A Lot Has Changed - First Look at the New 2021 Salsa Timberjack

The new 2021 Salsa Timberjack is here! I'm really excited about this one. They've fixed almost everything I wanted fixed from the previous generation. This is some of the best geo I've seen on paper. Today we go over it with a fine-tooth comb to check it out in more detail so we can make assumptions about how it's going to ride. Which build would you get?
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#SALSA #Timberjack #spicysalsa

[@oldshovel]

LOL those calipers! Wow. When you pulled those out totally started laughing - so awesome and crazy. Where do you get something like that? Awesome!

[@hardtailparty]

Go big or go home. :)

[@rojoracing53]

Steve pulls out $2000 calipers to measure $2000 bike chainstays. 🤣

[@Allan_Varcoe]

I expect a full CMM report on the next video! 😂

[@Adam-xo7cv]

@@hardtailparty Words to live by, Steve!

[@magnusbarrett9575]

i dont mean to be offtopic but does anybody know a method to get back into an Instagram account..? I somehow lost my account password. I would appreciate any tricks you can give me

[@Adam-ei2ep]

I can't wait to see your review for this one. I've been eyeing one of these since Salsa's announcement.

[@kittmullikin909]

Getting mine tomorrow! I could only find the SLX build, but it will be a huge change from by 8 year old bike. Your channel is amazing and I really appreciate all the good information. Thanks for getting me stoked on riding a hardtail again!

[@965177]

Thanks for the review. The Timberjack was the bike that got me into mountain biking. It has not let me down. Even as I have upgraded bikes, I still find it's calling my name. In the simplest terms, it's a bike that is dependable and just wants to have a good time. My only gripe is the brakes need an upgrade. Enjoy the ride!

[@sixate]

The bike looks awesome, great lines and solid spec. Love the Stormtrooper look too. You have a lot of great reviews on the way. Looking forward to them all.

[@craigpattison5762]

I was considering the Timber Jack a while back. Now I'm excited to see your ride review on the 2021 version!

[@patriciacooper3775]

i just got the GX 29. i have the drop outs mounted in the rear hole to yield shortest chain stay. Has about 1/4" clearance at tightest spot. Love the ride. Love your channel. Thanks

[@clwatersjr]

Great overview, thanks! I am getting back into biking and just bought a new SLX 27.5 - XT wasn't available yet but I will upgrade the shifter to XT and dropper remote to Wolf Tooth asap. I am quite happy with the set up and look forward to getting back into shape with the new bike.

[@2scoops624]

Me: *pulls out digital caliper* Steve: "That's not a caliper" *pull out that monster*, "Now that's a caliper" You got an audible "damn!" out of me when you brought that thing out.

[@WasabiWei]

After watching your channel for a year or two I wondered if I needed a more slack setup at 67 degree head tube angle. You just specified that 67 is preferable for bikepacking. Thanks for the clarification!

[@marcusklaver998]

This might be the one I am looking for! I look forward to your review on this bike!

[@ianthompson9653]

I love that short seat tube! And the classic straight line from the headtube to the rear axle!

[@Ms-nc3eh]

I went in to my local bike shop looking for a Santa Cruz Chameleon and walked out with this bike, it fit me so well I can’t wait to go try it out on the trails.

[@timparsons2741]

I love my 2019 TimberJack with upgrades . GX rear derailleur , Maxxis Rekon + EXO 27.5x2.8 rear , Maxxis Minion + DHF EXO 27.5x 2.8 front and a carbon handlebar . also went with 165 cranks .

[@dogshmog]

Just bought a 21 TJ SLX. I stopped riding when I moved to flat as a board Texas, but I’m moving to north GA and finally needed an upgrade from my Schwinn Homegrown. Having a blast on this bike, like you say great geometry, and love the dusty red color.

[@anunez6092]

Hub sounds nice for a stock wheelset, thanks for the review, looks like a sweet bike

[@christophersumner7453]

I picked up the GX version of this bike the day after it dropped. After first rides, it is a great bike! Also a little disappointed about needing to buy new dropouts for ss, but as my shop explained, the fixed position sliders are much more reliable for general use (no chance of slippage under load).

