First Look - 2021 Salsa Cutthroat | A multi-day gravel event monster?

Our Matt Page has been doing his long-distance gravel thing again as he puts the Salsa Cutthroat through some early testing. He gives you his first thoughts on the ride and an overview of what the Salsa brings to the party. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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[@jamesroberts9673]

I have a V1 Cutthroat and couldn’t be more pleased with it. I’ve ran it with 100mm travel SiD’s and Vittoria Mezcal’s, just because it can, loaded, unloaded and just as a daily bike. It covers all bases for me, longest single ride was the TINAT 400, I could still walk after the event. I’ve raced a 12hr mtn bike race in Kielder and the Trans Herman mtn bike event in Germany, as well as GritFest in mid Wales, it’s a bike that can turn its wheels at anything…and don’t forget, Salsa originally sold it in their mtn bike category.

[@chrisrebbeck]

Dream bike for me too. I’ve got a Warbird (reviewed on my channel) and I love it. Still pine for this though!

[@rickhurst9058]

Dream bike, but surprising that a bike like this wouldn't be specced a proper MTB-style granny gear - lowest gear on this is about 25 gear inches. We're not all endurance athletes :)

[@philg6757]

I'm running a 2003 AL KHS 26er 3x9 drop bar,it works very well. I'm surprised more gravel/adventure bike are not made of aluminium, it works beautifully, especially when you need to do steep climbs. Salsa always make interesting bikes, bit left of centre though very well thought out.

[@richycoles]

Well done on the FKT on the Trans Cambrian. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@MattPage]

Thank you, though the FKT wasn't done on this bike, although I did consider it.

[@NikZechel]

Thanks for the video

[@DrRoseThePerfumeLady]

I am picking up my 2021 version of this bike tomorrow. I can’t wait to ride it.

[@offroadcc]

We hope you enjoy it!

[@jeremyatkinson4976]

Thanks for a shout out for the TransCambrian. Personally I'd rather comfort than speed on that route and thus would use a 29er.

[@MattPage]

Its not a route where you really need suspension. The tyre volume on these was perfectly adequate and more than comfortable enough.

[@evanm.2300]

Man ive been eyeing this bike for about 5 -6 years now. Couldn't afford it then on bad debt, can afford it now if i save after i pay one of my last bill and final i owe by next month(not counting student loan coming next month or December lol can't remember 😅 covid relief baby lol

[@georgemills2302]

Great review! I’ve got a 29er mountain bike set up with drops and GRX (Surly Karate Monkey). For me this is the best “gravel” / bike packing option for the UK, where we have more bridleways and Singletrack than pure gravel roads.👍

[@chrisrebbeck]

Could not agree more. Gravel bikes here are great for our beaten up roads. But if you want a UK gravel bike, you need bigger tyres than the Americans can use for sure. All muddy potholed bridlepaths b

[@bengt_axle]

What is the benefit of 29 compared to smaller (e.g. 650B) for a person of 170cm in height? I'm wondering if larger wheels are better than smaller, for the same tire size.

[@aaronmoroney2066]

Any good on the road?

[@georgemills2302]

It’s not as fast as a road or gravel bike on the road. Ultimately it’s still based on a mountain bike, even with fairly fast rolling race tyres. I don’t do much pure road riding to be honest.

[@rlane4osu199]

Fantastic review! Do you happen to have a long inseam for your height? I believe in your write up you mention the seatpost is maxed out for your height even though you were at the low end of the sizing recommendation. Just wondering if I’d be ok on a 54 if I run my saddle height at 65.5cm (crank center to saddle rail). Thanks!

[@SurpriseMeJT]

I have the same in-line cable adjusters and they don't maintain their adjustment. The types that work best are the ones which do not require ferrules. Throw these in the garbage!

[@bc.oO0Oo.]

what size would you suggest for someone 5 10?

[@pingpongballz5998]

What size is that?

[@Boomheyyou]

Love mine

[@flatheadfletch]

Where’s your full review

[@offroadcc]

Here you go! - off.road.cc/content/review/bikes/2021-salsa-cutthroat-carbon-grx-810-8287

[@tambosnipes1652]

This is like 90s xc bikes

[@misterfrank98]

Sort of. They had 26" tires and would barely take a 2.2 tire

[@gzahnd]

@@misterfrank98 that, and the headtube angles were much steeper, narrower bars, brakes that may or may not slow you down, etc. :-)