Overview
Greetings, trail-blazers and city roamers! Imagine merging the spirit of a mountain goat with the grace of a ballet dancer; that’s the Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 650B for you. Crafted with a robust aluminum frame and a Fantail fork, this is your passport to gravel glory. Those plush 650b x 47 mm wheels? They whisper of adventures, from rough gravel descents to happening back alleys. And with the reliable MicroSHIFT’s Acolyte 1 x 8 drivetrain, every pedal stroke writes a story. Take the journey and happy riding y’all! 🚴♂️🌟
Whether you’re dreaming of a moonlit camp in the desert or waking up to the chirping birds in a dense forest, the Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 650B is your trusty steed for bikepacking adventures. Picture this: your bikepacking bags snugly loaded, the horizon beckoning, and this bicycle making every turn feel like a dance move. Its design effortlessly balances your load, ensuring stability even when you’re packed for a week-long adventure. So, whether it’s bumping over sandy dunes or weaving through woodland trails, this bike is ready to mambo. 🌵🌲🚴♂️
Geometry & Ride Characteristics
The Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 650B has a unique geometry that accentuates its flat-bar design, promoting an upright riding stance ideal for extended journeys across diverse landscapes. Its effective top tube length is tailored to cater to riders of varying heights, ensuring a comfortable fit. There is also an emphasis on its flat-bar configuration which promotes an upright riding posture, that is ideal for extended journeys, ensuring riders remain comfortable and reducing strain on the back and shoulders. Its effective top tube length is tailored to cater to riders of varying heights, ensuring a comfortable fit. Furthermore, the consistent headtube and seat tube angles across all sizes provide a predictable and controlled ride, especially during descents.
Upon saddling the Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 650B, one is immediately imbued with a sense of limitless exploration. Its specialized geometry, combined with its choice of tires, delivers a ride that’s both cushioned and rich in grip, adeptly transitioning from smooth gravel paths to challenging off-road trails. The flat-bar configuration ensures that riders maintain an upright and relaxed posture, reducing fatigue and enhancing the overall biking experience. This bicycle’s perfect amalgamation of comfort and dexterity encourages riders to confidently embark on new terrains and adventures.
- Effective Top Tube: Ranging from 550mm in the XS size to 650mm in the XL size, the Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 650B ensures riders have an optimal reach to the handlebars, enhancing comfort during long rides.
- Reach: The bike offers a reach that starts from 393mm for the XS size and extends up to 450mm for the XL size, ensuring riders maintain a comfortable and ergonomic position.
- Stack: The stack measurements of the Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 650B provide a balance between an aggressive and relaxed stance, ranging from 514mm in the XS size to 655mm in the XL size.
- Head Tube Angle: The Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 650B features a consistent head tube angle of 69.5° across all sizes, ensuring stability during descents and a balanced steering response.
- BB Drop: Across all sizes, the bike maintains a consistent BB drop of 70mm, ensuring a low center of gravity and enhanced stability.
- Chainstay Length: The bike features a consistent chainstay length of 440mm across all sizes, emphasizing a balance between stability and nimble handling.
- Seat Tube Angle: The seat tube angles for the Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 650B remain consistent at 73° across all sizes, ensuring riders maintain an optimal pedaling position.
- Headtube Length: Ranging from 90mm for the XS size to 240mm for the XL size, the headtube lengths ensure riders of all heights have a comfortable and upright position.
- Fork Length and Offset: The bike features a consistent fork length axle to crown of 402mm and a fork offset of 50mm across all sizes, ensuring a balanced front-end feel.
