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Return of the Warbird
News just in from the Dirty Kanza 200 is the release of Salsa’s latest evolution of it’s legendary Warbird gravel bike.
The venerable Warbird has been a long time feature of the Salsa lineup and this, the 4th generation, features a number of improvements. All of which are based on their years of experience racing at events like Almanzo 100, the Trans Iowa, and of course, Dirty Kanza 200.
Salsa Warbird V4 Prototype equipped with Maxxis Ikon 650b x 2.1″ rubber. Note also the front suspension fork and dropper seat post.
Embracing 650b
As you’ll see from our photos, perhaps the biggest departure over previous generations of the Warbird is that is no longer restricted to 700c wheels. It can also accommodate 650b wheels. Riders now have an even wider choice of rubber to suit whatever conditions they face.
The distinctive Class 5 VRS chainstays remain albeit with even greater clearance.
Salsa Warbird V4 Prototype at Dirty Kanza. 700c wheels and 45c tyres.
The other obvious new addition are ‘bento box’ mountings on the top tube for the increasing range of ‘strapless’ top tube bags.
The Warbird V4 is still in the prototype stage and the 2018 running of Dirty Kanza 200 will be it’s first official unveiling to the public. We’ll publish more news from #DK200 as we get it.
NEW Gravel Race Geometry – longer top tubes on most sizes provides increased stability at high speeds
Increased Size Range – new 49cm size provides better fit to smaller riders; 7 sizes in total, 49cm -61cm
Dual Wheel Size Compatiblity – 700c x 45mm or 650b x 2.1”
For the official press release from Salsa Cycles on the Warbird V4, click here.
All photo credits: Paul Errington
Last modified: 4th June 2018
