Overview
Hey there, trail-blazer! 🚴♂️ Dive into the world of gravel with the Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 700c. Imagine the wind in your hair as those 700c wheels, paired with grippy 38mm tires, tackle every twist and turn. This bike isn’t just about the ride; it’s about the journey. Crafted with an all-new aluminum frame and a Fantail fork, it promises both comfort and versatility. Whether you’re conquering gravel epics or city chapters, the Journeyer spins yarns worth sharing. Ready to elevate your cycling game? The Journeyer beckons! 🌄🚲
Ah, the call of the wild! 🌲🌵 With the Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 700c, bikepacking becomes more than just a ride; it’s a soulful journey back to nature. Picture this: your bikepacking bags loaded with essentials, the sun setting over a desert horizon or the tranquil sounds of a forest campsite. This bike, my friend, is your ticket to those landscape that your heart yearns for. Its design effortlessly balances the weight of your gear, making challenging terrains feel like a breeze. So, whether you’re camping amidst cacti or beneath towering pines, the Journeyer brings out the best of the adventurer in you. 🏕️🚴♂️
Geometry & Ride Characteristics
The geometry of the Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 700c is designed for a well-rounded cycling experience. The elongated top tube allows for a more stretched-out riding position, enhancing aerodynamics and control. Its slack head tube angle contributes to a relaxed and stable steering feel, particularly useful in downhill terrains or when carrying a load. The moderate seat tube angle is ergonomically optimized for a blend of comfort and pedaling efficiency. The bottom bracket height is set to offer a low center of gravity, which aids in stability and balance. Finally, the chainstay length strikes a perfect balance between agility in turns and stability during straight-line riding.
In terms of ride characteristics, the Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 700c offers a harmonious blend of agility and comfort. The slack head tube angle and moderate seat tube angle work in concert to provide a ride that is both stable and efficient, making it ideal for long treks or quick commutes. The chainstay length and bottom bracket positioning contribute to a responsive yet forgiving ride feel, suitable for riders of various skill levels. Overall, the bike’s geometry is tailored for an upright riding posture, which minimizes rider fatigue and maximizes comfort.
- Effective Top Tube: The Journeyer’s effective top tube length varies across sizes, from 550mm to 650mm, ensuring riders of all sizes can find a comfortable fit. This distinguishes it from bikes that might have a more uniform top tube length.
- Stand Over Height: With stand over heights ranging from 613.5mm to 756.5mm, the Journeyer ensures that riders have adequate clearance, setting it apart from bikes that might have limited stand over variations.
- Reach and Stack: The bike’s reach varies from 393mm to 450mm, and the stack from 514mm to 655mm, providing a balance between the rider’s forward position and the height of the handlebars, differentiating it from bikes with more aggressive or relaxed geometries.
- Headtube Length and Angle: The Journeyer features headtube lengths from 90mm to 240mm and a consistent headtube angle of 69.5° across all sizes. This ensures a predictable and controlled ride, especially during descents, compared to bikes with steeper or slacker angles.
- Seat Tube Angle: With a consistent seat tube angle of 73° across all sizes, the Journeyer offers a comfortable seating position, distinguishing it from bikes that might have steeper angles for aggressive racing or slacker angles for relaxed cruising.
- BB Drop: The bike has a consistent BB drop of 70mm across all sizes, ensuring a low center of gravity for stability, setting it apart from bikes with higher or lower BB drops that might prioritize pedal clearance or stability.
- Chainstay Length: The Journeyer’s chainstay length is a consistent 440mm across all sizes, offering a mix of stability and agility, differentiating it from bikes with shorter chainstays for agility or longer ones for stability.
- Fork Length Axle to Crown: The bike features a consistent fork length axle to crown of 402mm across all sizes, ensuring a balanced front-end feel, different from bikes with longer forks that might prioritize shock absorption.
- Wheelbase: With wheelbases ranging from 1047mm to 1156mm, the Journeyer ensures stability during rides, distinguishing it from bikes with shorter wheelbases for agility or longer ones for stability.
vs. the Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 700C
The Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Acolyte 700C, equipped with microSHIFT Acolyte 1 x 8 drivetrain, is a more economical version of the Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 700C. While both bikes share the same frame, the primary differences lie in the componentry as follows:
- Drivetrain:
- Deore 700C: Features Shimano’s Deore components, known for their reliability and smooth shifting.
- Acolyte 700C: Equipped with a microSHIFT Acolyte 1 x 8 drivetrain, offering simplicity and a broad gear range.
- Brakes:
- Deore 700C: Uses Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes, providing consistent and powerful stopping power.
- Acolyte 700C: Features Promax DSK-300R mechanical disc brakes, which are effective but might require more maintenance than hydraulic systems.
