A Supple "ROAD" Bike? (Salsa Warroad Review)

Review of the Salsa Warroad! Is it a gravel bike? How is it different from the Warbird?
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[@PathLessPedaledTV]

$2400 for TIAGRA! This seems to be the common response. Here is my hot take: the frameset is 2k (par for carbon) and for $400 you actually get to ride it. A lot of people have been comparing it to other bikes like the Giant Toughroad, Specialized Allez, etc., which have better components for less money. Here's the thing, it's not an apples to apples comparison. A lot of those bikes are aluminum, the geometry is completely different, they don't have 3 pack mounts on the fork and aren't 650b. So to say they are the same/identical for less money is not accurate. Usually bikes have meh frames and are blinged out with higher spec components to woo you. The opposite is also true, interesting frames/geo with meh components. I personally would go for the more interesting frame/geo with usable components and upgrade later. You can always swap out the components, but you are stuck with the frame forever. Ultimately you have to decide whether it's worth the premium for an interesting frame. To my knowledge there are very few if any full carbon endurance road frames designed around 650b with 3pack mounts. Correct me if I'm wrong. So if you want those specific features you have to decided if its worth it to you, but you can't point to a cheaper bike with better components and say its a better deal if its not even close to being the same bike :) In camera terms: If you want a Leica, buy a Leica. Don't buy a canon point and shoot and say its better because its cheaper and has autofocus.

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

Path Less Pedaled so true!

[@planepower8523]

Im curious, did you consider the Giant Revolt 1? My LBS has limited stock on the Warbird and Warroad (none in my size, and none to gotten). Im perhaps picking up the Giant soon, and curious about your initial impression......

[@mk3less]

I recently sold my Specialized Diverge and bought a 105 Warroad. The warroad climbs so much better than the diverge . no regrets at all.

[@morningtidefilms]

Can you tell me more? I’m torn between those two bikes, and maybe the Roubaix. How did you decide the Warroad worked better for you than the Diverge?

[@gamby16a]

Thorough, authoritative, technical review. Really well-done. Looking forward to more of them.

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

Thanks Russ! The Warroad and Warbird are the top two on my list for a 2020 purchase. Your review confirmed my assumptions and has kept me on track towards the Warbird. Nice, comprehensive, efficient review. Thank you!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Where are all the thanks for putting the weight in kilograms? :)

[@zeke3327]

Thanks

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Thanks. Was almost not going to put in the next bike review :)

[@jochenkraus7016]

:-D

[@CyclingSteve]

It's normal to non-Americans, we only notice when you use furlongs, fathoms and gill...

[@citizenwolf8720]

I definitely appreciate the proper (kgs) weight measurements

[@bd1a210]

Good review. I also like how you read my mind and compared it to the midnight special.

[@Nerdostic]

The Warroad can be used with a universal rear rack with the Salsa Post-Lock seat collar.

[@SublimatedUser]

Yep! On their website (salsacycles.com/bikes/warroad/2019_warroad_carbon_tiagra_650) it says that it's "Rear Rack Friendly" when using the Salsa Rack-Lock Seat Collar.

[@chadmyles-theclevelandcyclist]

Well, Russ, I just purchased the Salsa Warroad 105 this past Sunday and picked it up from REI yesterday. And to think I almost passed on this bike for the Trek Emonda SL5. Good thing the Emonda was out of stock in my size. I think I may like the Warroad better and it comes in red, nice!

[@asianrulez201]

Hey how are you liking the bike? I’m between this and the cervelo Caledonia. Any advice

[@morningtidefilms]

REI carries the Warroad? I thought only the Warbird.

[@bonsmariz909]

Great review Russ! I know you’re not a fan of 700C wheels but I would love to see you review the 2019 Cannondale Topstone SE 105. Thanks.

[@asianrulez201]

After looking at so many bikes finally got the warroad 105 and I love it

[@jeffandersen6233]

Glad I watched this older review. The Warroad looks like the bike I've been looking for to replace my steel frame Specialized Allez limited by 28c tires.

