Overview
The Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12 29″ is a reliable guide for your off-road adventures. Its stable trail geometry instills confidence, allowing you to tackle new challenges. A 120 mm suspension fork softens the bumps, while a dropper post adds a layer of adaptability. The 29″ wheels efficiently navigate over obstacles, and the 2.6″ wide tires ensure excellent grip on the trail. Completing the package is Shimano’s Deore 12-speed drivetrain, offering a versatile gear range for various inclines and conditions. This bike is well-equipped to handle whatever the trail throws your way.
The Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12 29″ is ready for those bikepacking adventures that evolve into your cherished stories. Whether the setting is a desert landscape or a secluded forest, the bike’s spacious frame is designed to accommodate all essential gear, from tents to your cookware. The experience of navigating winding trails on this bicycle with a gang of friends on a bikepacking outing feeds the inner fire. This bike is ready to transport you deep into new dimension of your bikepacking dreams.
Geometry & Ride Characteristics
The Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12 29″ geometry features a moderate top tube length that offers a comfortable reach. The slack head tube angle enhances stability, particularly useful for high-speed descents. A lower bottom bracket height contributes to a grounded feel, improving cornering stability while also providing adequate pedal clearance for off-road obstacles. The consistent chainstay length across all sizes ensures a uniform riding experience, offering a blend of agility and stability.
When it comes to riding characteristics, the Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12 29″ delivers stability and responsiveness. The headtube angle and reach dimensions contribute to a ride that feels both secure and agile, making it well-suited for everything from winding singletrack trails to open gravel roads. The bike’s stack height, which ranges from 601.9mm to 629.3mm, allows for an upright riding position that minimizes fatigue during extended adventures. Overall, it’s a bike that adapts seamlessly to a variety of riding conditions, offering a consistently comfortable and enjoyable experience.
- Effective Top Tube Length: The Rangefinder offers a range of effective top tube lengths from 566.7mm to 668.5mm across sizes, accommodating a wide range of rider heights. This is unlike some bikes that have a narrower range, limiting rider options.
- Stand Over Height: With stand-over heights ranging from 688.6mm to 808.7mm, the bike provides ample clearance, making it accessible for riders of various inseam lengths, a feature not always present in more race-oriented models.
- Reach: The reach varies from 400.6mm to 494.3mm, allowing for a more customized fit compared to bikes with less variable reach dimensions.
- Stack: The stack height ranges from 601.9mm to 629.3mm, offering a relatively upright riding position, which is different from more aggressive bikes that often have lower stack heights for a more aerodynamic posture.
- Headtube Length and Angle: The headtube length varies from 95mm to 125mm, and the angle is consistently slack at around 68.6 degrees. This geometry is geared towards stability and is often less steep than what is found in more aggressive trail bikes.
- Seat Tube Angle: The seat tube angle is fairly steep at around 74.6 degrees, positioning the rider for efficient pedaling. This is in contrast to more relaxed touring bikes, which often feature slacker seat tube angles.
- BB Drop: The bottom bracket drop is fairly consistent across sizes, ranging from 61.7mm to 62mm, offering a balanced center of gravity compared to bikes with more variable BB drops.
- Chainstay Length: The chainstay length is a constant 439mm across all sizes, providing a stable yet agile ride, unlike bikes where chainstay length varies to offer either more stability or agility.
- Fork Length and Offset: The fork length axle to crown and fork offset are consistent at 501mm and 51mm, respectively, contributing to the bike’s overall balanced handling characteristics.
- Wheelbase: Ranging from 1101.9mm to 1207.1mm, the wheelbase offers a blend of stability and maneuverability, setting it apart from bikes with extremely short or long wheelbases.
vs. the Salsa Timberjack SLX 29″
The Salsa Timberjack SLX 29″ is designed for agility and quick handling, excelling in technical trails thanks to its higher-grade aluminum frame and adjustable RockShox fork. On the other hand, the Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12 29″ focuses on stability and comfort, making it more suitable for long rides. While both bikes feature 12-speed Shimano Deore drivetrains, the Timberjack’s SLX rear derailleur offers smoother shifting.
- Fork
- Timberjack SLX 29″: RockShox 35 Silver TK with 130 mm travel and 44 mm offset, offering better adjustability and responsiveness.
- Rangefinder Deore 12 29″: SR Suntour XCR34 Boost or RST Aerial 110-15, both with 120 mm travel, reliable but less adjustable.
- Rear Derailleur and Cassette
- Timberjack SLX 29″: Shimano SLX M7100 SGS rear derailleur and Shimano Deore M6100-12, 10–51t, 12-speed cassette, offering smoother shifting and a broader gear range.