- Shifters:
- Deore 700C: Comes with Shimano Deore M4100 shifters, known for their precision and quick response.
- Acolyte 700C: Uses microSHIFT TS39 shifters, which are functional but might not offer the same level of precision as the Deore shifters.
- Rear Derailleur:
- Deore 700C: Equipped with Shimano Deore M5120, ensuring smooth and reliable gear changes.
- Acolyte 700C: Features microSHIFT Acolyte RD-M26L, which is functional but might not have the same durability as the Deore derailleur.
- Crankset:
- Deore 700C: Uses Shimano MT210-2, which is durable and offers efficient power transfer.
- Acolyte 700C: Comes with Prowheel Charm-32T, which is decent for its price point but might not be as robust as the Shimano counterpart.
vs. the Surly Preamble Flat Bar
The Surly Preamble Flat Bar is a versatile steel commuter, tailored for both pavement and gravel, emphasizing simplicity and functionality. Its chromoly steel frame offers a smooth ride, adept at absorbing road imperfections. In contrast, the Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 700C is a dedicated gravel bike with an aluminum frame, designed for extended journeys across diverse terrains. While both bikes promote an upright riding stance, the Journeyer’s advanced Shimano Deore components provide a more refined and reliable ride, justifying its higher relative cost.
- Frame Material:
- Surly Preamble Flat Bar: Made from 100% chromoly steel, known for its durability and smooth ride characteristics.
- Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 700C: Constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum, which is lightweight and offers a responsive ride.
- Fork:
- Surly Preamble Flat Bar: Chromoly steel fork, providing consistent shock absorption and a comfortable ride.
- Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 700C: Fantail aluminum fork, designed for rider comfort and versatility on gravel routes.
- Groupsets:
- Surly Preamble Flat Bar: The specific groupset details are not mentioned, but it emphasizes simplicity and essential features.
- Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 700C: Equipped with Shimano’s Deore components, ensuring smooth shifting and reliable performance.
- Versatility:
- Surly Preamble Flat Bar: Tailored for multi-surface outings, it’s versatile enough for city commutes and gravel adventures.
- Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 700C: Highly capable on various gravel routes, with added features for bikepacking and long rides.
- Ride Feel:
- Surly Preamble Flat Bar: Offers a balanced ride suitable for both pavement and gravel, with the steel frame absorbing road imperfections.
- Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 700C: Designed for extended gravel journeys, it provides a mix of stability and agility, especially on diverse terrains.
- Geometry:
- Surly Preamble Flat Bar: Comfortable and stable gravel geometry, accommodating both flat-bar and drop-bar configurations.
- Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 700C: Gravel-specific geometry with features like a consistent headtube angle across sizes for predictable descents and a balanced BB drop for stability.
vs. the Surly Bridge Club, 700c
The Surly Bridge Club, 700c, is an all-road touring bike that seamlessly transitions between on-road and off-road terrains, emphasizing adaptability and a balanced ride. Its design prioritizes both pavement and gravel experiences, ensuring versatility. In contrast, the Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 700C is a dedicated gravel bike, honed for extended journeys across diverse terrains with a focus on gravel-specific performance. While both bikes offer stability and agility, the Journeyer’s advanced components and aluminum frame provide a more refined ride, justifying its higher relative cost.
- Frame Material:
- Surly Bridge Club, 700c: Utilizes a chromoly steel frame, renowned for its durability and ability to absorb road vibrations.
- Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 700C: Features a 6061-T6 aluminum frame, which is lightweight and offers a more responsive ride.
- Fork:
- Surly Bridge Club, 700c: Chromoly steel fork, ensuring consistent shock absorption and a plush ride.
- Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 700C: Fantail aluminum fork, tailored for rider comfort and adaptability on gravel terrains.
- Groupsets:
- Surly Bridge Club, 700c: The specific groupset details are not mentioned, but the bike is designed for versatility across terrains.
- Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 700C: Equipped with Shimano’s Deore components, ensuring precise shifting and dependable performance.
- Versatility:
- Surly Bridge Club, 700c: An all-road touring bike, it’s crafted for both pavement commutes and off-road adventures.
- Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 700C: Primarily a gravel bike, it’s designed for extended journeys across a variety of terrains, with a special emphasis on gravel routes.
- Ride Feel:
- Surly Bridge Club, 700c: Offers a balanced and adaptable ride, suitable for both on-road and off-road terrains.
- Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 700C: Provides a mix of stability and agility on gravel terrains, ensuring a refined and comfortable ride.
- Geometry:
- Surly Bridge Club, 700c: Features a geometry that ensures stability during rides, making it suitable for both short commutes and long tours.
- Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 700C: Gravel-specific geometry with features like a consistent headtube angle across sizes, ensuring predictable handling, especially on descents.
