Overview
Meet the Salsa Rangefinder Deore 11 29″, your new partner in off-road exploration. Imagine a stallion, untamed and eager for adventure – that’s the spirit of the Rangefinder. Its trail-optimized geometry hands you the reins to ascend, descend, and navigate technical terrain with confidence. Equipped with a 120mm suspension fork and dropper post you’ll be ready to tackle whatever the trail has to offer. The 29″ wheels, like a rolling avalanche, keep your momentum alive, while the 2.6″ wide tires cling to the trail like a hawk to its prey. Shimano’s 11-speed Deore drivetrain, offers a versatile gear range over the full scope of contours. With the Rangefinder, every ride is a new story waiting to be written.
Load up your bags on the Salsa Rangefinder and let the bikepacking adventure begin. This isn’t just a mountain bike; it’s a gateway to the world of bikepacking. Whether you’re camping under the vast desert stars or nestled in the whispering woods, the Rangefinder is ready to go. It time to reconnect with the wild, feel the earth beneath your tires, and reclaim your sense of adventure.
Geometry & Ride Characteristics
The Salsa Rangefinder Deore 11 29″ geometry is meticulously designed to instill confidence in riders, especially when navigating challenging terrains. The frame’s angles and measurements are optimized to provide stability during climbs, descents, and while maneuvering through technical sections. The inclusion of a 120 mm suspension fork further complements this geometry, ensuring a balanced and controlled ride.
When it comes to the riding experience, the Rangefinder Deore 11 29″ offers a harmonious blend of agility and stability. The 29” wheels, combined with 2.6”-wide tires, ensure that the bike maintains momentum and offers a firm grip on the trail. The Shimano 11-speed Deore drivetrain provides smooth shifting across a versatile gear range, making it adept at tackling both steep inclines and flat terrains. Riders can expect a responsive, yet forgiving ride, with the dropper post adding an extra layer of control over varied trail features.
- Effective Top Tube Length: The Rangefinder Deore 11 29″ features an effective top tube length ranging from 566.7mm to 668.5mm across sizes. This design ensures riders of different heights achieve an optimal and comfortable reach, promoting a balanced posture on the bike.
- Stand Over Height: With standover heights spanning from 688.6mm to 808.7mm, the Rangefinder ensures that riders can comfortably straddle the bike, especially crucial during stop-and-start situations on trails.
- Reach and Stack: The reach values, ranging from 400.6mm to 494.3mm, combined with stack values from 601.9mm to 629.3mm, provide a geometry that ensures a comfortable and efficient riding position. This balance is distinct from bikes that might prioritize aggressive or upright postures.
- Head Tube Angle: The Rangefinder boasts a consistent head tube angle of 68.6° for most sizes, with a slight deviation to 68.5° for larger frames. This angle strikes a balance between stability and agility, distinguishing it from bikes that might have steeper angles for sharp handling or shallower angles for cruising stability.
- Seat Tube Angle: With angles ranging from 74.6° to 74.5°, the Rangefinder ensures an optimal pedaling position. Unlike some bikes that might have steeper angles for aggressive postures, the Rangefinder leans towards a harmonious blend of efficiency and comfort.
- BB Drop: The Rangefinder’s bottom bracket drop varies minutely from 62mm to 61.7mm across sizes. This design ensures a low center of gravity, providing stability, especially during technical descents, setting it apart from bikes with higher BBs for obstacle clearance.
- Chainstay Length: A consistent chainstay length of 439mm across all sizes ensures predictable handling. This length is tailored to offer a blend of nimbleness and stability, especially on varied terrains.
- Wheelbase: The wheelbase of the Rangefinder, ranging from 1101.9mm to 1207.1mm, offers more stability, especially at high speeds. This design is distinct from aggressive trail bikes with shorter wheelbases, making the Rangefinder suitable for diverse trail challenges.
- Fork Length Axle to Crown: A consistent fork length of 501mm across all sizes ensures uniform suspension performance and handling characteristics. This specification ensures that the bike’s front end remains responsive and absorbs trail bumps effectively.
