Overview
The Salsa Journeyer Sora 650B is ready to adventure with you. The combination of 650b wheels, lightweight, compliant aluminum frame, the Waxwing carbon fork and dropbars make this a perfect ride to do anything from dabbling in the gravel or going big on a bikepacking epic. Need to pack like you’re on a camping reality show? No worries! Mounts for fenders, racks, and Anything Cages have got you covered. And let’s talk gears—Shimano’s Sora 2×9-speed groupset is your ready for anything and everything that comes its way. Take it for a spin and let the Journeyer redefine your idea of adventure.
The Salsa Journeyer Sora 650B is a passport to reconnecting with nature, its design whispering the secrets of the wild into your ears. The Journeyer’s versatility and durability make it a trusted companion for those “remember when” tales you’ll be telling for years. So, gather your friends, saddle up, and let the Journeyer turn your bikepacking dreams into the kind of reality that Instagram just can’t capture. Trust us, this is the bike that writes your adventure story for you.
Geometry & Ride Characteristics
The Salsa Journeyer Sora 650B is engineered with an emphasis on gravel geometry, which is evident in its tailored effective top tube length, accommodating riders of various heights. The Journeyer Sora 650B maintains consistent headtube and seat tube angles, ensuring predictability and stability, especially during descents. Additionally, its unique combination of a shorter reach and higher stack height across sizes provides riders with an upright and comfortable posture, a feature that’s particularly beneficial for long rides and rough terrains.
Riding the Salsa Journeyer Sora 650B with its 650b x 47 mm tires, delivers a ride that is both smooth and grippy, allowing for seamless transitions from asphalt to gravel trails. The bike’s design ensures riders maintain a comfortable and ergonomic posture, reducing fatigue and enhancing the overall riding experience. Whether navigating through winding gravel paths or cruising city streets, the Journeyer Sora 650B guarantees a ride that is both thrilling and reassuring.
- 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 Apex 1 650B
The Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 650B, equipped with a SRAM Apex 1 drivetrain and single-chainring setup, is a more premium version of the Salsa Journeyer Sora 650B. While both bikes share the same frame, the primary differences lie in the componentry as follows:
- Frame and Fork:
- Apex 1 650B: Features the Journeyer Drop-Bar Thru-Axle frame and the Waxwing fork.
- Sora 650B: Also uses the Journeyer Drop-Bar Thru-Axle frame and the Waxwing fork, ensuring similar structural integrity and ride feel.
- Drivetrain:
- Apex 1 650B: Equipped with a SRAM Apex 1 drivetrain, offering a single 40t chainring and an 11-speed 11–42t cassette.
- Sora 650B: Comes with a Shimano Sora R3000 setup, featuring a double 46/30t chainring and a 9-speed 11–34t cassette.
- Rear Derailleur:
- Apex 1 650B: Uses the SRAM Apex 1 rear derailleur.
- Sora 650B: Incorporates the Shimano Sora R3000, Medium Cage rear derailleur.
- Brakes and Rotors:
- Apex 1 650B: Employs Tektro MD-C550 brakes with Tektro TR160-22 rotors (6-bolt, 160 mm).
- Sora 650B: Uses the same Tektro MD-C550 brakes and Tektro TR160-22 rotors, ensuring consistent braking performance.
vs. the Salsa Journeyer Advent 650B
The Salsa Journeyer Advent 650B, equipped with a microSHIFT Advent drivetrain, is a more economical version of the Salsa Journeyer Sora 650B. While both bikes share the same frame, the primary differences lie in the componentry as follows:
- Frame and Fork:
- Advent 650B: Features the Journeyer Drop-Bar Thru-Axle frame and the Waxwing fork.
- Sora 650B: Also uses the Journeyer Drop-Bar Thru-Axle frame and the Waxwing fork, ensuring similar structural integrity and ride feel.
- Drivetrain:
- Advent 650B: Equipped with a SRAM Apex 1 drivetrain, offering a single 40t chainring and an 11-speed 11–42t cassette.
- Sora 650B: Comes with a Shimano Sora R3000 setup, featuring a double 46/30t chainring and a 9-speed 11–34t cassette.
