Woodsmoke is the name of the grab bag that Salsa Cycles is sending out onto the trails for the 2017 model year. The bike sizes 29", 29" Plus and 27.5" Plus can be used. This is made possible by a raised chainstay on the drive side and an adjustable dropout, the so-called Alternator 2.0. With these ingredients, Salsa has managed to shorten the chainstays considerably. Their length of 400 to 417 millimeters is a real statement, the length varies with the wheel size - or rather with the setting of the adjustable dropout. As is the trend today, the short chain stays are combined with a long front end, short stems around 50 millimetres long and wide handlebars.

Flexible with the stroke

The Woodsmoke is also flexible when it comes to the front suspension: forks with 100 to 140 millimetres of travel are suitable, and the in-house carbon rigid fork should also fit. The longer the fork travel, the slacker the steering angle; with a shorter fork, the geometry becomes more agile. Salsa points out that despite all the adaptability of the bike, a 29" plus fork should be used for 29" plus use. 29" or 27.5" Plus forks are not compatible with the 29" Plus size.

Flexible drivetrain and use

Salsa also makes a recommendation for the right wheel size. The conventional 29er size provides a traditional cross-country feel and plenty of speed in uphill mode. The 27.5 Plus tires provide significantly more grip and make it easier to choose lines downhill. 29" Plus gives monumental traction and outstandingly safe rolling behavior.

In keeping with the three wheel dimensions, the Woodsmoke is also flexible when it comes to gearing: as is modern today, the bike usually finds its way to the customer in a 1x setup. However, two threads discreetly hidden in the seat tube also allow a front derailleur to be fitted.