Salsa Spearfish Review: A Progressive XC Mountain Bike

For the latest version of the Salsa Spearfish mountain bike, the leverage rate was updated to give the bikes a more progressive ramp-up in the final third of the stroke. Matt takes us along on his test ride and gives his long term take on the bike.

[@landoctor94]

I own a Spearfish and LOVE it. Underrated brand. Super fast bike.

[@andrewnorris5415]

Speaking for old spearfish (80mm rear). I fitted stiff 120mm forks upfront and it handles great (the BB was always a bit low with the original 100mm at front). It's still very agile (and my other bike is a 26r). Salsa certify the original SP as safe (and still under guarantee) with up to 150mm forks on the front! The 80mm back of my bike occasionally bottoms out when really pushing, but it's never harsh. It's a great adventure bike for long-distance riding over all kinds of terrain. About to get a dropper for it and bigger platform SPDs, it's a capable bike with 120mm upfront despite the 80mm rear. The new one looks really nice - but I love mine too much to justify the price. Maybe if I won the lottery!

[@Luca_Luchino]

I'll buying a 2011 as new with full XT 11 x 2 speeds... I never had a FS bike , only a decathlon 8.1 front 26" and a CaadX which is so hardy :) I think the Spreafish will be ok for all terrain. I don't do bumps neither downhill skills (i'm not able!) than.... CaadX + Spreafish will be my 2 bikes...

[@doubleg1328]

Wow! Excellent review with great riding action mixed with close up slow panning detail view of the bike. ☺ Voice over was written well with precise riding details we all want to hear like pedalling efficiency, small bump compliance and how jumpable or poppy the bike feels when riding. 👍 Liked the price comparison between the Pivot and Yeti, but also wanted to hear how they compared to the Salsa. Any input on that you can share? 🤔

[@johnschoppmusic]

Sweet Review!! Just Bought a 2020 version!! Thank you

[@Detroit3Pistons]

How are you liking the bike so far?

[@johnschoppmusic]

@@Detroit3Pistons oh man!!! I'm absolutely killing all single tracks with this thing!!!

[@kjkod72]

Way to showcase Green Mountain!

[@jakezaragoza3168]

Saw that rock garden and thought I recognized it!

[@evinfuilt]

Watching this review I too was thinking how much that terrain matches what I have around home. Then I saw C-470 and facepalmed. Looks like this bike will do great at home.

[@IsraelMagalit]

Excellent review! Did you also change the stem or did you keep the 50mm?

[@notpablo8369]

Wished spearfish can accomodate 36t max chainring

[@michaelblosser578]

Where is that trail?

[@singletracks]

Green Mountain in Lakewood, Co. The descent is on the Rooney Valley trail. Very fun!