum]

Getting the gx model this weekend, can’t wait!!!

[@curtpatana3454]

Congratulations on the new bike! I'm looking for a "new geometry" hardtail and this is on my list. I'm concerned about how stiff it might be on technical singletrack but I like the geo numbers. I'm looking for a supple hardtail and leaning towards steel. Keep us informed on how it performs on more technical trails and I'm sure tubeless will help!

[@RideYearRound]

I do think I had the tire pressure too high, but the frame seems to be pretty stiff either way. Getting the 27.5+ version (or getting a 27.5+ wheelset) could help with that though.

[@dgriffinm]

Love the Color

[@rasmusredfire2667]

Hi am big thanks for the video….what’s the biggest tire that will fit in the rear with 29er wheels….great channel !! Cheers from Denmark

[@certainperfectratio]

Nice presentation. Subbed

[@icantgivecredit871]

I feel as though an improvement that could be made to future hard tails is to further take slack out of the rear portion of the geometry... if that makes sense. (Is that why the seat tube angle on your new bike is 75 degrees instead of something smaller?) Modern bikes require the rider to sit forward, but that's something some of us forget to do when we feel fatigued. That's the interesting thing: a vintage bike feels quite upright, yet the rider is supposed to hang off the back when descending; conversely, while a modern bike seems to invite the rider to sit back, the rider is better off leaning forward and taking advantage of that longer shock and slack head tube angle.

[@bobh-777]

Great review! What tire pressures were you running?

[@RideYearRound]

25 rear, 23 front. I’m around 215lbs and they still had the tubes in, but I still think it was a little high.

[@turboelephant6298]

When I rode my first 29er with sane tyres, I added another 3mph to my average speed on Strava, although I'm getting to the point now where any tyre under 4 inch wide seems like an elastic band.

[@RideYearRound]

Haha, I know what you mean. That’s probably the reason my gravel bike has normal mountain bike size tires.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Nice, congrats!! I’d love for Salsa to do a carbon version of this bike.

[@RideYearRound]

Yeah carbon would be pretty cool, but I think steel could be even cooler haha

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

@@RideYearRound They did the Ti Timberjack for awhile!

[@RideYearRound]

Yeah I’d love that if they updated the geo but Ti = $$$

[@BigBenz89]

To be honest, I was bummed you sold the Spearfish, but the geo on this bike makes it look like it’ll be a really good time. What are your thoughts on the 29x2.6 tires?

[@RideYearRound]

So far they are exactly what I’d expect, not quite as floaty as a 3.0 but not quite as fast as a 2.4. I can’t decide if that’s a good thing or not yet haha.

[@ttattx]

I envy you... my LBS told me they're getting SLX and XT's in 29er's in the next month - so I have a deposit on the XT... I was actually wanting to go for the GX, because I love the Bomber fork, but they told me No Bueno - you won't see one of those in the forseeable future... so now for me... hurry up and WAIT....

[@RideYearRound]

I wish the XT build had the marzocchi fork, but I prefer the shimano drivetrain over the Sram GX.

[@ASMRlum]

Bike shop in anchorage ak has a couple in stock!! Give em a call

[@tavien.j2047]

Snapped the frame on my 2019 salsa timberjack, hopefully I can get a new frame under warranty

[@RideYearRound]

Man that's a bummer. Hopefully they take care of you!

[@ozarka7554]

Where are you riding at? It looks very fun :)

[@RideYearRound]

Southwest Montana. Lots of great riding around here!

[@John_D2]

What's your inseam ? I'm 5'11 and a half but , have short legs. I'm always between medium and larges ? Thinking about selling my fuel ex for a hardtail. Thanks

[@RideYearRound]

31.5" inseam. I'm usually between medium and large as well, but almost always go with a large.

[@John_D2]

@@RideYearRound Thanks for the heads ! Hopefully I can get on one this year just to make sure. My lbs sells Salsa but, it might be next year before they can get one , who knows. Take care.

[@jlgreenwald]

Where did you end up finding it? LBS website?

[@RideYearRound]

It was at Aventuron which is a shop in Wisconsin. I’d have loved to find it more local, but the nearest bike shop is 1.5 hours away and doesn’t sell or stock many Salsa’s.

[@kevcrid]

Who did you order from?

[@RideYearRound]

Aventuron

[@Accu53Mation]

I was considering Salsa. Until I discovered they're a Minnesota-based company. And I despise anything from Commie-Progressive states.