Review: Salsa Journeyman (650b Sora Build) - Best Budget Gravel Bike?
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- Опубліковано 1 лип 2024
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The Salsa Journeyman is a do it all gravel / bikepacking bike for a shockingly good price. What's the catch? Is it supple?
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I also own a journeyman sora 650. Best bike I've had so far. I do everything with it. Go to work, do my groceries, light touring, go off road and go out with friends. It literally replaced my car.
You must not live where I do -- or any city where bikes get ripped off in 10 seconds :p
Ben Singer There are locks.
@@stuminnis4050 there are tools that cut locks! Quite easily in fact.
@@benfsinger After locking it you can also do an ancestral protection spell. I'm not kidding. But besides that if she lives in a place where that's not issue, don't try to put that in her head. Let her enjoy the beauty of biking more than driving.
@@rashb3994 just being realistic. I'd hate for her to lose the bike. Also, don't tell others what to do, mk?
Just Purchased mine today! Sora 650b. Thank you for the insight.
Got a Journeyman Sora 650B.. Love it. Thanks Russ for all your attention to detail. Sorry I missed you when you came through Vermont. Learned things about Burlington that I didn't know...Keep up the good work
Thanks, great review. I'm on the market for all-arounder and this was helpful. Cheers
Great reveiw!
Love your channel!! 🖒🚴
Thanks for a review with opinions. Tired of reviewers reading me specs and features.
Thank you for the review, I purchased the Sora based on your review and I love it! I got the 28 inch. I’m 5/11 270 and it looks small compared to my Trek Stache I’m sure due to tire size. It doesn’t ride small and I’m having a good time on gravel and pavement. Taking it on the North East Texas Trail in October. I would like to convert to 1x11 to give this old guy a little more granny. Problem is I think that’s a big investment for this bike at $700. Stache will see some action in November in Big Bend. Come on out and ride with us!
As youve seen on my instagram, I have the 700c claris build JMan and converted it to the Sram 1x11 and put together a set of 650B wheels. I also added a pair of cow chipper bars and the Redshift Stockshop stem. This made the bike ride awesome and really versatile. Your channel really helped me figure out how I wanted to spec the bike out. Thanks ✌🏼
This sounds really similar to how I would want to set it up but with the 650b wheels instead. Are you still loving it? I'm looking for reviews of people who have ridden it for awhile or on long (century) rides to see if it's comfortable long term. What do you think? The aluminum frame is really my only hesitation.
Thanks for the review!
didn't know you were in missoula! what an amazing city. great bike review, I'm in the market and this helps a lot.
I finally picked my Salsa Journeyman 650...Awesome😎👍🏽 bike.. Thanks to Oak City Cycling Project in Raleigh NC..
I'm a hardcore roadie, but I love this channel!
I bought this bike after months of research. I put some WTB Horizon 47c on it and you get a stable predictable gravel bike but also a capable road bike that handle those long days out on the road.
I built up an All-City Space Horse last year and run a FSA Energy 46-30 crankset with Ultegra 11-34 cassette. This works well for me.
Salsa spicing things up with Apex 1 x 10 version! Thanks for the video review!
debating between Sora and Apex myself...
Great channel, good work.
Great review thank you. I have a journeyman and have been considering upgrading to the Warbird or Cutthroat. I guess I have a good mix between the two already. As a note mine came with the Sparwood tires and I loved them, single track to tarmac it really handled well.
How would you rate the capability to do something like dirty kanza on the 650B Journeyman? The only planned upgrades would be the tires and seat. Or would you go for nothing less than the Cutthroat?
the tires on my salsa journeyman were the same brand only smaller when i bought mine i put almost 3000 miles on it so far and its still solid as a rock great bike for road and gravel
In the 1990's, I used to add climbing gears to my Redline cyclo cross bike and cycle highway to USFS roads in my area. The JM addresses the shortcomings of my previous approach.