- Rangefinder Deore 12 29″: Shimano Deore M6100 SGS rear derailleur and 10–51t, 12-speed cassette, solid but not as refined as the SLX.
- Brakes and Rotors
- Timberjack SLX 29″: Shimano MT401 brakes with Shimano RT10 Center Lock rotors (180 mm front, 160 mm rear), providing strong stopping power.
- Rangefinder Deore 12 29″: Shimano MT200 OR Promax DSK-925 brakes with Shimano RT10 Center Lock rotors (160 mm), reliable but not as powerful as the Timberjack’s.
- Ride Feel and Geometry
- Timberjack SLX 29″: Geared towards agility and quick handling, excels in technical trails.
- Rangefinder Deore 12 29″: Designed for stability and comfort, suitable for long rides and varied terrain.
vs. the Surly Ogre
The Surly Ogre, built with 100% Chromoly steel, offers a more rigid and durable ride, ideal for long-distance touring and heavy loads. Its geometry is designed for stability and comfort over extended periods. In contrast, the Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12 29″, with its aluminum frame and air fork, focuses on versatility and responsiveness. The Rangefinder also features a broader gear range for more adaptability. While both are high-quality options, the Ogre leans towards rugged durability, and the Rangefinder aims for performance and versatility.
- Frame Material
- Surly Ogre: Made of 100% Chromoly steel, offering high durability and rigidity, ideal for long-distance touring.
- Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12: Features an aluminum frame, which is lighter and more responsive, suitable for varied trail conditions.
- Fork
- Surly Ogre: Chromoly steel fork, providing durability and a more rigid ride.
- Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12: Air fork (SR Suntour XCR34 Boost or RST Aerial), allowing for greater adjustability and responsiveness.
- Groupset
- Surly Ogre: Uses a mix of components, including Microshift shifters and Avid BB5 brakes, focusing on durability and reliability.
- Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12: Features a Shimano Deore M6100 groupset, offering smoother gear transitions and better stopping power.
- Ride Feel
- Surly Ogre: Offers a more rigid and stable ride, designed for long-distance and heavy loads.
- Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12: Provides a more versatile and responsive ride, better suited for varied terrains.
- Geometry
- Surly Ogre: Designed for stability and comfort, especially over long distances.
- Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12: Balanced geometry that offers both comfort and performance, making it versatile for different trail conditions.
Features
Air Fork: The bike features an air fork (SR Suntour XCR34 Boost or RST Aerial), a standout feature for adjustability and responsiveness, uncommon in similarly priced bikes.
Balanced Geometry: The bike’s geometry offers a unique blend of comfort and performance, making it versatile for different types of cycling adventures, setting it apart from competitors.
Internal Cable Routing: A feature often reserved for higher-end models, the internal cable routing not only enhances the bike’s aesthetics but also offers better protection for the cables.
Bag and Rack Mounting Points
The Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12 29″ is equipped with the following mounting points to cater to all your gear-hauling needs:
Toptube Mount: The toptube has a mount that is compatible with Salsa EXP Series Top Tube bags.
Rear Rack Mounts: In order to mount a rear rack, a Salsa Post-Lock seatpost collar is required due to the absence of upper mounting eyelets on the seatpost,
Seat Tube Mounts: The seat tube also has mounts for a water bottle cage.
Down Tube Mounts: The down tube has mounts for a water bottle cage or for attaching additional gear.
Under Downtube Mount: There’s a mount under the downtube, which is a common place to carry an extra water bottle or tool keg.
Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12 29″ Featured in the Wild
GravelBike Pirate’s Review of the Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12 29″
GravelBike Pirate describes the Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12 29″ as a transformative addition to his summer single-track adventures. He lauds the bike’s 29er hardtail configuration, sturdy fork, and dropper seat post, highlighting their collective impact on his riding experience. “It’s just awesome on these Trails,” he notes, emphasizing the bike’s capability to handle technical terrains effortlessly. The dropper seat post, a new feature for him, is particularly praised: “it’s really nice to be able to get the seat out of the way if you have a little bit of a technical Trail ahead.” Overall, GravelBike Pirate considers the bike a worthwhile investment for avid trail riders.
Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12 29″ Review by Crankworx Bicycles
In the review by Crankworx Bicycles, the Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12 29″ is lauded as a “true hardtail companion for local trails and adventure.” The reviewer, Hunter, highlights the bike’s stable geometry and 29-inch plus tires that put riders in an optimal position for various terrains. The bike is equipped with a 34mm SR Suntour XCR fork with 120mm of travel and a lockout feature. Its 12-speed Deore drivetrain offers smooth shifting and a versatile gear range. Hunter also notes the bike’s hydraulic disc brakes and 29-inch plus tires, which provide confident stopping power and enhanced control and stability.
