Thanks for the great review. Glad to see you are enjoying the Cutthroat. You are spot on IMO upon the use of 'alt' bars in place of standard flat bars (if moving away from drop bars). I use Jones Hbars on my personal Cutthroat. That type of bar does a much better job of maintaining body position for any bike designed primarily for drop bar use. Thanks again for the positive review. -Mike
I literally just bought this bike. Can't wait to ride it! I've always wanted to dabble in gravel without lugging around my heavier MTB, and just always come back to looking at this bike.
The Cutthroat was kind of my unicorn but circumstances never allowed me to get one. I’m glad that it checks all the boxes for you, you seemed to be searching over the last couple years. Happily for me, my Fargo does for me what your Cutty does for you.
I’ve owned the GRX 600 1x version of the Cutthroat for about a year now. I found myself spinning out really quickly on the flats so I switched to 40 tooth chain ring and a 11-46 cassette out back to still have an acceptable easy gear for the climbs. That and switching to some redshift kitchen sink bars (no loop), different wheels, and a PNW dropper have made this bike my do-it-all super gravel bike. Took it last week on a 60 mile gravel ride and I was surprised how good I felt afterwards. Definitely a great adventure bike!
I've got a Cutthroat headed my way right now and I"m so stoked. I used to ride a Ti Fargo. And when i say ride i mean like 7,000 miles a year. Very pumped for some adventures.
@@MrQuestful a few reasons. Number one being I could just get a complete build. I’ve been out of the industry for a long time. The second reason is that when the cutthroat was released many years ago I got a chance to ride it and compare to the Fargo and I preferred the geometry of the cutthroat. Any of these bikes will make a great choice for you though.
I run 2x SRAM Force 22 on my Cutthroat (30/46 front and 11/42 rear) and took it on the transcontinental race this summer on 44mm Rene Herse tires. Fantastic bike and great comfort. Surprisingly efficient on road at endurance speed with these tires as well. One thing that is special about this bike is the long wheelbase. It makes it super stable but not very nimble.
I love my Salsa Stormchaser for most of the items you mentioned. Alternate from 2.1 Mezcals and 47c Pathfinder Pros. I've got 46cm flared bars, a Redshift suspension stem and a GRX group, it fits me great and is fun on all sorts of gravel, two track and mild singletrack.
Great video. I considered a cutthroat, but as a heavier and taller rider, I decided to get a titanium dropbar "adventure" bike. I may consider the steel frame Salsa Fargo in the future.
I love my ‘20 Cutthroat. I just did my second road century ride on it, and I want to do a gravel century soon. I have a Brooks saddle on it, and I’m considering a suspension seat post.
Like you I bought a 2021 GRX 600 Cutthroat. It is a great bike and I have put 5,000 miles on it. I knew it was not geared low enough for GDMBR bike packing, so I put a 11x40 tooth cassette on it. This did not meet Shimano specs, but it worked but was still not geared low enough. The 30 tooth front chain ring and 40 tooth cassette gives a lowest gear ratio of 21.75 gear inches and you really need a 20 gear inches ratio for the GDMBR. I had to walk some of the mountain passes last summer when I did the section between Colter Bay and Silverthorne. A few weeks ago I spent a lot of money and replaced the group set with the SRAM GX Eagle AXS with a 10x52 cassette. I will be biking from Silverthorne, CO to Grant, NM on the GDMBR this summer.
Id really consider getting a wider range cassette for the rear, 11-40 or 11-42, I have that with my sutra with a mtb double (38/28) and i could climb a damn wall. i favored the low-end gears for bikepacking but may play around with a different large ring, something like a 42 or 44. love the guild with jones bars, looks incredibly versatile. cheers!
Wow awesome setup. I'm definitely looking into adding alternative bars on my bike now for comfort. Also I'm going to look into the Cut Throat, it might be my next bike.
Lots of good memories on Big Bird! Thought hard about getting another one but found the idea of no more derailleur hanger too good too pass up and the Cutty is no udh. Just got a Corvid MAP as it's replacement but not enough rides to have an opinion other than Transmission does shift as advertised.
@@MrQuestful XO t type mullet, Whisky carbon fork and cockpit, Force hoods with code brakes, AXS 120 dropper, Hunt xc wide race and Conti Racekings, wolftooth bits. It is absolutely phenomenal.
Great review! Salsa does not provide the weight on its website. I think of two possible reasons. First, their manufacturing variance is too big. Due to low standard quality control, Salsa cannot post a reasonable weight. Two, Salsa is ashamed of its weight. Cutthroat doesn't have a suspension, but perhaps it weights as much as or more than a lightweight hardtail. That what I deduce from the lack of the weight spec. I had interest on Cutthroat, but not anymore.