[@dcrooster3610]

looking forward to your review. I'm excited about the single speed version

[@norman-gregory]

The front triangle reminds me of the Trek Roscoe (7 - 9 model) 2022. I do like the colour...enjoyed your take on the "Timberjack Mullet". Cheers.

[@dgriffinm]

I have an older salsa Timberjack, it has GX one shifters. So much better than Shimano I ride the , well it is a great ride. Thank you for reviewing this bike. So stoked that salsa said you want to look at. Kind of a bummer on the drop out without the adjustable chain stay turned that guy at a single speed would be a little bit more tricky.

[@hardtailparty]

A few things I need to mention. 1) See the specs here: bit.ly/3slVSfS 2) As mentioned in this video (some people seemed to have missed it), the geo chart is measured at 25% sag. That comes out to about a 65* hta unsagged. This bike is spicier than most people initially realize. 3) This is a pretty fantastic bang for the buck. 4) The previous timberjack was a great riding aluminum frame. I see lots of people wishing it were ti or steel. The older aluminum frame rode better than most steel frames. Hopefully this one rides the same. 5) Which build would you get?

[@pjflan999]

Got a single speed 29er coming, hopefully getting delivered to my shop in May. Congrats on getting an XT build. Shop tells me XT builds people are waitlisted for are scheduled for delivery in November...

[@oubbascooba9824]

I ordered a new Hardtail because of this channel, Nimble 9 2021. Thanks to your channel man

[@hardtailparty]

Congrats, that's a rad bike.

[@Mrtaylorrulien]

I would love a comparison between this model and last years model! These are great videos, I really appreciate the detailed breakdowns

[@Underfighter73]

I second this. Also, anyone have any experience with the Ti frame of the Timberjack?

[@daddyduckof3]

It's awesome you can get new bikes!👍

[@hardtailparty]

I'm super grateful that companies see value in my reviews. Thanks to all my amazing viewers too. The more views my videos get, the more likely i am to get more new bikes in.

[@Allan_Varcoe]

I could listen to you talk geo and parts all day Steve! Keep em coming!!! ❤️

[@shaunroach7829]

Great first look, 31.8 pounds not bad!!! Can’t wait for the full ride review!!!

[@MikeinCC]

Salsa also dropped the seat tube length significantly from the 2019/2020 models. The large 2019 (which I own) is 19". The large 2021 claims 17".

[@outsider1733]

Well, this will make my decision harder. Was looking at a Nimble 9 for singlespeed, but the TJ singlespeed with new geo may be the ticket!

[@shannonkeller8003]

That’s a sexy looking Hardtail! Great insight and opinions as usual! I agree with Old Shovel, those calipers are so ridiculously huge and I was not prepared for that much caliper this early in the morning! LOL Appreciate all your hard work!

[@hardtailparty]

LOL, I'll add a disclaimer next time the calipers make an appearance.

[@baddriversofcolga]

I like how they spec good parts where it matters and cheaper parts where it makes sense to save on costs. Though I wish I could get Shimano with the Z2...

[@hardmtnbiker]

I totally agree the 130mm fork on a hardtail is the sweet spot. I bought the new Japhy but haven’t built it up, waiting on my 34Fox Float. Esker says 66HTA with 30% sag on the Geo chart. What does that translate too with static geometry?

[@stompnucustoms2616]

white black theme is sick!

[@bmorristown]

great , detailed review

[@patchesthejaybird8431]

Those calipers remind me of the Joker pulling out the revolver with the 4 foot long barrel to shoot down the bat-jet. Lol. Yes, the Bomber Z2 is a nice fork! That Timberjack is a nice looking bike!

[@WrexBass]

I am so torn since I bought mine last year and love it, but I really like what they did this year. Bummer on the dropouts, I was really hoping to see you review it single speed. At least last year I was able to demo one before I ordered it. Seems harder to do that this year.

