Salsa Journeyman
79/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts
Summary of Reviews
We have read all expert and user reviews on the this bike. In summary, this is what cyclists think.
17 reasons to buy
- Handling was great on-road, as was maneuverability on gravel.
- Responsive shifting issued forth from SRAM Apex 1 shifters.
- This pony adapts easily to gravel, singletrack, bikepacking or commuting.
- Riders felt this rig was fast-rolling over a variety of surfaces.
- The Journeyman can be bought or fit with either 650b or 700c wheels.
- High-volume 650b x 2.1” tires felt smooth at lower pressures.
- SRAM’s 1x drivetrain and 11-42 tooth cassette were commended.
- Owners really liked the bright pink and accented-black color options.
- Mechanical brakes proved easy to adjust by owners in remote areas.
- This steed’s geometry ensured comfort on long rides.
- Some experts saw the Journeyman as great value for under $2K.
- In the long-term, this bike was reliable and sought minimal maintenance.
- There was plenty of room in the triangle for framebags and bottles.
- A long wheelbase provided a stable ride, even under one 280lb rider.
- The frame was forgiving for aluminum, while carbon forks soaked up bumps.
- One reviewer said the Journeyman climbed like a goat.
- This machine is provisioned with bosses for many racks, bottles, bags &c.
7 reasons not to buy
- Mechanical disc brakes struck some as underspecced for the offered price.
- A number of reviews said a lower gear would be welcomed, to ease climbs.
- Many would have liked thru-axles, rather than the provided quick-releases.
- Stock tires were not tubeless-compatible.
- The Journeyman was not compatible with a suspension fork.
- Multiple critics wanted a bigger chainring up front.
- There were a few reports of multiple broken spokes on the Salsa Journeyman Claris 700.
Bottom line
The Journeyman is a decently-priced rig that performs well as an all-purpose ride. Many owners were delighted with the bike's performance on-road, on gravel and as a year-round commuter in all conditions. It was widely reported to be comfortable over long distances, with an aluminum frame that showed surprising levels of compliance, especially when coupled with a carbon fork on higher-end models. However, on these higher-end models, some experts felt that the Journeyman was overpriced considering some of the componentry choices.Expert Reviews
60/100 based on 1 expert reviewsSalsa Journeyman Apex 1 650 Review
Level 3 expert
Review: Salsa Journeyman 650b Sora
Level 2 expert
So who is this bike for? I think if you’re looking for an all-round commuter that you can do road-rides, gravel-rides, bikepacking and touring – at a price that will not break the bank, then this bike is definitely for you.
Salsa Journeyman is a Versatile Adventure Road Bike
Level 5 expert
The aluminum frame is nicely designed and it, along with the carbon fork, has mounts for all manner of extra water bottles, racks and mudguards.
Salsa Journeyman Apex 1 650b (First Impressions)
Level 1 expert
So far, first impressions: I’m in love. Got a little bit of snow, handled it awesome… went over a little bit of ice, handled that like a champ too.
Salsa Journeyman Review
Level 2 expert
This might be one of the best entry-level gravel / adventure / road / bikepacking bikes out there on the market right now.
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