650B SALSA WARBIRD

[@erichidrogo]

So exited for your full review! Really happy to hear you’re going to run it loaded and give us an idea of its touring potential. I’ve been waiting on this bike since you uploaded the Dirty Kanza vid. Keep up the great work!

[@gzahnd]

I’ve been eyeing this rig closely, and even this tiny review just tipped me. Looking forward to the longer review as well. Thanks dude.

[@psuboyjoe]

I received my Warbird V4 last week with SRAM Apex. It came 700c. I initially planned to build up a 650b, but you've got now got me really excited to get it going. Thus far I've like the 700c for riding around town but I look forward to the comfort of a 650b for gravel, particularly with longer distances. I'm stoked to try it out for some bikepacking here in Idaho. Thanks for the great posts!

[@travisjgood02]

Tried the 105 version at a demo a few weeks ago. I loved it it even handled mild singletrack well.

[@georgecollier1694]

Hey -- trying to choose between the Warbird V4 and the Cutthroat. I am (was) a roadie with a racing bike. I've moved to Western North Carolina and have just started to discover the wonders of the local Fire Roads and trails (Pisgah and beyond). Have a newly acquired full suspension MTB which is OK but not crazy about. Don't expect to put all the time and work into acquired the bike handling skills to fully use that bike. Would like a bike that is good for gravel fire roads, exploration, light single track, bike packing, with fittings for packs, racks, bottles. Also probably the occasional road ride. Love to get away from the racing ride fast world and go towards long and slow exploration and enjoying time in the woods. Used to be a backpacker. Your thoughts and opinions are most welcome

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Depends. If you want something more road oriented, the Warbird V4. For something that will handle trails and rocky roads better, the Cutthroat. The Cutthroat will def feel like the more stable bike between the two as well.

[@georgecollier1694]

Thanks! @@PathLessPedaledTV

[@suryajala]

The new camera stabilization is great!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Glad u noticed!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yeah.

[@francoiscaen3182]

Thank you, this video reinforces everything I thought about this bike and it being the right fit for me. Now if only OR/WA dealers had some in stock for a test ride....

[@danielpostma8816]

Been waiting for this video, stoked you were able to review this bike! I think you should just splurge and buy it ;)

[@KenJones1961]

I've already put money down on mine. Going with the 105 / 700c version. I'm looking for a more stable road bike that can handle the fire / forestry roads around here. Most of the those are either hard pack dirt or ROC (compacted and hard gravel), and only a little loose stuff. Probably going to switch out the tires for some G-Ones right off the bat. I like that I could easily get a set of 650b rims and go larger volume if I want. Just waiting for them to ship!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

I think you'll dig it. Actually curious to see how it rides with 700c wheels.

[@TonyThayer]

I'm happy to see this review! FYI, compression on the background music during the riding portion sounds way high and it clips badly.

[@mediumrick7667]

Hoping you follow through with the loaded review in the future. (not to be confused with reviewing while loaded)

[@anunez6092]

Great video man, loving the quality and how smooth it looked. When you do your final review, can you tell us how it compares to the cutthroat. I've been debating between the two, thank you in advance.

[@gravelewok8284]

Great video. The Salsa Warbird is a lil pricey but the Fargo is more of my kind of bike. The tires look great on the bike but that color would have to go. Lol. Great job Russ. 650B on!

[@lzpup]

Great review, thanks, also looking to follow up. I have previous carbon version love it, did great in the DK, thought 40s were perfect. Looking to do the stage coach 400, think the 65o with wider better for sand and a generator hub and Brazons seem to make this version awesome

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

We did a final review on the channel.

[@tjrioux3059]

Another helpful review. I didn't notice info on the gearing....

[@house9Tube]

Looking forward to your ‘touring’ review of this bike! From their website it looks like the 650b versions come with 1x drive train and the 700c come with 1x OR 2x drive train depending on the model. Seems like for touring the 2x might be better? Would love to have one of these, but the price might hold me off for awhile.

