How to Choose Mountain Bikes

This Salsa trail hardtail is built for playful singletrack. And it's versatile enough for bikepacking. It features a long reach for even weight distribution and a long wheelbase for stability.


Imported.
| Best Use | Mountain Biking |
|---|---|
| Frame | 6061-T6 aluminum |
| Step-Through | No |
| Mountain Bike Style | Trail |
| Bike Suspension | Front Suspension |
| Fork | RockShox Recon Silver RL |
| Fork Travel | 140 millimeters |
| Crankset | Shimano MT510 |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano SM-BB52, 73 mm BSA |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore 12 |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore 12 |
| Rear Cogs | Shimano Deore 12 |
| Number of Gears | 12 gear(s) |
| Brake Type | Hydraulic Disc Brake |
| Brakes | Shimano 4-piston |
| Brake Levers | Shimano hydraulic |
| Rims | WTB ST i30, 32h, 29 in. (taped, TCS sealant and valves included) |
| Front Hub | Shimano TC500, 15 x 110 mm |
| Rear Hub | Shimano TC500 12 x 148 mm |
| Wheel Size | 29 inches |
| Tires | Teravail Clifty, Durable casing, Grip Plus compound |
| Tire Width | 2.5 inches |
| Handlebar Shape | Flat Bar |
| Handlebar | TranzX alloy, 35.0 |
| Stem | Salsa Guide Trail 35.0 |
| Seat Post | TranzX YSI34 dropper, Shimano MT-500 I-Spec-EV lever |
| Dropper Post | Yes |
| Saddle | WTB Solano, Steel Fusion Hybrid, medium |
| Pedals | Not included |
| Headset | FSA Orbit |
| Chain | Shimano |
| Weight | 32 lbs. 6 oz. |
| Bike Weight | Bike weight is based on median size, as sold, or the average of two median sizes. |
| Gender | Unisex |
| S | M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height Range | 5'3" - 5'9" | 5'8" - 6' | 5'11" - 6'3" | 6'2" |
| Reach | 433.6 | 453.6 | 475.5 | 492.6 |
| Stack | 599 | 607.4 | 613.5 | 625.5 |
| Effective Top Tube | 594.1 | 615.3 | 639 | 659.3 |
| Seat Tube Center-Top | 370 | 395 | 432 | 457.2 |
| Standover Height | 722.6 | 742.1 | 772.1 | 792.9 |
| Head Tube Length | 100 | 105 | 115 | 125 |
| Head Tube Angle (degrees) | 66.4 | 66.4 | 66.4 | 66.4 |
| Seat Tube Angle (degrees) | 75.1 | 75.1 | 75.1 | 75.1 |
| Wheelbase | 1159.5 | 1181.5 | 1197.5 | 1228.7 |
| Chainstay | 437 | 437 | 437 | 437 |
| Fork Offset | 44 | 44 | 44 | 44 |
Measurements are stated in millimeters unless otherwise indicated.
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New ride with the Salsa Timberjack Deore 12 experience was a huge upgrade from what I was used to. The bike felt planted and confident on the rocky climbs, loose gravel sections, and technical trails throughout the preserve. The 29-inch wheels rolled over roots and rocks smoothly, while the Deore 12-speed drivetrain shifted cleanly even during steep climbs. What stood out most was how stable and comfortable the Timberjack felt. The geometry gave me more control on descents without feeling too aggressive, and the wider handlebars made navigating tight sections easier. For a rider around 5'7", the setup felt balanced and confidence-inspiring, especially on the more technical parts of the trails. At NJ trailswhere the terrain constantly changes between packed dirt, rock gardens, and flowing singletrack, this bike really shines. It climbs better than expected for a hardtail and still feels playful on faster downhill sections. Overall, the Timberjack made the whole ride smoother, more controlled, and a lot more enjoyable. Definitely one of the best trail riding experiences I’ve had so far.