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With the recent excitement around the all-new Cutthroat, updated Warbird and the Warroad you might have forgotten Salsa made flat-bar hardtails. The classic Mamasita & El Mariachi quietly slipped from the ranks, leaving only the Timberjack and Woodsmoke. While the Timberjack returns with new component specs, all eyes will be on the new Rangefinder. First impressions are that Salsa has gone back to their roots with a simple, unfussy design that still packs all the features you’d expect in 2020.
Who’s it for?
A confidence inspiring hardtail…
…that brings mountain biking greatness to the masses
With prices starting at $1099 for the Deore equipped bikes, the Rangefinder makes Salsa ownership more affordable. A quick scan of the spec sheet shows Salsa haven’t compromised on their signature features to hit a price-point. Riders hoping for a new El Mariachi might sigh that the Rangefinder frame is constructed from 6061-T6 aluminium, but for keeping the weight and price down aluminium is king. The 68° head angle, 465mm reach and 439mm chainstays on a large frame aren’t the bleeding edge of geometry developments but neither are they bolt upright. Rangefinder strikes a balance for riders that want to rip along singletrack as well as bash out big miles bikepacking. The inclusion of Boost 141QR might raise a few eyebrows but as a standard it’s gaining ground so spares shouldn’t be an issue going forward.
Frame Highlights
- 6061-T6 Aluminium frame
- Boost 141QR hub spacing
- Internal cable routing
- Three gear/bottle cage mounts
- Bolt-on Bento-box mounts
- Clearances for 27.5 x 3.0″ or 29 x 2.6″
- 120mm fork travel
Rangefinder SX Eagle 29 With 2.6″ tyres the Rangefinder is edging 29+ territory!
Spec levels
The four options on the Rangefinder are nice and simple. You can choose from either 27.5 x 3.0 or 29 x 2.6″ with either Sram SX Eagle or Shimano Deore builds. Only the wheel-size and paint colour differs between the two models in each spec level. One noticeable cost-saver are the WTB tyres at Comp, rather than TCS (tubeless compatible) level. The rims however are the real deal so at least you can upgrade when the OEM tyres wear out. Speaking of which, kudos to Salsa for fitting 40mm wide rims on the 27.5+ and 29mm wide on the 29er to get the full benefit of big rubber.
Spec highlights common to all models
- Air sprung forks
- 34mm stanchions on SX Eagle and 32mm stanchions on Deore level bikes
- WTB Tyres, TCS Rims and Volt Sport saddles across the range
- Trans-X stealth droppers with under-bar levers
- 1x drivetrains with wide range cassettes
- Hydraulic brake set-ups
Rangefinder Deore 27.5+
Rangefinder SRP
For UK fans, Lyon Equipment will be introducing two models from 4 model lineup. For more info on Rangefinder head over to Salsa Cycles
- Salsa Rangefinder SRAM NX Eagle 29” – SRP £1400
- Salsa Rangefinder Shimano Deore 1x 29” – SRP £1180
Rangefinder Deore 29
Looking for your nearest dealer? Get in touch with Lyon Cycle for more details.
Last modified: 31st January 2020
