Overview
The Salsa Cutthroat C GX Eagle AXS is engineered for the unique challenges of the Tour Divide. Its drop-bar mountain bike geometry provides a secure and confident ride across anything that long distance bike travel can throw your way. The carbon frame ensures your energy is efficiently transformed into forward momentum, while the Class 5™ VRS rear end absorbs the small bumps and jolts from the road or trail, helping you maintain your stamina. With an array of cargo mounts, you can customize your gear setup to fit your specific journey. The SRAM’s GX Eagle AXS groupset is a reliable powerhouse, ideal for extended trips into remote areas. This bike is a perfect blend of performance, comfort, and durability, appealing to cyclists of all experience levels.
Think about loading up your bikepacking bags and setting off on iconic routes like the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route or the Oregon Outback. With its ample cargo mounts, you can pack everything from camping gear to extra layers for those chilly descents. And with this bike, you’ll get there with a blend of comfort, reliability, and pure, unfiltered joy. Whether you’re aiming at a top 10 in the Tour Divide or just a top 10 in personal adventure the Salsa Cutthroat C GX Eagle AXS is ready for the challenge.
Geometry & Ride Characteristics
The Salsa Cutthroat C GX Eagle geometry is specifically tailored for the rigorous demands of long-distance gravel racing and off-road expeditions. The bike’s design incorporates Class 5™ VRS, which is a unique vibration reduction system that ensures rider comfort on rough terrains. The Cutthroat has a riding position that is both aggressive for speed and comfortable for endurance, making it ideal for tackling varied terrains over extended periods. This blend of design elements ensures that the Cutthroat provides optimal performance, whether on smooth gravel roads, rugged single-track, or challenging mountain passes.
Riding the Salsa Cutthroat C GX Eagle feels like a seamless fusion of speed, stability, and endurance. Its unique geometry, coupled with the Class 5™ VRS, offers a ride that is both responsive and forgiving, allowing riders to maintain high speeds without compromising on comfort. The bike’s design leans towards off-road and gravel racing, ensuring that riders can tackle challenging terrains with confidence. With its drop-bar mountain bike configuration, riders experience a forward-leaning position that offers better control and efficiency. This combination of speed, comfort, and control makes the Cutthroat C GX Eagle a dream ride for those looking to conquer long-distance gravel races and adventurous off-road expeditions.
- Effective Top Tube Length: The Cutthroat’s effective top tube lengths range from 520mm to 600mm across sizes. This design ensures riders have a comfortable reach to the handlebars, differing from some bikes that might have elongated top tubes for a more aggressive posture.
- Reach and Stack: The reach of the Cutthroat ranges from 357.77mm to 406.36mm, and the stack from 584.98mm to 664.34mm. This geometry ensures a balanced and ergonomic riding position, unlike some bikes that might prioritize a more aggressive stance.
- Head Tube Angle: The Cutthroat consistently maintains a head tube angle of 69° across all sizes. This angle offers a balance between stability and agility, differing from racing bikes that might have steeper angles for quick responsiveness.
- BB Drop: The Cutthroat features a consistent BB drop of 70mm across all sizes. This design ensures a low center of gravity, enhancing stability, especially during turns and descents, unlike some bikes that might have varying BB drops.
- Wheelbase: The wheelbase of the Cutthroat ranges from 1049.54mm to 1128.6mm. This is longer than many aggressive road bikes, emphasizing stability, especially at high speeds, and making it suitable for diverse terrains.
- Chainstay Length: The Cutthroat has a consistent chainstay length of 445mm across all sizes. This ensures predictable handling and is slightly longer than some performance-oriented road bikes, which might prioritize quick responsiveness.
- Seat Tube Angle: The seat tube angles of the Cutthroat vary from 73.75° to 74.5°. This ensures an optimal pedaling position, differing from some aggressive race bikes that might have steeper angles for a more forward-leaning posture.
- Standover Height: The standover heights for the Cutthroat range from 700.44mm to 874.22mm. This allows riders of different heights to comfortably straddle the bike, especially during stops or when navigating challenging terrains.
- Total Seat Tube Length: The Cutthroat’s seat tube lengths range from 355.6mm to 584.2mm. This design ensures that riders of various statures can find a comfortable fit, unlike some bikes that might have a more limited height range.