[@walterkasper467]

Glad to see a bike test

[@wanderingsailor5503]

Been looking forward to this vid. Wish there was a Salsa dealer close to my area.

[@seesss1]

Love the videos. I think you would do a great job reviewing the checkpoint ☺

[@TechDadTV]

Great to see a video review of the new Salsa Warbird. Looking forward to your next review. If you already had a Salsa Cutthroat would you still consider adding the Warbird to the bike stable?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

I think so. The Cutthroat is a lot of bike most of the time. The warbird would make a good roadie, road tourer and gravel road exploring bike. Cutty doesn't take front panniers stock so that is sort of a bummer.

[@TechDadTV]

Thanks Russ. I was thinking so as well. Now onto figuring out if the new Vaya might be a better option than the Warbird for the same... (roadie, road tourer and gravel road exploring) Salsa just keeps making cool bikes.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Vaya would work great. Just no 650b option.

[@bsurber]

This new Warbird is sweet! How does this thing do on a standard road ride? I want something that can handle single track and hang with my group road ride as well. Keep the great videos coming!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Depends how fast your friends are :). I think it works great as a roadie.

[@ferryengr]

I find I only use the drops of my Fargo on extremely steep climbs - which a bike of that type is not really intended for. So with the Warbird - I'd be very interested if only they had a flat bar version . . .

[@Grimboat]

I really appreciated your comparisons between the V3 and V4 warbird, and between the V4 warbird and the cutthroat. How do you feel the V4 warbird (geometry, handling, comfort) compares to the journeyman?

[@mitchwarren1600]

Is that a mirror hanging of your specs? Liking your knowledge and the video vibe 👍

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Take a Look Mirror. The best! amzn.to/2PLl1xc

[@mtb7018]

Excellent review...thanks!

[@mledavis8252]

How does it compare to the Diverge? I have a good option to buy the Diverge with a discount, but something keeps holding me back. This Warbird looks attractive from here. Looking for something that feels like a road bike, does well on pavement, makes crappy pavement less bothersome, is safe and stable on hardpack and some gravel, and rides well lightly loaded. Since that's what many of us are looking for: Warbird or Diverge?

[@mledavis8252]

Frustrating to not be able to go to the store and see it for ourselves!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Would recommend checking out our Supple Spreadsheet. You can see how I rate handling and utility. www.pathlesspedaled.com/2019/01/09/the-supple-spreadsheet/

[@playfootball4567]

Hi there, any idea why no one can get ahold of one of these lately?

[@stevepark6363]

The Warbird is at the top my list of intriguing bikes - thank you for sharing this. How snappy and quick does the pedaling feel? Also, I see that the Salsa info page now says 650bx2.0 clearance, but the preview Warbird page said 650bx2.1. What is your estimate of max 650b tire clearance? Thunder Burt 2.1 too big?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Don’t have thunderburts to test but will measure the rear triangle clearance in the final review.

[@LBCGMC562]

If you were to put lowriders on the front is there an advertised weight limit. Would be interested to hear how it rides with a load. Beautiful bike nonetheless

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

That’s what we are testing next.

[@tanglewoodtree]

I bought the Apex build and am loving it, though I’ve only had time for one ride. I totally agree that the handlebars are too narrow. I’ll certainly replace them in the near future. Not sure about cowbell vs cow chipper, sounds like you are a fan of the latter?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yeah. Would do the cowchippers.

[@tanglewoodtree]

Path Less Pedaled The 52.5 comes with 38cm, the 54.5 (which I have) comes with a 40cm. How wide would you go? 42? 44 too big? I think we are roughly similar heights.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

I'm probably the wrong person to ask :) I like them wide and actually ride the 46 on the Cutthroat. I'm broad for my height.

[@BamHam]

What kind of pedals did you use/would recommend? Are platforms OK if not racing?

[@JD-tm6mx]

What does the 'no hands factor' correspond to in geometry? Rake? Fork? Little bit of everything?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

All those things. Head angle, offset and resulting trail.

