Journeyman Apex 1 650 offers the comfort and traction of a wider tire, and you’ll feel the difference immediately when you go off road. For those who don’t want to spend more than a thousand and still receive exceptional results from a high-end bike – the Flat-Bar Claris in the Journeyman series will come like a gem. SRAM’s Apex groupset works well. It wouldn't be our first pick for racing or punching the throttle on the downhills, it prefers a more laid-back approach. The handlebar is wrapped in Salsa Gel Cork bar tape and clamped to a Salsa Guide stem. Apart from that, it lets you ride around without weight drawbacks – increasing your confidence and comfort in the process. This is due in part to the somewhat more conservative geometry which includes a shorter effective top tube and reach measurement along with a taller stack height that gives the rider a notably more upright body position. Together, they ensure maximum coziness when riding. The frame also features top tube bag mounts, multiple water bottle mounts, fender mounts, and rack compatibility. The bike features an aluminum frame, carbon fork, and SRAM Apex 1 drivetrain. The Salsa Journeyman Apex 1 700 bike is an all-road bike with the chops to fulfill a wide variety of missions, whether you're wandering the backroads, bikepacking or racing gravel. This offers enough responsiveness for any type of performance. Whether you want to go on the road at maximum speeds or achieve maximum traction and extra handling off-road, this bike makes it all possible. It still gets the job done and is a good option for less aggressive riders. If you’re picking one of these, then don’t hesitate. Look no further. The Riddler tires are a great all-around option. The geometry of the Journeyman also lends itself to a more relaxed approach while climbing. It has internal cable routing and tire clearance for up to 700 x 51c or 27.5" x 2.2" tires. That ensures a similar experience, but also different results with each. The Salsa Journeyman is available in three models; including the Sora (Which we’re reviewing), the Apex 1, and the Claris. It also features SRAM Apex 1 gearing which is perfect for venturing farther off the beaten path while riding or racing gravel. The Salsa Journeyman is an all-road bike with the chops to fulfill a wide variety of missions. Salsa offers the Journeyman in both 700c and 650b/27.5" wheeled builds. Coming with 700c wheels, the Journeyman Sora offers an excellent experience on asphalt as well as on dirt. How can we improve GearLab? The WTB Volt saddle is also a tester favorite with a comfortable width and slightly cradled shape for settling in on long climbs. You won’t get something with 11 speeds like the Apex or 9 speeds like the Sora – so it is perfect if you want something modest. And with the FSA Very Pro Adventure crankset, you can achieve amazing results anywhere. They still have a small difference between each – making the entire Journeyman set way more enticing than the standard. Journeyman is Salsa's all-road bike designed with the versatility to fulfill a wide variety of missions. It's not a standout performer on either the climbs or descents, instead, it's consistent in its average-ness which isn't necessarily a bad thing. First, it was decidedly lightweight, something I didn’t quite expect from a “budget” bike. It had 440mm long chainstays, a 1060mm wheelbase, and the bottom bracket was 279mm high. Bookmark. You won’t have anything to complain about with the Claris 700 from the Journeyman series. Journeyman Apex 1 700 has 700c wheels for more speed and … Salsa makes a range of other gravel and adventure bikes to suit a huge range of rider's needs and budgets. Journeyman is Salsa's all-road bike designed with the versatility to fulfill a wide variety of missions. The Salsa Journeyman retails for $899-$1099 depending on spec, and is available in 50cm, 52cm, 54cm, 55.5cm, 57cm, and 59.5cm. Journeyman Apex 1 650 offers the comfort and traction of a wider tire, and you’ll feel the difference immediately when you go off road. This design allows the user to drop down a little less and achieve a slightly cozier posture. The WTB Riddler tires are a solid all-around choice and as a rear tire, it provides good traction on a huge range of surfaces and conditions with minimal rolling resistance. We’re in a mini golden age of economical gravel rigs, though, and there’s no shortage of other options worth examining. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Coming back to the Sora model, we now meet the Flat-Bar alternative. If you’re painting the bike yourself, test the paint before using it to make sure it matches what you want. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Razor MX350 Review (Updated, 2020) | Facts You Should Know, Salsa Marrakesh Review (Updated, 2020) – Facts You Need to Know, Specialized Roubaix Review (Updated, 2020) – Facts You Need to Know, Specialized Diverge Comp Review (Updated, 2020) – Facts You Need to Know, Specialized Allez Review (Updated, 2020) – Facts You Need to Know, Schwinn 170 Review (Updated, 2020) – Facts You Need to Know, Santa Cruz Tallboy Review (Updated, 2020) – Facts You Need to Know, Salsa Timberjack Review (Updated, 2020) – Facts You Need to Know, Salsa Journeyman Review (Updated, 2020) | Facts You Should Know, Giant Escape 2 Review (Updated, 2020) | Facts You Should Know, Cannondale Topstone 105 Review (Updated, 2020) | Facts You Should Know, Cannondale Synapse Review (Updated, 2020) – Facts You Need to Know, Fantastic drivetrain for superior performance, Smooth and grip-oriented tires for versatility, Perfect 9-speed drivetrain for a versatile performance, Excellent tires and wheels for traction and reliability, Highly responsive brakeset for secure stops, Comfy handlebar and saddle for enjoyable rides, Easy-to-handle frame with tons of resilience, The slightly low design makes it difficult to go uphill, Shifting speeds can be tricky for inexperienced users, Extremely responsive brakeset for security when riding, Ideal wheels and tires for decent traction at all times, Amazing frame with a top-notch fork for convenience, Comfortable and practical design with extras, Outstanding drivetrain performance with 9 speeds, A comfortable position with flat-bar handlebar design, Reliable brakeset system for responsive stops, High-quality wheels with traction-oriented tires, Well-made frame for extra resilience and handling, Excellent flat-bar design for comfort and control, Top-notch wheels and tires for traction and reliability, Light and easy-to-handle frame with a resilient build, Fantastic Claris drivetrain for simple speed changes, The unbeatable price tag for the quality it offers, Not the most comfortable bike for long rides. We have many more roads to explore on the Journeyman, so keep an eye out for a full review next month. This includes a Cowbell handlebar that has been designed with gravel riding in mind with a light 12-degree flare for a more natural riding position. One could easily reduce the weight of this bike by setting up the tires tubeless and shaving 8-9 ounces in tube weight, though the WTB Riddler Comp tires aren't TCS compatible and this would require an upgrade. Obviously, it 's a great starter bike for anyone just trying out gravel grinding for the first time, particularly folks who have more of a casual approach. It comes in six frame sizes, 50, 52, 54, 55.5, 57, and 59.5cm. Apex 1 700 Flat bar Sora 700. And each one of them is totally worth considering. The 11-speed Apex drivetrain offered plenty of range for our testers on any pitch of climb. The simplicity comes from the 8-Speed Shimano Claris GS derailleur, which pairs up with a KMC X8 chain to deliver excellent speed changes at any time. Especially if you love versatile bikes that can go on the road as well as off-roading without ever feeling less than ideal – then you’ll find these models perfect for your needs. Each one comes in different sizes as well as handlebar designs, and even with different frame geometry. Along with the handling, you get a different posture when riding. We'd prefer a tubeless setup, of course. Considering the price of this bike and the aluminum frame, it stands to reason that it would be heavier than all of the more expensive carbon-framed competition. The 650B model in the fetching pink color is most eye-catching, but if you want 700c wheels, you will have to sweet talk your local Salsa dealer into a possible wheel swap. This is the least expensive model we tested, yet it exceeded our expectations and we have no hesitation recommending this versatile bike to just about anyone. Explore the full Salsa Journeyman line at www.salsacycles.com. The Journeyman Apex 1 700 comes with a 40t single up front, and a 10 – 42 11 speed cassette out back. Or maybe you're looking for a versatile gravel rig for trying your hand at racing and for use commuting and maybe a little bike packing too? But it is really the aluminum frame with a Fantail Deluxe Fork that stands out so much. This is a great entry-level bike that can open the doors to the wonderful world of gravel riding, with a versatile performance that is great for more casual riders and just about anything shy of serious competitive racing. Journeyman Apex 1 700 has 700c wheels for more speed and … Considering the price, there isn't much that we would address on the build of this bike with two exceptions. We gave the Journeyman high marks for its versatility. This pairs up amazingly well with the set of Novatec WTB wheels with Tevarail Cannonball tires at 700c – ideal for proper traction and excellent smoothness. There is really nothing flashy or exciting about the components attached to the Journeyman we tested, but we have to admit that we were pleasantly surprised by the overall performance of this bike. We also wouldn't hesitate to use it for road rides, or as a commuter bike for riding to and from work or anywhere around town. No, the bike’s frame was designed to work without a suspension fork. The Journeyman Apex outfitted with SRAM Apex components is a clear step up over the others and is much better suited to intense riding. Salsa Journeyman Claris 700 Bike. This is not to say one couldn't "race" on this bike, though we feel people would be hard-pressed to be competitive in a race on the Journeyman. This one offers the same type of performance, with a slight difference in comfort. As a rule, Salsa doesn't skimp on frame mounts, and the Journeyman is no exception. Yes, it offers the chance to integrate a rear rack with a mid-blade mount on the back. Retail