The Salsa Timberjack is an aggressive hardtail designed around the trifecta of ‘fast, fearless, and fun’. This bike is well equipped for playful riding, integrates progressive trail geometry, multiple set-up options, and exciting features that give you the confidence to nail lines with speed and control.
I love hardtails and agree with Salsa that in recent years this style of bike has evolved exponentially. Terrain previously restricted to full suspension is now fair game for these highly versatile, go-anywhere bikes whose primary objective is getting you out there and enjoying yourself. However, that’s not to say the Timberjack isn’t equipped for when things get technical, and performance is offered in equal measure. Here are the highlights: updated geometry, top tube mounts, down tube three-pack mounts, Alternator 2.0 dropouts, revised cable routing, and integrated chainstay protection.
The geometry is focused on enhancing the Timberjack’s trail credentials. The latest model is longer (top tube and wheelbase), lower (bottom bracket dropped), slacker (head tube angle), steeper (seat tube angle), and ultimately, in the words of Salsa’s Design Engineer Pete Hall, ‘We made it even more of a ripper’. The bike still comes as standard with a 130mm fork but is now designed for up to a 150mm fork, making it attractive to riders focused on tackling more challenging terrain. A longer reach and steeper seat tube angle further contribute to the bike’s trail composure whilst improving weight distribution for pedaling efficiency.
Salsa emphasises that the Timberjack could also be considered a bikepacking rig that will ‘have you looking for all the fun lines on the trail to your campsite’. The company bolsters these claims with the inclusion of additional mounts that are ideal for securing gear. I particularly like the position of the top tube mounts that are designed to work seamlessly with Salsa’s EXP Series direct-mount top tube bag. Farther still on the down tube is a three-pack mount, which fits the company’s Anything bracket (an accessory that’s perfect for stashing a bottle, tool roll, and pump in one location). Finally, in the touring department, the Timberjack offers rear rack mounts (Alternator Plus Rack and Rack-Lock seatpost collar required) and a two-bolt accessory mount under the down tube.
A few general highlights include revised cable routing, integrated chainstay protection, and a short/straight seat tube that allows for a long dropper post whilst lowering the standover height. Lastly, the genius Alternator 2.0 dropouts let you adjust the effective chainstay length from 420-437mm and run geared or single-speed drivetrains.
The new Timberjack looks to continue Salsa’s history of premium quality bikes. I’m particularly excited about the subtly integrated bikepacking features, which I hope to see incorporated into more of the company’s range moving forwards. A great bike with ‘a few extra tricks up its sleeve’.
$varies | salsacycles.com
Specifications
– 6066-T6 and 6061 aluminum tube set
– Five sizes (XS-XL)
– Designed for 120-150mm fork travel
– 66.4-degree head tube angle, 75-degree seat tube angle
– Dropper post on all models
– Alternator 2.0 dropouts (Adjustable chainstay length from 420-437mm and single-speed compatible)
– Clearance for up to 29 x 2.6-inch tires or 27.5 x 2.8-inch tires
– 12 x 148mm rear thru-axle
– 73mm threaded bottom bracket
– Full-length internal cable routing
– Compatible with Alternator Plus Rack using Rack-Lock seatpost collar
– Top tube accessory mount
– Two bottle mounts inside main triangle (SM-XL), one bottle mount inside main triangle for size XS
– Accessory mount on underside of down tube
PLEASE NOTE: The Timberjack Ti frame only offering remains unchanged and is not being updated at this time.
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