I bought this bike in 700c with the sora build in white. I had a set of 650b wheels and changed the 11-34 to an 11-40 for the 650b wheels, I then added some road tires to the 700c wheels all done lol. I bought that bike because of your channel
Loved the review!!!! Instant follower here :)
Thank you for the great video. I am finding your reviews to be very helpful and full of valuable details. One question I have as I watch this is what size did you test here, and if you don't mind, how tall you are. I am 5'8" and their sizing puts me in the 54cm, but I'm wondering if the 52cm would also fit ok. Any input you have is welcome. I'd also put this question to all the other people reading this who might have advice for me. Thank you again for all the great content.
Thanks for the review, just picked up the 2019 version with the upgrades.
What upgrades did they make for 2019?
Hi there, how has the bike been treating you? I'm considering buying one but I'm having a hard time finding reviews from people who have been riding it awhile.
Getting the Journeyman. They are hard to come by since most bike shops rarely carry Salsa. Found a bike shop in Charlottesville. Definitely going to ride the WTB’s but eventually will swap them out to another kind of WTB’s. This will be a commuter and weekend touring bike. Thanks for the review.
Shenandoah bike in harrisonburg carry salsa..
I just purchased one from The Bike Stop in Wichita Falls specifically because of this video.
Great review. I’m just getting into gravel from a big background in mountain biking, which had a few years of road riding mixed in. Looking to cover more miles on any pavement and do some bike packing trips, but really just enjoy riding a bike more often even when the mtb trails are closed and I don’t want to lug a 30 pound full suspension mtb around. Ordered the journeyman apex 1 in 700c last week. Keep up the great content. Really enjoying learning more about this type of riding from your channel.
Love your channel - keep up the good work! The Jamis Renegade Expat slays this for value though. I have a Warbird (custom build) and it's a great bike but my Jamis Renegade (custom build) is a tough competitor without a doubt. You need to get a Renegade demo on the channel!
Wish the Renegade came in 650b in my size. Seems weird they limited it to only the two smallest sizes.
The difference I've found between QR and TA especially with discs is you tend to get more rotor rub with QR because of flex. TA is more solid and stiff and I find I never get any rotor rub with them. When I had QR discs you really had to tighten down the skewers and make sure they're level in order to combat the rubbing when you're putting down power or turning into hard corners. Then you have to be concerned about the amount of pressure put on a super tightened QR depending on the material of your fork. I'd go with TA at this point for off road stuff.
Just bought it! Wanted 650b and apex 1x11, but that version is a pink color I wasn't feeling. I already have a 2x9 Sora bike and it's honestly the most consistent shifting system I've got. Tiagra 2x10 is more finicky to set up and for me needs more frequent micro adjustments. I thought about getting the apex/700c version which is kind of a Bianchi type color, and just buying new wheels...but instead I'll try this sora 2x9 for a while and swap into apex 1x if I feel like the gear range would work. Felt the same apprehension about the QR axles, just because it's not really "the future". Great vid.
I just bought this bike. Thanks for helping me.
You weren't that happy with the nano. You mentioned the rat traps pass but I think they are only in 26" now.
What's a good all around 2 or 2.1" tubeless tire? Wish they made a specialized pro that big!
And fender?
Or would you go down to 48 and get a compass?
great review. what's the bag BTW?
Love your channel and have watched this particular video more times than I care to admit. Bought a Journeyman this year and have been very happy with it so far. I'm curious to know what kind of rear fender that you are using in this video and if you'd recommend it? (Having recently gone on a particularly muddy gravel ride, I'm thinking it might be a good investment.)
www.amazon.com/Topeak-rear-mudguard-DeFender-XC11/dp/B00733M3U2 is the one he's running. Not sure if they have one specific for a 650b.
Great review Russ, thank you. What are your thoughts on running low riders on the Journeyman? I see the Salsa website says it's possible but was curious what you thought after riding it. Keep up the good work. Thanks!
I work at a bike shop and we have outfitted three journeymen with low riders in the last month or so. The worst look was the Louis garneau front bags on standard riders. The best... beyond question... the salsa everything racks and bags. Literally made for each other and just gorgeous on top of functional. I've always been a kona girl but these have been eye catching for sure.
Great review. Can you do one on the Jamis Renegade Expat? I'm torn between that bike and this journeyman. Thanks!