vs. the Salsa Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS
The Salsa Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS, with its SRAM X01 Eagle AXS drivetrain, is a more premium version of the Salsa Cutthroat C GX Eagle. While both bikes share the same frame, the primary differences lie in the componentry as follows:
- Rear Derailleur:
- Cutthroat C GX Eagle: SRAM GX Eagle AXS
- Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS: SRAM X01 Eagle AXS
- Cassette:
- Cutthroat C GX Eagle: SRAM XG-1275 Eagle 10–52t, 12-speed
- Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS: SRAM XG-1295 10–52t, 12-speed
- Chain:
- Cutthroat C GX Eagle: SRAM GX Eagle
- Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS: SRAM X01 Eagle
- Crankset:
- Cutthroat C GX Eagle: SRAM GX Eagle DUB, 34t
- Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS: SRAM X01 Eagle DUB, Boost, 36t
- Shifter:
- Cutthroat C GX Eagle: SRAM Rival eTap AXS
- Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS: SRAM Force eTap AXS
- Brakes and Rotors:
- Cutthroat C GX Eagle: SRAM Rival Hydraulic, SRAM CenterLine rotors (160 mm)
- Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS: SRAM Force Hydraulic, SRAM CenterLine rotors (160 mm)
- Front Wheel:
- Cutthroat C GX Eagle: DT Swiss X1900, 15 x 110 mm hub, 25 mm internal-width rim
- Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS: DT Swiss 370 15 x 110 mm hub, Whisky No.9 30W carbon rim, 28h
- Rear Wheel:
- Cutthroat C GX Eagle: DT Swiss X1900, 12 x 148 mm (18t ratchet) hub, 25 mm internal-width rim
- Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS: DT Swiss 370 (18t ratchet) 12 x 148 mm hub, Whisky No.9 30W carbon rim, 28h
vs. the Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 810
The Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 810, with its Shimano GRX RX810 drivetrain, is an economical version of the Salsa Cutthroat C GX Eagle. While both bikes share the same frame, the primary differences lie in the componentry as follows:
- Drivetrain:
- Cutthroat C GRX 810: Features Shimano GRX RX810 for both front and rear derailleurs.
- Cutthroat C GX Eagle: Uses SRAM GX Eagle AXS for the rear derailleur with no front derailleur.
- Cassette:
- Cutthroat C GRX 810: Shimano HG700 11–34t, 11-speed.
- Cutthroat C GX Eagle: SRAM XG-1275 Eagle 10–52t, 12-speed.
- Crankset:
- Cutthroat C GRX 810: Race Face Aeffect-R with Easton 46/30t chainrings.
- Cutthroat C GX Eagle: SRAM GX Eagle DUB, 34t.
- Shifter:
- Cutthroat C GRX 810: Shimano GRX RX810.
- Cutthroat C GX Eagle: SRAM Rival eTap AXS.
- Brakes and Rotors:
- Cutthroat C GRX 810: Shimano GRX RX810 with Shimano RT70 rotors (Center Lock, 160 mm).
- Cutthroat C GX Eagle: SRAM Rival Hydraulic with SRAM CenterLine rotors (160 mm).
- Ride Feel:
- Cutthroat C GRX 810: Tailored for a versatile gravel experience, ensuring smooth shifting across varied terrains and adaptability on challenging climbs.
- Cutthroat C GX Eagle: Designed for long-distance gravel racing and off-road expeditions, emphasizing speed, endurance, and a broader gear range for aggressive terrains.
vs. the Salsa Warbird C Rival
The Salsa Warbird C Rival is designed primarily as a gravel racing bike, emphasizing agility and speed on mixed terrains, with its geometry tailored for control and comfort on rough surfaces. In contrast, the Salsa Cutthroat C GX Eagle is geared towards long-distance gravel racing and off-road expeditions, with a focus on endurance and stability over extended terrains. While both bikes cater to gravel enthusiasts, the Warbird leans more towards race-oriented agility, whereas the Cutthroat offers a balance of speed and endurance, typically at a higher relative cost.
- Drivetrain:
- Salsa Warbird C Rival: Features SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS for the rear derailleur with no front derailleur.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GX Eagle: Uses SRAM GX Eagle AXS for the rear derailleur with no front derailleur.
- Cassette:
- Salsa Warbird C Rival: SRAM XG-1251 10–44t, 12-speed.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GX Eagle: SRAM XG-1275 Eagle 10–52t, 12-speed.
- Crankset:
- Salsa Warbird C Rival: SRAM Rival 1 Wide, 42t.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GX Eagle: SRAM GX Eagle DUB, 34t.
- Shifter:
- Salsa Warbird C Rival: SRAM Rival eTap AXS.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GX Eagle: SRAM Rival eTap AXS.
- Brakes and Rotors:
- Salsa Warbird C Rival: SRAM Rival Hydraulic with SRAM CenterLine rotors (160 mm).
- Salsa Cutthroat C GX Eagle: SRAM Rival Hydraulic with SRAM CenterLine rotors (160 mm).
- Ride Feel:
- Salsa Warbird C Rival: Tailored primarily for gravel racing, emphasizing agility, speed, and control on mixed terrains.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GX Eagle: Designed for long-distance gravel racing and off-road expeditions, focusing on endurance, stability, and performance over extended terrains.