- Wheelbase: With wheelbases ranging from 1047mm for the XS size to 1156mm for the XL size, the Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 650B ensures stability during rides.
vs. the Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 650B
The Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 650B equipped with a Shimano Deore drivetrain, is a more premium version of the Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 650B. While both bikes share the same frame, the primary differences lie in the componentry as follows:
- Rear Derailleur:
- Acolyte 650B: microSHIFT Acolyte M5185
- Deore 650B: Shimano Deore M5120 SGS, 10/11-speed
- Cassette:
- Acolyte 650B: microSHIFT H083, 12–42t, 8-speed
- Deore 650B: Shimano Deore M4100, 11–46t, 10-speed
- Chain:
- Acolyte 650B: KMC X8
- Deore 650B: Shimano HG54
- Crankset and Bottom Bracket:
- Acolyte 650B: FSA Vero Pro 40t, FSA 7240S bottom bracket
- Deore 650B: Omega MegaExo 40t, FSA Road MegaExo bottom bracket
- Shifter:
- Acolyte 650B: microSHIFT Acolyte M7180
- Deore 650B: Shimano Deore M4100
- Brakes and Rotors:
- Acolyte 650B: Tektro MD-U310 with RS360A lever, Tektro TR160-29 (160 mm)
- Deore 650B: Tektro HD-R280, TR-160-22 (6-bolt, 160 mm)
- Front Wheel:
- Acolyte 650B: Novatec D761DSE 9 x 100 mm QR hub, WTB ST i23 650b rim, 32h
- Deore 650B: WTB Serra 12 x 100 mm TA hub, WTB ST i23 650b rim, 28h
- Rear Wheel:
- Acolyte 650B: Novatec D762TSE 10 x 135 mm QR hub, WTB ST i23 650b rim, 32h
- Deore 650B: WTB Serra 10 x 135 mm QR hub, WTB ST i23 650b rim, 28h
vs. the Salsa Journeyer Advent 650B
The Salsa Journeyer Drop Bar Advent 650B equipped with a drop-bar and Microshift Advent drivetrain, is a more premium version of the Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 650B. While both bikes share the same frame, the primary differences lie in the componentry as follows:
- Handlebar Design:
- Acolyte 650B: Salsa Salt Flat 31.8, 700 mm (Flat-Bar)
- Advent 650B: Salsa Cowbell 3, 31.8 (Drop-Bar)
- Rear Derailleur:
- Acolyte 650B: microSHIFT Acolyte M5185
- Advent 650B: microSHIFT Advent M6195
- Cassette:
- Acolyte 650B: microSHIFT H083, 12–42t, 8-speed
- Advent 650B: microSHIFT H093, 11–42t, 9-speed
- Chain:
- Acolyte 650B: KMC X8
- Advent 650B: KMC Z9
- Crankset and Bottom Bracket:
- Acolyte 650B: FSA Vero Pro 40t, FSA 7240S bottom bracket
- Advent 650B: FSA Vero Pro 40t, FSA 7420ST 110.5 mm bottom bracket
- Shifter:
- Acolyte 650B: microSHIFT Acolyte M7180
- Advent 650B: microSHIFT Advent M090
- Brakes and Rotors:
- Acolyte 650B: Tektro MD-U310 with RS360A lever, Tektro TR160-29 (160 mm)
- Advent 650B: Tektro MD-C310, Tektro TR160-22 (6-bolt, 160 mm)
- Grips/Bar Tape:
- Acolyte 650B: Salsa File Tread
- Advent 650B: Black Cork
vs. the Surly Preamble Flat Bar
The Surly Preamble Flat Bar, constructed with 100% Chromoly steel tubing, offers a robust and resilient ride, ideal for urban commuting and light touring. Its componentry, including the Avid BB5 Mechanical brakes and microSHIFT Acolyte Xpress shifters, leans towards simplicity and durability. In contrast, the Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 650B, with its microSHIFT Acolyte drivetrain and Tektro brakes, provides a more versatile ride suitable for both on-road and off-road adventures. While both bikes prioritize reliability, the Surly might be perceived as a more rugged option, whereas the Salsa emphasizes adaptability across diverse terrains.
- Frame and Fork Material:
- Surly Preamble Flat Bar:
- 100% Chromoly steel tubing frame and fork.
- Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 650B:
- Aluminum frame with a Fantail aluminum fork.
- Surly Preamble Flat Bar:
- Drivetrain and Shifters:
- Surly Preamble Flat Bar:
- Features microSHIFT Acolyte Xpress shifters with a Samox 3-piece crankset.
- Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 650B:
- Equipped with microSHIFT Acolyte M7180 shifters and an FSA Vero Pro crankset.
- Surly Preamble Flat Bar:
- Brakes:
- Surly Preamble Flat Bar:
- Avid BB5 Mechanical brakes.
- Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 650B:
- Tektro MD-U310 brakes with RS360A lever.
- Surly Preamble Flat Bar:
- Tires:
- Surly Preamble Flat Bar:
- Kenda Kwik Tendril 700c x 35mm (for MD/LG/XL sizes) and Kenda Standard 650b x 1.35 (for XS/SM sizes).
- Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 650B:
- Teravail Washburn 650b x 47 mm.
- Surly Preamble Flat Bar:
- Handlebar:
- Surly Preamble Flat Bar:
- Kalloy handlebar with a 35mm rise and 9-degree backsweep.
- Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 650B:
- Salsa Salt Flat 31.8, 700 mm.
- Surly Preamble Flat Bar:
- Ride Feel and Geometry:
- Surly Preamble Flat Bar:
- Offers a sturdy and resilient ride, optimized for urban commuting with a geometry that leans towards comfort and durability.
- Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 650B:
- Provides a versatile ride feel suitable for mixed terrains, with a geometry that balances comfort and agility, especially with its varied effective top tube lengths across sizes.
- Surly Preamble Flat Bar:
Features
Versatile Geometry: The Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 650B is designed with a geometry that’s suitable for a range of activities, from daily commuting to adventurous touring, ensuring riders experience both comfort and adaptability on diverse terrains.
Internal Cable Routing: This feature ensures a cleaner look and reduces the chances of cables getting caught or damaged, enhancing the bike’s longevity. By routing cables internally, the bike also benefits from improved aerodynamics, which can lead to slightly better performance.
Adjustable Seat Height: Comes with dropper post routing, allowing riders to adjust seat height on-the-go. This feature enhances the bike’s versatility, giving you the ability to modify seat height to ensure optimal riding posture and comfort.
Efficient Drivetrain: The bike showcases a microSHIFT Acolyte M7180 shifter paired with a microSHIFT Acolyte M5185 rear derailleur. Alongside the FSA Vero Pro 40t crankset and FSA 7240S bottom bracket, this combination ensures seamless gear shifts and reliable performance throughout your rides.
Bag, Rack and Fender Mounting Points
The Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 650B 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.
Rear Rack Mounts: The rear of the bike has mounts for attaching a standard rear rack for panniers or other gear.
Top Tube Bag Mounts: The top tube features mounts that can accommodate a toptube bag, providing easy access to essentials during a ride.
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.
Fender Mounts: The bike has mounts for full coverage fenders, which are essential for wet weather riding.
Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 650B Featured in the Wild
Introducing the new Salsa Journeyer
The Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 700C is introduced as Salsa’s latest versatile all-road bicycle, replacing the previous Journeyman model. The Journeyer is designed for both off-pavement prowess and bikepacking, boasting ample tire clearance and numerous mounts for various configurations. As Josh Meissner, the author, highlights, the Journeyer is “a rock-solid adventure machine that should appeal to anyone seeking a do-it-all bike for gravel riding and bikepacking.” The bike’s name change is part of Salsa’s initiative for more inclusive product naming, and the Journeyer also represents a technical evolution over its predecessor.
Salsa Journeyer Review — A Do-It-All Gravel Adventure Bike
The Salsa Journeyer, as reviewed by Jordan Grimes on Bikexchange, is a reimagined version of the beloved Salsa Journeyman. This all-road bike has been revamped to be even more versatile and adept. The Journeyer boasts an updated frameset, geometry, and the addition of features like thru-axles, a carbon fiber fork option, and internal routing for dropper posts. Salsa has also responded to feedback by adopting a more inclusive name while retaining the bike’s adventurous essence. Grimes notes, “The overall ride feel is one of comfort and stability on varied terrain.” However, he also points out that while the Journeyer offers a plethora of features, its price might be a tad higher compared to similar bikes in the market.
