Overview
Picture the road stretched out before you, an empty canvas of gravel, waiting for the first pedal strokes of your journey. Enter the Salsa Vaya GRX 600, an intriguing blend of resilience and comfort. Its triple-butted tubing is the backbone, sturdy as an ancient oak yet yielding like a willow. It’s your reliable companion for sun-kissed days in the saddle and moon-lit nights camping out along your multi-day adventures. And let’s not forget the Shimano’s GRX 600 drivetrain, a silent promise of unwavering performance, no matter the symphony your ride orchestrates.
As your week wraps up another 5 daily grinds, the Salsa Vaya GRX 600 beckons you towards an adventure. It is your ticket to nature’s symphony, a gravel bikepacking maestro that welcomes you to get out there. This bicycle is ready to bear your essentials as you escape into the wilderness. So pack up, saddle up and let the Vaya GRX 600 guide you to the rhythm of the road less traveled.
Geometry & Ride Characteristics
The Salsa Vaya GRX 600 is built with a resilient triple-butted CroMoly steel frame, designed for both durability and vibration absorption. Its geometry is notably versatile, featuring a balanced effective top tube that accommodates a wide range of rider heights. The bike’s head tube angle is relaxed, contributing to its stable handling characteristics. Additionally, the seat tube angles are tailored to encourage a more upright riding position, particularly beneficial for those who prefer a comfortable posture over aggressive aerodynamics.
When it comes to ride feel, the Salsa Vaya GRX 600 is engineered for comfort and stability, making it an excellent choice for long-distance touring or gravel riding. The CroMoly steel frame absorbs road vibrations, providing a smoother ride. The relaxed head tube angle and varying seat tube angles across sizes ensure stable, yet responsive handling. This makes the bike forgiving on rough terrains while still being agile enough for quick maneuvers. The bike’s geometry and build kit come together to offer a ride that balances comfort, stability, and responsiveness.
- Effective Top Tube: With lengths ranging from 495mm to 595mm, the effective top tube is designed to be versatile, accommodating a wide range of rider heights. This is unlike specialized bikes that have a fixed geometry tailored for either racing or endurance.
- Stand Over Height: The stand-over heights range from 660.1mm to 821mm, allowing for ample clearance, which is particularly beneficial for riders who may need to dismount frequently or quickly.
- Reach and Stack: The reach varies from 354.6mm to 384.8mm, and the stack from 542.7mm to 647mm. These dimensions are finely tuned to offer a comfortable riding position without compromising on performance.
- Headtube Length and Angle: The headtube lengths range from 100mm to 205mm, and the angle is consistently around 71.5 degrees across sizes. This relaxed angle contributes to stable and forgiving handling, especially on uneven surfaces.
- Seat Tube Angle: The seat tube angles range from 72 to 75.5 degrees, allowing for a more upright or leaned riding position depending on the size. This is unlike many bikes that maintain a consistent seat tube angle across all sizes.
- Bottom Bracket Drop: The BB drop is consistently 75mm across all sizes, designed to offer a low center of gravity, enhancing the bike’s stability.
- Chainstay Length: The chainstay length is a consistent 450mm across all sizes, striking a balance between agility and stability, unlike race bikes that may have shorter chainstays for more aggressive handling.
- Fork Length and Offset: The fork length axle to crown and fork offset are consistently 405mm and 50mm, respectively, across all sizes. These dimensions contribute to the bike’s overall balanced handling.
- Wheelbase: The wheelbase varies from 1019.4mm to 1072.6mm, making it versatile for both touring and gravel riding, unlike bikes with an extended wheelbase that are primarily designed for stability on long rides.
- Crank Arm Length and Handlebar Width: These features, ranging from 170mm to 175mm for crank arm length and 38cm to 46cm for handlebar width, are tailored to complement the bike’s geometry and the rider’s size, enhancing the overall riding experience.
vs. the Bombtrack Hook
The Bombtrack Hook features a Columbus Cromoly double-butted frame, which is lighter than the Salsa Vaya GRX 600’s triple-butted CroMoly steel frame, offering a more responsive and agile ride. The Hook’s geometry leans towards a racier profile with its Shimano GRX components, making it more suitable for aggressive gravel riding and cyclocross. In contrast, the Vaya GRX 600 is engineered for comfort and stability, ideal for long-distance touring and more relaxed gravel riding. The Vaya’s geometry is more forgiving and versatile, making it a better option for varied riding styles, but at a higher cost.