Specs
Build Kit
The Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12 29″ is equipped with a 12-speed Shimano Deore M6100 drivetrain, offering a wide 10–51t gear range for versatile riding. Braking is handled by either Shimano MT200 or Promax DSK-925, paired with Shimano’s Center Lock rotors. The bike also includes quality components like an FSA Orbit headset, Salsa Guide stem, and WTB Volt saddle. The wheels are built around Shimano Center Lock hubs and WTB ST i30 rims, wrapped in Maxxis Rekon 29 x 2.6″ tires.
Frameset
- Frame: Rangefinder Aluminum
- Fork: SR Suntour XXCR34 Boost, Air, LOR, DS, 120 mm OR RST Aerial 110-15, Air, TNL, 120 mm
Drivetrain
- Front Derailleur: N/A
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore M6100 SGS
- Cassette: Shimano Deore M6100 10–51t, 12-speed
- Chain: Shimano Deore M6100
- Crankset: Shimano MT501, 30t, Shimano BB52 BSA bottom bracket
- Shifter: Shimano Deore M6100
- Brakes: Shimano MT200 OR Promax DSK-925
- Rotors: Shimano RT10 Center Lock rotors (160 mm)
Components
- Headset: FSA Orbit NO.57E 1.5 ZS
- Stem: Salsa Guide 31.8, 60 mm
- Handlebar: Salsa Salt Flat 31.8, 750 mm width XS–SM; Salsa Rustler 31.8, 800 mm width M–XL
- Grips / Bar Tape: Salsa File Tread
- Seatpost: TranzX YSP18PLQ 100 x 361 mm XS–SM; 130 x 425 mm MD–XL
- Saddle: WTB Volt Medium, Steel, 142 x 265 mm
Wheels
- Front Wheel: Shimano MT400 Center Lock 15 x 110 mm hub, WTB ST i40 32h 29″ rim
- Rear Wheel: Shimano MT200 Center Lock 10 x 141 mm QR hub, WTB ST i40 32h 29″ rim
- Tires: Maxxis Rekon 29 x 2.6″, EXO Wire Bead (not tubeless compatible)
Frame Construction
The Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12 29″ frame is crafted from a robust 6061-T6 Aluminum, benefitting from the alloy’s inherent strength and resilience. This specific aluminum tubing undergoes a heat treatment to meet T6 alloy standards, amplifying its durability. The frame is designed to accommodate 29 x 1.9–2.6-inch wheels, with an alternate size of 27.5 x 2.8–3.0 inches. The frame is compatible with suspension forks having a travel range of 100–130 mm and a fork offset of 46 mm. The headset dimensions are ZS44 for the upper and ZS56 for the lower. The seatpost is 30.9 mm in diameter, and the frame is dropper-post compatible with internal routing. The bottom bracket is a 73 mm BSA, threaded type. The rear spacing is 141 x 10 mm QR, and it uses a FS2361 derailleur hanger.
Geometry
| Size | XS | SM | MD | LG | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Effective Top Tube | 566.7 | 589 | 613.3 | 641.9 | 668.5 |
| B. Stand Over | 688.6 | 708.3 | 747.2 | 779.1 | 808.7 |
| C. Reach | 400.6 | 421.5 | 444.4 | 470.4 | 494.3 |
| D. Stack | 601.9 | 606.4 | 611 | 620.1 | 629.3 |
| E. Total Seat Tube Length | 355 | 381 | 431 | 470 | 508 |
| F. Headtube Length | 95 | 100 | 105 | 115 | 125 |
| G. Headtube Angle | 68.6 | 68.6 | 68.6 | 68.5 | 68.5 |
| H. Seat Tube Angle | 74.6 | 74.6 | 74.6 | 74.5 | 74.5 |
| I. BB Drop | 62 | 62 | 61.9 | 61.8 | 61.7 |
| K. Chainstay Length | 439 | 439 | 439 | 439 | 439 |
| L. Fork Length Axle to Crown | 501 | 501 | 501 | 501 | 501 |
| M. Fork Offset | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 |
| N. Wheelbase | 1101.9 | 1124.7 | 1149.6 | 1179.4 | 1207.1 |
| Crank Arm Length | 170 | 170 | 175 | 175 | 175 |
| Handlebar Width | 750mm | 750mm | 800mm | 800mm | 800mm |
| Recommended Rider Height | 157cm–168cm | 160cm–175cm | 173cm–183cm | 180cm–191cm | 188cm–UP |
| Stem Length | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
Measurements based on:
- OE spec 120mm 29/27.5+ suspension fork at 25% sag
- 27.5 x 2.8″ tire measuring 722mm in diameter
- Standover is measured from vertically from ground to the top of the toptube, 50mm forward of the BB. Add 8-12.5mm (0.3-0.5″) for 29 x 2.4-2.6″ wheels/tires
Warranty
WARRANTY REGISTRATIONS
Register your purchase at Salsa’s Warranty Registration.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Salsa Cycles ( “Salsa ” ) makes the following limited Warranty:
All Salsa products are warranted against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship from the date of retail purchase of the product, subject to the limitations detailed below. Every Salsa frame, component, and apparel has a useful product life cycle. The length of that useful product life cycle will vary depending on the construction and the materials of the product, maintenance and care the product receives, and the amount and type of use the product is subjected to over its life. Your bike has an intended level of use as defined by the ASTM Riding Condition Classification Chart. Failure to adhere to the use cases identified in this chart will void your warranty. Save your dated receipt for proof of purchase.