[@amccain1199]

It's like they thought of you're channel when they designed this thing. Awesome!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yeah. Been bugging their engineers for this kind of bike for years!

[@eojmeiser]

amccain1199 when Russ asked about this bike it was early days and already in the works. I was definitely thinking of he and Laura working on this one!

[@kennoon7177]

Thank you, very informative review

[@AdventuresWithDaniel]

Sweet bike! I do love the salsa products. I only have 1 650b bike and you're soooo right. It's a great tire size!!!

[@andrewhamilton3486]

Loving the banana shirt. Looks good on you russ!!

[@cshawnb]

Thanks for the review Russ. I was wondering if you’ve heard of the Tailfin rack and panniers? They have a new model coming out, the X One, and I’d love to see the system reviewed. It’s for bikes that don’t have braze-ons for panniers/rack.

[@zeke3327]

Been waiting for this review since sea otter. Glad to see it come out! When will it be available to local shops?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Should be available now.

[@versacemoose2951]

How you ever looked into the Giant Toughroad GX? Aluminum frame, carbon fork and carbon seatpost, 700x40, cable-to-hydro brakes, Tiagra/FSA, about 20-21lbs for $1100.

[@victorzetterberg2271]

Great review! Couple corrections though- you can put a salsa wanderlust track on the rear and yes you can actually put wider 650b tires on this. Up to 2.1"

[@zombpocolypseiscomin]

BANANA SHIRT!!! 😁😁😁 Oh hey, thanks for the review BTW!

[@code3xiv]

i like that shirt.

[@zombpocolypseiscomin]

I LOVE that shirt!

[@tomordr]

BANANA Shirt! Extra thanks for the weight. Great work again

[@ZOB4]

This bike is on my short list for a through-ride of the Erie Canal Towpath across upstate New York. It's like mostly paved, but with a lot of "Crushed limestone" sections, some sections described as "dirt roads" and some sections that are listed as "single track". I am looking at something that will be able to handle the light off-road duty, carry enough for a full day (about 8 hours per day of riding including food stops and the like, around 100 miles per day). The other bikes on the short list are the Giant Revolt and the Parlee Chebacco. I don't like the spec on this for the money - $2400 for Tiagra and mechanical discs, not so great.

[@sedricmalonejr]

I just watched your video when you bought the "banana" shirt!! Lol. Cool shirt bro!!!

[@drcav_photo]

If there was a Venn diagram with #supplelife and #endurobro, the overlap would be floopyflappy shirts and/or mustaches. Seriously, there is some kindred-ness happening

[@adventurearkansas9926]

Hey Russ, love the review. I've been watching all of your bike reviews trying to find info for my next bike and I think I've narrowed it down to the Warbird and Warroad, but am open to options. I was going to ask for a recommendation since you're super knowledgeable. I live in North Texas now so the majority of my riding is paved multi-use path with occasional light gravel usage. I have plans to do longer trips on rail trails such as the Northeast Texas Trail and the Katy Trail in Missouri. I'd also like to do the Landrun 100 at some point. I have a hardtail MTB that I'm currently using to ride and need something a bit more road oriented. When I used to own road bikes I kept a decent pace of about 18-20 mph on flat tarmac, so not super interested in a race bike. I want to be comfortable on the bike, but I can't sacrifice speed too much. I average 13-15 mph on my MTB with flat bars, so I'm just trying to get my average speed up a bit. Based on all this data, I'm leaning more towards the Warroad frameset, but wanted to see what you thought. Cheers, Matthew.

[@RideAlongside]

Are you going to test the OPEN bike with wide supple tires?

[@mcvrs1223]

A recommendation for a review, a Yerka. A bike made for commuting and safely locking it on the street

[@dondelatorre-scherezadeocc5593]

Just copped one with brand new Tiagra and a few other upgrades for 1825. I thinking got a deal! I'm enjoying it so far.

