The El Mariachi has garnered rave reviews since it was first introduced in 2007. It’s proven geometry and premium ride quality have inspired new devotees to the 29’er movement. Now featuring our Alternator dropout, the El Mariachi remains capable of both geared and singlespeed setups. The Alternator makes proper chain tensioning a snap while allowing hassle free quick-release wheel removal. Our new Kung Fu tubing dramatically increases frame strength while preserving low weight and a killer ride quality. Use the El Mariachi for your hardtail trail biking needs and local trail thrashing sessions. Consider adding our Enabler fork for more remote backcountry bikepacking adventures.
True Temper OX Platinum, main triangle and CroMoto Grande fork
Geared or singlespeed compatible
Fits up to 29" x 2.3" tires
135mm rear spacing
Standard 1-1/8" headset
Seatpost diameter: 27.2mm
Seatpost clamp: 30.0mm
ISO disc tab mounts only
Front derailleur clamp: 28.6mm
Bottom bracket: 68mm
Includes Salsa Lip-Lock™ seat collar and Bushnell EBB
Strengths: Great looks, plush ride, gear ratio, steel frame.
Weaknesses: Weak factory rims
Bottom Line:
After visiting literally every bike shop in Austin for about 6 months, I narrowed it down to two bikes with steel frames, and this is the bike I went with because of the overall aesthetics, and it's a brand name that you don't see around every bend of the trail. After riding both aluminum and steel, I decided on steel because the ride was very plush, and it just felt great riding it around. The primary flaw that I have experienced so for as the cheap wheel set that came with it. The front wheel split at the seam on a hard turn 6 days after buying the bike, and both the bike shop and Salsa did not want to warranty the wheel claiming it was crash damage, which it clearly was not, so I was very disappointed with that experience. Otherwise, once I had a come to Jesus with the shop and they got me a new wheel, the ride has been great. This is the first bike that I have owned with suspension, so that's a whole new world for me, but I feel this bike handles well. I have been riding 2 to 3 times a week for about six months now, and this bike joined the fleet at the end of march, and it has been a joy ever since, other than the few weeks of down time waiting for my new wheel to come in. I do recommend this bike, although for a few hundred dollars less, you can get the Jamis Dragon 29er that has a better overall drive train.
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Submitted by
Skymeat
a Weekend Warrior
from Eugene, OR
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2012
Strengths: Strong, Looks good, rides great
Weaknesses: Brake maintenance
Bottom Line:
This is my first 29er and first new bike in 10 years. I'm loving the build quality. All the parts work together. For less than 2K a sub 30lb hardtail of this quality is a treat. I'm just under 6' with a 32" inseam, and got the Large. It fits like a glove. The only downside that I've had are the brakes. But It's a technology that's new to me, so with a bit of practice maintaining then I hope will be second nature.
Submitted by
fire_lantern
a Weekend Warrior
from Kamloops, BC
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2012
Strengths: Good value for the El Mar 3 build, comfortable fit, steel, 2X10 build, alternator dropouts, nice powder coat, great company
Weaknesses: heavy, cheaper wheelset
Bottom Line:
*only have 3 rides in so far, but will update once I have some more under my belt
I spent the better part of a year looking for a 29er to replace my old (>10 year) hardtail, but couldn't go over $1500. Once I saw the pricing on the El Mar 3, I was pretty certain it would be the bike - trick was that there were no dealers anywhere in my vicinity to go for test rides. Luckily, Salsa has a loyal (cultish?) following and I received plenty of help with sizing on the mtbr forums. At 5'8", 195lbs, I was between S and M, but decided to go with the S based on a short inseam. Very good decision, the small fits me like a glove.
My first impressions was the weight. It's not a light bike at ~29lbs, but then again, I was riding a fully rigid Ti single speed before, so it's not going to be remotely close. Once on the trail this became a (mostly) non-issue. The steel is forgiving, but responsive. No, it's not like riding FS, but along with the big wheels, it does take the edge off a bit over an aluminum frame. My first long ride was muddy, snowy, and icy, but had some open packed single track as well. Climbing, especially in these loose conditions, was way better than I had expected. The back tire hooks up well, even when standing and the front stays nice and low without wobbling too much. The gearing is a bit stiff and I do miss my granny from my old 3X9 setups, but I'll get used to it.