Stores in … Still, you get the aluminum frame that makes the Journeyman so fantastic. It allows the bike to go on any trail and resist bumps and other impacts without breaking a sweat. If you are interested in contributing content to our Gravel Cycling Gear Blog Contact Us. The SRAM Apex 1×11 groupset is suitable for off-road riding, but thanks to a 40T crankset, you can ride Salsa Journeyman Apex 1 on paved roads as well. West Coast, East Coast & Midwest warehouses. Hi Kids, Title says it all. There’s ample range for dealing with the steeper climbs you always find in the woods compared to on the road, and though the gaps might be bigger than a 2x drivetrain, it’s easy to adapt to, especially when riding off-road trails. We have many more roads to explore on the Journeyman, so keep an eye out for a full review next month. The Journeyman Apex from Salsa is the basic model – the one with the most straightforward yet most reliable, practical, and efficient build. #Salsa #Journeyman #GravelBike In this episode I review my much loved Salsa Journeyman! Journeyman Apex 1 700 has 700c wheels for more speed and … At 24 lbs and 5 oz, the Journeyman isn't exactly a heavyweight, but it is 5 lbs heavier than the lightest models we tested. This upright feel makes it more challenging to get into an attack position and charge downhill at speed, instead, sitting up and cruising is the order of the day. The Salsa Journeyman Apex 1 700 retails for $1499 USD. It also features SRAM Apex 1 gearing, which is perfect for venturing farther off the beaten path while riding or racing gravel. No, the frame is the central part of the entire build, so breaking it in any way will make it unusable. Are you looking for a new gravel bike? This includes the cranks, shifters, and rear derailleur. This bike has a comfortable geometry and a budget-minded but functional component specification. They proved to provide a more consistent and powerful feel than some of the hydraulic brakes we tested, plus they are easily adjustable. Everyone loves a flat-bar design. Fork Carbon/Composite. Together, you can end up going to anywhere you want and achieve exceptional results with tons of traction and responsiveness. There’s a bike for almost anyone in the Salsa Journeyman array. This one comes with a set of 700c wheels so you can take it anywhere you want – as it achieves proper speed without leaving dirt performance away. It delivers efficiency and ease-of-handling, without leaving practicality behind. Category: Gravel Bikes. And let’s not forget you still get the same 700c Novatec WTB wheels along with the Teravail Cannonball tires. 50cm. But still, the bike comes with the rest of the Sora build – including the Sora STI shifters, the Sora drivetrain with 9 Speeds, and the Promax DSK-330R brakeset for extra reliability. All these are available in both 650b and 700c wheel and tire options to fit your different tastes. Journeyman Apex 1 650 offers the comfort and traction of a wider tire, and you’ll feel the difference immediately when you go off road. Features Disc brake. The Journeyman is the least expensive model we tested, and we were pleasantly surprised by its respectable all-around performance that we feel exceeds the asking price. The Journeyman Claris 650 runs 27.5” tires and has all the attachment points you need to customize your bikepacking setup. The derailleur is a Shimano Sora GS 9-speed, which pairs up with a KMC X9 chain. Choose now! But it is not the wheels that stand out so much, but the Shimano Sora drivetrain – the ideal option for those who 9 speeds without losing any of the smoothness or performance results. Yes, we recommend taking it to a hobby shop or automotive garage for that. When you talk of reliability, this is the ultimate bicycle that you are talking about. Category All-road/Gravel. With three-pack mounts on the fork, frame bag mounts on the top tube and compatibility with front and rear racks and fenders, the Journeyman is ready to take on bike packing or bike touring adventures. The Salsa Journeyman Apexis an affordable aluminum-framed gravel bike that is ready to take on any adventure you are. Not so good for the weekend crit, perfect for grinding up mountain roads. I wasn’t carrying a travel scale, so I didn’t get an official weigh-in, but Salsa claims about 25.5 lbs (11.56 kg). Testers felt like they could suit up in jorts and a flannel shirt and feel right at home on this bike. The aluminum frame generally feels stiff enough, though power transfer doesn't feel as direct as it does on the stiffer carbon models in this test. This bike will make it easy to enjoy all possible trails without a single major downside. We took the measuring tape to our size 57cm test model and found that it had a 568mm effective top tube length and a 380mm reach. 50cm size 6 sizes (50cm to 59.5cm) size 59.5cm. I've Ridden. It has an almost twitchy feel when attacking climbs out of the saddle, but it feels stable and calm when seated and spinning it out. