WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? Cuthroat vs. Warroad vs. Warbird

What are the REAL differences between the Cutthroat, Warroad and Warbird? Deep dive into how they handle and which is the best for you.
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[@willemjohannes9007]

Each description had me going, “hmmm that’s exactly what I want!” Guess Salsa is getting all my pay checks for the rest of my life.

[@Jobother]

n+1 is gonna ruin my life

[@shamrock4840]

2 years later still such a great and informative video. Just added a Warroad to my Cutthroat. Dynamite combo .

[@dirkheniges7083]

I was shopping for a gravel bike and then I got on the cutthroat and haven't looked back. If you're coming from MTB land it feels super responsive and incredibly efficient. It's probably overkill if you aren't hitting any singletrack, but the fact I can commute on a gravel road and hit some nice singletrack on the way is a game changer. It's hands down my favorite bike, even if it's not my most ridden.

[@getoutdoors2693]

Did you ever put full suspension on this?

[@ojaisherpa]

I did. its great

[@moreypc]

I feel like I could consolidate my gravel bike and road bike into a Cutthroat for the type of riding where I live which has some pavement but lots of big chunk gravel in and around Gifford Pinchot. 2.3 tire feels better to me than a 40mm gravel tire more often than not. I'm no spring chicken and don't need to hang onto the back of a road racer club ride, I just need to be comfortable on the bike for 3-6 hours and be able to carry enough water to get to the end.

[@ZachGallardo]

Early congratulations on 50k subs, Russ! Informative and concise review as always. Would love to collaborate with you in the future on some supple fixed gear videos 😄 Love the videos, and I'll see you at 100k subs!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Thanks. For sure! Congrats on your channel passing 50k as well!

[@chrisjamz2206]

Excellent synopsis!! Thanks for being concise!! Cutthroat just jumped to the top of my "want" list!! Cheers!!

[@nicoritschel3329]

Thanks for all the content, Russ (and Laura!). I paired a Fargo with a Warroad and am over the moon with the combo.

[@MsTessG]

Really appreciated this video and all the time it took to create it. Should help me narrow down my choice.

[@lloydhixson5281]

Great video. I've definitely given some thought to the Warbird vs Cutthroat question. Thanks.

[@JLucasMiller]

Thanks a ton. I have been looking at these three and it's good to hear the experience from someone who's ridden all three a lot. I found a good deal on a Warbird, so that's my choice, but after your review, I think it is the right thing for me. Ride on!

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

Great reviews Russ! You covered a lot of ground on this Salsa trinity quickly and articulately! Much appreciated! Hoping you can get your hands on a Kona Libre soon! ; )

[@andrelloyd4010]

A great video as always - Many thanks for the valuable overview ! 🙏

[@dougnevitt2257]

Thanks so much for this video. This is exactly the question that has been on my mind. Good job. nice content. keep up the good work.

[@bruin4937]

Really helpful info, Russ! Thanks!

[@bertb3731]

Thank you for super helpful review!

[@tlarent6330]

Excellent review!

[@jonpoon3896]

If I just want 1, then I’d choose warbird. If I wanna have 2, I’d have Warroad and Cutthroat

[@Mountainbiker34]

Great review. Thank you !

[@ckokomo808]

Thanks for the info. I’m in between the Warroad and warbird!

[@janicemowery4156]

Have a warbird never will ride another bike love it ride on trails especially the allegheny passage from Pittsburgh to D.C

[@thecappy]

@Janice Mowery I'm planning on doing the whole trail next year. Looking to buy a warbird for it.

[@martybee6648]

How long is that ride ?

[@steelcityadv3190]

Fargo, Vaya, Marrakesh. Part II? 😁

[@pwitts]

SteelCityADV add in the journeyman too!

[@blainecroy5057]

I have a 2017 Vaya GX and even kitted out with bikepacking bags it is very stable on gravel descents.

[@dkipu266]

Tried the Cutthroat Carbon 2022, traded it back for the Warbird Carbon and cannot stop grinning. Loved them both, but I have a cross country Salsa trail bike, and the Cutthroat feels too close to that, while the Warbird feels like a race car that can handle gravel and bumps really well. If you’re going to be offroad a lot, like he said, the Cutthroat is totally ready when you roll it out of the bike shop.

