r/salsacycles

I've reached out to Salsa directly on this question as well, but obviously not going to hear back until Monday at the earliest. However, just looking for input from the community on this question. Specifically, a local bike shop here in Western PA that recently closed (may have closed as long ago as December 2024, or sometime in 2025, not exactly sure), is selling off its remaining "new old stock" including several Salsa bikes at steep discounts. In particular, the bike I was interested in was being sold for about 64% of its current list price ($1,299) or $825. Of course, not being content for a very good deal, I made a lower offer, hoping to engage in some mild negotiation (i.e., offered $700), and justified this, in part, due to the uncertainity of the warranty situation, as well as the fact that "new bikes" typically come with a period of free tune-ups from the shop. Well, the seller (clearly within their rights) told me to go pound salt (rather than counter), but also said they would give me a written receipt on (closed) bike shop letterhead, which might help with the warranty situation, in the event that there was an issue with the bike. So, obviously a question for Salsa directly, but (again) just soliciting input on this message board while I wait for the official response.

Thanks!

Love my cutthroat but the wheels that came with it are super heavy and I'm looking for a second set of wheels that would be faster on pavement for bikepacking trips. Would a set of carbon wheels made for narrower tires make a big difference in road speed compared to my 50c panaracer gravelking tires? If so should I go for a 28c to 45c wheel set or 30c to 47c?

I’m in between two bikes:

26’ Salsa Journeyer Cues 1x10 -$1799.99

21’ Salsa Vaya GRX 600 -$1649.99

The bike salesmen gave his opinion that the Vaya is better.

However, the Cues has hydraulic brakes, and Cues seems to be the future for entry/mid-level bikes.

Which of these bikes would you all prefer/do prefer if you own said bikes?

I’m mostly going to be doing road riding on bike paths. However, I want flexibility to go on gravel paths and to have a bike that’s versatile. I also don’t care a lot about having the lightest fastest bike—hence why I’m not looking at many road bikes.

Though not a salsa, would a Trek Domane Al 4 Gen 4 (40mm tire clearance) also suffice? There’s one on sale for 1399 near me. However, if it’s completely shite on gravel I’ll pass.