[@canuckbodybuilding]

Same here. Bought a 2020 SLX 27.6 and they legit addressed all the gripes I had in terms of geometry and components. Only time a brand has actually addressed all the gripes I had in the next years model.

[@Underfighter73]

I love my 27.5 SLX Timberjack😀

[@jamesmarsden9348]

Another great vid. After recently buying a new hardtail with 65 degree head angle I'm finding I'm struggling with front end washing out. I've heard you mention several times on reviews about different riding styles for modern geometry vs older steeper geometry. Can you do or have you done a video showing different riding techniques for riding slack hardtails to stop front end wash out. I'm a big hardtail fan and love you videos and reviews. Keep them coming.

[@hardtailparty]

Yes, i have a video on that exact topic.

[@LiftandGo]

Sweet shirt, Steve. Nice bike too.

[@mikejones420]

that is an great looking bike, love it

[@hardtailparty]

Agreed, it looks even better in person.

[@memememe843]

Salsa did good. They should sell a bunch of these. Gotta say the white paint is outstanding. Head tube badge is sharp too.

[@hardtailparty]

Agreed, it looks stunning in person.

[@tavien.j2047]

Snapped the frame on my 2019 timberjack after 1 year of use, hopefully the warranty process goes smooth

[@josesbox9555]

Greetings from Sedona! I’m in town, ridding my old El Mariachi tomorrow. Weee!

[@hardtailparty]

If you see me on the trail, be sure to say hi.

[@gedrot2486]

That caliper is probably the most bizarr/curious thing I've seen today

[@hardtailparty]

Sometimes you gotta get precise with those measurements. :)

[@davidw5408]

Those are great. We used to have some that large at work, but vernier.

[@poetac15]

@@hardtailparty any backstory on why you have that caliper? Did you buy it for bikes originally?

[@hardtailparty]

@@poetac15 I have them for measuring geo. You'll be seeing a lot more of them soon.

[@nickm3822]

My RSD aluminum v2 just got delayed, and my local bike shop has a medium slx timber jack, pretty good timing for this video.

[@hardtailparty]

Nice! Thse are flying off the shelves. Lots of people wish their shop had them in stock. Bummer about the MC getting delayed, I love the geo on that bike.

[@nickm3822]

@@hardtailparty Do you know anything about DVO suspension, the fork for the MC just got swapped for the Diamond D3

[@TheyForcedMyHandLE]

Damn, those Mitutoyo calipers 😍🤑

[@ivanvejarano]

Hi man. Thx for the review was xcellent, can I put a rolhoff hub with the apropiate dropout like with the salsa fargo?

[@MrJamesLuz]

I really really REALLY wanted the new Timberjack, but my local shop couldn’t get an ETA from their Salsa rep on a ‘21 Timberjack. (XT or GX) I ended up buying a 2021 Fuse Expert and I have no regrets. It’s a better package. I just wanted a Salsa.

[@clwatersjr]

I ended up buying an SLX knowing I would upgrade over time but did want the XT as well. Have fun with the Fuse!

[@Imrahil]

A little late to the party on this one but I was able to secure a 29r SLX model. It is fantastic. It's been a 9 year hiatus since I last rode and the Timberjack is an amazing value. Totally enjoying some new tech in my ride!

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Nice looking bike..... can't wait for your thoughts vs an aluminum Chameleon.

[@tylerdominguez6471]

Me too, but I like that you can buy the build as a SS!

[@alexcasal3207]

Hi Steve! Great first look as always, i am considering this frame, I am 5'6" and salsa says the small is my size, but looking at numbers i think the M is the better fit, what do you think?

[@CasperRc81]

27.5 has 40i rims I believe

[@greg86z28]

I just got an SLX 29 (the red one) last week as my first MTB. Seemed like a great value in today's market. Hoping it works out well for me! Looking forward to see what you think as well.

[@hardtailparty]

Connects on the new bike! You picked an incredible first bike. I would have LOVED to have started MTB on one of these.

[@aaroncox539]

What size did you get and how tall are you?