[@jamiemorin6884]

Thank you! Warbird it is!

[@sheilastallard]

TOO!! many bikes to choose from. I'm looking at the purchase of a new bike, but I don't do gravel so I may if the money is ready go for a custom build frame from a local company and the frames are called "Baines Flying Gate" a bit of history. Look them up on the net. Keep up your excellent work.

[@tvolkmeier]

I love the vids. Very informative. I have a cutthroat. Such a great bike. I have two sets of wheels. A set of ‘aero’ wheels for pavement with some 44 s . Super smooth and comfortable. And the factory wheels with the 2.1s. Great for anything unpaved. Keep up the great work. Thanks. I looked at the vaya and the cutthroat. The cutthroat is a much nicer bike. The carbon absorbs everything.

[@howardjencks2928]

Just the info I was looking for. Oddly enough, I'm looking to find a gravel bike I can set up with a second set like because I'd still like to use if for the occasional triathlon. You think it would cut the mustard with the 44's? I'm not looking to win, just finish before they drop the boom on me at an Ironman?

[@annabelli137]

@@howardjencks2928 , this is what I've been searching for, too. I'd love to be able to just have a second set of wheels for the days I want to just do road. Todd, how does your cutthroat handle with the "aero" setup? Could I hang (at the back) of the slower road group rides, you think?

[@planepower8523]

excellent review! Now which one to choose.....

[@saikidesign]

Nice video Russ! I put the deposit down but guess Salsa never delivered the new Warbird because problem/recall on the fork (at least not in my local bike shop - 05/2019). I emailed Salsa twice but I never heard back from then. I test rode the Cuthroat, I liked but the size available to test was a size too big for me so I end up using the deposit towards a Specialized Crux.

[@nealart]

Really like my Warbird, but yeah I don’t use it as a mountain bike. Great for going through rough pavement and trails as well as regular roads.

[@NikZechel]

Thank you !

[@77rockcity]

Bought my first Salsa, a 2019 Beargrease and it's just way too much fun. Next on the list may have to be #gravelcasual kinda mule.

[@b-rad4363]

Check out the fargo. Id like to see how its recieved to ur viewers. Salsa categorizes it as a drop bar mtb..... i think its super capable and should b on the list of bikepacking/gravel bikes.

[@JamesCPinkerton]

I have an old Trek Domane from 2015 and a 2020 cutthroat. The Domane is very similar to the Warroad. It’s awesome having both!

[@jyelton1]

the salsa Vaya is the most comfortable of all of them.

[@dancaldwell4541]

I haven’t tried the other two but I will say I loved( recently stole) my CUTTHROAT!! I am working on buying another.

[@danwebb6766]

Have you done a side-by-side comparison of Ortlieb/Apidura/Revelate bags yet, Russ? If not, could you please consider it? By the by, a great video, as usual. Cheers.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

That's a good idea.

[@AdventuresWithDaniel]

Good info! Sounds like there's enough difference to own them all lol.

[@ericthebikeman8559]

I like that the majority of the video was footage of using the bikes while talking

[@wranglercycling6420]

Russ is a professional video photographer...!! It takes a lot of time editing it...!!

[@Grimboat]

I really like that PLP goes to the effort to have action video so you can see the riding position, toe overlap, etc while the bike is being discussed. It really has influenced my view on some of the bikes they've reviewed.

[@antikytheramechanism7909]

Cutthroat appears to be an MTB with a gravel drivetrain and gravel drop bars. I have always had this idea but just rode a MTB. My MTB weighs about 35 lb. so I would love to try a Cutthroat.

[@DirectRegister]

Nice SKX 😉

[@anhb4203]

Road to 100k subs! Noice!

[@danieleduardovaladezmartin8004]

cuthroat looks like a mountain bike with drops

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

That’s cause it is.

[@misterill]

would really love to see a review of a rocky mountain solo. i own a 2018 solo 50 and love it! i think its really underrated value, esp the newer solo 30

[@gohome99]

I would love to see your thoughts on the solo as well. I have been commuting in S FL, bikepacking, and riding green and blue trails on a 2019 solo 30 since March. It is my first and only drop bar bike so far. My guess is the 1x drivetrain is a negative, as you have much more climbing than I do. :)

[@privateerinvestor2773]

great video. Quick question... What is the bag on the handlebars that is holding the water bottle??