[@jeffreythree]

Nice bike, and how I use my Jamis Renegade. Another "supple" road bike after you swap out the Donnelly X'Plor tires for something a bit smoother.

[@rustymcrobot]

Tiagra at 2400... I get it's a carbon frame/fork but still. Steel MS at 2k with rival or (I know its gravel and not quite road) Giant Revolt Advanced 2 at 2100 has a carbon frame/fork with mixed 105 seems like a better value IMO. Great review as usual!

[@Timmeh2Buck]

rustymcrobot $2000 vs $650 frame

[@rustymcrobot]

@@Timmeh2Buck not sure im understanding here. the point of buying a complete bike is the cost savings over a frameset. salsa is a mass purchaser of these components and gets a steeper discount than i could. building up even the exact same bike component wise from a frameset is a much more expensive than buying the complete, let alone adding a nicer drivetrain.

[@davehoover8853]

I really appreciate the close look you have provided on the Salsa bikes - very helpful! I am moving to Japan and that will change my riding as mostly good pavement, some gravel or packed dirt and little to no single track. I may do some very light bike packing. I have been really leaning towards the Warbird with 700 wheels and 2x drivetrain. It is coming in around $3,100. For that price, the BMS URS 4 is priced the same. Have you ridden the BMC? Any suggestions? My current bikes in Utah are Trek Fuel Ex 9.9 and Trek Domane, carbon build. Love both of them.

[@anunez6092]

Thank you so much for the review, awesome as always. Any chance yoiau review the BearClaw Thunder Hawk ?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

It’s supposedly coming.

[@anunez6092]

@@PathLessPedaledTV very excited for that review

[@shingreviews]

Great review. Though bikes in this price range will always be out of my reach, it's good to learn about what's new. Of more interest, what is the phone/computer your have on your bike?

[@sheilasmith8277]

Noticed the shirt!!

[@michaelhotten752]

My wife is at a crossroads with her riding. For sometime, the road has been eroding her confidence. Her road bike, a Liv Avail, is sitting. It's time for the increased safety of gravel roads. We live in SoCal where you have to climb to get to gravel. Another challenge is she is short (62-63 inches). I'll be watching your channel for bike suggestions.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

A 650b bike sounds like it would be a great way to go.

[@davidgaible7906]

Awesome review, thanks Russ. Would the 650b fit fenders with the stock tires?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Good question. Just looked. You could make it work but it would be tight and not every fender would work.

[@Paddyhudson]

I know its a few years old now(probably due for a refresh soon), but any chance you could get a Devinci Hatchet to review?

[@koreysmith7563]

Do you feel that with a nicer gravel oriented tire (I really enjoy gravelking sk) and less tire pressure that the opinion of this bike on gnarlier gravel would change?

[@andrewhamilton3486]

Also, I've recently bought a felt breed 650b. Really enjoy this bike. Are you considering a review of the breed anytime in the future

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yeah. Would like to.

[@dalerussell8993]

Can you do. Or have you done a review of the priority 600 bike plz.

[@wvnovello]

I think next summer this may be my new bike. I ride on a mix of pavement and crushed limestone. I currently have a Giant Any Road (full carbon 105s).Id love to upgrade to the Ultegra but man that price point..

[@mavericklimsk]

I agree with your point that it's a both a road bike with some off-road capability.

[@JB-ov2el]

Thoughts on the 2023 Warroad - love the build on the top flight Di2 running the 32s. If you had on the 32s on your test ride, do you feel it would truly ride as a road bike? Thanks Russ!

[@roccopietrofesa7914]

Please try to get the Voytek again and run it with 26 fatties and then as a hard tail 29er please.