- Frame Material:
- Bombtrack Hook: Utilizes a Columbus Cromor double-butted frame, known for its lightweight and agile characteristics, making it well-suited for performance-oriented riding.
- Salsa Vaya GRX 600: Features a triple-butted CroMoly steel frame, which is highly durable and offers better vibration damping, ideal for long-distance and comfortable rides.
- Fork:
- Bombtrack Hook: Comes with a full carbon fork, providing a lighter front end and more precise steering, enhancing the bike’s agility.
- Salsa Vaya GRX 600: Equipped with a Waxwing fork that is designed to absorb road vibrations, contributing to a smoother and more comfortable ride.
- Groupset:
- Bombtrack Hook: Uses Shimano GRX components, which are specifically designed for gravel riding, offering a balance of durability and performance.
- Salsa Vaya GRX 600: Features a mix of Shimano RX810 and Shimano 105 components, offering a versatile range of gearing options suitable for both touring and gravel riding.
- Ride Feel:
- Bombtrack Hook: Known for its responsive and agile ride, making it well-suited for those who prefer speed and technical terrains.
- Salsa Vaya GRX 600: Engineered to offer a comfortable and stable ride, making it ideal for long-distance touring and a variety of terrains.
- Geometry:
- Bombtrack Hook: Features a geometry that leans more towards a racier, aggressive profile, making it ideal for riders who prioritize speed and agility.
- Salsa Vaya GRX 600: Comes with a more relaxed and versatile geometry, designed to offer a balanced and comfortable ride, suitable for long days in the saddle.
vs. the Kona Libre
The Kona Libre offers a performance-oriented ride with its aluminum frame and carbon fork, designed for agility and speed on varied surfaces. Its geometry leans towards a racier profile, making it well-suited for those who seek responsiveness and quick handling. In contrast, the Salsa Vaya GRX 600 is engineered for comfort and stability, featuring a triple-butted CroMoly steel frame and a more relaxed geometry. This makes the Vaya better suited for long-distance touring and multi-day adventures.
- Frame Material:
- Kona Libre: Made of 6061 Aluminum, which is lighter and geared towards performance.
- Salsa Vaya GRX 600: Features a triple-butted CroMoly steel frame, known for durability and better vibration damping.
- Fork:
- Kona Libre: Equipped with a carbon fork, enhancing the bike’s agility and reducing weight.
- Salsa Vaya GRX 600: Comes with a Waxwing fork designed to absorb road vibrations for a smoother ride.
- Groupset:
- Kona Libre: Utilizes SRAM Apex components, which are known for their reliability and performance.
- Salsa Vaya GRX 600: Features a mix of Shimano RX810 and Shimano 105, offering a versatile range of gearing options.
- Ride Feel:
- Kona Libre: Known for its performance-oriented, agile, and responsive ride, suitable for riders who prioritize speed.
- Salsa Vaya GRX 600: Engineered for comfort and stability, ideal for long-distance touring and varied terrains.
- Geometry:
- Kona Libre: Features a geometry that leans towards a racier, more aggressive profile.
- Salsa Vaya GRX 600: Comes with a more relaxed and versatile geometry, designed for a balanced and comfortable ride.
vs. the Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700C
The Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700C is designed with a focus on utilitarian versatility, featuring a relaxed geometry, making it well-suited for daily commuting and light touring. It comes with a SRAM Apex 1 groupset, which is a cost-effective yet reliable option. On the other hand, the Salsa Vaya GRX 600 is engineered for long-distance touring and gravel riding, featuring a triple-butted CroMoly steel frame and a mix of Shimano components for enhanced durability and performance.
- Frame Material:
- Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700C: Features a Journeyer Drop-Bar Thru-Axle frame, designed for utilitarian versatility.
- Salsa Vaya GRX 600: Comes with a triple-butted CroMoly steel frame, known for its durability and better vibration damping.
- Groupset:
- Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700C: Utilizes a SRAM Apex 1 groupset, which is cost-effective and reliable for everyday use.
- Salsa Vaya GRX 600: Features a mix of Shimano RX810 and Shimano 105 components, offering a more versatile range of gearing options.
- Ride Feel:
- Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700C: Engineered for a more relaxed ride, making it well-suited for daily commuting and light touring.