If you can get your hands on a Thudbuster seatpost, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. Thanks for the reviews.
Surly bridge club drop bar....thats a modification im wondering about..
At this price point, I think you can make a strong argument for a Raleigh Willard over the Journeyman. Using the corporate partner program, I picked up a Willard for under $800 that has carbon fork, thru-axles, Sram Apex 1x11, decent Spyre mechanical disc brakes, and tubeless ready wheels with quality MSO tires. I haven't found a better value for that money.
This being said, Salsa was brilliant bringing out this bike, as I think they were pricing a lot of riders out of their brand previously.
I'm having this debate with myself currently. Corp discount brings the Willard 4 down to a hair over $1100 and gets you a 105 drive train, thru axles, and a bit more road worthiness and a few pounds less.
On the other hand, $1100 Journeyman gets LBS support, a 650b option, tons of mounting points.
Not a single advantage alone would have pulled me away but all combined has made my decision a tough one.
Just ordered the Salsa Journeyman 650 Claris. Looking for a drop bar bike that i can use for some fitness riding but also put a child seat on the back. I had a 700 flatbar bike but between my 230 lbs ass and my son on the back it felt like i was gunna bend the rim with every little bump i went over. Hope i made the right decision
What do you think of the Apex 1 build? That’s the one I would be looking at. Also, can you run smaller wheels than the 2.1s? Like 40-45s? I would like to use it for a mostly-road tour that does have some gravel and less-technical singletrack, but I much prefer 650b because I am very short. Thanks!
I would love to see Gazelle Popular, Kona Sutra, and Trek 520 reviews.
Russ-What camo bag is that you are running? I just picked up a 2019 Journeyman Apex build on release day, and want something just like that bag.
Apidura frame pack...Apidura is an amazing company
Love the channel man! I've been riding MTB for a while now, around 3 years or so I don't do anything gnarly mostly singletrack, but I've always wanted a road bike as well but i don't want 2 bikes. Is this a good route to go?
This one is prob more road / dirt road oriented and light single track. For something more single track capable would look at the Fargo or Cutthroat.
I really hope All City gets back to you. Would love to see a review on the Gorilla Monsoon
Us too. So frustrating and hard to get bikes to review. Just not a big enough channel yet. Ugh.
I've narrowed my choices to this or the Devinci Hatchet Sora G. Thoughts?
This bike rules. Perfect bike (for me). Took it on a biking weekend in Johnson City, Tx. rode chip seal, smooth road, single track and even horse trails (kinda) Due to my own inexperience on aggressive trails I put a nasty dig in the chainstay, but hey, now it's mine😎
Hi there, I'm considering this bike and just looking for opinions from people who have ridden it for awhile now or on long rides. I have not had a good experience with aluminum so far and wondering how comfortable this bike is long term. What do you think?
@@FreyjaAnd long term I can't tell you. I've had mine for about 2 months. I live in Texas and the roads are rough...chip seal. I have miles of gravel and take it on trails. The vibration in the aluminum frame is dampened by the carbon fork and 650b tires. I am now a 650b convert. The carbon fork does worry me sometimes on trails. I don't have much experience using carbon in this application. I now have a route of 12 paved miles followed by 4 gravel miles to a 2 mile trail. I use this one bike for the loop.
@@PoliticusRex632 Thank you for the reply!
I am interested in the journeyman 650 but wonder if I should get the Apex . I want to get into gravel bike packing
How big of a deal is the carbon fork on the sora set vs the aluminum fork on the claris set?
How available are qr 650b wheels? How available will they be in 5 years? 10 years?
Other than that looks very cool.
Would you say the stiffness is from the tires or the frame itself? I hear these are a bit stiff. Thanks for the info in advance.
Hi Russ not sure if you have had a look at the Merida Silex interesting bike with a Chainwheel 48-32 and freewheel 11x32 with plenty of carrying space on the bike love to know your thoughts . Cheers from max in Australia
Hi from colorado. Im looking at this one or surly bridge club? Which one would you recomend? Thank you for your time.
