Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700C

Overview

Embark on an exhilarating escapade with the Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700C, your trusty ride for effortlessly gliding over gravel paths and forgotten city streets. Built with an innovative aluminum frame and Salsa’s Waxwing carbon fork, a ride as smooth as a well-aged bourbon is ensured. Its versatility is its charm, with mounts ready for all your adventure gear. The SRAM’s Apex 1 groupset offers a broad gear range for a broad variety of ups and downs. So, whether you’re chasing the horizon on gravel roads, living out your bikepacking dreams, or simply adding a dash of thrill to your city rides, the Journeyer is your portal that will take you there.

Picture this: the sun is just peeking over the horizon, your bikepacking bags are loaded, and the forest and mountains beyond are calling. There is an aching in your bones to ride and this bicycle, my friend, is ready just when you need it. Whether you’re navigating a challenging gravel path or a serene country lane, this bicycle is ready for a broad range of paved and gravel touring conditions.  Consider it your escape hatch to your next bikepacking journey near or far.  The Journeyer is ready to go, are you?

Geometry & Ride Characteristics

The Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700C boasts a unique geometry that sets it apart from most gravel bikes. Its design marries the best of road and mountain bike geometries, resulting in a versatile setup that’s comfortable for long rides yet agile for technical terrains. The frame’s geometry promotes an upright riding position, reducing rider fatigue on long journeys. Additionally, the bike’s shorter top tube and longer head tube enhance stability and control, making it a reliable companion for your adventures.

When it comes to riding characteristics, the Journeyer Apex 1 700C truly shines. Its geometry translates into a ride that’s both comfortable and responsive. The bike’s handling is nimble yet stable enough for confident descents. The upright riding position not only reduces strain on your back and shoulders but also offers a great vantage point for soaking in the scenery. Whether you’re navigating through tight singletrack or cruising on open gravel roads, the Journeyer provides a ride that’s as exhilarating as it is smooth.

• Effective Top Tube (ETT):
  • Ranges from 493mm (for size 49cm) to 600mm (for size 60cm).
  • A longer ETT generally provides a more stretched-out riding position, which can be more aerodynamic and efficient for long-distance riding.
• Stand Over Height:
  • Ranges from 613.5mm to 803.5mm across sizes.
  • Lower stand-over heights can make it easier for riders to mount and dismount, especially in off-road or unpredictable terrains.
• Reach:
  • Ranges from 366mm to 408mm.
  • The reach determines how far forward a rider has to lean to grasp the handlebars. A moderate reach, like on the Journeyer, offers a balance between aggressive racing postures and relaxed touring stances.
• Stack:
  • Ranges from 510mm to 627mm.
  • Stack height affects the vertical position of the handlebars relative to the bottom bracket. A higher stack provides a more upright riding position, which can be more comfortable for long rides.
• Headtube Length and Angle:
  • Length ranges from 90mm to 210mm.
  • Angle is consistently around 69.5° for most sizes.
  • The headtube angle affects the bike’s steering responsiveness. A slacker angle, like 69.5°, can provide more stable handling, especially at high speeds or on descents.
• Seat Tube Angle:
  • Ranges from 76° to 73° depending on size.
  • The seat tube angle affects the rider’s position relative to the pedals. Steeper angles can position the rider more over the pedals, which can be efficient for power transfer, especially on climbs.
• BB Drop:
  • Consistent 70mm across all sizes.
  • The BB drop determines the bike’s center of gravity. A moderate BB drop, like 70mm, offers a balance between stability and agility.
• Chainstay Length:
  • Consistent 440mm across all sizes.
  • Longer chainstays can provide more stability and comfort, especially when carrying loads on the rear rack.
• Fork Length and Offset:
  • Both are consistent across sizes, with 402mm for length and 50mm for offset.
  • The fork length and offset can influence the bike’s handling. A moderate offset, like 50mm, can provide a balance between quick steering responsiveness and stability.
• Wheelbase:
  • Ranges from 1027mm to 1104mm.
  • A longer wheelbase can offer more stability, especially at high speeds, but might be less agile in tight turns.

vs. the Salsa Journeyer GRX 600, 700c

The Salsa Journeyer GRX 600, 700c is a more premium version of the Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700C. With a very similar frame, the primary differences are in the componentry as follows:

• Groupset:
  • Apex 1 700c: SRAM’s Apex 1
  • GRX 600, 700c: Shimano GRX 600
• Rear Derailleur:
  • Apex 1 700c: SRAM Apex 1
  • GRX 600, 700c: Shimano GRX RX810
• Cassette:
  • Apex 1 700c: SRAM PG-1130, 11–42t, 11-speed
  • GRX 600, 700c: Shimano HG700, 11–34t, 11-speed
• Crankset:
  • Apex 1 700c: SRAM Apex 1, 40t
  • GRX 600, 700c: Shimano GRX RX600, 46/30t
• Brakes and Rotors:
  • Apex 1 700c: Tektro MD-C550 brakes, Tektro TR160-22 rotors (6-bolt, 160 mm)
  • GRX 600, 700c: Shimano GRX RX400 brakes, Shimano RT10 rotors (Center Lock, 160 mm)

vs. the Salsa Journeyer Sora 700C

The Salsa Journeyer Sora 700C is a more economical version of the Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700C. With a very similar frame, the primary differences are in the componentry as follows:

vs. the Kona Libre

The Kona Libre, with its 6061 Aluminum Butted frame and Kona Libre Carbon fork, is designed for agility and speed, especially on challenging terrains. Its larger 700x45c Maxxis Rambler tires offer more traction and stability, making it suitable for rougher terrains. In contrast, the Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700C, while also versatile, leans towards comfort with its 700x38mm Teravail Washburn tires. The Journeyer’s SRAM Apex 1 groupset emphasizes a wide gear range, ideal for varying landscapes. Relative to the Kona Libre, the Salsa Journeyer might be a more budget-friendly option without compromising on performance.

• Ride Feel & Geometry:
  • Kona Libre: Geared towards agility and speed, especially on challenging terrains. Its geometry likely promotes an aggressive riding stance for performance.
  • Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700C: More oriented towards comfort and versatility, with a geometry that supports longer rides and varied terrains.
• Groupset:
  • Kona Libre: Components suggest SRAM Apex, designed for smooth shifting and reliability.
  • Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700C: SRAM’s Apex 1 – emphasizes a wide gear range suitable for various terrains.
• Tire Size & Type:
  • Kona Libre: Maxxis Rambler Silkshield TR 700x45c – larger tires for more traction and stability on rough terrains.
  • Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700C: Teravail Washburn, 700c x 38 mm – slightly narrower, focusing on comfort across different surfaces.
• Brakes:
  • Kona Libre: TRP HDC711C Mechanical/Hydraulic – offers strong stopping power and modulation.
  • Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700C: Tektro MD-C550 brakes – reliable and efficient for diverse riding conditions.