When the trail opens up, this bike really shines. On downhills and flats, the bike is super stable and confidence-inspring. It corners great and I found myself almost immediately trying to open it up and push the limits. I pushed a bit too far and ended up off trail and was very surprised to find the big wheels rolling me right through and over the rough (I thought for sure I was crashing - which I would have been on my old bike). In tight switchbacks, I didn't notice any issues with turning radius - still felt responsive and easy to whip around, but having the slightly smaller frame is probably an advantage here.
Long story short, I love this bike. Salsa fans are a loyal and vocal bunch and now I understand why. Count me in.
Similar Products Used: Litespeed ti SS; Demoed several 29ers: rocky mountain, norco, specialized
Bike Setup: Still mostly stock, crank brothers pedals, ergon grips, easton monkey lite bar, salsa skewers
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Submitted by
dirtrider6
a Cross Country Rider
from Wilkes Barre, PA
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2012
Strengths: Steel frame, looks, dropouts, pretty good build, climbs and turns incredible, bike fits me perfect.
Weaknesses: FSA crankset, 3 bolt pattern, no bashguards available anywhere!
Bottom Line:
I spent a lot of time looking for a good steel frame built up that wasn't priced through the roof, I kept coming back to the El Mariachi, it has a great ride, climbs better than both my other bikes, and turns better also. The fork still has to break in to get a little plusher, I have it set up 1x10 with the 27 tooth chainring, ended up being the perfect gear for me where I ride, a lot of nasty short burst technical hills.
Might send out the fork at some point to get it revalved if I can't dial it in any better after it breaks in.
A nice bike that I see being in my stable for a long time to come, I only have 2 rides on it so far, were going to spend a lot of time together this Summer!
Bike Setup: Pretty much stock at this point, set up 1x10, Easton flat peddles, ODI grips, might change out the bars, haven't decided if I can live with them yet. Large frame 6'1" 215 pounds.
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Submitted by
alt.mattr
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2012
Strengths: Smooth ride and good spec choice. The bike is relatively good as an all rounder with solid wheels for example. Climbs very well.
Weaknesses: Build quality on my bike was substandard, six warranty repairs so far. The bike is a real handful on loose-over-hard conditions and on really tight turns the front wheel tries to fall underneath me a little. I can wrestle it back up without too much trouble though. Downtube cable routing is a real problem and the chainrings are too big for a bike this heavy.
Bottom Line:
Weight distribution is relatively far forward, which takes some getting used to, but once you do it is quite comfortable. What is much harder to get used to is the inability to steer from your hips which, on the loose-over-hard trails I commonly ride, makes an otherwise fun fire-trail decent into a scary one. It feels like you are going to wash out on every sharp bend. I lose a lot of time downhill, but I make it up on the ascents since I can just sit in the most comfortable spot on the saddle and grind it out. No weight shifting, no rear wheel slip, not until the hill gets really steep anyway.
On singletrack it is quite a nice ride, with only the most twisty trails causing the front end to "duck under" a little.
I have ridden many steel bikes over the years, and the El Mariachi has a great feel. Easily matching my last one, but not quite as good as the best I ever rode (but that was a road bike, so not a fair comparison). However, it is certainly a heavy bike. You get the benefits of the steel, but despite the kung fu tubing, you have to pay the normal toll.
This could be a great bike, but mine has had so many warranty issues I can't possibly recommend it. Six trips back to the shop so far.
Mine came with an ineffective shim for the front mech and was missing a part on the forks, so go over it with a fine tooth comb before you ride it.
The downtube cable routing has caused me no end of troubles. I have not done 1000 kms yet but I am already on my second set of cables, third cable housing and my second bottom bracket cable guide. Any sand/water/mud on the ride will muck up my rear mech in no time flat.
In Australia this is not a cheap bike either, hence the poor value rating.
Similar Products Used: A number of hardtail MTBs over the last 20 years.
