Salsa Notch

82/100
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Facts

Gender
Release Year
Brand
Charge Time
3.5 Hours
Maximum Range
60 Miles
Top Speed
20 mph
Watts
250 W
Torque
85 Nm
Volts and Amp Hours
36V 13.4Ah
Class
Drive
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Gearing Type
Weight
57.25, 59 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Salsa Notch. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

10 reasons to buy

  • Experts appreciate the Notch’s stability, forgiving nature, and capacity to charge through the rough.
  • The smooth, active rear end makes for a comfortable, “ground-hugging” ride.
  • One expert says the RockShox Domain Gold RC fork (Deore 12 build) feels more expensive than it is.
  • Experts say the seated position is both comfortable on climbs and commanding on descents.
  • The Notch frame can run up to 180mm of travel in the rear, and a 200mm dual-crown suspension fork.
  • Using the flip chip’s high setting, the Notch can be set up mullet with a 27.5” x 2.6” to 2.8” tire in the rear.
  • SRAM’s UDH simplifies replacements.
  • The Notch is compatible with Bosch’s range extender, which reviewers find stays firmly in place when mounted.
  • Testers say that though the Deore 12’s specification looks unimpressive on paper, everything performs well.
  • The “cleanly executed” aluminum frame and neat top tube display win praise.

6 reasons not to buy

  • This is a heavy e-MTB, with the joint highest weight of 14 models in a pubication's annual test roundup. Fitting the range extender hikes the Deore 12's weight to 61lb.
  • Reviewers find the bike only really comes to life at higher speeds.
  • Testers say the Notch's size and bulk limit its maneuverability, making it hard to change lines on descents and a handful on technical climbs.
  • Experts feel the Deore 12’s spec list is poor at this price.
  • The dropper travel of 150mm (S) or 170mm (M-XL) underwhelms testers.
  • The Shimano Deore brakes lack the stopping power needed for such a heavy bike, say testers.

Bottom line

Salsa’s Notch is an enduro e-MTB available in two builds, both with Bosch Performance CX motors. The sole review is of the higher-end Deore 12 build. The three expert reviewers in this test praise the suspension, comfortable climbing position, and frame customizability. However, they bemoan the poor maneuverability, weak brakes, and meager dropper travel. While testers agree the “aggressive” Notch is a good choice for riders wanting comfort and forgiving performance on gnarly trails, it can otherwise be a handful, and is slightly overpriced given the spec.

Expert Reviews

82/100 based on 1 rated expert review
82
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This review has been given a score. Read more here
The Loam Wolf

Salsa Notch Deore Review

The Salsa Notch is a solid aggressive enduro e-MTB, but [it] will not be the most inspiring bike for riders who don’t have gravity-fed descents to unleash its capabilities.

Visit full review

User Ratings

0/100 based on 0 ratings
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Rankings

Compared to other bikes
#87 Best Mountain
Bottom 40%
#24 Best Enduro
Bottom 50%
#7 Best Salsa Bike
Top 50%
#499 Best of All Bikes
Bottom 50%

Bike Comparison

Salsa Notch in comparison to averages

Forum Discussions

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