I'm an 'overbiker', can this gravel race bike help me keep up with my fastest friends?

But more importantly, is it worth the price tag? And what about the extra fun along the way?

The 2024 Salsa Warbird C Force AXS Wide
(Image credit: Charlie Kohlmeier)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

The Salsa Warbird is an easy to live with, all-terrain machine. It is versatile, efficient and comfortable, but also rather vanilla, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but at this price point, I think you’ll have a hard time convincing yourself of the value. Overall, the Warbird is a really solid bike that is a smart choice for almost everyone, but it’s missing that little extra bit of something special that would take it to a 5 in my book.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Ride quality

  • +

    Frame Design

  • +

    Tons of storage

  • +

    Build Options

  • +

    Versatility

  • +

    Dropper Post Compatible

  • +

    Full Fender Ready

  • +

    Bikepacking Ready

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Value for the price tag

  • -

    Intentions — It feels like in trying to check all the necessary boxes, Salsa may have missed the opportunity to create something truly special.

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Foreword:

I am regularly dubbed as the overbiker. My “road” bike tips the scales at 26lbs, has carbon enduro rims, a 180mm dropper post and 2.25” tires. I generally have a tendency to turn what is normally a rather sporty bike, into a chunkier, dirt-focused ride. It usually happens after a big mechanical failure or crash where I convince myself that bigger tires or beefier parts would’ve prevented the issue. Sometimes this is true, and others I end up shooting myself in the foot. Extra weight and chunky tires tend to add a lot of resistance, increasing effort. I am good at tuning that out for the most part, but then I get invited on rides with the race crew. When it comes to keeping up with my friends on their fast bikes, it can sometimes become a bit of an issue.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Header Cell - Column 0 Old (55cm)New (55cm)
Reach377371.97
Stack567565.97
Seat tube520475
Headtube Angle70.570.75
Seat Tube Angle73º73º
BB Drop7070
Chainstay430430
Wheelbase10251022.39
Fork Offset (Rake)4550

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