I was able to break a thru axle drop out on light trails, but I have yet to break a QR skewers even on heavy jumps
I know this is an older video but I'm looking into getting a 650B Jorneyman here this summer to replace my 2014 Crossrip. I really like the crossrip but with most of its components wearing out i'm on the fence about doing a full rebuild or a replace so I can get the wider tires in the 650 range. We have a ton of sand here in SC so thats a big appeal for me. I also like the price point of them. So a year in would you still recommend this bike or should I be looking at others. Mostly a gravel/back paved road rider for this style of bike.
It's a good bike. Ride should be fairly similar to the Crossrip but have more clearance for bigger tires. Probably not wide enough for truly sandy conditions but will give you more purchase than run of the mill 40mm tires.
I think the frame and fork are excellent on the Journeyman, but I have to tell you I have the Sora 650b Model and wish I had gotten the new Apex build. Fortunately my LBS is helping to relieve the issue and my Journeyman will be rebuilt with Apex for close to the same price as the Apex build. The real problem for me was the crankset which was pretty awful. The large chainring had pretty bad chain ring wobble out of the box and would not set up correctly with the front derailleur without having a lot of chain noise while riding in any gear position. I understand this is supposed to be a budget model, but I think they could at least offer a full Sora build at this price point. The cranks would certainly be a major improvement over the FSA model included here. I have personally owned 4 Salsa bikes (I currently also have a 2016 Fargo X7 with upgrades that is a rocket ship). I have been really happy with all of them, but this poor component speck is a bit of a downer. Maybe I was wrong to think I could get solid performance out of a bargain group set. I have been riding this type of bike for years and am a very experience cyclist. I will update once the bike has been rebuilt. I am actually looking forward to riding it more, because I really think it handles even heavy chunky gravel really well.
What made you swap the entire group instead of just replacing the FSA with a better crank?
Great review. I'm in the market for an all around bike with commuting and touring in mind. I wish had compared this bike to the Salsa Midnight Express which you mentioned and you have reviewed separately as a good all-rounder. Both are contenders for me. Which do you like best?
For touring the Journeyman would be the better bike. For an all around fun bike, the MS!
I have one of these up for sale near me. My main riding is pavement to rough pavement to bike trails and am wanting to take it to our annual CO trip. For the pavement riding, will this bike work well with the bigger tires??
Is that fork full carbon or carbon w. an alloy steerer?
No mention of the cable disc brakes ... I was looking at this but went with the Kona Rove NRB DL (after watching your review)👍🏼. Didn't understand 'supple' until you said 20PSI 😝
Disc brakes aren’t a deal breaker for me and can be upgraded if you really want to. I’m more interested in the innate things that can’t be changed and that’s why I spend a good portion on ride handling.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Fair enough, they are for me since they're on my MTB bike. I had something with cables and found them underwhelming and a fairly expensive upgrade (here in NZ anyway). Speaking of NZ, you guys should come and ride Tour Aotearoa! www.touraotearoa.nz/p/home.html I'm thinking about taking the Kona because it is faster on the road than my MTB and won't slow me down too much off road because of the luggage.
Had a discbrake quick release blow up on me so.. yeah, only thruaxles and discs for me going forward. Looks like the Journeyman was discontinued? I get that this video is three years old but that seems like a short run for any model.
I wish the red/orange paint job was on one of the Sora builds honestly. Oh well, maybe they'll refresh it next year and add one with a matte finish.
(Super picky, I know lol)
would you give up your GX for a Journeyman? I just reread your bikeforums topic on it.
What accessories are on the demo bike? Bags? Fender?
"My first big impression was that it rides like a bike."
Hmmm yes, this floor is made of floor
My Cannondale Slate is the best bike I have ever owned. Sorry off subject, just getting it out there. Great channel 👍
I'm a fan. Journeyman 650B #johnmuirjourneyman I've ridden mine on chunky singletrack, the only thing I really missed was hydraulic brakes. I'm doing a lot of commuting on it, a few gravel rides and plan to try some bikepacking.