Bike Setup: 2011 El Mariachi Complete build upgraded with x9 24/38 chainset and layback seatpost
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Submitted by
davthedude
a Cross Country Rider
from tulsa ok usa
Date Reviewed: December 25, 2011
Strengths: This bike has a balanced feel.
Weaknesses: none noted so far
Bottom Line:
Balance! i thought and though about what make the el mariachi feel so right i belive its a blend, the bottom bracket isn't to high to need you find as rock to get in the saddle: ala big mama or so low that peddle hits are a problem E.M.D and fisher Hifi. Its not too stiff small rock and roots are no problem way different than aluminum E.M.D but not like a suspension bike, Hi fi, Big Mama just kind of takes the edge off stuff.Steering is not to slow or not to fast pick you way up technical stuff yet feel great on the way down. It just feels right and the Alternator drop outs are best ss or geared system ive seen yet. Very well done Salsa guys!
Similar Products Used: Niner E.M.D, gary fisher hifi 29,Salsa Big Mama
Bike Setup: xt derralieurs,salsa bars,wtb all mountain tcs wheel set,i try to build my bike to durable as apposed to light
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Submitted by
ranier
a Cross Country Rider
from Schoenaich, Germany
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2011
Strengths: quality steel frame and fork, simple but effective parts build
Weaknesses: EBB, although I haven't converted to SS yet. Would not be my first choice for SS.
Bottom Line:
Bike was bought on close out for a decent price. I made minimal changes to the stock set up. The geometry with the rigid fork suits my riding style and trails. The big 2.5 WTB front is a good choice as it gets some of the edge off the rigid fork on rough trails. The big hoops along with the steel frame and fork surpisingly tame the trails quite well. I may eventually throw on a Fox or RS fork but I have my eye on putting the bike into bikepacking duty. It seems quite up to the task.
Bike Setup: '09 ruby rojo, 1x9 with exception of carbon Salsa bar, lock on grips, X.0 grip shifter and 2.1 rear WTB tire.
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Submitted by
darrinw2001
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa, florida
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2011
Strengths: Steel, versatile, superior weld quality, geometry
Weaknesses: I dont like how the shifter cable is 75% exposed on the down tube and chainstay
Bottom Line:
This is for the 2012 Frame only. I purchased this frame to replace a broken Scott Scale 29er that I bought used and had 6 months before the frame cracked right at the top tube. I love the feel of the steel compared to the light weight aluminum of the Scott, it just feels like it tracks better and is less sketchy on the trail. I love the Alternator dropouts that make it easy to convert to SS from geared OR you can adjust the chainstay lengths. I have over 100 miles on this bike so far with no complaints at all. I feel very comfortable on this bike and it is at home on longer rides as well as shorter more technical rides... Love the fact you can use a standard OR Tapered fork with just changing the headset, space for 2 bottle cages, and the toptube angle is perfect for me.
Similar Products Used: Origin 8 Scout 29er, Scott Scale 29er, Cannondale Caffeine 29er
Bike Setup: 1x9 Sram X9 w/ 34t CR. 100mm Reba sl fork, Avid elixer brakes, Velocity Blunts w/ DT swiss 340 hubs, WTB Rocket V team
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Submitted by
el kman
a Weekend Warrior
from GR Michigan
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2011
Strengths: Great feel, high quality
Weaknesses: 2012 prices bumped up quite a bit
Bottom Line:
I hoped for the magic, worried about it being over hyped. I went with steel as a older dude, I need a bit of cush. My first ride today was beyond expectations. Rolled thru everything, just astonished at how fast I moved thru some sections. Went with 4 on value as prices are moved up quite a bit.
Bought the frame & fork used, built it up as a light weight single speed rigid. This frame is versatile, can be built up as geared or SS. I've had no problems at all with the Bushnell eccentric bottom bracket (no creaks or slippage) and I really like how easy it is to adjust chain tension. I do clean it every couple of months - it's really dusty on my local trails, but that's an easy task.