- Fork Offset: With a consistent fork offset of 51mm across all sizes, the Rangefinder ensures a balanced steering response. This offset is tailored to work harmoniously with the bike’s head tube angle, ensuring both agility and stability on trails.
vs. the Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12 29″
The Salsa Rangefinder Deore 12 29″is a more premium version of the Salsa Timberjack XT 29″. With a very similar frame, the primary differences are in the componentry as follows:
- Rear Derailleur:
- Deore 12 29″: Shimano Deore M6100 SGS
- Deore 11 29″: Shimano Deore M5100 SGS
- Cassette:
- Deore 12 29″: Shimano Deore M6100 10–51t, 12-speed
- Deore 11 29″: Shimano Deore M5100 11–51t, 11-speed
- Chain:
- Deore 12 29″: Shimano Deore M6100
- Deore 11 29″: Shimano HG601
- Crankset:
- Deore 12 29″: Shimano MT501, 30t, Shimano BB52 BSA bottom bracket
- Deore 11 29″: FSA Alpha Drive, 30t, FSA 124.5 mm bottom bracket
- Shifter:
- Deore 12 29″: Shimano Deore M6100
- Deore 11 29″: Shimano Deore M5100
- Rear Wheel Hub:
- Deore 12 29″: Shimano MT401 Center Lock 10 x 141 mm QR hub
- Deore 11 29″: Shimano MT200 Center Lock 10 x 141 mm QR hub
vs. the Salsa Rangefinder Deore 10 29″
The Salsa Rangefinder Deore 10 29″ is a more economical version of the Salsa Rangefinder Deore 11 29″. With a very similar frame, the primary differences are in the componentry as follows:
- Rear Derailleur:
- Deore 10 29″: Shimano Deore M5120 SGS
- Deore 11 29″: Shimano Deore M5100 SGS
- Cassette:
- Deore 10 29″: Shimano Deore M4100 11–46t, 10-speed
- Deore 11 29″: Shimano Deore M5100 11–51t, 11-speed
- Chain:
- Deore 10 29″: Shimano HG54
- Deore 11 29″: Shimano HG601
- Shifter:
- Deore 10 29″: Shimano Deore M4100
- Deore 11 29″: Shimano Deore M5100
- Brakes:
- Deore 10 29″: Shimano MT200 OR Tektro M520 OR Promax DSK-925
- Deore 11 29″: Shimano MT200 OR Promax DSK-925
- Seatpost:
- Deore 10 29″: Salsa Guide 30.9, 0 offset
- Deore 11 29″: TranzX YSP18PLQ (with varying lengths based on size)
vs. the Salsa Timberjack SLX 29″
The Salsa Timberjack SLX 29″ is a more performance-oriented trail bike, featuring a RockShox 35 Silver TK fork with 130 mm of travel, catering to aggressive trail riding and offering enhanced shock absorption. Its advanced drivetrain, with Shimano SLX components, promises smoother gear transitions and greater durability. On the other hand, the Salsa Rangefinder Deore 11 29″, while still trail-capable, leans more towards recreational and entry-level riders, offering a balanced ride with its 120 mm suspension fork. While both bikes are designed for trail adventures, the Timberjack SLX 29″ is positioned as a higher-end option compared to the more budget-friendly Rangefinder Deore 11 29″.
- Frame:
- Timberjack SLX 29″: Timberjack Alloy V2, designed for aggressive trail riding.
- Rangefinder Deore 11 29″: Rangefinder Aluminum, tailored for balanced trail experiences.
- Fork:
- Timberjack SLX 29″: RockShox 35 Silver TK with 130 mm of travel, catering to rougher terrains.
- Rangefinder Deore 11 29″: SR Suntour XCR32 Boost or RST Aerial, both with 120 mm travel, suitable for varied terrains but less aggressive than the Timberjack.
- Groupset/Drivetrain:
- Timberjack SLX 29″: Features Shimano SLX components, known for their performance and durability.
- Rangefinder Deore 11 29″: Equipped with Shimano Deore M5100 components, reliable but a tier below the SLX in terms of performance.
- Tires:
- Timberjack SLX 29″: Maxxis Minion DHF front and Maxxis Rekon rear, 29 x 2.6″, designed for grip and durability on challenging terrains.