[@countingcoup]

Perfect! A Roubaix with supple 650b tires👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Exactly what I want to replace my 6 year old Roubaix with! I wish you were testing the 1x Force SRAM, I would have liked to read about how that gearing worked with the WarRoad with 650b tires on the tarmac as well as gravel but great review and I thought the geometry would potentially make the bike a little squirrelly on steep rough gravel decent’s, but I can overlook that for the overall responsiveness 👍🏽 I would be adding a Redshift stem and my KINEKT 2.1 seatpost... My only question would be, will Salsa fit this in 2020 with the Shimano GRX groupset? Thanks, great review!

[@raceman9586]

A Roubaix with wider tires? So a carbon diverge.

[@countingcoup]

My Roubaix has Zert inserts not the newer shock system, that said, the diverge that matches\compatible with the warroad is nearly 1000.00 more expensive ~

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

More clearance than a diverge. I don't think a diverge will clear 650b x 47 and there are no 650b OEM offerings. And there's no silly front shock.

[@mazhoace]

Diverge does clear 650b x 47 tyres. And I like future shock ;)

[@NoFrictionZone]

nice to see another rider suffering on the climb :)

[@JosephDowski]

What are you hear about with the (Walmart) Viathon G.1 gravel bike? I have my eye on this one, threaded BB, sloping top tube, mounts galore, better than normal factory wheels, etc. :)

[@gastonmacmillan4849]

Do you think you can get a Sonder from the UK? I recently built a bike with one one of their frames (the Camino Al) and it’s great - and for the build, inexpensive. I can share details of what I put together if you’re interested.

[@mechanicaldavid4827]

LOVE that shirt, Russ!🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌

[@MAGAIVER]

I used be all about XC and Road bikes, full lycra and everything. In 2017 I found this channel, last year I bought a gravel bike, today I bought a handlebar bag... this channel is ruining me hahaha. Warroad seems like an awesome bikes but Salsa is nowhere to be seen in Brazil unfortunately.

[@Adventure.Cyclist]

Haha that sounds exactly like me

[@DarthJabba504]

This build seems odd... heavy, low cost Tiagra on expensive, lighter carbon frame? I think 105/Ultegra on quality cromo steel would weigh the same, cost less, and be more robust.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Sure. Give me an example of a good quality cromo steel frame with that build that costs the same? I've found a decent steel bike that just using 4130 is going to be over 2k.

[@karlalvtorn5222]

Path Less Pedaled check out Ribble’s CGR range. Ti, Al, Cf and Reynolds 725 with double TAs, Flatmount brakes, hydraulic discbrakes etc. 725 with Apex is 1762$.

[@edbee8508]

I built up my bike using an old Oria TT 0.9 tubing and sourced a full 105 groupset little by little over fb marketplace. The groupset cost me $AU 400 ($US 275), the frame with old componentry was AUD250 (USD 170) and the wheelset was AUD 250 as well. I bought some gravel kings for AUD 100 total (US 70). I also bought some soma highway one handlebars for US 70. Total cost of the build was $1100 (US 750) and I have a $150 groupset to sell from what came with the bike. It's a 10 kg set up.

[@MAGAIVER]

Some people are drawn towards carbon because they of the status carbon bikes have but they cannot afford a carbon bike with better quality components that's why more companies not just Salsa are offering cheaper builds on carbon frames. It's the market's demand.

[@Vam1500]

I am interested in a 2020 Warbird with Shimano GRX. Any idea when they typically release their new model year bikes?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

I think in Feb during Frostbike.

[@Vam1500]

Thanks!

[@Grimboat]

The initial GRX reviews for the Tiagra and 105 equivalent components (R400/600) comment on several of the GRX parts being rebadged duplicates of the existing ones. I'm planning on swapping out the Tiagra components I have with the GRX versions as the existing wear out. So far the reviews look pretty good and the compatibility seems to be there to find spare parts.

[@seandoogin]

Thoughts on this vs the Cervelo Áspero? I want something more on the road end of the gravel bike spectrum. I know I’d be happy on either but am leaning more towards the Cervelo as it will be my only bike for both road and light gravel rides

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Get the Aspero.