I’m interested in getting a cutthroat, and like you have always wanted one but I’m worried about the sizing. Are you riding a 56? I’ve read they run small. I’m pretty standard at 5’11” and my Warbird is a 56 but wondering how you determined the size that was best for you?
Hey, yes I’m riding a 56. I was worried I would want to size up since I’m just shy of 5’11” but tend to like a large mountain bike. When I had the drops on I went from the stock 80mm stem to a 60 to make it fit more comfortably which surprised me because I thought I’d feel cramped. I’m really happy with the 56, but honestly I do think the 58 would also maybe work for me because while it’s a little longer, it’s also disproportionately taller (25mm higher stack).
The stock WTB wheels are pretty reliable but they’re definitely on the heavy side. I put some Pub Carbon rims that are on DT Swiss 350 hubs on mine. They came off another bike and Pub is no longer in business, but they’ve been great.
Hours of riding I would live too the most I can go is about an hour before my butt starts to hurt , what saddles are you using I enjoy riding but I rest for about 15/20 at a time Great content enjoy your view point Thank you
saddles are *highly* personal choices - you might love one and it might make my butt hurt in minutes. some bike shops will loan you different saddles so you can try to find one that works well for you.
Only thing keeping me off this bike is the press-fit BB. I do my own maintenance and just can't be dealing with that. Otherwise, everything about it is on point.
@@juliapoelstra3624 Those are nice but I already have a Surly for the super chunky tires. I have a Stormchaser for standard gravel but have considered selling both for something in between.
Hello congratulations for your review. I’m evaluating to buy a Cutthroat, I would need some help to understand what size it would fit better for me. I’m 174 cm tall and leg height is 73 cm. Could somebody help? Many thanks.
I would say they’re not really in the same category. The Cutthroat is a drop bar mtb meant for bikepacking so it has a more relaxed body position, much larger tire clearance, and a stable ride. The Stigmata is more of a racey gravel bike with a few adventure features.
@@RideYearRound Thanks, I understand that the Santa Cruz is more for racing, although you can use it forbikepacking, the Salsa is more for bikepacking. I was able to see that the carbon frames from Santa Cruz have a very long warranty. How are the Salsa frames?
@@RideYearRound At least if I want to do bikepacking and some small races with friends, the best would be the Salsa. I would just like to know about the quality of the carbon frames because the Santa Cruz has a very long warranty. How are the Salsa frames?
The q-factor is wide compared to most road and gravel bikes, but on par with or narrower than most mountain bikes these days. I would guess you were having some other fitment issues that gave you knee problems unless you’re also unable to ride boost spaced mountain bikes.
It's actually more that I've been sent a few different bars to review lately and the Cutthroat was the best platform for me to try it on. The drop bars were definitely my least favorite, but the other two bars I've been testing have been great.
Thanks for the great review. Glad to see you are enjoying the Cutthroat. You are spot on IMO upon the use of 'alt' bars in place of standard flat bars (if moving away from drop bars). I use Jones Hbars on my personal Cutthroat. That type of bar does a much better job of maintaining body position for any bike designed primarily for drop bar use. Thanks again for the positive review. -Mike
I love my salsa I bought it 2 weeks ago and I love it it the handle bars are tough to get used to but it’s better than my 1999 trek lol
I literally just bought this bike. Can't wait to ride it! I've always wanted to dabble in gravel without lugging around my heavier MTB, and just always come back to looking at this bike.
I think you'll love it!
@@RideYearRound The trails you ride are all great. What area do you live in?
The Cutthroat was kind of my unicorn but circumstances never allowed me to get one. I’m glad that it checks all the boxes for you, you seemed to be searching over the last couple years. Happily for me, my Fargo does for me what your Cutty does for you.
I had a 2013 Fargo for a bit and LOVED it. I’ve gone back and forth for years on wanting the two bikes, glad you enjoy yours so much!
I’ve owned the GRX 600 1x version of the Cutthroat for about a year now. I found myself spinning out really quickly on the flats so I switched to 40 tooth chain ring and a 11-46 cassette out back to still have an acceptable easy gear for the climbs. That and switching to some redshift kitchen sink bars (no loop), different wheels, and a PNW dropper have made this bike my do-it-all super gravel bike. Took it last week on a 60 mile gravel ride and I was surprised how good I felt afterwards. Definitely a great adventure bike!
A dropper post was a smart addition…it’s at the top of my list!
I've got a Cutthroat headed my way right now and I"m so stoked. I used to ride a Ti Fargo. And when i say ride i mean like 7,000 miles a year. Very pumped for some adventures.