- Rangefinder Deore 11 29″: Maxxis Rekon 29 x 2.6″, EXO Wire Bead, offering reliable performance on trails but not tubeless compatible.
- Ride Feel:
- Timberjack SLX 29″: More aggressive and performance-oriented, suitable for challenging trails and technical descents.
- Rangefinder Deore 11 29″: Offers a balanced and stable ride, ideal for recreational trail riding and entry-level enthusiasts.
- Geometry:
- Timberjack SLX 29″: Features a geometry optimized for agility and responsiveness, catering to riders who seek thrill and challenge on the trails.
- Rangefinder Deore 11 29″: Boasts a trail geometry that emphasizes stability and confidence, especially apt for those new to trail riding or those seeking a more relaxed experience.
Features
Trail-Ready Design: The Salsa Rangefinder Deore 11 29″ is equipped with Maxxis Rekon 29 x 2.6″ tires, ensuring optimal traction and performance on diverse trails.
Balanced Geometry: The balanced geometry of the Salsa Rangefinder Deore 11 29″ offers a comfortable riding position, suitable for both recreational trail rides and challenging terrains.
Consistent Handling: The bike’s design ensures consistent and predictable handling, making it reliable for various trail conditions.
Robust Construction: The Salsa Rangefinder Deore 11 29″ boasts a durable Rangefinder Aluminum frame, crafted to endure the demands of trail cycling and extended use.
Bag, Rack and Fender Mounting Points
Rear Rack Mounts: The rear of the bike usually has mounts for attaching a standard rear rack however a Salsa Post-Lock seatpost collar required.
Down Tube Mounts: The down tube often has mounts for a water bottle cage or for attaching additional gear.
Seat Tube Mounts: The seat tube also typically has mounts for a water bottle cage.
Under Downtube Mount: There’s often a mount under the downtube, which is a common place to carry an extra water bottle or tool keg.
Top Tube Mount: This mount is usually positioned on the top tube, allowing riders to attach top tube bags for easy access to essentials.
Salsa Rangefinder Deore 11 29″ Featured in the Wild
Salsa Rangefinder Deore Review – Bikepacking Alliance
The Salsa Rangefinder Deore 11 29″ is a standout mountain bike, designed to cater to both beginners and intermediate riders. As highlighted by Phil Snider in his review, the bike boasts modern trail geometry, ensuring stability on descents while retaining agility for technical terrains. The Shimano Deore drivetrain ensures smooth shifting, and the 29-inch WTB wheels combined with Maxxis Rekon tires offer excellent traction and speed on trails. Snider concludes, “If you’re looking for an affordable mountain bike that doesn’t skimp on performance, the Salsa Rangefinder Deore is a great option to consider.”
Salsa Rangefinder Deore 11 29″ Review – BIKEPACKING.com
The Salsa Rangefinder Deore 11 29″, as reviewed by BIKEPACKING.com, is a budget-friendly aluminum hardtail designed with bikepacking in mind. The bike is described as a “confidence-building trail hardtail” that can tackle both local singletrack and unknown territories. With its modern trail geometry, it promises to handle technical terrains with ease, featuring a short stem, long top tube, a 68° headtube angle, and 439mm chainstays. The frame is crafted from lightweight 6061-TG aluminum and offers clearance for up to 29 x 2.6″ tires. As the author, Lucas Winzenburg, aptly puts it, the Rangefinder is designed to “venture into unknown territory without hesitation.”
Specs
Build Kit
The Salsa Rangefinder Deore 11 29″ drivetrain is highlighted by the Shimano Deore M5100 SGS rear derailleur and an 11-speed cassette. The bike’s stopping power is provided by Shimano MT200 or Promax DSK-925 brakes, complemented by Shimano RT10 Center Lock rotors. For rider comfort, it features a Salsa handlebar, either Salt Flat or Rustler, and a WTB Volt Medium saddle. The wheelset comprises Shimano hubs and WTB ST i30 rims, wrapped in Maxxis Rekon 29 x 2.6″ tires.