- Rear Derailleur:
- Advent 650B: Uses the SRAM Apex 1 rear derailleur.
- Sora 650B: Incorporates the Shimano Sora R3000, Medium Cage rear derailleur.
- Brakes and Rotors:
- Advent 650B: Employs Tektro MD-C550 brakes with Tektro TR160-22 rotors (6-bolt, 160 mm).
- Sora 650B: Uses the same Tektro MD-C550 brakes and Tektro TR160-22 rotors, ensuring consistent braking performance.
vs. the Surly Preamble Drop Bar
The Surly Preamble Drop Bar, constructed with 100% Chromoly steel tubing, offers a robust and resilient ride and is complemented by its mechanical disc brakes and a 9-speed microSHIFT drivetrain. In contrast, the Salsa Journeyer Sora 650B, with its Thru-Axle frame and Waxwing fork, leans towards stability and endurance. Its Shimano Sora R3000 double chainring setup provides a broader gear spectrum. While both bikes promise quality, the Preamble might be seen as a more budget-friendly option compared to the Sora 650B’s mid-range positioning.
- Frame and Fork:
- Preamble Drop Bar: Features the Journeyer Drop-Bar Quick-Release frame paired with the Fantail fork.
- Sora 650B: Uses the Journeyer Drop-Bar Thru-Axle frame combined with the Waxwing fork, ensuring enhanced stability.
- Drivetrain:
- Preamble Drop Bar: Equipped with a microSHIFT Advent drivetrain and a 9-speed 11–42t cassette.
- Sora 650B: Comes with a Shimano Sora R3000 setup, featuring a double 46/30t chainring and a 9-speed 11–34t cassette.
- Rear Derailleur:
- Preamble Drop Bar: Incorporates the microSHIFT Advent M6195 rear derailleur.
- Sora 650B: Uses the Shimano Sora R3000, Medium Cage rear derailleur.
- Brakes and Rotors:
- Preamble Drop Bar: Employs Tektro MD-C310 brakes with Tektro TR160-22 rotors (6-bolt, 160 mm).
- Sora 650B: Features Tektro MD-C550 brakes and Tektro TR160-22 rotors, ensuring consistent braking performance.
- Ride Feel and Geometry:
- Preamble Drop Bar: With its Quick-Release frame and Fantail fork, it offers a responsive and agile ride, suitable for city commutes and light trail rides.
- Sora 650B: The Thru-Axle frame and Waxwing fork combination provides a more stable and endurance-focused ride, ideal for longer journeys and varied terrains.
Features
Versatile Geometry: The Salsa Journeyer Sora 650B boasts a geometry meticulously tailored for diverse terrains, ensuring riders experience both comfort and confidence whether on smooth asphalt or challenging trails. The bike’s geometry is fine-tuned to accommodate riders of various sizes, ensuring an optimal blend of comfort and performance.
Efficient Drivetrain: The Journeyer Sora 650B is outfitted with Shimano’s renowned Sora components. It features Shimano Sora R3000 shifters and a Shimano Sora R3000 rear derailleur, ensuring seamless gear transitions, reliable performance, and enduring durability.
Robust Braking System: The Journeyer Sora 650B is equipped with Tektro MD-C550 brakes paired with Tektro TR160-22 rotors. This combination guarantees responsive braking, ensuring safety and control in various riding conditions.
Internal Cable Routing: The Journeyer Sora 700C benefits from internal cable routing, providing a sleek appearance and minimizing the risk of cable entanglement or damage. This design not only enhances the bike’s aesthetic but also slightly improves aerodynamics, contributing to enhanced performance.
Bag, Rack and Fender Mounting Points
The Salsa Journeyer Sora 650B 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 Sora 650B Featured in the Wild
Review: Salsa Journeyman (650b Sora Build) – Best Budget Gravel Bike?
The Salsa Journeyman Sora 650B, as reviewed on the Path Less Pedaled YouTube channel, is presented as a versatile gravel and bikepacking bike that offers impressive value for its price. The reviewer delves into the bike’s capabilities, pondering, “The Salsa Journeyman is a do it all gravel / bikepacking bike for a shockingly good price. What’s the catch? Is it supple?” While the video review provides a comprehensive look at the bike’s features and performance, the overarching sentiment is that the Journeyman Sora 650B might be one of the best budget-friendly options for those venturing into gravel biking.