I’m curious to learn why you chose the cutthroat, I was thinking of getting a Ti Fargo or a Ti Fenrir as my next expedition bike.
@@MrQuestful a few reasons. Number one being I could just get a complete build. I’ve been out of the industry for a long time. The second reason is that when the cutthroat was released many years ago I got a chance to ride it and compare to the Fargo and I preferred the geometry of the cutthroat. Any of these bikes will make a great choice for you though.
I run 2x SRAM Force 22 on my Cutthroat (30/46 front and 11/42 rear) and took it on the transcontinental race this summer on 44mm Rene Herse tires. Fantastic bike and great comfort. Surprisingly efficient on road at endurance speed with these tires as well. One thing that is special about this bike is the long wheelbase. It makes it super stable but not very nimble.
I love my Salsa Stormchaser for most of the items you mentioned. Alternate from 2.1 Mezcals and 47c Pathfinder Pros. I've got 46cm flared bars, a Redshift suspension stem and a GRX group, it fits me great and is fun on all sorts of gravel, two track and mild singletrack.
I have a Crust towel rack on my Stormchaser. Love the bike as a SS.
The stock tires on this have been decent for smooth and dry stuff, but I think I’ll pick up some Mezcals soon…
Great video. I considered a cutthroat, but as a heavier and taller rider, I decided to get a titanium dropbar "adventure" bike. I may consider the steel frame Salsa Fargo in the future.
I’ve only ridden one titanium frame, but it had a nice ride feel from what I can remember.
what did you get the Ti Fargo?
Fargo is the forgotten big brother of cutthroat. I love mine. The stock components are disappointing now though
I love my ‘20 Cutthroat. I just did my second road century ride on it, and I want to do a gravel century soon. I have a Brooks saddle on it, and I’m considering a suspension seat post.
redshift
Like you I bought a 2021 GRX 600 Cutthroat. It is a great bike and I have put 5,000 miles on it. I knew it was not geared low enough for GDMBR bike packing, so I put a 11x40 tooth cassette on it. This did not meet Shimano specs, but it worked but was still not geared low enough. The 30 tooth front chain ring and 40 tooth cassette gives a lowest gear ratio of 21.75 gear inches and you really need a 20 gear inches ratio for the GDMBR. I had to walk some of the mountain passes last summer when I did the section between Colter Bay and Silverthorne. A few weeks ago I spent a lot of money and replaced the group set with the SRAM GX Eagle AXS with a 10x52 cassette. I will be biking from Silverthorne, CO to Grant, NM on the GDMBR this summer.
I’m just over the hill from you and the Cutty is the prefect Montana do all
Id really consider getting a wider range cassette for the rear, 11-40 or 11-42, I have that with my sutra with a mtb double (38/28) and i could climb a damn wall. i favored the low-end gears for bikepacking but may play around with a different large ring, something like a 42 or 44. love the guild with jones bars, looks incredibly versatile. cheers!
Wow awesome setup. I'm definitely looking into adding alternative bars on my bike now for comfort. Also I'm going to look into the Cut Throat, it might be my next bike.
Alternative bars can totally transform a bike!
Rode a V2 for 3 years and it’s an amazing bike. Mine was destroyed in a collision in July, and I miss it.
Dang that sucks! Glad you got to enjoy it for a while though...
Lots of good memories on Big Bird! Thought hard about getting another one but found the idea of no more derailleur hanger too good too pass up and the Cutty is no udh. Just got a Corvid MAP as it's replacement but not enough rides to have an opinion other than Transmission does shift as advertised.
@@jmdrstvlove Corvid bikes! How did you spec your MAP?
@@MrQuestful XO t type mullet, Whisky carbon fork and cockpit, Force hoods with code brakes, AXS 120 dropper, Hunt xc wide race and Conti Racekings, wolftooth bits. It is absolutely phenomenal.
Very awesome explanation and experiance!👍
I've rode the cutthroat several times and it's really a fun one 😊
I use a Ritchey Keote bar on my Cutthroat. This comes less back so it doesn't get to short. Great bike indeed
Great review! Salsa does not provide the weight on its website. I think of two possible reasons. First, their manufacturing variance is too big. Due to low standard quality control, Salsa cannot post a reasonable weight. Two, Salsa is ashamed of its weight. Cutthroat doesn't have a suspension, but perhaps it weights as much as or more than a lightweight hardtail. That what I deduce from the lack of the weight spec. I had interest on Cutthroat, but not anymore.
It’s not listed for the frame but it is listed for the complete bikes.