Specs
Build Kit
The Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 650B drivetrain is a microSHIFT Acolyte M5185 rear derailleur, an 8-speed microSHIFT H083 cassette, and an FSA Vero Pro 40t crankset. For braking, it utilizes Tektro MD-U310 brakes with RS360A levers. The bike is fitted with Salsa’s signature components, including a Salt Flat 31.8 handlebar and Guide stem. Wheel-wise, it sports Novatec hubs, WTB ST i23 650b rims, and Teravail Washburn 650b x 47 mm tires.
Frameset
- Frame: Journeyer Flat-Bar Quick-Release
- Fork: Fantail Aluminium
Drivetrain
- Front Derailleur: N/A
- Rear Derailleur: microSHIFT Acolyte M5185
- Cassette: microSHIFT H083, 12–42t, 8-speed
- Chain: KMC X8
- Crankset: FSA Vero Pro 40t, FSA 7240S bottom bracket
- Shifter: microSHIFT Acolyte M7180
- Brakes: Tektro MD-U310 with RS360A lever
- Rotors: Tektro TR160-29 (160 mm)
Components
- Headset: FSA NO.42 ACB IS-2
- Stem: Salsa Guide 31.8, 6-degree
- Handlebar: Salsa Salt Flat 31.8, 700 mm
- Grips / Bar Tape: Salsa File Tread
- Seatpost: Salsa Guide 27.2 x 350 mm, 12 mm offset
- Saddle: WTB Volt Medium, Steel, 142 x 265 mm
- Seatclamp: Salsa Lip-Lock
Wheels
- Front Wheel: Novatec D761DSE 9 x 100 mm QR hub, WTB ST i23 650b rim, 32h
- Rear Wheel: Novatec D762TSE 10 x 135 mm QR hub, WTB ST i23 650b rim, 32h
- Tires: Teravail Washburn 650b x 47 mm, 30 TPI, Wire Bead
Frame Construction
The Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 650B is constructed with a 6061-T6 aluminum frame, which undergoes heat treatment to T6 alloy standards, ensuring enhanced strength and durability. This specific alloy tubing is developed especially for the Journeyer frame. The bike also features a Fantail aluminum fork, which complements the frame’s design. The geometry of the bike is tailored for gravel, ensuring adaptability across various terrains. Additionally, the bike incorporates internal cable routing for a cleaner look and dropper post routing for adjustable seat height.
Geometry
Size | XS | SM | MD | LG | XL | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A. Effective Top Tube | 550 | 570 | 600 | 625 | 650 | |
B. Stand Over | 606 | 641 | 677 | 713 | 749 | 796 |
C. Reach | 393 | 404 | 423 | 436 | 450 | |
D. Stack | 514 | 542 | 580 | 617 | 655 | |
E. Total Seat Tube Length | 340 | 380 | 450 | 490 | 530 | |
F. Headtube Length | 90 | 120 | 160 | 200 | 240 | |
G. Headtube Angle | 69.5 | 69.5 | 69.5 | 69.5 | 69.5 | |
H. Seat Tube Angle | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | |
I. BB Drop | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | |
K. Chainstay Length | 440 | 440 | 440 | 440 | 440 | |
L. Fork Length Axle to Crown | 402 | 402 | 402 | 402 | 402 | |
M. Fork Offset | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | |
N. Wheelbase | 1047 | 1069 | 1101 | 1129 | 1156 | |
Crank Arm Length | 165 | 170 | 172.5 | 175 | 175 | |
Handlebar Width | 700 | 700 | 700 | 700 | 700 | |
Recommended Rider Height | 142 – 155cm | 152 – 165cm | 163 – 175cm | 173 – 185cm | 183 – 196cm | |
Stem Length | 60 | 70 | 70 | 80 | 90 |
Measurements based on:
- a fork measuring 405mm with 50mm offset
- a 700 x 38mm tire measuring 706 mm in diameter
- Stand over measured vertically to top of top tube 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.