Overview
Dear wanderers and soul searchers. Feast your eyes on a ride that tames loose and chattery gravel by day and dances gracefully through the streets by night. Built upon a sturdy aluminum frame, the Salsa Journeyer GRX 600, 700c promises stability akin to your favorite old boots, while the Waxwing carbon fork cushions those gravel jitters. Whether you’re gearing up for an often rainy commute or a weekend escapade, its fender mounts and cargo options have got you covered. Dive into the world of mixed-surface riding with confidence and style. Let’s roll!
Gather your crew and gear up, because the Salsa Journeyer GRX 600, 700c is your ticket to unforgettable bikepacking escapades. Imagine strapping on your bikepacking bags, filled with essentials, and setting forth on gravel trails that stretch beyond the horizon. This bicycle, with its robust design, ensures every load is balanced, every ride smooth. As dusk falls, there’s nothing like recounting the day’s journey with friends by a roaring campfire. With the Journeyer, every pedal stroke writes a story, every mile a memory. Ready to pen yours?
Geometry & Ride Characteristics
The Journeyer GRX 600 700c maintains consistent headtube and seat tube angles, providing a sense of reliability and steadiness, especially during downhill rides. Furthermore, its distinct blend of a shorter reach and increased stack height across various sizes ensures riders enjoy an elevated and relaxed posture, an attribute that’s invaluable for extended journeys and challenging terrains.
Riding the Salsa Journeyer GRX 600 700c, equipped with 700c x 38 mm tires, offers a ride that strikes a balance between suppleness and traction, facilitating effortless shifts from paved roads to rugged trails. The bike’s architecture ensures that riders sustain a comfortable and ergonomic stance, minimizing strain and amplifying the overall cycling experience. Whether maneuvering through serpentine gravel routes or gliding on urban roads, the Journeyer GRX 600 700c promises a ride that is both exhilarating and dependable.
- BB Drop: A consistent 70mm across all sizes ensures a low center of gravity for stability, distinguishing the Journeyer from bikes with higher or lower BB drops that might prioritize pedal clearance or stability.
- Chainstay Length: A uniform 440mm across all sizes offers a mix of stability and agility, differentiating the Journeyer from bikes with shorter chainstays for agility or longer ones for stability.
- Fork Length – Axle to Crown: A consistent 402mm across all sizes ensures a balanced front-end feel, setting the Journeyer apart from bikes with longer forks that might prioritize shock absorption.
- Fork Offset: 50mm offset provides a mix of stability and agility, differentiating the Journeyer from bikes with larger offsets for more relaxed steering or smaller ones for quicker handling.
- Head Tube Angle: Ranging from 68.5° to 69.5°, the Journeyer ensures a predictable and controlled ride, especially during descents, compared to bikes with steeper or slacker angles.
- Headtube Length: Ranging from 90mm to 210mm, this feature ensures riders of all sizes have a comfortable fit, distinguishing the Journeyer from bikes that might have a more uniform headtube length.
- Reach: Values ranging from 366mm to 408mm provide a balance between the rider’s forward position and the height of the handlebars, differentiating the Journeyer from bikes with more aggressive or relaxed geometries.
- Seat Tube Angle: Angles ranging from 73° to 76° across different sizes offer a comfortable seating position, distinguishing the Journeyer from bikes that might have steeper angles for aggressive racing or slacker angles for relaxed cruising.
- Seat Tube Length – Center to Top: Ranging from 340mm to 520mm, this ensures riders of all sizes can find a comfortable fit, setting the Journeyer apart from bikes with limited seat tube variations.
- Stack: Values ranging from 510mm to 627mm ensure riders maintain a comfortable and ergonomic posture, reducing fatigue and enhancing the overall riding experience.
- Standover: Heights ranging from 606mm to 796mm ensure that riders have adequate clearance, setting the Journeyer apart from bikes that might have limited standover variations.
- Top Tube Length (Effective): With lengths ranging from 493mm to 600mm, the Journeyer ensures riders of all sizes can find a comfortable fit, distinguishing it from bikes that might have a more uniform top tube length.