[@JD-tm6mx]

So would you say it has more "no handsies" because of the smaller wheel size less rake? You don't see a lot of 650b bikes with straight forks.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Don't think it's directly related to the smaller wheel size. I tested the Surly Midnight Special that was 650b and that was tough to go no handed because of the more lively front. I think its a combo of head angle, fork offset and the trail number. I'd suggest playing with bicycle trail calc to see how diff bikes stack up. yojimg.net/bike/web_tools/trailcalc.php

[@nesutoneko]

Off topic... What hoodie are you wearing in the video? Looks like a nice alternative to Pat R1...thanks!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

It's a Ketl Mtn Hoodie. Review coming soon. Similar baffled fleece lining. Cozy. Women's has a jersey back pocket. For some reason they didn't put in the mens.

[@nesutoneko]

Thanks Russ, will check out and keep up the awesome work! PS - missing PLP Talks!

[@phxrsx]

What are the best 650b tires for mostly road but some gravel and dirt?

[@Speedfan80]

Hi from Germany. Which frame size you recommend for a 165 cm Person on a Kona rove nrb or a Salsa journeyman?

[@aubreyxengland]

Random question.. but, what Jacket is that?? Great content - keep it up!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Ketl Hoodie. Review forthcoming.

[@renadas.8627]

How would you compare the Journeymen to the Warbird? Is the journeyman an Aluminum version of the Warbird. I know the specs are different but is the 1k price difference in the Warbird worth it?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

I think they're probably closer in handling than further apart. That said, the weight difference is noticeable when climbing. I think for touring purposes its a draw. But if you have ambitions for racing , fast group rides, events, etc., the Warbird will definitely be the better bike.

[@renadas.8627]

Thank you so much!! Can’t wait for your Lona Libre review! Curious to see how it stacks up against the Warbird!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

@@renadas.8627 Awesome. If you're instagram I would msg Kona and let them know there as well.

[@renadas.8627]

Message sent to Kona. Now hopefully they listen.

[@ROBinJVILLE]

I have yet to try a 650b gravel bike. :(

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

They are fun :)

[@ROBinJVILLE]

Path Less Pedaled unfortunately, my gravel bike is less than a year old and the wife would kill me if I brought another rig home. I have multiple road, gravel, mountain, cruisers etc. I’m at the limit lmao

[@gravelewok8284]

Once you ride one.. you will never go back to 700c. #650B

[@ROBinJVILLE]

joshua mosier u think so? I am a tad more concerned with speed than comfort tho

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Comfort is speed :) 650b as a size in itself isn't magical and it really comes down to the tires as well. Just as 700 isn't inherently faster because there are lots of sluggish 700/29er tires.

[@jrc480]

I am a 6' 255# rider. Will the 650B work for me? I have a Journeyman in 700. Would I just run a 650 with a taller tire?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

You could, but you have lots of great options in 700/29er as well.

[@AdventuringBike]

Wonder how it handles set up with a flat bar

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Would actually probably do OK with he new geo changes.

[@NoFrictionZone]

Cowchippers rule!

[@FreyjaAnd]

Yesssssss!

[@artvin1001]

I''ll buy it!

[@bbowman3526]

Are 650b good for taller riders?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yes.

[@maverick7666]

Nice review, It's a shame that carbon is so extreamly inviorment unfriendly :-(

[@pingpongballz5998]

Idk how I feel about the color.

[@jessa.4529]

Why does this Salsa look like a Felt endurance bike

[@AC-ey1tn]

Can this fit 700c ?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yes. They are multi wheel size.

[@xenimaging]

Super shallow, but I really don't like this year's new paint options. Over the life of the warbird, they've had some really beautiful designs and this is the worst year. Bummed

[@francoiscaen3182]

xenimaging sadly that’s true of most Salsa gravel colors this year. It’s either black or puketastic colors. The top level Warbird isn’t too bad either.

[@k-dregg9578]

!