[@chelseagray1554]

Just ordered this from my lbs. Hoping it will be a good gateway bike into MTB!

[@hardtailparty]

Congrats. This is an incredible first bike. It's 100x better than my first bike.

[@josephnubile1970]

Any chance of you reviewing the Marin San Quenton 3

[@chickensendies]

Something about a white bike..... Looks so good!

[@hardtailparty]

agreed!

[@oklahotb3217]

Funny, I'm looking at this frame for a single speed and also good explanation of price increases with regards to shipping costs etc...

[@hardtailparty]

I'm almost certain the sinflespeed one comes with sliding dropouts. I think it could make a really fun ss.

[@oklahotb3217]

@@hardtailparty I'm also looking at the 21 Kona Honzo ST. According to their website, they've redesigned the rear triangle for improved ride quality.

[@hardtailparty]

Yeah, that's what they say. If it's the same rear triangle as the honzo esd, it'll be nice. I haven't ridden the st yet, but i have a feeling it's still a tank.

[@schlicss]

Looks like a great trail bike...but those grips need to go ASAP ha

[@jsv1122]

I’ve had my eye on this bike, nice to see a review coming. What erks me is the naming convention vs the actual parts. I think if you’re going to put SLX or XT in the name, you shouldn’t mix and match components. Call it the Comp or the Pro instead.

[@hardtailparty]

I agree. Sadly, bike companies have been doing it for 25+ years.

[@MrDidjaKillem]

I just purchased the slx build of the timberjack, and its suppose to arrive tomorrow! :D When will you be uploading your ride review? I'm excited to compare our experiences.

[@hardtailparty]

Patrons always get sneak peeks of my ride reviews before they drop

[@homerholland6050]

Ordered same XT build in medium. Really wanted the GX build, but I would have waited till 2022. My LBS is amazing though! Since they couldn't get the GX build they're adding on a Pike and 4 pot Guide R's with 180s for the same price of the GX build. Should be here next month. Took a lot of advice from you. On my 2020 Fuse, added a GX kit, a Revelation fork, and it's amazing. Super stoked and thanks for all that you do and thanks for all the reviews.

[@hardtailparty]

Sounds like a KILLER build, congrats. And it's cool you have such a great shop, there aren't many left.

[@christophersumner7453]

If you don't mind me asking, if you have a 2020 Fuze, why buy this bike? I was originally looking to buy the fuze, but when this dropped it seemed to tick all the same boxes.

[@homerholland6050]

@@hardtailparty 100% those kind of shops are dwindling. If y'all ever find your selfs in the Rapid City/Black Hills area in South Dakota, look us up.

[@homerholland6050]

@@christophersumner7453 funny story actually. I had my 2020 Fuse 29 and when I upgraded the spec I fell in love with it. At the same time I had a 2020 Trance Adv carbon and quickly found out that I love hardtails much more then full suspensions and 95% of the time I was on my Fuse. Sold my carbon full squish a couple of weeks ago to buy the new TimberJack. Kind of bizarre, most people go the other way and work into a full suspension. I went backwards 🤣

[@hardtailparty]

@@homerholland6050 You'll find a lot of people here who are doing the same thing. Hardtails are just so much fun. Most people haven't ever ridden a great hardtail, and marketing tells us that full suspension is the way to go, but hardtails can be an even better choice for some people. I still ride my full sus from time to time, and there's definitely a place for it, but a good hardtail is a thing of beaty.

[@formlesstrace4782]

Nice bike for the price, seem to be in a sweet spot for lot of the hardtail riders! Have you had a chance to try Nordest frames such as Bardino 2 and Britango 2? Would be really interested to hear your thoughts on them.

[@hardtailparty]

Not yet. I've reached out to them several times, but no luck convincing them to send me one for review. Maybe if enough of my viewers contacted them and politely told them why they'd like tos we one on here it'd work. That's how I got the kona, the el roy, and the Paul klampers in for review.

[@andrewjoe3158]

Dude is right about the fork, the GX build makes way more sense, the 35 is a $449 retail fork, why they didn't just add the $50 and slap the bomber z2 on a shimano build is beyond me. Still, I have the old one and I love it. I will be rocking a new fork soon.