- Salsa Vaya GRX 600: Designed for long-distance touring and gravel riding, offering a balanced and comfortable ride on varied terrains.
- Geometry:
- Salsa Journeyer Apex 1 700C: Features a more relaxed geometry, aimed at utilitarian versatility and comfort.
- Salsa Vaya GRX 600: Comes with a versatile geometry that is more balanced, making it suitable for a wider range of riding styles.
Features
Shimano RX810 and Shimano 105 Groupset: The bike features a mix of Shimano RX810 and Shimano 105 components in its groupset. These high-quality components offer smooth and reliable shifting, as well as a versatile range of gearing options.
Robust Braking System: The bike is fitted with TRP Spyre-C mechanical disc brakes, providing consistent and effective stopping power. This system is easier to maintain compared to hydraulic brakes, making it a unique feature in its class.
High-Performance Carbon Fork: The Salsa Vaya GRX 600 is equipped with a Waxwing carbon fork, which offers a blend of strength and lightweight performance. Carbon forks are generally found in more expensive models, and they contribute to better vibration damping and more responsive handling.
Bag, Rack and Fender Mounting Points
The Salsa Vaya GRX 600 is well-equipped with a variety of mounting points to cater to all your bikepacking needs:
Down Tube Bottle Mounts: The down tube has three bottle mounts for a water bottle cage or for attaching additional gear. This is particularly beneficial for long-distance bikepacking where water sources may be scarce.
Seat Tube Mounts: The seat tube also has mounts for a water bottle cage.
Rack/Bottle Mounts on Fork: The Vaya features a 3-Pack boss set on each fork leg, as well as a 165mm standard low rider boss set on each leg. These multiple mounting options on the fork offer flexibility for carrying additional water bottles or gear, although they cannot be used simultaneously.
Rear Rack Mounts: The bike’s rear is equipped with mounting points for a standard rear rack, suitable for panniers or additional equipment. However, due to the absence of upper mounting eyelets on the seatpost, it requires a Salsa Racklock Seatpost Collar. Salsa Wanderlust Rack recommended. Salsa Bent Rack Struts also required for installation on 58 cm and 60 cm frames. Not compatible with Salsa Wanderlust HD Rack
Fender Mounts: The bike has mounts for full coverage fenders, which are essential for wet weather bikepacking.
Salsa Vaya GRX 600 Featured in the Wild
Is Salsa Vaya GRX 600 A Good Bike?
The Salsa Vaya GRX 600 is lauded for its value for money, offering a robust and diverse 2×11 speed drivetrain and rugged Teravail Cannonball vacuum tires. These features ensure a smooth ride over potholes and gravel roads littered with small stones, allowing riders to enjoy their journey wholeheartedly. However, the review also points out a minor drawback – the limited choice of body colors. As the author states, “What we like about it: Superb value for money gravel bikes with rugged Teravail Cannonball vacuum tires and a rich and diverse 2×11 speed drivetrain so you can enjoy the ride wholeheartedly.”
The Salsa Vaya GRX 600 is praised for its versatility and comfort in a review by Second Runnings. The author notes that the bike’s Shimano 105 groupset offers smooth shifting, while the steel frame provides a “smooth and buttery” ride over rough terrain. The relaxed geometry of the Vaya is also appreciated, with the author stating that even on a 50-mile ride, they never felt uncomfortable. The author concludes, “I love this bike… Despite a couple of nit picks, it’s exactly what I was looking for. I love riding it, even if it’s just to the train station 1.8 miles away.”
Salsa Vaya Review: A Bike That Makes You Smile
The Salsa Vaya GRX 600 is praised by BikeRadar for its versatility and enjoyable ride. The bike’s design, which includes a specially designed steel tubeset and a super-wide Salsa Moto Ace Bell Lap handlebar, offers an upright riding position that feels both nimble and stable. The reviewer notes that the bike is as comfortable on back roads and towpaths as it is on singletrack and fire roads, and its handling makes every ride an event. The author concludes, “It’s rare for a bike to have the ability to make you smile every time you swing a leg over it, but the Vaya does just that.”
