BikeRide finds and shows you the best prices of the bikes you want to buy. Prices constantly change and it’s impossible to compare them all yourself.
We search for prices on over 120 bike retailers to guarantee that we find the lowest prices – to save you time and money.
It’s a promise we stand behind: If you find a lower price on a bike elsewhere, we will sell it to you for 10% less. For example, if you find a bike for $480 that we have listed at $500, we will offer you to buy it for $432 through BikeRide. The bike must be the same color and size, sold in the US and not include the use of a coupon.
If you find a lower price, email us at [email protected] with documentation of the price. We’re committed to making sure that the cost of a bike does not keep you from cycling!
Facts
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 reviewSalsa Notch Deore Review
Rankings
Best Mountain Bikes
Bike Comparison
Forum Discussions
-
12 hours ago
-
13 hours ago
-
1 day ago