[@jeremyatkinson4976]

Possibly because they were spread betting due to the world shortage of components

[@andrewjoe3158]

@@jeremyatkinson4976 given how hard it is to find one of these, I don't think that really matters at the moment.

[@oklahotb3217]

Those Raceface Chester bars are gawd awful heavy

[@rauldragu9447]

I always chuckle to myself whenever I come across value bikes like this one when I compare them to my 2021 Sentier. Sure, she could be 10mm longer, one degree slacker and the seat tube could be a bit steeper... but it also came stock with a 140mm Bomber Z2, 44 POE on the Vitus hub, and some great Schwalbe tires. And you know...I also upgraded a few bits like the Deore 4 pots front and rear with 203/180mm SLX rotors, a 170mm OneUp dropper, an 11 speed XT shifter and some DeathGrips. After selling most of what I took off my total sits just under 1800 USD without pedals. That's some crazy bang for buck for a new bike even compared to this Slasa. You are basically paying $300 more for the SLX cassette, XT rear derailleur and geo, but other than that, everything else is as good or way worse than my bike. I still don't understand how Vitus are making any money, but I think we better just not question it :)

[@hardtailparty]

yeah, but geo is the most important part of a bike.

[@lindsaymustard8232]

I might have missed it, but which size did you get this time?

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Great looking bike! Won’t lie I’d love to see a carbon version.

[@hardtailparty]

Out of curiosity, what is appealing about a carbon version?

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

@@hardtailparty Don’t get me wrong, I think these AL bikes nail it in their price points. My current 29er hardtail is a 2015 Trek Stache, still a really good AL bike. But having the 2021 Salsa Beargrease carbon, that bike pedals sooo good, and some weight savings is nice too. So those would be my “wish list” for a carbon Timberjack, although not a deal breaker. As a Salsa fan, a carbon hardtail 29er is not in their lineup.

[@blackbird2056]

Just found your site.. question I just bought a 2017 Salsa WoodSmoke GX1 carbon black/blue frame. I can't find any reviews do you have any experience with it ? If so what's your take ??

[@user-oc7mm5oy1z]

hey bud great video i love the bike im riding a giant tcm full carbon its a nice bike but i would love to upgrade to the salsa timberjack 2021 that's my next bike i wanted to ask you the bike stand your using my old one is so bad it clamps to the frame so you cant work on that part of the frame i would love to get one exactly like yours it clamps to the seat pole can you please send me a link or model for that stand thanks bro legend looking forward to some more videos you're the best merry Christmas and happy new year thankfully rustem

[@mellissanash7517]

Is the new one suppose rto be the same weight or has weight gone up?

[@rjahn3000]

Would be a great bike packing bike.

[@hardtailparty]

I think so too. We'll see if the head angle feels slacker than ideal for bikepacking, but I have a feeling it's going to be great.

[@MichaelAbramo]

I want to see this bike with a 27.5+ rear and 29 front.

[@ericrollins4607]

+hardtail party 5'7, 30" inseam -- Medium or Small on this new model?

[@littlemanbigheart194]

you think can review the giant fatham? Im curious about the crest fork

[@hardtailparty]

I've tried to get one for months now. I have zero contacts at giant and no way to get ahold of them.

[@mattfarrar8566]

I really liked the geo specs on this when it saw it. Couldn’t wait with the weird demand so I bought a Santa Cruz chameleon instead.

[@ttattx]

I'm torn between the two... I have a chance to snag either the r+ SC or the same exact bike as in this first look... decisions, decisions, decisions

[@mattfarrar8566]

Keith Iscool I have the r+ and it’s a ton of fun! The fox 34 is amazing.

