The Salsa Cutthroat is a bike that’s quickly making a name for itself in the world of long-distance cycling and bikepacking. In this review, we’ll dive into the specifics of the Salsa Cutthroat, examining its design, functionality, and overall performance. Ideal for riders tackling endurance rides and off-road adventures, we’ll explore how this bike handles diverse terrains and long-haul journeys. From its frame geometry to its gear capacity, this review aims to provide you with a thorough understanding of what the Salsa Cutthroat offers and whether it’s the right choice for your cycling expeditions.
1. What are the key features of the Salsa Cutthroat bike?
The Salsa Cutthroat bike is a unique blend of a road and mountain bike, designed with the ambitious goal of being the ultimate bike for long-distance, off-road riding. The bike is built with a high-modulus carbon fibre frame, providing a lightweight yet sturdy structure. The frame geometry is designed for comfort and stability, even on rough terrains.
The Cutthroat features Class 5 Vibration Reduction System (VRS) in the seat stays, reducing the impact of road vibrations. This is particularly beneficial for long rides, ensuring comfort and reducing fatigue. The bike is equipped with a full carbon fork, adding to its lightweight design and providing precise steering.
The Salsa Cutthroat comes with a SRAM Apex 1 drivetrain, offering a wide range of gears for tackling various terrains. The bike is fitted with TRP Spyre-C mechanical disc brakes, ensuring reliable stopping power in all weather conditions.
The Cutthroat is designed with multiple mounts, allowing for the attachment of water bottles, gear, or bags. This makes it an excellent choice for bikepacking or long-distance touring. The bike also features internal cable routing, providing a clean and sleek look.
2. How does the Salsa Cutthroat perform off-road?
The Salsa Cutthroat is designed with off-road performance in mind. The bike’s carbon frame and fork provide a lightweight yet sturdy structure, capable of handling rough terrains. The Class 5 VRS in the seat stays helps to absorb road vibrations, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable ride.
The bike’s geometry is designed for stability, with a long wheelbase and slack head angle. This makes it easier to control the bike on descents and over technical terrains. The wide handlebars also contribute to the bike’s stability and control.
The Cutthroat’s SRAM Apex 1 drivetrain offers a wide range of gears, allowing you to tackle steep climbs and fast descents with ease. The mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, even in wet or muddy conditions.
The bike’s large tyre clearance allows for the use of up to 29″ x 3.0″ tyres. This means you can choose the right tyres for your specific off-road adventure, whether that’s gravel riding, bikepacking, or off-road touring.
3. Is the Salsa Cutthroat suitable for long-distance rides?
The Salsa Cutthroat is designed with long-distance rides in mind. The bike’s carbon frame and fork provide a lightweight structure, reducing rider fatigue over long distances. The Class 5 VRS in the seat stays helps to absorb road vibrations, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable ride.
The bike’s geometry is designed for comfort, with a relaxed riding position. The wide handlebars and comfortable saddle also contribute to the bike’s long-distance comfort.
The Cutthroat’s SRAM Apex 1 drivetrain offers a wide range of gears, allowing you to tackle long climbs and fast descents with ease. The mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, ensuring safety on long descents.
The bike’s large tyre clearance allows for the use of up to 29″ x 3.0″ tyres. This means you can choose the right tyres for your specific long-distance adventure, whether that’s road touring, gravel riding, or bikepacking.
The Cutthroat is designed with multiple mounts, allowing for the attachment of water bottles, gear, or bags. This makes it an excellent choice for long-distance touring or bikepacking, where carrying capacity is crucial.
4. How does the Salsa Cutthroat compare to other bikes in its class?
The Salsa Cutthroat stands out in its class due to its unique blend of road and mountain bike features. The bike’s carbon frame and fork provide a lightweight yet sturdy structure, capable of handling both smooth roads and rough terrains.
The bike’s geometry is designed for comfort and stability, with a long wheelbase and slack head angle. This makes it easier to control the bike on descents and over technical terrains. The wide handlebars also contribute to the bike’s stability and control.
The Cutthroat’s SRAM Apex 1 drivetrain offers a wide range of gears, allowing you to tackle various terrains with ease. The mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, ensuring safety in all weather conditions.
The bike’s large tyre clearance allows for the use of up to 29″ x 3.0″ tyres. This means you can choose the right tyres for your specific adventure, whether that’s road touring, gravel riding, or bikepacking.
The Cutthroat is designed with multiple mounts, allowing for the attachment of water bottles, gear, or bags. This makes it an excellent choice for long-distance touring or bikepacking, where carrying capacity is crucial.
Compared to other bikes in its class, the Salsa Cutthroat offers a unique combination of comfort, control, and versatility, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of cycling adventures.
5. What is the weight of the Salsa Cutthroat?
The Salsa Cutthroat is a lightweight bike, thanks to its high-modulus carbon fibre frame and full carbon fork. The exact weight of the bike can vary depending on the size and specific components. However, a medium-sized Cutthroat typically weighs around 9.7 kg (21.4 lbs).
This lightweight design is one of the key features of the Cutthroat, making it easier to handle and reducing rider fatigue on long rides. It also makes the bike more efficient, allowing you to cover more ground with less effort.
Despite its lightweight design, the Cutthroat is built to be sturdy and durable, capable of handling rough terrains and heavy loads. This makes it an excellent choice for off-road adventures and long-distance touring.
6. How much does the Salsa Cutthroat cost?
The cost of the Salsa Cutthroat can vary depending on the specific model and components. However, you can generally expect to pay between £2,000 and £3,500 for a new Cutthroat.
Despite its relatively high price tag, the Cutthroat offers excellent value for money. The bike’s high-quality components, unique design features, and versatile performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious cyclists.
Whether you’re planning a long-distance touring adventure, a bikepacking trip, or simply looking for a reliable and comfortable off-road bike, the Salsa Cutthroat is a great choice. It’s a bike that’s built to last, offering consistent performance and comfort on a wide range of terrains and in various weather conditions.
7. Where can I buy the Salsa Cutthroat?
The Salsa Cutthroat is available from a number of retailers, both online and in-store. It’s always a good idea to check with your local bike shop first, as they may have the Cutthroat in stock or be able to order it for you.
If you’re shopping online, be sure to check out reputable cycling retailers. Always make sure to choose a retailer that offers good customer service and a fair return policy.
Before making your purchase, it’s a good idea to test ride the Cutthroat if possible. This will allow you to get a feel for the bike’s performance and comfort, ensuring it’s the right fit for your cycling needs.
Remember to factor in any additional costs, such as shipping or assembly, when calculating the total cost of your purchase. It’s also worth considering any potential maintenance or upgrade costs down the line.
8. What are the pros and cons of the Salsa Cutthroat?
Like any bike, the Salsa Cutthroat has its pros and cons. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision about whether this bike is the right choice for you.
Pros:
- Lightweight yet sturdy carbon frame and fork
- Comfortable and stable geometry
- Wide range of gears
- Reliable disc brakes
- Large tyre clearance
- Multiple mounts for water bottles, gear, or bags
- Suitable for a wide range of terrains and adventures
Cons:
- Relatively high price tag
- Not as fast as a dedicated road bike on smooth roads
- Not as rugged as a dedicated mountain bike on technical terrains
Overall, the Salsa Cutthroat is a versatile and capable bike, offering a unique blend of road and mountain bike features. It’s an excellent choice for cyclists looking for a comfortable and reliable bike for long-distance, off-road riding.