- Geometry:
- Salsa Warbird C Rival: Geared towards gravel racing, the geometry is tailored for a balance of speed, agility, and comfort on rough surfaces.
- Salsa Cutthroat C GX Eagle: Shares similar geometry specifications with the Warbird but leans more towards endurance and stability, especially for long-distance rides and challenging terrains.
Features
Endurance Bikepacking Geometry: The geometry of the Salsa Cutthroat C GX Eagle is tailored for ultra-endurance bikepacking races, ensuring comfort and stability during extended rides across varied terrains. Features like a varied effective top tube length, reach, and stack across sizes ensure that riders of different statures can find a comfortable and efficient fit.
High-Quality Groupset: Equipped with the SRAM GX Eagle AXS groupset, the bike offers precise wireless shifting and reliable performance, essential for long-distance adventures and challenging terrains.
Optimized Tire Size: The Salsa Cutthroat C GX Eagle is designed around a 29″ x 2.2″ tire size, providing optimal traction and adaptability across diverse surfaces, from smooth roads to rugged trails.
Carbon Frame and Deluxe Fork: The Cutthroat Carbon frame paired with the Cutthroat Deluxe fork not only reduces the bike’s overall weight but also enhances its durability and ride quality.
Bag and Rack Mounting Points
The Salsa Cutthroat C GX Eagle is equipped with the following mounting points to cater to all your gear-hauling needs:
Front Fork Mounts: There are multiple mounts on both sides of the front fork for water bottles, cargo cages, or front racks.
Front Rack Mounts: Lowrider compatible. Salsa Down Under rack recommended.
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
Down Tube Mounts: The down tube has mounts for a water bottle cage or for attaching additional gear.
Seat Tube Mounts: The seat tube also has mounts for a water bottle cage.
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 GX Eagle Featured in the Wild
2021 Salsa Cutthroat Bikepacking Bike | Specs, Colors, Prices – Worth it? You tell me!
The 2021 Salsa Cutthroat bikepacking bike has been updated with subtle upgrades in specs, colors, and prices. This bike, inspired by the Tour Divide, is a do-all, drop bar bike that has gained significant popularity. The reviewer delves into the details of these upgrades and prompts viewers to share their thoughts on whether the bike is worth its price. The author intriguingly states, “I’m curious what you think? Is it worth the money?” This review provides a comprehensive look into the features and value proposition of the Salsa Cutthroat C GX Eagle.
Specs
Build Kit
The Salsa Cutthroat C GX Eagle drivetrain is highlighted by the SRAM GX Eagle AXS rear derailleur and a 12-speed SRAM XG-1275 Eagle cassette. Braking is managed by SRAM Rival Hydraulic brakes with CenterLine rotors. The bike’s components include a Cane Creek 40 headset, Zoom handlebar, and a TranzX dropper seatpost. Riding on DT Swiss X1900 wheels and Teravail Sparwood 29 x 2.2″ tires.
Frameset
- Frame: Cutthroat Carbon
- Fork: Cutthroat Carbon Deluxe
Drivetrain
- Front Derailleur: N/A
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM GX Eagle AXS
- Cassette: SRAM XG-1275 Eagle 10–52t, 12-speed
- Chain: Shimano GX Eagle
- Crankset: SRAM GX Eagle DUB, 34t
- Shifter: SRAM Rival eTap AXS
- Brakes: SRAM Rival Hydraulic,
- Rotors: SRAM CenterLine rotors (160 mm)
Components
- Headset: Cane Creek 40
- Stem: Zoom TDS-D507G, ±7 degree -OR- Salsa Guide
- Handlebar: Zoom DR-AL-199BTFOV
- Grips / Bar Tape: Anti-Slip Silicone Tape
- Seatpost: TranzX JD-YSP38 dropper post
- Saddle: WTB SL8 Medium Cromoly
- Seatclamp: Salsa Lip-Lock
Wheels
- Front Wheel: DT Swiss X1900, 15 x 110 mm hub, 25 mm internal-width rim
- Rear Wheel: DT Swiss X1900, 12 x 148 mm (18t ratchet) hub, 25 mm internal-width rim
- Tires: Teravail Sparwood 29 x 2.2″, 60 tpi, tubeless compatible, Durable casing
Frame Construction
The Salsa Cutthroat C GX Eagle boasts a frame tailored for endurance and versatility. Constructed to accommodate a 29 x 2.25″ tire size, with a maximum of 29 x 2.4″, it ensures optimal traction across diverse terrains. The frame is designed to work seamlessly with both a suspension fork with 100 mm travel and a rigid fork. The bike employs a 148 x 12 mm Thru-axle rear spacing, ensuring stability and precision. The frame’s Press Fit BB92 bottom bracket and IS41 and IS52 headset specifications highlight its compatibility with modern components.
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.