[@ttattx]

@@themtrchannel9529 it appears that won’t be happening for at least two years. Recent interview with the CEO of Santa Cruz said new bike orders placed now won’t be delivered until Q3 or later of NEXT year (2022). So to even consider an updated frame is at best a 2024 possibility- and probably by then none of will be concerned about it... more likely to be concerned with surviving at all

[@cjohnson3836]

That bike looks sick. When I saw the numbers on the press release I was surprised. Its not the most extreme but its a bike that seems to be most known in bikepacking circles. And QBP brands, in general, seem to be pretty conservative in design. I'm eyeing the 27.5 version. Think it could squeeze 3s?

[@hardtailparty]

Keep in mind that geo is measured at sag, so it's more modern than people think.

[@cjohnson3836]

@@hardtailparty True. Dang. I really would be "better" buying a gravel bike given there is zero degree rise on the plains. But I'm only here for one more year of grad school and my rigid is a suitable "gravel" bike. If your ride review checks out, you'll probably sell me on the TJ.

[@billw_mtb3220]

I have been perfectly happy with my 35 gold on my Banshee. Mine came with plenty of oil in it (some can come pretty dry)

[@hardtailparty]

Glad to hear it. I had high hopes for this fork when it came out. Hopefully this one surprises me. I typically love Rockshox forks.

[@billw_mtb3220]

@@hardtailparty Granted, I also have a more enduro type full suspension bike, so I am not asking the 35 to do to much in terms of high speed repetitive hits. Absolute best feature of the fork is that it was available back in December when I needed one!

[@Poseph]

now if only I cloud buy one

[@cloudx2417]

Thanks for the review. I’ve definitely considered the Salsa TJ. Any thoughts on the 21’ Honzo or Honzo DL? The HTA is 65 deg I believe. Fairly slack. Thanks for your thoughts!

[@hardtailparty]

The gonzo do is 67* i believe

[@cloudx2417]

Correct. 67 for the Honzo base, and 66* for the Honzo DL.

[@midlifeshredder]

Been looking at this frame to build up a bikepacking rig, the slack head tube angle is giving me pause. But at $600 for the frame set it’s hard to beat. Any other thoughts when thinking of using this frame for adventure/bikepacking?

[@hardtailparty]

I'll have a review coming soon.

[@caseyas8572]

I have been trying very hard to convince my wife to let me buy this frame. 27.5+, oh yeah

[@zepp3lin]

I'm waiting for the Hamari ride review actually.

[@hardtailparty]

It's coming...

[@nielsras9842]

Are you gonna do a review of the canyon stoic?

[@hardtailparty]

If they decide to send me one

[@DrJMTB]

It does seem weird that manufacturers keep pushing 175 cranks, yet looking at supply shortages I'm wondering if this came down to availability? Most 165 and 170 cranks are out of stock until summer or fall from what I'm seeing.

[@hardtailparty]

Quite possible.

[@federicovega2292]

Hello Steve big fan here. I have last year's model Timberjack in medium. How this year's medium Timberjack fit you? I'm thinking of ordering when they become available. Thank you

[@hardtailparty]

This bike is a lot longer than last year's.

[@pdljmpr81]

I would like to see a comparison between this and a commercial meta ht

[@hardtailparty]

See my review of the meta

[@davedriel2]

Any chance you could do a review of pipedream moxie?

[@hardtailparty]

Iive tried to get one for years. I'm interested in the sirius even more.

[@d4bid15]

How is the Rekon as a rear tire compared to an Aggressor? Need to change my rear but can't find the aggressor in stock.

[@hardtailparty]

The rekon is my least favorite tire for where i live.

[@pepeanza6187]

So you think is better a fork whit 34 tubes like the Z2 than a 35s tubes like the rock shox? For what I know bigger tubes in the fork give you more stiffnes

[@hardtailparty]

Yes, a 35 is stiffer, but there's more to a fork's performance than stiffness.

[@iansmith9030]

I'd buy one if I could. Can't find em anywhere :(

[@Dieterbe]

I am curious how it will compare to the ragley marley :)

[@hardtailparty]

me too.

[@ttattx]

Serendipity! I am talking with my LBS today on this exact bike in a L... should be sitting in the saddle by May/June... they aren't anticipating any GX builds, so this will have to do!