[@jonpoon3896]

Looks like a decent bike for the Trans Am race

[@DrBreezeAir]

Great review! May I please request a review or just your thoughts on the Specialized Crux?

[@BillStrathearn]

I own the Force 1 version of this bike and agree with all of the points that you made. if I can make one small correction though, the 650b version of this frame is really not capable of handling full fenders. Even though the mounts are there, the clearance is not

[@StupidHandleGame]

Bill Strathearn Good Point. I also own the Force 1 version. There is zero clearance for traditional fenders, but plenty of creative aftermarket solutions.

[@germ79]

Bill Strathearn How are you still liking your Warroad? I’m looking at the Force 1 version as well. Any regrets?

[@BillStrathearn]

@@germ79 I'm liking the bike very much. It is my go-to bike for anything long distance. I use it for many rides that I would usually select a standard 28C road bike for. It's very comfortable and the force one gearing allows me to gear down to a level lower than I would with a standard compact double crank. I resolved the fender issue by installing ass-saver plastic fenders that I can easily remove in the summertime

[@germ79]

@@BillStrathearn Huh, I had never seen those ass-saver fenders - super cool! If I ride mainly on roads (which around me are not in the greatest condition) and sometimes on gravel or dirt roads, would this be a fitting bike? Could you take it on a dirt trail occasionally? How do you like the carbon? I've never had a carbon frame and I worry about it being fragile. Thanks for your help - it's a bit hard to find info on this bike!

[@BillStrathearn]

@@germ79 I've taken this bike on many cross-country mountain bike trails and I'm very happy with how the carbon holds up. It is not a super light bike but it is very sturdy and very very comfortable on non-optimal road surfaces. From the type of riding that you describe, I think you'd be quite happy with the bike too

[@Canimakeit603]

Can you do a video about what Laura does for Adventure Cyclists?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

That’s a good idea!

[@jasonjarvis2198]

Any thoughts on how the Warroad compares to a Domane? Geometry, tire size wise and general riding focus they’re very similar.

[@raceman9586]

Domane is very traditional endurance road. Its going to be purely road focused. A little lighter, but very little rack mounts and absolutely zero attention to off-road capability.

[@craigwilson118]

Probably closer to the Trek Checkpoint... is that the one you were thinking of? Domane will only take a 35-38mm tyre. The Checkpoint would be an interesting comparison... the wheelbase is the same, but the Trek has slightly longer stays and top tube, but steeper head angle.

[@raceman9586]

@@craigwilson118 domane can barely take a 32

[@craigwilson118]

@@raceman9586 my bad. Someone told me the new disc model could take at least 35

[@jasonjarvis2198]

@@craigwilson118 I'm riding a Checkpoint now as a "fat tire road bike" and really like it but am a bit of a Salsa fanboy... ;)

[@nc4801]

For someone who rides essentially all hardpack dirt and light gravel, would this bike be able to handle it or would I be better of with the warbird?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yes.

[@nc4801]

@@PathLessPedaledTV Err yes as in I'd be better off with the warbird?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

@@nc4801 If mostly gravel then the Warbird. Warroad would handle it but would be on the twitchy side.

[@nc4801]

@@PathLessPedaledTV Cool thanks. I wonder how it feels compared to the cannondale synapse? That endurance bike felt really stable. Picking out a bike in the next week or two and have bike paralysis so BAD

[@DDGreyduck]

So if this is their “road with a side of gravel” bike why are most of the builds 650B? I am interested in probably 70 percent road 30 percent easy gravel. Getting back into drop bar riding but I am afraid of cars. Are the 650B wheels a hinderance on pavement? Trying to decide between this and the new Trek Domane that can take 700 by 38C. Any advice?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Warroad you can always swap in 700x28 if you want. Trek, you can't get wider than 38c. Would choose the Warroad hands down. Also even in 650b it is plenty fast. I don't buy this 700c for going fast and 650b for adventuring nonsense.