NOTE:
All warranty periods below apply to the original owner only
ONE YEAR WARRANTY
All apparel
All frame bags
Salsa Cycles does not guarantee the compatibility of original components with a warranty replacement frame. Salsa Cycles is not responsible for parts or labor required to remove and/or refit and re-adjust the product within the bicycle assembly, including wheel rebuilds.
Salsa Cycles cannot guarantee a color match to the original frame, component, or apparel in the event of a replacement.
This warranty applies to 2014 and newer model bicycles and covers only Salsa Cycles branded product. Any other original part or component shall be covered by the stated warranty of the original manufacturer. Any products not specifically included above are hereby excluded.
TWO YEAR WARRANTY
Aluminum chainstays of suspension frames
Aluminum seatstays of suspension frames
Carbon seatstays of suspension frames
All other suspension frame parts (excludes hanger, pivot hardware, bearings)
THREE YEAR WARRANTY
Aluminum frames
Aluminum front triangles of suspension frames
All Salsa forks
All Salsa components
FIVE YEAR WARRANTY
Steel frames
Titanium frames
Carbon frames
Carbon front triangle of suspension frames
THE WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THE FOLLOWING
Damage due to improper assembly or follow-up maintenance or lack of skill, competence or experience of the user or assemble
Bicycles that were not assembled or serviced by an authorized Salsa Cycles dealer
Products that have been modified, neglected, used in competition, or for commercial purposes such as rental, courier, police, security, etc, misused or abused, involved in accidents or anything other than normal use
Installation of components, parts, or accessories not originally intended for use with or compatible with Salsa frames and components
Salsa Cycles bicycles, frames, components or softgoods purchased from an unauthorized dealer
Salsa Cycles bicycles, frames, components or softgoods purchased from third-party internet sites, including auction websites, and regional trading websites (examples: Amazon, eBay, and Craigslist) are not covered under this warranty, even if you have a receipt
Sandblasting, sanding, grinding, wire brushing, filing, welding, brazing, drilled holes, anodizing, refinishing, powder coating, or chrome plating the bicycle, frame, or component will void the warranty
Internal rust perforation on all steel frames
Wear, scratches, chips and cracks to paint, finish, or coating on all Salsa frames and components
Bent or broken derailleur hangers or Alternator plates
Labor required to remove and/or refit and re-adjust the product within the bicycle assembly, including wheel rebuilds
Damage to carbon fiber caused by any carbon assembly paste
Normal wear and tear
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This limited warranty is expressly limited to the repair or replacement of a defective product, at the option of Salsa Cycles, and is the sole remedy of the warranty. This limited warranty applies only to the original purchaser of the Salsa Cycles product and is not transferable. This warranty applies only to Salsa Cycles products purchased through an authorized dealer or distributor. In no event shall Salsa Cycles be liable for any loss, inconvenience or damage, whether direct, incidental, consequential, or otherwise resulting from breach of any express or implied warranty or condition of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or otherwise with respect to our products except as set forth herein. This warranty gives the consumer specific legal rights, and those rights and other rights may vary from place to place. This warranty does not affect your statutory rights.
TO THE EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY LAW, THESE WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND THERE ARE NO OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS INCLUDING WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
For 2013 and older model bicycles and products, please consult your Owner’s Manual, Salsa Cycles product instructions, or contact Salsa Cycles or your authorized Salsa dealer for the applicable warranty information.