Hi Russ. I've had a chance to ride the 650b Journeyman and the tread pattern on the 2.1 Nano tires is a bit of a drag. What are your thoughts on swapping them for 650b x 47 Horizons or Byways? Is there still enough volume in these tires to compare to the size of the Nano? Thanks!
You’ll lose some outside diameter but it won’t be as severe as going from a 2.4 to 47. Gravel King at 50mm would be another great option (1.9).
Have zero experience with gravel bikes, but have been considering this bike for commuting. Would probably do different tires (compass babyshoe maybe?). Like the idea of being able to do some bike packing on weekends and only having one bike. Am I making any big mistakes in assuming this could be a good commuter bike?
OEM tires aren’t my fave. Would def experiment with other tires. Yes, would make a great commuter.
This bike is tempting me more as each day goes by. Are gravel bikes, and the journeyman in particular, also strong enough to jump curbs and do small bunny hops? Really looking for an all rounder bike that can efficiently put down miles on all terrain, but also fun to bomb around a little.
Should be fine. The larger tires give a lot more cushion than road tires. I bunny hop on my warroad all the time.
Thanks, looking for a bike for my wife. We mainly ride rail trails. I have a Journeyman myself, the next model up from the 650, we are new to riding and won’t get to aggressive... just like the Salsa brand. Any advice?? Thanks
Brian Patton Great bike. I have one myself. I think a Fargo is a must have bike too.
I live at the top of a steep hill. I never liked the bulkiness of MTB frames, so I'm contemplating on getting a gravel bike frame that allows me to fit 650B wheels with disc brakes... and due to the crazy gradient in my neck of the woods, I'm even considering running a complete 12-speed MTB drivetrain (38T x 10-50T, trigger shifter on the flats of the drop bars).
Basically... instead of a roadbike-style frame with MTB wheels (your average 'gravel bike'), it's practically an MTB with a roadbike-style frame & drop bars. Any cons to this idea? Is it too much of an abomination?
I bought the cheapest model Jamis Renegade last year but test rode the 650b Journeyman. If you want 650b wheels and low gearing, the Journeyman sounds like the bike for you. You can always put a taller casette on it if the gearing isn't low enough. Anyway, if you already have parts lying around, maybe a custom build is for you, but for under 1k, the Journeyman represents decent value.
I'm late to watching this video. But, how did you like the frame sizing? Is it similar to other bikes in your stable? 54 of one size equals 54 to the Journeyman? Thanks
I remember being the top being a little shorter than comparably sized frames.
Hey Russ, Slightly off topic from the Journeyman...
What do you think of the Outer Shell handlebar bag? I'm looking for a small-ish, rack-less bag for touring and commuting. I wasn't sure about the front facing open pockets, seems like I wouldn't use them much. Any input would be appreciated!
I like it. It IS small but fits a mirrorless can or my GoPro nicely. Usually just put small snacks in the front. Love the quick access via bungee closure.
Thanks, appreciate the reply and all the great work!
Do you know if is compatible with mtb hubs?
That pricepoint is perfect for me, but ive been spoiled my whole life with lightweight bikes . The possible weight of this bike PACKED UP for trips dose slightly concern me,l. Any thoughts or opinions on that ?
Yeah. I was put off by the weight initially, but after riding it, it wasn't too bad. It's reasonable. Our old Surly LHTs naked were almost 30 lbs so lightweight is relative.
On thing I don't get is why doesn't anyone fit lower ratio MTB cranks to these to run all standard drivelines? I've fitted a 3sp Deore crankset using a Tiagra 3sp shifter to a CX bike for touring, but the future Journeyman build will see me using a 2sp Deore crankset with a 24/36t combo, RX800 derailleur, and the rest will be 105 11sp, all Shimano, all over the counter...
Yeah the aluminum frame is deal breaker for me, going to stick with my Vaya. Great Review though!
How do the Sora bits do on bumpy stuff vs nicer clutched derailleurs? Also, how was your experience with the Promax brakes? I found them to be dangerously lousy on the Journeyman I rode, even well after they were bedded in.
I went down some rocky stuff and didn’t have any missed shifts or dropped chains. Brakes were fine. Not noticeably terrible in any way. The components aren’t exciting by any means but I thought they performed fine. The shifters were better than what I expected.