Specs
Build Kit
The Salsa Vaya GRX 600 drivetrain features a Shimano RX810 front and rear derailleur, an 11-speed Shimano HG700 cassette, and a choice of Shimano RX600 or Easton EA90 crankset. The bike is equipped with TRP Spyre-C brakes with 160mm rotors for reliable stopping power. The Salsa Guide stem and Cowbell handlebar, along with WTB Volt Steel SL Medium saddle, ensure a comfortable ride. The bike rolls on WTB Serra hubs and ST i19 TCS 2.0 700c rims, wrapped in durable, tubeless-ready Teravail Cannonball 700c x 38mm tires. The bike weighs 25 lbs for a 55 cm frame.
Frameset
- Frame: Vaya Triple-butted CroMoly Steel
- Fork: Waxwing
Drivetrain
- Front Derailleur: Shimano RX810
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano RX810
- Cassette: Shimano HG700, 11–34t, 11-speed
- Crankset: Shimano RX600, 46/30t – OR – Easton EA90 46/30
- Shifter: Shimano 105
- Brakes: TRP Spyre-C
- Rotors: 160 mm rotors
Components
- Headset: Cane Creek 40
- Stem: Salsa Guide
- Handlebar: Salsa Cowbell
- Grips / Bar Tape: Salsa Gel Bar Tape
- Seatpost: Salsa Guide
- Saddle: WTB Volt Steel SL Medium
Wheels
- Front Wheel: WTB Serra 12 x 100 mm hub, WTB ST i19 TCS 2.0 32h 700c rim
- Rear Wheel: WTB Serra 135 mm QR hub, WTB ST i19 TCS 2.0 32h 700c rim
- Tires: Teravail Cannonball 700c x 38 mm, Durable, Tubeless-Ready
Frame Construction
The Salsa Vaya GRX 600 features a Triple Butted CroMoly frame, designed for a blend of stability and responsiveness. The frame accommodates a maximum wheel and tire size of 700 x 45mm without fenders, and 700 x 38mm with fenders. The rigid fork has a length of 405mm and an offset of 50mm. The bike uses a ZS44 upper headset and an EC44 lower headset, with a 27.2mm seatpost and a 30.0mm seat collar. The front derailleur is a bottom pull type with a band clamp mount of 28.6mm. The bottom bracket is a 68mm BSA, threaded, and the crankset can accommodate a variety of sizes, including 1x up to 46t, 2x up to 52/36t, and 3x up to 53/39/30t. The rear brake rotor mount is a 51mm standard, compatible with 140–160mm rotors, and the rear spacing is 135 x 10mm QR. The derailleur hanger is an FS2310 type. The bike also features a 28.6mm stem clamp, and a 40mm 36° integrated crown race. The front brake rotor uses a flat mount 160, and the front spacing is 100mm.
Geometry
| Frame measurements (mm) | 49.5cm | 52cm | 54cm | 55cm | 57cm | 59.5cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. BB Drop | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 |
| B. Chainstay Length | 450 | 450 | 450 | 450 | 450 | 450 |
| C. Fork Length – Axle to Crown | 405 | 405 | 405 | 405 | 405 | 405 |
| D. Fork Offset | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| E. Head Tube Angle (deg) | 70.25 | 71.5 | 71.5 | 71.5 | 71.5 | 71.5 |
| F. Headtube Length | 100 | 100 | 145 | 165 | 185 | 205 |
| G. Reach | 354.6 | 368.2 | 365.2 | 363.8 | 372.0 | 384.8 |
| H. Seat Tube Angle (deg) | 75.5 | 74.5 | 73.5 | 73.0 | 72.5 | 72.0 |
| I. Seat Tube Length – Center to Top | 380 | 450 | 470 | 510 | 530 | 560 |
| J. Stack | 542.7 | 547.4 | 590.1 | 609.1 | 628.0 | 647.0 |
| K. Standover | 660.1 | 713.7 | 742.0 | 776.3 | 795.6 | 821.0 |
| L. Top Tube Length (Effective) | 495 | 520 | 540 | 550 | 570 | 595 |
| M. Wheelbase | 1019.4 | 1022.7 | 1034.0 | 1038.9 | 1053.5 | 1072.6 |
| Component measurements (mm) | ||||||
| Crank Arm Length | 170 | 170 | 170 | 172.5 | 175 | 175 |
| Handlebar Width | 380 | 400 | 420 | 440 | 440 | 460 |
| Stem Length | 60 | 70 | 80 | 80 | 90 | 100 |
| Seatpost Offset | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
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.