- Wheelbase: Ranging from 1027mm to 1104mm, the Journeyer ensures stability during rides, distinguishing it from bikes with shorter wheelbases for agility or longer ones for stability.
vs. the Salsa Journeyer GRX 810, 700c
The Salsa Journeyer GRX 810, 700c, equipped with Shimano GRX 810 components, is a more premium version of the Salsa Journeyer GRX 600, 700c. While both bikes share the same frame, the primary differences lie in the componentry as follows:
- Groupsets:
- GRX 810: Equipped with the Shimano GRX RX812 rear derailleur and the Shimano GRX RX810 shifter, offering high-end performance.
- GRX 600: Features Shimano GRX 600 series components, including the RX810 front and rear derailleurs, providing reliable performance suitable for mixed-surface riding.
- Drivetrain:
- GRX 810: Features an 11-speed Shimano M7000 cassette with an 11-42t range. The crankset is the Shimano GRX RX810 with a 40t chainring for sizes 53 cm and above, while sizes 49 and 51 cm have the Shimano GRX RX600 with a 40t chainring and 165mm arms.
- GRX 600: Equipped with an 11-speed Shimano HG700 cassette with an 11-34t range and a GRX RX600 crankset with a 46/30t configuration.
- Brakes:
- GRX 810: Features Shimano GRX RX810 brakes paired with Shimano RT10 rotors (Center Lock, 160 mm).
- GRX 600: Equipped with Shimano GRX RX400 brakes and RT10 rotors, offering reliable stopping power.
- Components:
- GRX 810: Both models share many of the same components, such as the FSA NO.42 ACB IS-2 headset, Salsa Guide stem and seatpost, Salsa Cowbell 3 handlebar, and WTB Volt Medium saddle. However, the GRX 810 features the Shimano Tiagra RS470 hubs paired with WTB EZR i23 28h 700c rims.
- GRX 600: Features Shimano Tiagra RS470 hubs paired with WTB ST i23 700c rims.
- Ride Feel:
- GRX 810: Given its advanced components and drivetrain, the ride feel is expected to be smoother and more efficient, especially on challenging terrains.
- GRX 600: Offers a comfortable and confident ride on both smooth asphalt and rough trails, with a geometry tailored for diverse terrains.
- Geometry:
- GRX 810: Designed with a geometry that ensures riders experience both comfort and confidence, accommodating a range of rider sizes and ensuring an optimal blend of comfort and performance.
- GRX 600: Features a similar geometry, ensuring riders of various sizes can find a comfortable fit and experience a harmonious blend of stability and agility.
vs. the Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700C
The Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700C equipped with SRAM’s Apex 1 groupset, is a more economical version of the Salsa Journeyer GRX 600, 700c. While both bikes share the same frame, the primary differences lie in the componentry as follows:
- Groupsets:
- Apex 1 700C: Equipped with the SRAM Apex 1 rear derailleur and shifter, offering efficient performance.
- GRX 600: Features Shimano GRX 600 series components, including the RX810 front and rear derailleurs, providing reliable performance suitable for mixed-surface riding.
- Drivetrain:
- Apex 1 700C: Features an 11-speed SRAM PG-1130 cassette with an 11-42t range and a SRAM Apex 1 crankset with a 40t chainring.
- GRX 600: Equipped with an 11-speed Shimano HG700 cassette with an 11-34t range and a GRX RX600 crankset with a 46/30t configuration.
- Brakes:
- Apex 1 700C: Features Tektro MD-C550 brakes paired with Tektro TR160-22 rotors (6-bolt, 160 mm).
- GRX 600: Equipped with Shimano GRX RX400 brakes and RT10 rotors (Center Lock, 160 mm).
- Components:
- Apex 1 700C: Both models share many of the same components, such as the FSA NO.42 ACB IS-2 headset, Salsa Guide stem and seatpost, Salsa Cowbell 3 handlebar, and WTB Volt Medium saddle. However, the Apex 1 700C features WTB Serra hubs paired with WTB ST i23 700c rims.
- GRX 600: Features Shimano Tiagra RS470 hubs paired with WTB ST i23 700c rims.
- Ride Feel:
- Apex 1 700C: Given its SRAM Apex 1 components, the ride feel is expected to be smooth and efficient, suitable for both on-road and off-road terrains.
- GRX 600: Offers a comfortable and confident ride on both smooth asphalt and rough trails, with a geometry tailored for diverse terrains.
- Geometry:
- Apex 1 700C: Designed with a geometry that ensures riders experience both comfort and confidence, accommodating a range of rider sizes and ensuring an optimal blend of comfort and performance.