[@hardtailparty]

I'm glad to hear there will be more bikes shipping out soon

[@ttattx]

@@hardtailparty If you had to choose between the SC Chameleon and This bike... which would it be?

[@hardtailparty]

@@ttattx As always, it depends. One isn't categorically better than the other in all aspects. Pros and cons of each. I'll do my best to explain what this bike is and isn't good at in the upcoming review.

[@ttattx]

@@hardtailparty totally understand - you've shared that sentiment in the past... I'll certainly look forward to the next installment -- I have a Chameleon reserved at one shop already, and this TJ came up today from another -- and strongly considering putting a deposit on it... 1st world problems

[@hardtailparty]

@@ttattx Patrons always get early opinions on the bikes I review, so if you're in a hurry, you can become a patron on the bike consultation tier and I'll make time to consult with you.

[@canuckbodybuilding]

Bought a 2020 Slx 27.5 as a all around trail bike. Having buyers remorse after seeing the new ones....

[@lonewanderer2287]

I pre-ordered the RSD Sergeant V4. Specs are close on this but I feel like the RSD inches ahead?

[@hardtailparty]

They're finally similar. I look forward to trying the sergeant one day.

[@ilordcheese]

Is the 434 chain stay measurement the shorter or longer of the two?

[@hardtailparty]

longer. I don't think the 29ers fit well in the short offset.

[@blakef.8566]

The bike I have right now has a 67 degree hta and I feel find on descent. I'm wondering if this would be slacker than I need.

[@hardtailparty]

Sounds like it.

[@jkingstl]

In regards to those dropouts, I think its an improvement to not be sliding dropouts. I have an older Salsa mukluk and when you get rowdy they have a tendency to move and knock the back wheel out of alignment.

[@hardtailparty]

That's good feedback, you might be onto something. I haven't had sliding dropouts move on me yet, but then again, I don't have hundreds of miles on alternator 1.0 dropouts. My RSD dropouts (paragon machine works) have never slid on me in thousands of miles.

[@jkingstl]

@@hardtailparty That’s good to hear cause I have a middle child on pre order! Just finished a Ragley Big Al and the shake down ride was excellent. Your info on these bikes has been indispensable!

[@conecarver]

@@hardtailparty Never had an issue with Alternator 1.0 dropouts... the 2 position 2.0 setup is a step backwards IMHO

[@skipdawg9125]

I've had my adjustable dropouts come loose on my Mukluk as well.

[@bigbuggabear7179]

In your opinion would you rather have this Salsa Timberjack or a Specialized Chisel? Both are about same price but I think the Chisel is GX.

[@hardtailparty]

Completely different geo. They'll ride completely different.

[@likejustchiII]

How big is "HUUUGE" in this context? 250lbs? 300lbs?

[@sugarfree850]

Did Salsa share any estimated availability dates? As of about two weeks ago my lbs couldn't even order one in.

[@hardtailparty]

No, I don't have that info, sorry. They've already hit the floors at a few dealers. A few of my viewers have already have theirs in their possession. I have a feeling that since almost every shop is a salsa dealer, Salsa prioritized some dealers over others. But that's just an assumption, I don't have any insider info

[@neighbordave5691]

Steve, I just want you to know that you just cost me $1798.99. My Growler 40 should be here in the next week or so. Your level of detail on everything you review is exactly what I need when I'm researching what to purchase, so thank you for that!

[@hardtailparty]

Congrats on the new bike.

[@michaelkeating1480]

I have a 2018 Timberjack NX1 29 and am thinking about upgrading it with some higher end parts a little at a time. Is the 2018 a bike worth putting some money into? I would use Patreon for help in the best changes.... Thanks for your advise!

[@hardtailparty]

Sure, it just depends on what you want to do with it.

[@michaelkeating1480]

@@hardtailparty I'll get detailed on Patreon, but didn't want to sign up yet if I need to look for a different frame.... Do mostly CC in S. Texas (flat) with a couple trips to Colorado every year for some black diamond weeks! You think the '18 Timberjack is a solid platform to build on?