Frameset
- Frame: Rangefinder Aluminum
- Fork: SR Suntour XCR32 Boost, Air, LOR, DS, 120 mm OR RST Aerial 110-15, Air, MLC, 120 mm
Drivetrain
- Front Derailleur: N/A
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore M5100 SGS
- Cassette: Shimano Deore M5100 10–51t, 11-speed
- Chain: Shimano HG601
- Crankset: SA Alpha Drive, 30t, FSA 124.5 mm bottom bracket
- Shifter: Shimano Deore M5100
- Brakes: Shimano MT200 OR Promax DSK-925
- Rotors: Shimano RT10 Center Lock rotors (160 mm)
Components
- Headset: FSA Orbit NO.57B 1.5 ZS
- Stem: Salsa Guide 31.8, 60 mm
- Handlebar: Salsa Salt Flat 31.8, 750 mm width XS–SM; Salsa Rustler 31.8, 800 mm width M–XL
- Grips / Bar Tape: Salsa File Tread
- Seatpost: TranzX YSP18PLQ 100 x 361 mm XS–SM; 130 x 425 mm MD–XL
- Saddle: WTB Volt Medium, Steel, 142 x 265 mm
Wheels
- Front Wheel: Shimano MT400 Center Lock 15 x 110 mm hub, WTB ST i30 32h 29″ rim
- Rear Wheel: Shimano MT200 Center Lock 10 x 141 mm QR hub, WTB ST i30 32h 29″ rim
- Tires: Maxxis Rekon 29 x 2.6″, EXO Wire Bead (not tubeless compatible)
Frame Construction
The Salsa Rangefinder Deore 11 29 frame is constructed from lightweight 6061-TG aluminum. This material choice ensures a balance between weight and durability, making it suitable for both local trails and more challenging terrains. The frame features main triangle internal cable routing for shifter, brake, and dropper post. Precision TIG welding ensures the frame’s structural integrity, guaranteeing that the bike is equipped to handle diverse terrains while maintaining its structural resilience. The frame employs a Boost 141 QR rear dropout system, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of wheel and hub options.
Geometry
| Size | XS | SM | MD | LG | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Effective Top Tube | 566.7 | 589 | 613.3 | 641.9 | 668.5 |
| B. Stand Over | 688.6 | 708.3 | 747.2 | 779.1 | 808.7 |
| C. Reach | 400.6 | 421.5 | 444.4 | 470.4 | 494.3 |
| D. Stack | 601.9 | 606.4 | 611 | 620.1 | 629.3 |
| E. Total Seat Tube Length | 355 | 381 | 431 | 470 | 508 |
| F. Headtube Length | 95 | 100 | 105 | 115 | 125 |
| G. Headtube Angle | 68.6 | 68.6 | 68.6 | 68.5 | 68.5 |
| H. Seat Tube Angle | 74.6 | 74.6 | 74.6 | 74.5 | 74.5 |
| I. BB Drop | 62 | 62 | 61.9 | 61.8 | 61.7 |
| K. Chainstay Length | 439 | 439 | 439 | 439 | 439 |
| L. Fork Length Axle to Crown | 501 | 501 | 501 | 501 | 501 |
| M. Fork Offset | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 |
| N. Wheelbase | 1101.9 | 1124.7 | 1149.6 | 1179.4 | 1207.1 |
| Crank Arm Length | 170 | 170 | 175 | 175 | 175 |
| Handlebar Width | 750mm | 750mm | 800mm | 800mm | 800mm |
| Recommended Rider Height | 157cm–168cm | 160cm–175cm | 173cm–183cm | 180cm–191cm | 188cm–UP |
| Stem Length | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
Measurements based on:
- OE spec 120mm 29/27.5+ suspension fork at 25% sag
- 27.5 x 2.8″ tire measuring 722mm in diameter
- Standover is measured from vertically from ground to the top of the toptube, 50mm forward of the BB. Add 8-12.5mm (0.3-0.5″) for 29 x 2.4-2.6″ wheels/tires
Warranty
Register your purchase at SalsaCycles.com.
SALSA CYCLES 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 original owner only
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.
UNDER THREE YEAR WARRANTY
Aluminum front triangles of suspension frames
All Salsa components
UNDER TWO YEAR WARRANTY
Aluminum chainstays of suspension frames
Aluminum seatstays of suspension frames
All other suspension frame parts (excludes hanger, pivot hardware, bearings)
THIS 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.