Agree with Russ, I just did some washboard gravel a few weeks ago and my teeth chattered, I was running 30psi however.
Is the Journeyman 650b build specifically for 650b or are they using the same frame as in 700c?
I hope you will get an opportunity to review Masi Giramondo. A value budget adventure bike for similar price and in 27.5 wheels variation too. Jamis Renegade Expat ($1200) also comes in 650b + front thru-ax!
I believe it is the same frame. A little bit of a bummer since I would prefer a no compromises 650b bike but you don’t get that at this price point.
I have a 2017 fargo with 650b + tires and have been considering getting a smaller wheelset for longer, less rugged rides (not sure exact size yet, but similar to what these journeyman bikes are offering). With a new wheelset costing at least half as much as the journeyman, do you think the journeyman is a different enough bike from the fargo to justify the extra cost over a new wheelset? Thanks for your opinion!
Haven’t spent enough time with the Fargo. Would think the smaller wheels and tires would affect handling and possibly introduce pedal strike tho. Also, I think the Journeyman might be a bit quicker in the rear.
Path Less Pedaled ok thanks! I can run 29ers without changing the overall wheel diameter so I'm not too worried about pedal strikes. Sounds like I'll have to find one to test ride!
Masi R. or Salsa J.? What is your opinion...?Thanks.
Aw the q9 dilemma. BUY XT SKEWERS. It’s the skewer that twists and flexes at the nut end. I did this on my mtb and no more powering the rear tire into the lower chain stay. I’m 233Lbs. It will be fine
Would you say it handles more like the All City Space Horse but with a carbon fork and cheaper component spec to keep the price down?
Closer to the Space Horse than the Vaya.
Is there an option in this category where i could swap between 700c and 650b wheels with the same frame? The overall diameter of the wheels is supposed to be very similar right?
Yes. Theoretically you can do it with this frame.
Bought it today.
A question about this bike... I'm a senior old liar dog faced pony soldier... and over weight. Do you think...a bike shop could put me on a dropper seat post thing? I understand the cable would be exposed from the crank area up to the handlebars. And would require a hole drilled in the bottom of the seat post. A dropper would help me mount and dismount a lot. What do ya think?
Amazing bike except the components included. Is there any option to buy this bike without the SORA component and the crappy break set?
Unfortunately not.
Do the wheels come tubeless ready?
Hi Russ,
Did the 700c version interest you in any way? I'm afraid a 650 would overlap my 650b hardtail in too many ways but I could be wrong. Im an ex-roadie so Im aware of the benefit of drop bars etc but worried that mtb tires will hinder efficiency. Does 650 allow you to ride longer or just be more comfortable for a shorter time?
I don't know if you ever made it down to the LR100 but I live in Stillwater and those roads are what I'll be riding.
Couple of things. Mountain 27.5 and All-Road 650b are still pretty different esp with tires. It is the equivalent of 29er and 700c. Can’t say one is better than the other, or that they overlap because it’s all about the specific rubber you put on. You can put on a chunky mountain bike 27.5 tire and feel sluggish. Or you can put on a lighter casing and supple 650b tire and be just as fast as a road bike. One upside is both the 650b and 700c version are exactly the same, so you could get best of both worlds with one bike. Personally, I like a wider tire than would fit in 700c so more interested in the 650b.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Awesome and thanks for the reply! I think you rode cutthroats up at DK, understandably they are nice spec but would you have had any reservations riding something like the journeyman at an event like that?
@@rlane4osu199 I think the Journeyman would do great. Only issue would be the weight. A lighter wheelset and tubeless would be nice.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Yeah, there's nearly a 1.5lb difference between the 700 and 650 spec, figured that was tires and tubes alone.
Any tire recommendations? Don't know that it would be worth seeking higher end wheelsets on a budget qr/Sora bike. Anything more than tires, I'd probably be looking at other options, warbird or others that are a little more future proof.
What trail did you ride it on?
You should check out the Fuji Yari 1.1 it's super good!
