2019 Salsa Timberjack SLX 29 Review
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- čas přidán 3. 07. 2024
- My review of the 2019 Salsa Timberjack SLX 29.
-High points:
1) 29 x 2.6 tires
2) Single speed capable
3) 11 degree sweep handlebars (800mm wide)
4) Modern geometry
5) Huge front triangle space for bike-packing
6) Tubeless wheels
7) 11-46 r/d w/ 30T front chainring - this is a 'poor man's' Eagle gear equivalent.
8) Dropper post - Sport
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this bike, I want one sooo bad! I live in Utah and don’t own a good mountain bike!
Nice review, I have a 2018 Timberjack 27.5 X 2.8 after riding it for a year I switched to 29 wheel set with 29 X 3.0" and they fit just fine, I mountain bike in New Mexico so the plus size tires are ideal for the sandy, rocky trails here.
Didn't think a 29+ would fit. Guess it will! Thx.
Could not afford the Timberjack. But did order the Rangefinder Deore 29, today. So many brands of mountain bikes have no models for sale. All outta-stock.That's too-damn-long! Salsa, is manufactured in Taiwan, so maybe that's the reason for fresh stocked inventory.
I will definitely install 29-2.4 tires when the 2.6 tires wear-out. They just fit & feel better for double century tours. I have a pair of Hunt 35mm rims, which are a joy on rugged XC trails, with Teravail 2.6 tires. And I have the tendency to swap the fork for a rigid carbon fork when taking a long Summer Autumn ride.
Oh. One more thing: Every bike review should include tire liners. Especially for plus tire bikes. Use to get a plethora of flats on the rear due to tire pressure. Since installing tube liners...no flat tire in nine months, and both have been bald on my Ragley AL29, since January.
Like the color
Crankset is RaceFace Ride DM. Sorry for any confusion.
the serra hub is definitely the weakest link on this bike. When mine got trashed I tried to just replace the freehub but it was jammed on there good! my 14mm couldn't get it to budge at all. I even hit it with my impact wrench (a milwaukee stubby 3/8 rated for 350ft lbs) and it couldn't get it off.
I ended up upgrading it to a spank hex-drive and I love the high engagement. such a worthwhile upgrade. Although I'm not sure if I like the buzz, it has it's benefits but I think I'd prefer a silent hub like the Onyx.
p.s. the spank hub is such a simple swap, you can even re-use the stock spokes and nipples (not to say that's recommended, but they are the correct length which is super convenient)
Very thoughtful review, Mike. I MISS ARIZONA!!! lol
How do you feel about the ride quality of the aluminum hardtail?
Have never replaced my ElMariachi, was thinking maybe this would be the one.
The bike is comfortable. Obviously not as forgiving as a f/s so tire pressure is a consideration. I like the instant power transfer of a hard tail though.
Hi. You referenced a video that helped you set up the tires as tubeless. Can you share that link please? Thanks.
Sure, here: czcams.com/video/BxeKlrVli7g/video.html
Did you add the downtube protector? I just bought the frame and it did not come with one.
I make my own out of flexible matting/flooring I found at Home Depot. Comes off a bulk roll. Super tough and lightweight.
I'm 5'6 what's size should I get? S or M?
Thanks for this review. My timberjack (cheaper build) is on the way. Is that a custom bike stand that you have clamped into your vice? Did you build it? Looks super nice.
My $6.50 bike stand. 2x4 and a $6.00 bike wall rack from Home depot. The 2x4 was cored out to fit in a vise.
@@MikeinCC Genius. Wasn't sure what you meant at first about cored out but it makes sense at 2:47.
Nice review what size is the frame? This bike has everything a Santa Cruz Chameleon has for way less, its going on my short list.
Large.. Yea I really like this bike. It's a very versatile bike, but probably skews towards long rides and bike-packing. Oddly I thought, given the geo, that I would feel on top of the bike, but its' a very in-the-bike feel, esp for a 130mm 29er. Wheels or hubs are on the short list for replacement.
@@MikeinCC Hey Mike, nice review, I just got one today on a Large, I am 5.9 ft tall with a 33" inseam and I am not able to touch the ground while seating with the correct saddle height. It feels a little big but I should get use to it. I am new to MTB. How tall are you and can you touch the ground while seating? Thanks!
I just got mine in about a week ago I have the same thing I like running the 2.6 is there just a better traction the only thing I would change would be the tires the WTB aren’t the best tires in my opinion nice video
Thank you. And what about on technical climbing?
I'm not really a technical rider, so I couldn't speak to that.
@Andrew Nordell thanks
@Andrew Nordell what other bike is ideal for long distance and technical climbing? Thanks
Did you change out the rear hub or are you still running the stock hub?
I swapped out the wheelset for a Bontrager Line Elite 30, which I like better. Engagement is 108 vs whatever was stock, which was really low.
Mike in C.C. Was that a big improvement?
is it tubeless ready?
Wheels are, but they don't come taped, nor with tubeless valves. Stock tires aren't technically tubeless ready, but I had no issues running them tubeless.
@@MikeinCC I have a discount and I could get this bike for $1275, do you think it's worth it?,