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

It's an Ovjea Negra stem bag.

[@WalfredoCirne]

Thanks for another great review, Russ. How would they compare with the Fargo? I have a Fargo, which I love. I wonder how it compare with the Cutthroat, in particular.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Fargo and Marrakesh are the only ones I haven't tried :)

[@WalfredoCirne]

@@PathLessPedaledTV I have a Fargo Titanium, which is lovely. Give it a try if you have the chance.

[@curbowman]

I wonder if you have ever tried a recumbent trike. Those are the pinnacle of comfort for long distance journeys.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

We live in a small apartment without a garage. Unless they make folding recumbent trikes prob not going to happen anytime soon.

[@JasonScottCarter]

No Journeyman mention?!

[@nopets]

How does the Cutthroat compare to the Fargo? Simply lighter and quicker?

[@coastdave]

I'm similarly curious how the Journeyman fits into the mix. On paper it seems like less zippy than the Warbird and Warroad, but along the spectrum

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

That’s a pretty good estimation. Slightly less fancy Warbird.

[@countingcoup]

Good geometric comparison, but would have liked to have the tire/wheel size and crankset/cassette comparison also... You know us picky viewers 😝 Mainly I would love to get your take on the 1x, 42t Force SRAM ~ you may have addressed that in another vid? Nice Job on reviewing the Salsa’s though!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

There’s google for that :) What I was trying to focus on was the intrinsic handling. Something a spec sheet wont tell you. 1x SRAM force is fine depending on what you do with the bike. Unloaded riding? Great for that. Touring in the mountains? Not so much. I do have a vid on 1x vs 2x for gravel in a QA vid.

[@countingcoup]

Path Less Pedaled ~ Are you in touch with Salsa rep’s that can give you any insight whether they would add the Shimano GRX Gravel groupset in 2020?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

I can ask, but Shimano is notoriously bad at delivering group sets in a reasonable manner.

[@schadlarry]

Any thoughts on a Fairdale Weekender Nomad. Steel frame with descent components and looks like a good value to us budget cyclists.

[@omera967]

Personally I find the weekender nomad not value for money at all. I feel that belongs to the Fuji Jari for steel frame. And for alloy is the Poseidon X. Because I'm definitely a budget cyclist.

[@DoneRightReviews]

Russ... LOVE your channel! Cutthroat question for you (another one...lol). I've been a roadie for 35 years (although I own a full suspension mtb and a Trek Domane that I use for gravel), but the Cutthroat seems like the perfect bikepacking bike... something I am getting into. As a roadie forever, do you think I'll like or dislike the mountain bike foundation of the Cutthroat vs. the more road-inspired Warbird? I'd like to do mostly unpaved roads as I explore New England and beyond. I will go with a 2x (46-30) and look for an 11-40 cassette for gearing. If it matters, I'll definitely be in the size 60, so the long wheelbase is more likely to be something I feel.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

It depends on your expectations. If you expect it to feel like a road bike you’ll be disappointed. If you’re open to something more like a mountain bike you’ll like it.

[@scotty182527]

If you have the opportunity, I would like to see you test the trek 920 and compare it to the cutthroat. Please and thank you.

[@philhawkins7098]

Scotty Mitchell - old guy on a fat bike Yes, I too would love to get Russ’ take on the Trek 920!

[@scottlynch5804]

I'll add a third vote for a Trek 920 review!! :-)

[@bruin4937]

And the 1120?

[@scotty182527]

@@bruin4937 I would like to see a review of the 1120 also but I already ride a stache 7 which is very similar.

[@lewisdigital216]

920 please. also your opinion on friction shifters (like mountain components for touring)

[@markmoreno7295]

You may have already reviewed it, if so let me know. But I was wondering about the Journeyer. Where does it fit in.

[@sergiografbike]

Hi Russ!! Do you have tested the " Surly Long Hault Trucker" Any time? Best Regards from Brasil!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

We rode for 3 years but it was before we made videos. No longer have it.