Features
Flat Bar Design: The flat bar setup is a unique offering that provides an upright riding position for better visibility and control, a feature often found in more expensive urban bikes.
Deore Drivetrain: Equipped with a reliable Shimano Deore drivetrain, this bike offers smooth and efficient gear shifting, a feature usually reserved for higher-end models.
Thru-Axle Frame: The use of a thru-axle for both the front and rear wheels is a premium feature that provides increased stability and strength.
High-Quality Braking System: The bike comes with a top-notch braking system that offers strong and consistent stopping power, a rarity in this price range.
Tubeless-Ready Wheels: The wheels are tubeless-ready, allowing for lower tire pressures and a smoother ride, another feature that sets it apart from competitors.
Bag, Rack and Fender Mounting Points
The Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 700C 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.
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 down tube for attaching additional gear.
Fender Mounts: These mounts are strategically placed for installing fenders, offering added protection against mud and water spray.
Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 700c 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 Deore 700c drivetrain has a Shimano Deore M5120 rear derailleur, a 10-speed Shimano Deore M4100 cassette, and an Omega MegaExo crankset. For precise control, it employs Tektro HD-R280 brakes. The bike’s comfort is enhanced with a Salsa Salt Flat handlebar and a WTB Volt Medium saddle. Rolling on WTB Serra hubs and ST i23 700c rims, it’s fitted with Teravail Washburn 700c x 38 mm tires.
Frameset
- Frame: Salsa Jouneyer
- Fork: Salsa Journeyer Aluminum
Drivetrain
- Front Derailleur: N/A
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore RD-M5100, Shadow Plus
- Cassette: Shimano Deore 10-speed, 11-46t
- Chain: KMC X10
- Crankset: FSA Comet 40T
- Shifter: Shimano Deore 10 Speed
Brakes
- Brakes: Tektro Hydro HD-M275/276
- Rotors: 160F/160R
Components
- Headset: Cane Creek
- Stem: Promax, 31.8mm
- Handlebar: Salsa Bend
- Grips / Bar Tape: Velo Black
- Seatpost: Promax, 27.2mm
- Saddle: WTB Volt
- Seatclamp: Surly Stainless 30.0
Wheels
- Front Wheel: Novatec 9×100, 6-bolt disc
- Rear Wheel: Novatec 10×141, 6-bolt disc, 11-spd
- Rims: WTB ST i29 TCS
- Tires: WTB Trail Boss 27.5 x 2.4″, 27tpi, wire bead
Frame Construction
The Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore 700c is built with specialized Alluminium alloy tubing developed specifically for the Journeyer frame. This tubing is then heat-treated to meet T6 alloy standards, enhancing its strength and durability. It incorporates a thru-axle dropout system, which enhances the bike’s stiffness and handling, making it more stable and easier to control. This frame incorporates a specific bottom bracket system, compatible with a 27.2 mm seatpost for optimal rider comfort. To ensure precise handling and stability, the bike employs a rear spacing configuration of 142 x 12 mm with a thru-axle system, along with a corresponding rear axle dimension. The front spacing also utilizes a thru-axle design, enhancing the bike’s overall structural integrity. The frame is equipped with a specialized derailleur hanger and offers compatibility for internal dropper post routing.
Geometry
| SIZE | XS | SM | MD | LG | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 376 | 397 | 419 | 434.5 | 444 |
| Stack | 553 | 567 | 576 | 590 | 609 |
| Head Tube Angle | 70.0° | 71.0° | 71.0° | 71.0° | 71.0° |
| Head Tube Length | 110 | 120 | 130 | 145 | 165 |
| Seat Tube Length | 335.6 | 406.4 | 457.2 | 508 | 558.8 |
| BB Drop | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
| Wheelbase | 1032 | 1047.5 | 1073 | 1093 | 1109 |
| Chainstay Length | 435 | 435 | 435 | 435 | 435 |
| Top Tube Length, Actual | 534 | 547.5 | 570 | 591.5 | 610.3 |
| Top Tube Length, Effective | 545 | 570 | 595 | 615 | 630 |
| Seat Tube Angle | 73.0° | 73.0° | 73.0° | 73.0° | 73.0° |
| Standover Height | 709 | 750.5 | 780 | 812 | 845.5 |
| Stem Length | 80 or 90 | 80 or 90 | 90 | 90 | 80, 90, or 100 |
| Stem Angle | 7° | 7° | 7° | 7° | 7° |
| Handlebar Width | 700 | 700 | 740 | 740 | 740 |
| Crank Length | 170 | 170 | 175 | 175 | 175 |
| Fork Length | 420 | 420 | 420 | 420 | 420 |
| Fork Rake | 43 | 43 | 43 | 43 | 43 |
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.