I love this bike; it's stable and predictable on downhills but still handles really nicely on twisty technical trails. I find it climbs really well despite the longish chainstays. The steel frame and fork ride really well together and don't beat me up too much on my local trails. Size small frame fits me great (5.7"). Overall, this is possibly my favorite bike ever (so far)!
Bike Setup: King/Stan's Arches
BB7
Salsa Cromoto Grande Fork
single-speed - Homebrewed cog and chainring, SS mod XTR M960 (thanks Crazy8!)
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Submitted by
sgaarmy
a Cross Country Rider
from Mesa, AZ
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2011
Strengths: This bike absorbs impact like no other. Altenator and tension screws help to dial in the rear wheel base length. Great bike for training and endurance rides.
Weaknesses: I have no qualms with this frame.
Bottom Line:
I was looking at the Karate Monkey for awhile as that bike is a bit cheaper when buying a frame only. However, the monkey was on a safari so I went with the band: El Mariachi. The powder blue color ads some zeal to this lovely lady. Took it out to South Mountain today and she is very responsive on the turns and climbs better than expected. Being able to dial the rear wheel in allows for large tires and a precise fit. Looking to hit the single speed once my legs are properly prepared for power this ship into the dock.
Bike Setup: Full set of gears with Rox Shox Reba up front.
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Submitted by
dru
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2011
Strengths: A really nice looking steel HT. Rides awesome with the great feel of steel. The rigid fork goes where it's pointed, but the steering isn't overly quick. The paint is pretty, too pretty.
Weaknesses: Paint chips too easily. The EBB is a pain to maintain compared to other set-ups although mine's been better than others here. I don't like the DT routing for the derailleurs, but luckily I don't use them. The ST/TT design is a bit weird looking
Bottom Line:
I need to spring for a fork. Love the bike but the rigid scares me at speed.
Bike Setup: Alfine 8 speed IGH, Selle Italia SLR saddle. XTR 975 brakes 160/140. 36 spoke Salsa rims laced to IGH and front XT hub. Ritchey stem and post. Middleburn cranks with SKF stainless roller BB. 32/20 gearing. pd 520 pedals. Truvative 20mm riser bar 680mm wide.
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Submitted by
wmcneace
a Cross Country Rider
from Roanoke, VA
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2011
Strengths: Ride, color, price, alternator drop outs
Weaknesses: none so far
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks, great ride no squeaks or creaks (so far), climbs like crazy, handles well. Rear end does not feel swimmy like a few other HT steel bikes, even w/ 20 lbs. of tire pressure. Every ride so far has been 30+ miles and I still want to keep going at the end, this bike is definitely made for epic long rides. Love, Love, Love the Bomb Pop Blue.
Bike Setup: Easton Monkey Lite bars, 100mm Reba XX w/ lockout, Bontrager Race X Lite w/ Bontrager hubs, Schwalbe Racing Ralph frt. Maxxis Ignitor rr. running tubeless, SLX groupo, Fizik Gobi saddle, Ergon grips
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Submitted by
Cassafrass
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2011
Strengths: Components, paint finish, construction, rides like a dream
Weaknesses: Not intended for short people (standover height, TT length may be problematic for some). I am on a small frame, which is a 16"
Bottom Line:
I am in love! I decided on a 29er to help my confidence of rolling over obstacles, and while I was entertaining both full-suspension and hardtail rigs, I turned around and saw this beauty. That is what drew me in - her strikingly simple yet ravishing lines. I tried to put her off, saying she was just a pretty face. The more I learned about her, the more I liked. Good SRAM components (she shifts like a DREAM, tubeless-ready STANS wheelset, and Alternator dropouts that allow the owner to easily switch between a SS or geared setup. As for me personally, I'll be sticking with a geared rig for some time, but there are plenty who like the option. The fork is a RockShox Reba RL, which has dual air chambers that will give you THAT much more ability to dial in the rebound to your liking. You can make it more quick or slow to respond by adjusting the positive and negative air chambers. She's a bit of a beast, in that she's big and things will get out of her way, but I absolutely love her. Part of me wants to keep the El Mariachi line a secret, so it can be an exclusive club - let the masses get the mainstream/bigger names. I like being different, especially with such a sweet ride as this.