[@DDGreyduck]

@@PathLessPedaledTV thanks for the advice! I also really like all the bag/bottle mounts on the warroad. Love the channel!

[@simonguard5087]

Really enjoy your channel, consider myself 'supple' apart from some aching body parts, enjoy gravel, Cyclo cross and road riding. The thing is I wear Lycra as opposed to loose shirts etc oh and I'm British, charlatan who loves your channel🤘

[@code3xiv]

ive watched you for over a year. day by day im realizing im actually one of you guys. loose shirt, heavy steel bike kinda person. hmmm

[@OriginalGabriel]

Bananas!

[@asianrulez201]

Hey was wondering I’m getting the warroad for a great price. How’s the bike with 700c stock tires on bumpy terrain?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Meh. Just like any road bike. The 700x28 isn't particularly high volume. The magic really happens in the 650b model.

[@asianrulez201]

@@PathLessPedaledTV what do you mean by that? Speed wise is there a huge difference between 650 and 700?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

I mean with 700x28 there is nothing special about it. It rides like any other endurance road bike with 700x28s. What makes it unique and the whole value proposition of the bike is that it has clearance for wider 650bs where you get road like handling but without the harshness. Unless you are an elite racer there is no meaningful difference in speed with light 650b tires.

[@asianrulez201]

@@PathLessPedaledTV Cool because I'm getting a deal for 700c version but maybe I could by a pair of 650 and sell the 700's. Thanks for the advice

[@asianrulez201]

@@PathLessPedaledTV also any recommendations for 650b tires

[@Detroit3Pistons]

Could you do a century ride with this bike?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yes.

[@Detroit3Pistons]

Path Less Pedaled This might be my first road bike do you think it’s a good first choice? I want something I can do a little wider tire for rough roads on I have no plans of actual gravel.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

@@Detroit3Pistons it could be your first and last bike unless you plan to race competitively.

[@NFenchak1]

All of these comments about the price never take into account the fact that the frameset costs 1999, and that's a pretty industry standard price for a full carbon frameset produced in decent numbers. 1600-1700 usd is just not what the industry will do on carbon bikes like this, and every brand that has a $2500 full carbon build has fairly comparable components to this build. You're getting the entire build kit on the Tiagra build for *edit* $400. It's a good deal.

[@NFenchak1]

Also FWIW, I've not ridden the Warroad, but rode the current gen Warbird back to back with my own Rawland, and I remain unconvinced that carbon is better than high quality steel or aluminum.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

I do like the feel of a nice steel compared to carbon.

[@inkjob12]

Marin 4 Corners review? Please

[@raceman9586]

Basically a Specialized AWOL except slightly taller up front.

[@southwestmedical6102]

Agree. Steel is real.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Not even close. Chain stay on the AWOL was 455, was a way heavier bike in comparison and steered like a yacht.

[@jochenkraus7016]

@Path Less Pedaled: In comparison to the Four Corners? That's also quite heavy and the road 3x doesn't give you a lower gear than road sub-compact 30/46. Apart from that it's "I want to mount racks, put the pan-iers on them and cycle a few thousand miles".

[@WildlandExplorer]

You should have seen the Tiagra hate coming. The bike community is notoriously fickle about keeping up appearances and buying heavy steel frames coupled with Ultegra or even Red, for a blinged out 24 lbs bike. all the while this one works fine and weighs several pounds less for less money than they paid for the steel beast. If I was in the market for a new road bike this would be on my short list.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

I KNOW wtf is wrong with Tiagra! I think it’s the best value out there.

[@LandonWhitsitt]

Floopy Flappy 4 Lyfe

[@b4oh]

ya banana!!

[@francoisjacques504]

damnnn

[@BIGTREESJOE]

If you can’t’ do 3mph at 90rpm... no thank you ;-)

[@wolfzinke3986]

So the warroad is what the warbird was?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

No. The warbird never had that aggressive of a geometry. We had the 2016 Warbirds which felt a little more aggressive than the current 2019 Warbird, but the Warroad is considerably quicker feeling.