Not the same price range
I really wish there could an option to upgrade the drive train directly from Salsa. Sora is solid, but would like the ability to have it come as 1x and not have to upgrade later. Sora parts are hard to sell second hand.
Ha. Yeah. I do like the 2x on an actual touring bike. I don't think 1x gives enough range and low enough gearing for me.
Path Less Pedaled I feel like the 1x fad is just a way for companies to sell you less for more money. I'm all about the 2x
As anyone reviewed the Brodie Romulus ? Seems to have a lot of the same characteristics but with a steel frame.
Very interesting bike, but very low availability.
What upgrades would you make on this bike right away? Sadldle?
Tires and saddle.
Between the Journeyman and the Surley Midnight special, if you had to pick one which would it be? Thanks.
Ugh. So hard. If I had no bikes, the Journeyman. With the stable we have, I’d go with the MS. The MS is such an interesting bike handling wise IMO.
Much appreciated.
Thanks for asking...was wondering this too. Being in the market for my first gravel/adventure bike the Journeyman seems spot on for me....especially with different tires (Compass or WTB road plus).
I think it would come more alive with different tires for sure.
Can you say more about why journeyman over MS?
Thanks for all the great content on the channel! Who doesn't love the supple life? Question, why haven't you reviewed the Jamis Renegade? I'm assuming you've had this question before. I'm looking for a steel gravel type enduro bike that's quicker and faster than a vaya but could take some weight for a light tour and thought the Renegade might fit the bill. Thanks again for your work on the channel! Much appreciated!
Does anyone have considered the Norco Search XR?
Im planning on getting this bike, but the website is unclear on the bb drop for the 650b version.. did you have any issues with pedal strikes? That being said I'm planning on getting 170 cranks anyway, but it's my last detail I'm nervous about! Thanks
I believe both the 700 and 650b use the same frame.
@@PathLessPedaledTV right on! So I take it you didn't have any issues with pedal strikes? Also I love your channel man, thanks for the quick response
Yeah. Didn’t have any issues while I had the bike. Thanks for watching!
Hi Russ do you think its man enough to do the tour divide ?
Stephen Williams I’m sure Russ will chime in. As an owner of the Sora and Trek Stache, I would take the Stache. The drop bars don’t feel as stable for me as my Jones bar. If you converted the drive train to 1x11 and swap out for flat bar, I think you could do it.
Any plans to review Surly's Bridge Club? My wife has been looking at the Salsa Journeyman but then Surly announced the BC 🤔
did you end up making a decision on the two? I'm looking at both of these as well for my wife.
loaded question... looking for any insight in case i'm just not seeing the obvious. I'm looking to buy my wife (as a surprise) a do it all bike. A go anywhere do anything bike. If she only had one bike this would be it. She is 5'5" (52cm bike) and would be considered a beginner in the sport of cycling, though she has ridden bikes her whole life. We want to be able to go on wandering Saturday morning rides, while pulling our kids in a trailer. A quick ride to a brewery for supper and beer. Also, our bucket list includes starting with a DK50 to see how that goes, and maybe even RAGBRAI. Probably not any unsupported overnight bikepacking trips. We live in Lawrence, KS where gravel riding is huge and there are miles & miles of paved trails. At this point, we are not interested in dropping thousands of dollars on 1 bike, though $1000-$1500 price for a good bike is what seams reasonable. I've read Salsa Cycles descriptions and can see the obvious differences (even aluminum vs steel). Even though this review of the Journeyman was very helpful and makes the Journeyman sound even better, i'm still torn. Components can always be upgraded if need be. I've been leaning towards the Journyman, but the Vaya seems tried and true. Do I buy her a Journeyman 650b Sora or the Vaya Tiagra? Or should i get her the women's Specialized Diverge E5? help!?
Of the three I would lean towards the Vaya. I prefer the ride of the steel and slightly better components. Our Vaya are our most ridden bikes and are perfect all rounders.
hey whats the main difference between the salsa jounreyman claris and the sora?
The Sora is one step up in the Shimano line and has one more gear on the rear cassette. Also the Sora model has a carbon fork whereas the claris has an aluminum fork.