Overview
Step into the future of bikepacking with the Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600—a bicycle that’s a vision of ultra racing prowess realized. Inspired by the grueling Tour Divide, this marvel is engineered for resilience and speed. Its drop-bar mountain bike geometry melds seamlessly with a lightweight carbon frame, fortified by our revolutionary Class 5™ VRS for unparalleled comfort. The Shimano GRX 600 1x drivetrain translates your every pedal stroke into precise, exhilarating motion. Are you ready to redefine what’s possible? Your Cutthroat adventure awaits.
Picture this: you, the open trail, and the Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600, journeying through the gravel wonderlands of the Great Divide or the untamed beauty of the Silk Road. This bike is your passport to the far corners of the Earth, designed with bikepacking at its core. Its design is a love letter to bikepacking, offering the perfect blend of speed, agility, resilience and cargo capacity. Whether you’re navigating rocky terrains or crossing international borders, the Cutthroat ensures you do it with confidence and style. It’s not just a bike; it’s your co-author in a lifetime of bikepacking epics. Are you ready to write your next chapter?
Geometry & Ride Characteristics
The geometry of the Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600 is characterized by a longer wheelbase, which provides stability on fast descents and rough trails. The bike’s slack headtube angle further enhances its stability, especially when loaded with gear for multi-day adventures. Its steep seat tube angle positions the rider directly over the pedals, ensuring efficient power transfer and making it easier to tackle steep climbs. The drop-bar mountain bike design not only offers multiple hand positions for long rides but also allows for an aggressive stance when battling headwinds or pushing the pace. Additionally, the elevated bottom bracket ensures clearance over rocky and uneven terrains, reducing the chances of pedal strikes. The bike integrates Salsa’s Class 5™ VRS that strikes a balance between stiffness for efficient pedaling and compliance to handle rough terrains.
Riding the Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600 offers an experience of adventure and reliability. Its geometry provides stability during descents and the necessary aggressiveness to combat headwinds. The Class 5™ VRS ensures riders enjoy a smooth journey, cushioning them from the bumps and jolts of rugged paths. Whether traversing gravel routes, dirt tracks, or challenging mountain terrains, the Cutthroat delivers a ride that balances excitement with comfort, making it a preferred choice for bikepacking enthusiasts.
- Effective Top Tube: Ranging from 520mm for the 52cm size to 600mm for the 60cm size, the effective top tube length ensures riders have an optimal reach to the handlebars. This contrasts with some bikes that might have elongated top tubes, pushing riders into a more stretched-out posture.
- Stand Over: The standover height varies from 700.44mm for the 52cm size to 874.22mm for the 60cm size, allowing riders to comfortably straddle the bike, an essential feature for off-road terrains and unexpected stops.
- Reach and Stack: The reach varies from 357.77mm to 406.36mm, and the stack from 584.98mm to 664.34mm across sizes. This design ensures a balanced riding position, emphasizing both comfort and efficiency.
- Head Tube Angle: The Cutthroat consistently features a headtube angle of 69° across all sizes. This slack angle enhances its stability, especially when navigating descents or rough terrains, setting it apart from racing bikes with steeper angles.
- Seat Tube Angle: Ranging from 74.5° to 73.75°, the seat tube angle positions the rider directly over the pedals, ensuring efficient power transfer. This design contrasts with some aggressive race bikes that might have steeper angles.
- BB Drop: The Cutthroat maintains a consistent BB drop of 70mm across all sizes, ensuring ample clearance over rocky and uneven terrains and reducing the chances of pedal strikes.
- Wheelbase: Ranging from 1049.54mm for the 52cm size to 1128.6mm for the 60cm size, the Cutthroat’s extended wheelbase ensures stability, especially during fast descents.
- Chainstay Length: A consistent chainstay length of 445mm across all sizes ensures predictable handling. This is slightly longer than some performance-oriented road bikes, further emphasizing its stability on diverse terrains.
vs. the Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 810
The Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 810, equipped with a 2×11 drivetrain, Shimano GRX RX810 front derailleur, is a more premium version of the Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600. With a very similar frame, the primary differences are in the componentry as follows:
- Drivetrain
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600: Features a 1×11 drivetrain with a Shimano M5100 11–42t cassette, simplifying gear shifts and reducing maintenance.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 810: Comes with a 2×11 drivetrain and a Shimano HG700 11–34t cassette, offering a broader range of gears for versatile terrains.
- Rear Derailleur
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600: Equipped with a Shimano GRX RX812 rear derailleur, designed for a 1x setup.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 810: Features a Shimano GRX RX810 rear derailleur, compatible with the bike’s 2x drivetrain.