- GRX 600: Features a similar geometry, ensuring riders of various sizes can find a comfortable fit and experience a harmonious blend of stability and agility.
vs. the Kona Libre
The Kona Libre, built with a Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted frame and a carbon fork, emphasizes aggressive off-road capabilities, complemented by SRAM Apex components and Maxxis Rambler tires designed for rugged terrains. In contrast, the Salsa Journeyer GRX 600, 700c, with its gravel-specific geometry and Shimano GRX 600 components, offers a balanced ride suitable for both paved roads and gravel terrains. While the Libre leans towards a more aggressive off-road experience, the Journeyer provides a harmonized gravel ride, with the Libre typically positioned at a higher cost segment.
- Frame Material:
- Kona Libre: Made of Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted, tailored for durability and off-road capabilities.
- Salsa Journeyer GRX 600, 700c: Features a 6061-T6 Aluminum Frame, ensuring a robust and reliable structural foundation suitable for gravel terrains.
- Fork:
- Kona Libre: Equipped with a Kona Libre Carbon fork, enhancing its off-road performance.
- Salsa Journeyer GRX 600, 700c: Paired with a Waxwing Carbon Fork, designed for stability and comfort on mixed terrains.
- Groupsets:
- Kona Libre: Features SRAM Apex components, known for their wide gear range and reliability.
- Salsa Journeyer GRX 600, 700c: Equipped with Shimano’s GRX 600 components, recognized for their smooth shifting and consistent braking.
- Tires:
- Kona Libre: Uses Maxxis Rambler Silkshield TR 700x45c, designed for rugged terrains and off-road capabilities.
- Salsa Journeyer GRX 600, 700c: Specific tire details were not provided, but given its gravel orientation, it likely features tires suitable for mixed terrains.
- Ride Feel:
- Kona Libre: Offers a progressive ride, adept at transitioning from asphalt to rugged off-road trails, with a design that prioritizes aggressive off-road capabilities.
- Salsa Journeyer GRX 600, 700c: Delivers a balanced ride suitable for both paved roads and gravel terrains, with a focus on smooth transitions and reliable performance.
- Geometry:
- Kona Libre: Features more aggressive geometry, making it lighter and more suited for challenging off-road terrains.
- Salsa Journeyer GRX 600, 700c: Designed with gravel-specific geometry, ensuring a predictable and controlled ride, striking a balance between agility and stability.
Features
Versatile Geometry: The Salsa Journeyer GRX 600, 700c features a geometry specifically tailored for mixed terrains. Whether cruising on paved roads or navigating challenging gravel paths, riders experience a perfect fusion of comfort and control. The bike’s geometry is fine-tuned to accommodate riders of different statures, striking the right balance between ease and efficiency.
Waxwing Carbon Fork: The Journeyer GRX 600, 700c is equipped with the Waxwing Carbon Fork, a standout feature that ensures smoother rides on uneven surfaces. This fork provides enhanced shock absorption, making bumpy routes feel more manageable and less jarring.
Wheel Flexibility: Unique to the Journeyer GRX 600, 700c is its dual wheel size compatibility. This feature provides riders the flexibility to switch between 700c and 650b wheels, allowing them to tailor their ride based on the terrain and personal preference.
Internal Cable Routing: The Journeyer GRX 600, 700c takes advantage of internal cable routing, offering a streamlined look while reducing the potential for cable snags or damage.
Bag, Rack and Fender Mounting Points
The Salsa Journeyer GRX 600, 700c is equipped with the following mounting points to cater to all your gear-hauling needs:
Top Tube Bag Mounts: The top tube features mounts that can accommodate a toptube bag, providing easy access to essentials during a ride.
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.
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 GRX 600, 700c Featured in the Wild
Salsa Journeyer GRX 600 Review
The Salsa Journeyer GRX 600 is described as a gravel-adventure tourer, offering a laid-back front end that’s ideal for off-road escapades. It provides a comfortable ride, allowing riders to appreciate the surrounding scenery while navigating diverse terrains. Although the bike is enjoyable and easy to handle, its weight and price slightly diminish its overall appeal. The Journeyer’s geometry is more relaxed compared to many gravel bikes, but it remains a confident-handling machine in various conditions. Stu Kerton mentions, “Taking just the ride quality and geometry into account, I reckon the Journeyer is a belter. I love the way it behaves on those longer rides – it’s just so easy to live with, while still having a fun edge to it.” However, when considering the specifications relative to the price, it faces stiff competition in the market.