Salsa Journeyman 650B Review: 7 Days on The Prairie
The Salsa Journeyman 650B, as reviewed by Logan Watts on BIKEPACKING.com, is described as a versatile and budget-friendly gravel bike that offers a blend of exploration and fun. The review details an adventurous trip through Montana’s rugged terrains, where the bike faced various challenges, from “death mud” to steep doubletrack. Despite a few mechanical issues, the Journeyman 650B proved its mettle, handling diverse terrains with aplomb. Watts appreciates the bike’s design, highlighting its lightweight aluminum frame, carbon fork, and larger volume tires. He notes, “I found that with the carbon fork and larger volume tires the Salsa Journeyman 650B rode really well and didn’t exhibit the harshness I expected.” The review suggests that while the Journeyman may not be the first choice for seasoned riders, its value proposition makes it an attractive option for newcomers to gravel biking or those on a budget.
Salsa Cycles Journeyman Sora Review: Affordable Fun on Gravel
The Salsa Journeyman Sora 650B stands out as Salsa Cycles’ premier drop-bar bike with a three-digit price tag. Unique in the gravel bike segment, the Journeyman offers the choice of either 700c or 650b wheels. While other brands like Specialized, Diamondback, and Cannondale offer gravel bikes at a similar price point, none present the 650b wheel option. The review emphasizes, “The Journeyman’s price should encourage more all-road converts, but even the gravel cognoscenti will appreciate the smart design and thoughtful build.” Made of 6061-T6 aluminum, the bike combines economy with performance, and its component spec showcases Shimano’s Sora groupset, highlighting its value without compromising on quality.
Specs
Build Kit
The Salsa Journeyer Sora 650B drivetrain is dominated by Shimano Sora R3000 components, including a 9-speed 11–34t cassette and a 46/30t crankset. The bike ensures reliable stopping power with Tektro MD-C550 brakes and TR160-22 rotors. For rider comfort, it boasts a Salsa Cowbell 3 handlebar, a WTB Volt Medium saddle, and Teravail Washburn tires on WTB Serra hubs and rims. This combination promises both durability and a smooth ride experience.
Frameset
- Frame: Journeyer Drop-Bar Thru-Axle
- Fork: Waxwing
Drivetrain
- Front Derailleur: Shimano Sora R3000
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Sora R3000, Medium Cage
- Cassette: Shimano HG200, 11–34t, 9-speed
- Chain: KMC X9
- Crankset: Shimano MT210, 46/30t
- Shifter: Shimano Sora R3000
- Brakes: Tektro MD-C550 brakes
- Rotors: Tektro TR160-22 rotors (6-bolt, 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 Medium, Steel, 142 x 265 mm
Wheels
- Front Wheel: WTB Serra 12 x 100 mm hub, WTB ST i23 650b rim, 28h
- Rear Wheel: WTB Serra HG10 12 x 142 mm hub, WTB ST i23 650b rim, 28h
- Tires: Teravail Washburn, 650b x 47 mm, 30 tpi
Frame Construction
The Salsa Journeyer Sora 650B frame is made from high-quality aluminium, ensuring durability and a lightweight feel. It’s designed for 650b x 47 mm wheels, but it also accommodates alternate sizes, ranging from 650b x 47–50 mm to 700c x 32–50 mm. The frame integrates a 12mm Thru-Axle dropout system for the front (100mm) and rear (142mm), guaranteeing both stability and straightforward maintenance. The Waxwing fork, boasting a 405 mm axle-to-crown length and a 50 mm offset, harmonizes with the frame’s architecture, delivering the right balance of stability and agility. The frame is disc brake-ready, adopting flat mount standards for both the front and rear. Additionally, it’s compatible with a dropper post, featuring internal routing.
Geometry
| Size | 49cm | 51cm | 53cm | 55cm | 57cm | 60cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Effective Top Tube | 493 | 510 | 530 | 550 | 570 | 600 |
| B. Stand Over | 606 | 641 | 677 | 713 | 749 | 796 |
| 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 | 170 | 170 | 170 | 170 | 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.