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. … We would quickly replace the WTB Riddler Comp tires that come on this bike and can't be set up tubeless with a set of tires that are tubeless compatible. Let’s not forget it also comes with TRP Spyre-C brakes along with 160mm rotors. In this Salsa Journeyman review, we went through all of these models so you could have a better idea of what they offer. It is designed to traverse all terrains without an iota of faults and break downs. This bike is well suited to a range of cycling activities short of slaying singletrack and landing yourself on top of the podium at gravel races. The Salsa Journeyman retails for $899-$1099 depending on spec, and is available in 50cm, 52cm, 54cm, 55.5cm, 57cm, and 59.5cm. Whether you want to maneuver like a master or enjoy a smooth ride – this fork makes it all possible. You won’t have to worry about hard stops, reducing speed, or merely maneuvering in demanding terrain – this brakeset doesn’t disappoint. The Salsa Journeyman is an all-road bike with the chops to fulfill a wide variety of missions. The 37mm width works well enough, although some girthier and higher volume tires would do wonders to enhance the downhill performance of this bike. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. - Journeyman Aluminum 650b Drop Bar frame - SRAM Apex 1 11-speed drivetrain We were not surprised to find that the Journeyman Apex was the heaviest bike in this test at 24 lbs and 5 oz with tubes and without pedals. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The WTB Riddler tires are a tester favorite and they perform well in a huge range of conditions. The Apex 1 build of the Journeyman is the top of the line version of this budget-friendly gravel bike. The 3-pack mounts found on the fork of the Journeyman speak to this bike's versatility as an adventure/bike packing rig. It pairs up well with 38mm Teravail Cannonball tires along with the Novatec wheels. Then go for the practical Sora Flat-Bar model. The component specification of the Journeyman Apex was solid on the uphills. From their entry-level Claris models($800-$949) to the range-topping Apex 1 650 ($1,549) we tested here, there’s something for just about every type of rider. This ensures proper performance, especially with the Shimano Sora STI shifter, so you can change between 9 speeds at any moment. And when you consider the different sub-models it offers – then you get even more options to pick from. Salsa Journeyman Review. 2019. This build is available with either a drop or flat handlebar. Are you gravel curious? The cockpit consists of mostly house-brand Salsa parts. For under $1,000, you can get a great gravel bikepacking bike. You won’t have to worry about making hard corners and taking the trickiest of curves with ease. Look no further. Salsa Journeyman 700C Drop / SRAM Apex 11-speed / Carbon Fork / 10.8kg / 24lb / US $1399 Salsa Journeyman 700C Drop / Shimano Sora 9-speed / Carbon Fork / 11.2kg / 25lb / US $1099 Salsa Journeyman 700C Drop / Shimano Claris 8-speed / Aluminium Fork / 11.6kg / 25lb / US $899 Salsa Journeyman Sora Gravel Bike Review. If you’re eager to find out more about this brand and bike series to possibly end up with a fantastic bike – then you’ll want to keep reading! If you're interested in getting into gravel riding and you're looking for a versatile bike that's good for just about everything, check out Salsa's affordable Journeyman. - Journeyman Aluminum 650b Drop Bar frame - SRAM Apex 1 11-speed drivetrain Along with the Fantail Fork and the Shimano Claris drivetrain, you can expect a highly versatile bike for a superb result on any surface. Let us know! To change the speeds, you’ll need to use the Shimano Claris STI shifter. 2019 Salsa Cycles Journeyman 700 Apex 1 700. I'm looking at a Kona Rove ST or the Salsa Journeyman. For this review, I rode Salsa’s top-of-the-line Journeyman Apex 1 650, which features an aluminum frame, SRAM’s Apex 1 drivetrain, Teravail Sparwood 650b x 2.1-inch tires, and TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes. It is one of the most responsive out there. You don’t get any single drawback despite its affordability, so you’re getting a total bang for the buck. The Journeyman is the least expensi… The geometry of the Journeyman is a little more comfort-oriented, with a shorter reach and taller front end. All of the builds listed can be purchased with either wheel size. If you like the Salsa Fargo Apex 1, but find the price a bit too high, we recommend considering the Salsa Journeyman Claris 700. Testers were pleasantly surprised by the performance of the SRAM Apex 1x drivetrain. The Journeyman is a comfortable and capable bike on the descents but it has a bit of a speed and aggressiveness limit. Journeyman Apex 1 700 has 700c wheels for more speed and … The Salsa Journeyman Apex 1 700 comes with a realistic, if not low-gear’d 1×11 Apex groupset. But this wouldn’t be possible without the Promax DSK-330R brakeset – a fantastic option to keep the bike ready to stop at any time, even in speedy downhill roads. The Apex 1 build we tested is the top of the range. The Journeyman definitely has a more laid-back feel than some of the racier bikes in this review. Interested in dipping your toes in the gravel riding pool but not sure if you want to dive in just yet? It doesn’t matter where you go – you’ll receive the fantastic performance of the Sora build. We have many more roads to explore on the Journeyman definitely has a 27.2mm aluminum seat post in a range. 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