Specs
Build Kit
The Salsa Journeyer GRX 600, 700c drivetrain has the Shimano GRX RX810 front and rear derailleurs, complemented by an 11-speed Shimano HG700 cassette and a GRX RX600 crankset with a 46/30t configuration. For precise control, it’s equipped with Shimano GRX RX400 brakes and RT10 rotors. The bike rides on Shimano Tiagra RS470 hubs and WTB ST i23 700c rims, wrapped in Teravail Washburn 700c x 38 mm tubeless-ready tires.
Frameset
- Frame: Journeyer Drop-Bar Thru-Axle
- Fork: Waxwing
Drivetrain
- Front Derailleur: Shimano GRX RX810
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano GRX RX810
- Cassette: Shimano HG700, 11–34t, 11-speed
- Chain: Shimano HG601
- Crankset: Shimano GRX RX600, 46/30t
- Shifter: Shimano GRX RX600
- Brakes: Shimano GRX RX400 brakes
- Rotors: Shimano RT10 rotors (Center Lock, 160 mm)
Components
- Headset: FSA NO.42 ACB IS-2
- Stem: Salsa Guide 31.8, 6-degree
- Handlebar: Salsa Cowbell 3, 31.8
- Grips / Bar Tape: Black Cork
- Seatpost: Salsa Guide, 27.2 x 350 mm
- Saddle: WTB Volt Steel Medium, 142 x 265 mm
Wheels
- Front Wheel: Shimano Tiagra RS470 12 x 100 mm hub, WTB EZR i23 28h 700c rim
- Rear Wheel: Shimano Tiagra RS470 12 x 142 mm hub, WTB EZR i23 28h 700c rim
- Tires: Teravail Washburn, 700c x 38 mm, 60 tpi, Durable casing, tubeless ready
Frame Construction
The Salsa Journeyer GRX 600, 700c is designed as a versatile bike for mixed-surface riding. Its frame is constructed from 6061-T6 Aluminum, a material known for its strength and durability. This alloy tubing is specifically developed for the Journeyer frame and is heat-treated to T6 alloy standards, ensuring enhanced resilience. The frame incorporates a Thru-Axle dropout system, ensuring stability and ease of maintenance. Paired with the Waxwing fork, the frame promises a harmonious blend of stability and agility. Ready for disc brakes, the frame adopts flat mount standards for both front and rear. Additionally, its design supports compatibility with dropper posts.
Geometry
| Size | 49cm | 51cm | 53cm | 55cm | 57cm | 60cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Effective Top Tube | 493 | 510 | 530 | 550 | 570 | 600 |
| B. Stand Over | 613.5 | 648.5 | 684.5 | 720.5 | 756.5 | 803.5 |
| C. Reach | 366 | 368 | 372 | 376 | 387 | 408 |
| D. Stack | 510 | 528 | 552 | 570 | 598 | 627 |
| E. Total Seat Tube Length | 340 | 380 | 410 | 450 | 490 | 520 |
| F. Headtube Length | 90 | 105 | 130 | 150 | 180 | 210 |
| G. Headtube Angle | 68.5 | 69.5 | 69.5 | 69.5 | 69.5 | 69.5 |
| H. Seat Tube Angle | 76 | 75 | 74 | 73 | 73 | 73 |
| I. BB Drop | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| K. Chainstay Length | 440 | 440 | 440 | 440 | 440 | 440 |
| L. Fork Length Axle to Crown | 402 | 402 | 402 | 402 | 402 | 402 |
| M. Fork Offset | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| N. Wheelbase | 1027 | 1028 | 1040 | 1050 | 1072 | 1104 |
| Crank Arm Length | 165 | 165 | 170 | 172.5 | 175 | 175 |
| Handlebar Width | 380 | 400 | 420 | 440 | 460 | 460 |
| Recommended Rider Height | 142 – 152cm | 150 – 160cm | 157 – 170cm | 165 – 178cm | 173 – 185cm | 183 – 196cm |
| Stem Length | 60 | 70 | 80 | 80 | 90 | 100 |
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.