Yesterday was a packed day that seemed to slip away pretty fast, but it was all good. Well, except the driving, I tend to freak out a bit and not have much "coolness"!
The day started with a a 2 hour recovery ride with Tom M. We did the extended County Road 8 loop. Having ridden that 100's of times it was nice to have some company.
Once home I cleaned the Pugsley from the Mississippi ride the other day, went grocery shopping, colored, made and packed lunches, and jumped in the super van towards Woodbury for the Salsa Demo at Carver Lake Park.
The whole family plus a friend of Brinna and Avery came along. Once we finally found Carver Lake Park and got them settled in at the beach I made my way over to the Salsa Tents, housing some awesome bikes.
Going in I was super excited to ride the Colossal. Not too sure on my attraction to this bike, which is an all day comfort road bike with disc brakes. The need to put disc brakes on all bikes kind of bugs me yet I am very attracted to this thing.
Well riding the bike didn't help dissuade my attraction! This bike was awesome. I did climbs, descents, some off road, fast corners, all without a problem. And the disc brakes are pretty damn nice too! Almost too powerful. This bike I still want!
I think I like it so much as it's a fast do it all bike...for me. I know Salsa labels it as a road only bike but I know it can handle more than that. But it all comes down to me not having any money...yet.
Next up was the Beargrease, Salsa's race inspired Fat Bike. First off I noticed how light it was. It comes in at 29lbs! That's lighter than my ti Mukluk. But honestly, it rode like a Fat Bike. I liked it and wasn't disappointed but I have a nice Fat Bike and like my set up better. It comes in with a $3K price tag which is a bit high for my customers too. The Mukluk 2 and 3 are for us but the Beargrease will definitely have a home in some shops and rider quivers!
Next up was the Warbird...the race Gravel Bike! I rode the alloy version. With mediocre to almost entry level parts and the thing was still light and fast! Many would suggest that this could double as both the Colossal and a gravel machine...and I was one to agree. But after having ridden them both I still want the Colossal. If I didn't have the La Cruz at home the story may be different. That and if I had endless money I'd get both...but I don't and difficult choices have to be made!
Comes with a custom Enve carbon fork. Hubs are made by Formula for Salsa.
While I prefer the classic look of a traditional pressed in headset I cannot argue that this doesn't look pretty clean and sharp.
There has been some hubbub about tire clearance on this bike. Salsa claims up to a 700x38. These tires are 35's and have lots of room to grow. More than enough in my book. More that the La Cruz and I haven't had too many issues. Reports of the new Clement 700x40 gravel tire fitting have surfaced too. Which is awesome since that tire is awesome!
The last bike and the biggest surprise for me was the Spearfish. I ride a, sometime rigid...currently with front suspension, single speed ti Selma. I'm not a huge fan of full-suspension mountain bikes. Never felt the need nor did I like the few I've ridden, which isn't many.
The trails at Carver Lake Park are pretty fast and flowy with many little jumps and berms tossed in. The Spearfish rocked! I really couldn't tell it was a full-suspension until those "ah-ha" moments occurred. Totally sold and totally want one.
Ugh that makes two bikes I want!
We will be stocking some Spearfish next year at the shop. Definitely worth a look.
I still lust after a ti Colossal...time and money will tell.
Long post...sorry.
Out.
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