- Front Derailleur
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600: Lacks a front derailleur due to its 1x drivetrain.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 810: Includes a Shimano GRX RX810 front derailleur to complement its 2x drivetrain.
- Crankset
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600: Comes with a Race Face Ride crankset with a single 36t chainring.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 810: Features a Race Face Aeffect-R crankset with Easton 46/30t chainrings, providing more gearing options.
- Brakes and Rotors
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600: Equipped with Shimano GRX RX400 brakes and Shimano RT64 rotors.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 810: Features higher-tier Shimano GRX RX810 brakes and Shimano RT70 rotors, offering enhanced braking performance.
- Wheels
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600: Front and rear wheels come with the option of Shimano MT400 hubs or Novatec hubs.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 810: Features Shimano Deore XT hubs for both front and rear wheels, known for their durability and performance.
- Cassette
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600: Features a Shimano M5100 11–42t, 11-speed cassette.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 810: Comes with a Shimano HG700 11–34t, 11-speed cassette, offering a different gear range.
vs. the Salsa Fargo
The Salsa Fargo, and the Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600 offer distinct riding experiences primarily due to their frame materials and drivetrain configurations. The Fargo’s triple-butted CroMoly steel frame provides a more compliant and forgiving ride, ideal for long-distance touring and off-road adventures. In contrast, the Cutthroat’s carbon frame is stiffer and more responsive, better suited for high-speed gravel racing. Additionally, the Fargo features a SRAM Apex 1 drivetrain with an 11–42t cassette, while the Cutthroat comes with a Shimano GRX RX812 rear derailleur and an 11–42t Shimano M5100 cassette, offering a slightly different gear range and shifting experience.
- Frame Material
- Salsa Fargo: Features a triple-butted CroMoly steel frame, known for its durability and compliance.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600: Comes with a carbon frame, which is lighter and more responsive.
- Fork
- Salsa Fargo: Equipped with a Firestarter Carbon 110 fork.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600: Features a Cutthroat carbon fork, designed to be aerodynamic and lightweight.
- Drivetrain
- Salsa Fargo: Uses a SRAM Apex 1 drivetrain with an 11–42t cassette.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600: Features a Shimano GRX RX812 rear derailleur and an 11–42t Shimano M5100 cassette.
- Brakes
- Salsa Fargo: Comes with TRP Spyre-C brakes with 160 mm rotors.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600: Equipped with Shimano GRX RX400 brakes and Shimano RT64 rotors.
- Wheel and Tire Compatibility
- Salsa Fargo: Comes with WTB Serra hubs and Teravail Sparwood 29 x 2.2″ tires, designed for durability and off-road capability.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600: Features the option of Shimano MT400 or Novatec hubs and Teravail Sparwood 29 x 2.2″ tires, optimized for speed and performance.
- Seat and Handlebars
- Salsa Fargo: Equipped with a WTB Volt Steel SL Medium saddle and Salsa Cowchipper handlebars for ergonomic comfort.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600: Comes with a WTB SL8 Medium Steel SL saddle and Zoom DR-AL-199BTFOV handlebars, designed for aerodynamic efficiency.
- Ride Feel
- Salsa Fargo: Offers a more compliant and forgiving ride, ideal for long-distance touring and off-road adventures.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600: Provides a stiffer, more responsive ride, better suited for high-speed gravel racing.
- Geometry
- Salsa Fargo: Features a more relaxed geometry, designed for comfort on long rides and stability on rough terrains.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600: Has a more aggressive geometry aimed at speed and efficiency, particularly on gravel and mixed terrains.
vs. the Bombtrack Hook Ext C
The Bombtrack Hook Ext C, constructed with a high-modulus carbon frame, is tailored for challenging terrains, featuring 27.5″ wheels and wider tires for enhanced traction and control on technical trails. Its geometry is designed for agility and responsiveness in varied conditions. In contrast, the Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600, with its carbon frame and 29″ wheels, is optimized for gravel racing and long-distance rides, emphasizing speed and efficiency on gravel and mixed terrains. While both bikes are premium offerings, their design philosophies cater to distinct off-road experiences.
- Frame Material
- Bombtrack Hook Ext C: Features a high-modulus TORAY T700 / T800 carbon frame, designed for lightweight performance.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600: Comes with a carbon frame, optimized for gravel racing and high-speed performance.