[@jochenkraus7016]

@Path Less Pedaled: What was your impression? Supple? Stable? Which did you have, 26 or 28? How does the frame cope with heavy luggage attached to it?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Had the 26inch. The bike was awesome with a load. We easily had over 100lbs strapped to the bike and it performed awesome. Its downside is unloaded it still rode like it had a load on it. Wouldn't call it the quickest bike, but more of a turtle carrying a shell.

[@johnshopping333]

Which of these has the most upright riding position?

[@bruceblair9170]

I have watched your Fargo and Cutthroat videos, but how do the two compare especially for the price point? I am a tall heavy rider that tends to prefer steel over carbon or aluminum due to my weight.

[@markdale6104]

Fargo video? Where? Am I missing one?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Haven’t ridden the Fargo.

[@bruceblair4316]

Forgive me, I mistakenly thought I watched one on this channel.

[@mariochavez7243]

Can you compare the Kona Rove and the Kona Sutra? im debating between these and a journeyman. Many people really vouch for a midnight special but im curious about these Kona bikes.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

We can try. It took a year to just get a Rove to review.

[@mariochavez7243]

@@PathLessPedaledTV so between the Rove, the midnight special, and the Salsa Journeyman which do you prefer as your daily rider?

[@wolfeb99]

Thanks for this I told my wife you did this because of me. :-)

[@godismeme272]

WarRoad 650b 48. ❤❤❤❤

[@joro8604]

What would be the best commuter with occasional offroad use?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Journeyman.

[@joro8604]

@@PathLessPedaledTV Thanks. Salsa Journeyman or Surly Midnight special?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Jo Ro both would do fine. Depends on how you want the bike to ride.

[@jameshyde149]

How does the Vaya compare..

[@maritimezombie7684]

This is such a great video. I think we need an updated Salsa Bike Breakdown, now with the Journeyer!

[@lucky1638]

How do the vaya and journeyman fit into the spectrum?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Vaya and Journeyman would be closest to the Warbird. The Vaya slightly longer feeling than the Warbird. The Journeyman a closer analog to the Warbird but with alloy and a little more heft.

[@lucky1638]

@@PathLessPedaledTV thanks for the reply Russ. Seems like journeyman and vaya the poor man's and middle class version of warbird.

[@ralphkeith2905]

With all the bikes you've ridden since you did the Dirty Kanza; if you were to do it again, would you select the Cutthroat or a different bike?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Prob would do it with the Bombora or Bearclaw Thunderhawk.

[@ralphkeith2905]

@@PathLessPedaledTV Thank you. I'm researching "event" bikes and I'll look into those.

[@IdioticPlatypus]

Is that an SKX on your wrist? Me gusta.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

SKX013!

[@IdioticPlatypus]

@@PathLessPedaledTV I have definitely found my people.

[@danielrussell9416]

The answer is Journeyman, it is smack in the middle of all three.

[@jochenkraus7016]

I thought it's more like a budget Warbird.

[@zeke3327]

Where would something like the Fargo or journeyman be?

[@zeke3327]

Really just looking for a bike similar to my road bike or track bike but with daily utility in mind.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Haven’t ridden a Fargo. Journeyman is probably most similar to the Warbird in handling.

[@scoham85]

Can’t speak for the Fargo, but I’m running the journeyman apex build now. I would place this as a trifecta between the cutthroat and warbird with a little bit of the Vaya sprinkled in the mix.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Scott Hamilton that’s a good way to put it.

[@gregwelsh4360]

I have ridden many of these bikes and own a Fargo. The Fargo is a very comfortable (very upright and stable) and very capable bike (technically a drop-bar mountain bike - clearance for huge tires) - so it would be more akin to the Cutthroat. The big difference, of course, is the steel frame/carbon fork on the Fargo compared to the all carbon Cutthroat. If you are looking for something closer to your road bike, I would take a look at the Vaya.

[@babyfishbreeder]

Ever tried the Cutthroat with a suspension fork?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Haven’t.

[@babyfishbreeder]

@@PathLessPedaledTV Oh. I was hoping to hear your thoughts about the setup. I have a monstercross-ed hardtail and still not sure if I'd jump to a carbon Cutthroat.

[@babyfishbreeder]

Still thanks a lot for the awesome content.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

I’m generally not a fan of drop bars and a front squish fork. Depends on how it’s setup. If it’s too aggressive a position then I think it could be too divey with a lot of body weight over the front. Testing the Future Shock with a drop bar felt sketchy in corners. Felt vague and unpredictable and can only imagine with more travel.