[@mrsverdin10]

700c racing rear rims

[@bestlightimagesphotography]

Ah the banana shirt. 🍌😂

[@kytk]

650b and 27.5 are NOT the same. I tried fitting 650b -25mm tyres to 27.5. failed

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

25mm for 650b is an odd width. Try 650b x 47.

[@stephenturkLA]

650B and 27.5 are just two different names for 584 mm rims. These are typically quite wide rims, and I have never seen 25mm (road) tires for these. Are you sure the 25mm tires aren't 650C (571 mm rim)?

[@yapster804]

Russ I've been following you since you were touring on a brompton. Please cut your hair! 😜

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Ha. Getting one today.

[@ericcornell3243]

I've always pronounced it "Tee-ah-gra"...potato potato.

[@Potz4pizza]

Why is this bike so heavy and expensive? You can get an all-steel, all-deore bike for around $1300... and it probably only weighs a few pounds more.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Because carbon. There's diminishing returns on weight savings. For $1300 the steel is probably pretty stock straight gauge 4130.

[@Potz4pizza]

@@PathLessPedaledTV Not to mention the diminished return when you crack the frame :P

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

If you don't like carbon don't buy carbon but its unreasonable to think they should cost the same. We're fans of steel as well but not all steels are created equal. That is why Laura is getting a steel Breadwinner. But it is going to be way more expensive than the Warbird.

[@watertankhikes]

@@PathLessPedaledTV "Not all steels are created equal". That's for sure. I had to go through 11 Surly's before I got smart, and bought a supple steel frame that doesn't ride like a tank.

[@phxrsx]

Id rather just get a Journeyman for $1500 less. Almost the same spec.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Having ridden both, I have to say it's a completely different ride and it's ultimately up to the buyer to decide if its worth the difference in handling. That said getting a Journeyman isn't the same as getting an inexpensive Warroad, it's getting a Journeyman.

[@Grimboat]

I've been back and forth between the Warbird/Road and the Journeymans as well. From the reviews it seems like the Wars are going to be much better at vibration dampening with the carbon fork and rear stays not being bridged. But I haven't been able to get a test ride on both on the same surfaces. Would love to hear a comparison from someone who rode both and an idea of how noticeably different the ride handles for the extra $1000.

[@Niidea1986]

Twenty two hundreds... For a tiagra? Come on, That's a scam!

[@BobReed58]

Agreed. You can get a new Specialized Allez gravel bike with 105s for $1,900.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

That's not an apples to apples comparison. The Allez is aluminum not carbon, lacks some of the key features that makes this bike interesting like 650b, 3 pack mounts in the front and the geometry is pretty different. Sure, if you look at just components its the better deal, but you are NOT getting the same bike. You're getting a pretty typical crit bike. The fundamental question is do you want a meh frame with nice components or an interesting frame with meh components. I'd take the better frame any day since the components can be upgraded but you are stuck with the frame.

[@OriginalGabriel]

Why the WarRoad (and Journeyman, for that matter) has a three pack on the fork, and the Vaya doesn't, just makes no sense at all; and pisses me off to no end.

[@gffriedman]

Gabriel Frazee the Vaya does for 2019. It shares the waxwing fork with the 4th gen Warbird, and is supposed to be available on its own from Salsa at some point. It has 3 pack mounts, mid blade lowrider mounts, fender mounts, and internal routing for a dynamo.

[@HOllyBOni]

Yup, so you can calm down now. 😁

[@pedrohack2869]

$2400 bike with tiagra lol

[@dalezapple2493]

Shirts? You wear clothes while riding?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Touche'

[@dalezapple2493]

@@PathLessPedaledTV of course I wear clothes...just not jerseys

[@Dinkys999]

Do I have to wear “gravel bike” clothes?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Only if they are floopy flappy.

[@HOllyBOni]

Yes, and if you ride clipless you have to buy one of those Shimano gravel shoes.