- Fork
- Bombtrack Hook Ext C: Equipped with a full carbon fork with triple cage mounts and internal hub dynamo cable routing.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600: Features a Cutthroat carbon fork, aerodynamically designed for speed.
- Drivetrain
- Bombtrack Hook Ext C: Uses a SRAM Rival 1 drivetrain with a 10–42t cassette.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600: Features a Shimano GRX RX812 rear derailleur and an 11–42t Shimano M5100 cassette.
- Brakes
- Bombtrack Hook Ext C: Comes with SRAM Rival flat mount hydraulic disc brakes with 160 mm rotors.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600: Equipped with Shimano GRX RX400 brakes and Shimano RT64 rotors.
- Wheel and Tire Compatibility
- Bombtrack Hook Ext C: Features HUNT ADVENTURE SPORT sealed hubs and WTB VENTURE TCS LIGHT 27.5″ x 2.0″ tires, tubeless-ready.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600: Offers the option of Shimano MT400 or Novatec hubs and Teravail Sparwood 29 x 2.2″ tires, also tubeless-ready.
- Ride Feel
- Bombtrack Hook Ext C: Geared towards adventure cycling with a focus on off-road capability and multi-day expeditions.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600: Provides a stiffer, more responsive ride, better suited for high-speed gravel racing.
- Geometry
- Bombtrack Hook Ext C: Features a geometry designed for versatile performance, accommodating both off-road and gravel conditions.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600: Has a more aggressive geometry aimed at speed and efficiency on gravel and mixed terrains.
Features
Gravel Racing Geometry: The geometry of the Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600 is tailored for aggressive gravel racing and long-distance rides, ensuring speed and efficiency on mixed terrains.
Hydraulic Disc Brakes: Equipped with Shimano GRX RX400 hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano RT64 rotors, the bike provides precise and consistent braking performance, crucial for gravel and off-road conditions.
Performance-Oriented Handlebar: With its Zoom DR-AL-199BTFOV handlebar, riders are provided with a design tailored for gravel racing, ensuring control and responsiveness.
Efficient Drivetrain: The bike’s drivetrain, featuring a Shimano GRX RX600 shifter, Shimano GRX RX812 rear derailleur, and Race Face Ride crankset, guarantees smooth shifting and high-performance output on varied surfaces.
Bag and Rack Mounting Points
The Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600 is equipped with the following mounting points to cater to all your gear-hauling needs:
Top Tube Mounts: The bike features mounts on the top tube, allowing for easy access to essential items like snacks or a phone, usually through a top tube bag. These mounts are compatible with the Salsa Top Tube bag, making it especially useful for long rides and endurance races.
Front Fork Mounts: There are multiple mounts on both sides of the front fork for water bottles, cargo cages, or front racks.
Rear Rack Mounts: The bike’s rear is equipped with mounting points for a standard rear rack, suitable for panniers or additional equipment. However, due to the absence of upper mounting eyelets on the seatpost, it requires a Salsa Racklock Seatpost Collar. Salsa Wanderlust Rack recommended. Salsa Bent Rack Struts also required for installation on 58 cm and 60 cm frames. Not compatible with Salsa Wanderlust HD Rack
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 Cutthroat C GRX 600 Featured in the Wild
Salsa Cutthroat GRX 600 Review by GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine
The Salsa Cutthroat GRX 600 is highlighted as a bikepacking race bike, renowned for its exceptional comfort and vast packing space. The review emphasizes the bike’s perfect vibration damping and the superior rollover characteristics of its large 29” wheels. The handling is described as good-natured and predictable in every situation, though it requires more rider input in tight, slow corners due to its long wheelbase. The author, Benjamin Topf, commends the bike’s long-distance capabilities, stating, “You just feel at home on the Cutthroat from the get-go.” The review concludes by celebrating the Cutthroat GRX 600 as the “Best in Test of 2020/2021.”
Salsa Cutthroat GRX 600 Review – Bikepacking Alliance
The Salsa Cutthroat GRX 600 is highlighted as a high-performance gravel bike, perfect for those who seek adventure on off-road terrains. The review by Bikepacking Alliance praises the bike’s lightweight carbon frame and fork, which ensure stiffness and stability. The Shimano GRX groupset is noted for its smooth shifting, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, and a broad gear range suitable for both steep climbs and rapid descents. The author, Phil Snider, emphasizes the bike’s versatility, stating, “The Salsa Cutthroat GRX 600 is a joy to ride… designed to be fast and efficient, but it also offers a comfortable ride.” The bike’s design not only caters to speed but also ensures comfort, especially on rough terrains.