[@babyfishbreeder]

@@PathLessPedaledTV I see. Thanks for your feedback. I'll continue to test mine out. More power to your channel!

[@jackj3917]

Have you considered asking "Giant" if you could review their gravel line (Revolt 0, 1 or 2). I enjoy your videos, but as a rider of Giant bikes I'm not sure where I fit since most of your reviews seem to be of Salsa, Breadwinner, etc.

[@jochenkraus7016]

Some time ago, he said that there are so many QBP bikes because they send him bikes to review and the others much less.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

I've tried with Giant. No luck. If you look at our reviews we've done far more than just Salsa. We've reviewed Specialized, Niner, Surly, Bantam, Otso, Aventon, Marin, Moulton, Spooky, etc.,

[@bjulaszek]

Path Less Pedaled any luck with getting a Cannondale Topstone?

[@grimani]

Where would the Vaya fit into this lineup?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Vaya would be closest to the Warbird. Heavier and slightly more stable feeling. But similar all-rounder DNA / proto-Warbird.

[@ks-pg5sh]

@@PathLessPedaledTV - The Vaya will also take a 50mm tire. Panaracer has a new Gravelking SK and SK+ in a 700x50, which would pair nicely with the Vaya. (The SK+ provides extra flat/puncture protection.)

[@m.m.1960]

Really beautiful bikes. But why do they have such cruel names. I don't want to travel the world with a bike that has the word "war" in his name. That puts me off. Sorry Salsa, but I will look elsewhere for my next gravel bike. Peace ✌🏼

[@fmc6338]

I like my Fargo. Being an old fat guy the Fargo works perfect. I put 2.1 inch tires on the rig. The ones Fargo came with too wide. I have been looking at a cutthroat

[@nathanh281]

Another useful point of view from PLP. I wonder how the Warroad compares to the Open UP(PER). Intuition from geometry says the Warroad would be more comfortable/useful for bike-packing while the UP would be racier. My Cutthroat (Apex 1) killed my quiver dead but I can never resist shiny things...

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Been trying to get an OPEN to review for the last two years! Maybe when we hit 100k they’ll take us seriously.

[@GoodMorning-uz4xz]

These are 4,000 bikes.... this community is already relatively small.. with this price good luck growing the channel

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Actually 2500. Much cheaper than the much more expensive bikes GCN often highlights and they have 1 million subs? 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@brownfell9525]

Is this sponsored?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

No. We’ve just ridden a lot of Salsa over the years.

[@davidgatzen1543]

The Salsa systems for mounting bags on these bikes are just plain stupid. Looking at the Cutthroat I see 3 water bottle mounts inside the front triangle, a water bottle underneath the down tube, a bento box mount on the top tube, two triple mounts on the fork, AND NO UPPER MOUNTS FOR A REAR RACK. A rear rack is the best way to mount bags on a bike, but Salsa decided that a water bottle mount underneath the down tube near the bottom bracket that 95% of cyclists will never use is more important. I do not have a problem with having the extra mounts, but why put on all these extra mounts, and leave out the mounts for the rear rack, which are the most useful mounts for carrying stuff. Salsa wants to show everyone they are the cool kids. The bike packing scene is cool, it's better than the old way of carrying things, it's the latest trend, it's new, all the bike magazines are writing about it so it must be better. (Yes I'm being sarcastic).

[@SublimatedUser]

They put rear rack mounts on it and offer a rack that can be attached via their seat collar lock. So it's not like they're just leaving it out.

[@topbanana4013]

i simply still do not get it. it has to be a gimmick. first of all the handle bars are wrong actually there dangerous for so called gravel bikes. now im seen gravel bikes with front suspension ?? hang on its now a hybrid with stupid killer handlebars. so why was this gimmick bike invented lol it makes no sense as hybrid bikes does it both gravel and road already and with a frame that can swap out for 29r wheels if need be. its like opening a chip shop then someone moves next door selling chips. if i swap my handle bars for racer ones my hybrid is now a gravel bike lol

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

If you don’t get it don’t buy it. Works for other people tho 🤷🏽‍♂️