I bought a thing.

"ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com" (ita97) 05/21/2020 at 22:40 • Filed to: None

6

19

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

I’ve been wanting to get some more exercise in between outings of the cracks and holes hiking club, and running sucks (and I’m not required to do so anymore, been there, got the uniforms) so I started thinking it was time to get a bike again.

I always had (cheapo) mountain bikes as a kid, and I used to have a Specialized Hardrock, so I started off thinking I wanted another hardtail mtb. When I got honest about what I’m most likely to ride (some road, gravel ditchbanks/Forest Service/BLM roads, and the occasional mild single track), I realized a full on mountain bike wasn’t really the best tool for that. So after work I went to the local bike shop of choice to see what they might have that would be suitable for around a grand.

I became smitten by these Salsa Journeyman Soras. I tried out a variety of frame sizes and wheel setups before settling on a 700b wheelset and 37 mm tires. They just felt so good on pavement, and the carbon fork soaked up more bumps than I thought it would. There will likely be a future second wheel set in 27.5 with some full on 2.2 inch mtb tires for days when the single track really calls.

I also hadn’t planned on a drop bar bike, but once I tried one I really liked the position. In the end I gave them some money and the bike should be all setup and ready for me tomorrow morning.

atfsgeoff > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 05/21/2020 at 23:06

2

Good choice there. So-called g ravel bikes have really exploded in the past 5 years. Speed and aero of a drop bar race bike combined with wide tires for less than ideal road surfaces. No need for suspension on anything not regularly seeing gnarly single track IMO, cut out that added weight and complication.

jminer > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 05/21/2020 at 23:23

1

That’s a similar setup that got me into riding again. Wandered down to the LBS and talked to them about how I wanted to ride and they put me on a bike. I’m way too cheap for a carbon fork but it’s that similar gravel style.  It’s been awesome on the pavement and gravel as is, with like you a set of wheels and tires for when I wander further off-road.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 05/21/2020 at 23:43

2

Nice! Salsa makes nice bikes at a great price point. Do they set those up tubeless like a mountain bike these days? I do t see road rubles being that useful but it’s great on a mountain bike.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > atfsgeoff 05/21/2020 at 23:48

0

I’ve always wanted a full suspension mtb, but I have never ridden anything that would justify the cost of a good one. That argument was also how I got to this bike. Once I was willing to be honest with how I’m going to ride, a gravel bike checked all the boxes. The drop bars was the surprise. Those weren’t on my radar at all until the LBS (and a serious biking friend I was consulting with via messenger simultaneously ) convinced me to try one. I really liked the way that position felt.

Nom De Plume > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 05/21/2020 at 23:50

1

I fully support buying of lower end bikes and riding the components into the ground long after they’ve shown their true value.

Spend the first few weeks keeping a fuzzy mental list of what doesn’t feel like it puts you in the best position. Fit is critical with drop bar bikes. Wrong length stem or especially physiological issues with flared bars don ’t need to ruin the bike for you. Fuzzy because crappy stock wheels deflecting can force you to counter into odd positions.

The problem with gravel bikes is to really utilize them you spend a lot of time switching parts. 27.5" wheels with knobby tires change the geometry and demand a far different position than 700c wheels with fast skinny tires. Again, more thought than money will help  alleviate changes/lack of changes souring you on riding it.

atfsgeoff > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 05/22/2020 at 00:03

1

Yeah, to most non-cyclists drop bars look weird and uncomfortable, but they offer so many hand positions that just about anyone can find a comfy grip position (and change frequently during long rides to keep cramping and numbness at bay).  Combine that with brifters and they’re outstanding for most cycling.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 05/22/2020 at 00:07

1

Nice, i really like Salsa bikes. My next big bike purchase will most likely be a 27.5 dual suspension Salsa 

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 05/22/2020 at 00:07

2

I have this style of bike (Niner RLT alloy) and it’s very very adaptable. However...I wouldn’t get too carried away with 27.5 wheels and tyres if I were you.

Mainly because, due to the steep fork angle, your bike handling skills need to be very on point to do the sort of off roading that that tyre combination can manage. And the other issue would potentially be gearing that isn’t quite low enough in technical climbing situations.

Enjoy it for what it is...a mile eater on all sorts of sealed and unsealed roads, paths, bridle tracks and  fire trails...

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 05/22/2020 at 00:33

1

The wheels are tubeless ready.

smobgirl > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 05/22/2020 at 00:54

1

I love my old Salsa. Definitely the most useful bike I have.

Rufant > Nom De Plume 05/22/2020 at 05:08

0

I ride a gravel bike, and just have a set of 700c road wheels and the same for kno bblies. Works great, on and off road. Getting the correct fitting bike in the first place makes a big difference. Easily the most adaptable bike I have ever ridden.

Rufant > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 05/22/2020 at 05:12

1

Great stuff. I recently got right back into riding on a gravel bike. It perfectly suits my requirements as a commuter and a trail bike at the weekends. Yeah, it may not do everything my mountain bike could do, but is no worse that the old skool fully rigid mountain bikes from back on the day. In some ways more engaging off road than a dedicated full-suss rig.

It will do everything you describe just fine.

I think I prefer drop bars off road, and flat bars and bar ends on road...

arl > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 05/22/2020 at 08:28

1

Nice! I’ve ordered a vintage steel road bike frame that I’m planning on putting some modern components on.

Enjoy the ride! 

TheRealBicycleBuck > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 05/22/2020 at 09:38

2

The older cross-country mountain bikes offered just enough suspension to be comfy without having tons of travel which you don’t need. I don’t ride mine much anymore, but I still love it!

TheRealBicycleBuck > atfsgeoff 05/22/2020 at 09:40

0

And if the drops never get used, it’s easy to switch to dirt drops or even mo ustache bars.

Nom De Plume > Rufant 05/22/2020 at 10:08

0

I’m glad you enjoy it.

Much has changed with materials and shapes that can be formed. This allows some frame building trickery which makes possible wider tires on increasingly smaller diameter wheels using disc brakes.  Without defaulting on properly sized dimensions or ratios too heavily.

Effectively performance or race ‘G ravel bikes’ are US 70's/80's road bikes that companies like Trek and Specialized made their name from. Those were true road racing or touring bikes for domestic use. ‘Gravel bikes’ aimed at the average person are bastardized balloon bikes with a profusion of mounts and drop bars showing off multiple generations of uninterrupted inbreeding.

So effectively you should thank the Dutch for perfecting the bicycle to an amount it is an enjoyable conveyance anyone can throw a leg over.  Sit up and beg or bend over and take it.  You can have it both ways!

gmctavish needs more space > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 05/22/2020 at 13:49

1

Coool. I’m looking at buying a bike again, I haven’t had one in 6 years now, but all this free time and stagnation makes me want to burn some energy. Used to have an early 2000s Rocky Mountain Element. I think I’m pretty set on a 2019 Rocky Mountain Growler, or a 2020 if my friend can get me a good enough deal on brand new.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 06/01/2020 at 18:58

1

Are you me!? I bought almost the exact same bike in February 

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 06/01/2020 at 20:28

1

Nice. This must be the cycling equivalent  of the Oppo car of the year at any given time.