Specs
Build Kit
The Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600 drivetrain comes with Shimano’s GRX RX810 components, ensuring smooth shifting and reliable performance. The bike features a Shimano HG700 11-speed cassette with a range of 11–34t, paired with a Race Face Aeffect-R crankset. Braking is handled by Shimano GRX RX810 with RT70 rotors. For comfort, it sports a WTB SL8 Medium Steel SL saddle and Anti-Slip Silicone Tape grips. The wheelset comprises Shimano Deore XT hubs and WTB ST i25 rims, wrapped in Teravail Sparwood 29 x 2.2″ tubeless-ready tires.
Frameset
- Frame: Cutthroat Carbon
- Fork: Cutthroat
Drivetrain
- Front Derailleur: N/A
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano GRX RX812
- Cassette: Shimano M5100 11–42t, 11-speed
- Chain: Shimano HG601
- Crankset: Race Face Ride, 36t
- Shifter: Shimano GRX RX600
- Brakes: Shimano GRX RX400
- Rotors: Shimano RT64 rotors (Center Lock, 160 mm)
Components
- Headset: Cane Creek 40
- Stem: Salsa Guide
- Handlebar: Zoom DR-AL-199BTFOV
- Grips / Bar Tape: Anti-Slip Silicone Tape
- Seatpost: Salsa Guide
- Saddle: WTB SL8 Medium Steel SL
Wheels
- Front Wheel: Shimano MT400 15 x 110 mm hub -OR- Novatec D791SB-CL-B15, 15 x 110 mm hub, WTB ST i25 rim, 32h
- Rear Wheel: Shimano MT400 12 x 148 mm hub -OR- Novatec D982TSB-CL-B12, 12 x 148 mm hub, WTB ST i25 rim, 32h
- Tires: Teravail Sparwood 29 x 2.2″, 60 tpi, tubeless compatible, Durable casing
Frame Construction
The Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600 frame is designed to accommodate a 29 x 2.25″ tire size, with a maximum of 29 x 2.4″. The frame is compatible with both suspension and rigid forks, with lengths of 506 mm (100 mm travel) and 483 mm, respectively. It employs a 110 x 15 mm thru-axle front spacing and a 148 x 12 mm rear spacing. The rear dropout system is designed for a 148 x 12 mm thru-axle, ensuring stability and precision. Unlike traditional welding, the frame’s construction utilizes interior molds at all main front triangle junctions during the layup and curing process. This technique allows for precise control over wall thickness and inner-wall smoothness, particularly in high-stress zones. The result is increased compaction, reduced voids and wrinkles, and a top-quality carbon frame that consistently delivers high performance.
Geometry
| Size | 52cm | 54cm | 56cm | 58cm | 60cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Effective Top Tube | 520 | 540 | 560 | 580 | 600 |
| B. Stand Over | 700.44 | 741.72 | 810.51 | 851.75 | 874.22 |
| C. Reach | 357.77 | 372.91 | 385.28 | 395.13 | 406.36 |
| D. Stack | 584.98 | 592.45 | 619.53 | 644.73 | 664.34 |
| E. Total Seat Tube Length | 355.6 | 419.1 | 508 | 558.8 | 584.2 |
| F. Headtube Length | 90 | 98 | 127 | 154 | 175 |
| G. Headtube Angle | 69 | 69 | 69 | 69 | 69 |
| H. Seat Tube Angle | 74.5 | 74.25 | 74.25 | 74 | 73.75 |
| I. BB Drop | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| K. Chainstay Length | 445 | 445 | 445 | 445 | 445 |
| L. Fork Length Axle to Crown | 483 | 483 | 483 | 483 | 483 |
| M. Fork Offset | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 |
| N. Wheelbase | 1049.54 | 1067.55 | 1090.31 | 1109.83 | 1128.6 |
| Crank Arm Length | 170 | 170 | 175 | 175 | 175 |
| Handlebar Width | 44cm | 46cm | 46cm or 48cm | 46cm or 50cm | 46cm or 52cm |
| Recommended Rider Height | 154cm–168cm | 168cm–175cm | 173cm–185cm | 183cm–193cm | 190cm–UP |
| Stem Length | 60 | 70 | 80 | 80 | 90 |
Measurements based on:
- an 483mm AC x 51mm offset fork which is equivalent to an average 100mm 29″ suspension fork at 25% sag
- a 29″ x 2.2″ tire measuring 740mm in diameter
- Standover for all sizes is measured vertically to top of toptube from a position 50mm forward of BB center
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.