I found a Cutty Apex on the side of the road today. It's a little bit beat up but rides so smooth, like a Spanish warhorse. I've named it Rocinante.
Would this bike as a comfy mostly road bike with some slicks on it be an option you would consider?
It’d be comfortable for sure, but it may be overkill if you don’t plan to run any true 29er tires (or 700x50).
@@RideYearRoundthanks! I’d love a road bike w this geometry. Hard to find.
@DZ00t-sw1zm well geometry is king so if that’s what you want then go for it!
@ hmmm
I’m interested in getting a cutthroat, and like you have always wanted one but I’m worried about the sizing. Are you riding a 56? I’ve read they run small. I’m pretty standard at 5’11” and my Warbird is a 56 but wondering how you determined the size that was best for you?
Hey, yes I’m riding a 56. I was worried I would want to size up since I’m just shy of 5’11” but tend to like a large mountain bike. When I had the drops on I went from the stock 80mm stem to a 60 to make it fit more comfortably which surprised me because I thought I’d feel cramped. I’m really happy with the 56, but honestly I do think the 58 would also maybe work for me because while it’s a little longer, it’s also disproportionately taller (25mm higher stack).
I'm 6'2 and ride a 58 cutthroat. Love bike but needs better wheels. What brand did you switch to?
The stock WTB wheels are pretty reliable but they’re definitely on the heavy side. I put some Pub Carbon rims that are on DT Swiss 350 hubs on mine. They came off another bike and Pub is no longer in business, but they’ve been great.
Hours of riding I would live too the most I can go is about an hour before my butt starts to hurt , what saddles are you using I enjoy riding but I rest for about 15/20 at a time
Great content enjoy your view point
Thank you
I'm not too picky on saddles, but it might be because I always wear cycling bibs...they make a huge difference!
@@RideYearRound o wait aren’t those padded?
Yes they are, they’re a lifesaver.
@@RideYearRound got it!
if you didn’t know
Um new to riding , thank you
saddles are *highly* personal choices - you might love one and it might make my butt hurt in minutes. some bike shops will loan you different saddles so you can try to find one that works well for you.
No front suspension 😮😮😮 really comfortable 😅😅😅
Only thing keeping me off this bike is the press-fit BB. I do my own maintenance and just can't be dealing with that. Otherwise, everything about it is on point.
Yeah I'm not a huge fan of press fit BBs either, but I can look past it in this case haha.
Fargo! Steel and threaded
@@juliapoelstra3624 Those are nice but I already have a Surly for the super chunky tires. I have a Stormchaser for standard gravel but have considered selling both for something in between.
@@juliapoelstra3624real heavy 😂 I love my Fargo though
Btw is the spearfish still around? Can you fit 36t chainring?
I don't have a Spearfish anymore, but they're still making them. According to the site, 32t is the max chainring size.
Hello congratulations for your review. I’m evaluating to buy a Cutthroat, I would need some help to understand what size it would fit better for me. I’m 174 cm tall and leg height is 73 cm. Could somebody help? Many thanks.
Which is better Salsa Cutthroat vs Santa Cruz Stigmata
I would say they’re not really in the same category. The Cutthroat is a drop bar mtb meant for bikepacking so it has a more relaxed body position, much larger tire clearance, and a stable ride. The Stigmata is more of a racey gravel bike with a few adventure features.
@@RideYearRound Thanks, I understand that the Santa Cruz is more for racing, although you can use it forbikepacking, the Salsa is more for bikepacking. I was able to see that the carbon frames from Santa Cruz have a very long warranty. How are the Salsa frames?
@@RideYearRound At least if I want to do bikepacking and some small races with friends, the best would be the Salsa. I would just like to know about the quality of the carbon frames because the Santa Cruz has a very long warranty. How are the Salsa frames?
I had to return my Salsa Cutthroat because the Q-Factor is insanely wide and it was destroying my knees.
The q-factor is wide compared to most road and gravel bikes, but on par with or narrower than most mountain bikes these days. I would guess you were having some other fitment issues that gave you knee problems unless you’re also unable to ride boost spaced mountain bikes.
@@RideYearRound It's like pedaling a horse dude. Otherwise the fit was fine.
@trailingupwards just wait until you try a fat bike haha
I too really like my cutthroat, so comfortable!
It seems as though you struggled to decide on a handlebar set up.
It's actually more that I've been sent a few different bars to review lately and the Cutthroat was the best platform for me to try it on. The drop bars were definitely my least favorite, but the other two bars I've been testing have been great.
@@RideYearRound You using the 2.5" rise Jones or the regular?
@@cjohnson3836 I tried both and preferred the 2.5.