I really like this bike. I got very lucky and found a brand new 2006 model on Ebay in 2009. I had a Niner MCR9 which is a great bike, but I was looking for something lighter that had a little more of a cush ride. The Dos was very intriguing to me.
The Relish 1" shock combined with the 29er wheels makes for a comfy ride. I have mine built up at 26lbs, and she flies! For me, it combines some of the attributes and benefits of a full suspension bike with the simplicity of a hardtail. It's by no means full suspension, but does help take the edge off rougher trail conditions and helps provide an even smoother ride to compliment the already smooth rolling 29er wheels.
I also like being able to stand and hammer without the suspension bob. The only weakness is the paint does seem a little on the fragile side, but I put Bonk frame protector on the underside of the down tube and in other key locations.
I have been running a Maxxis Ignitor 2.1 front/Crossmark 2.1 rear combo with great results. If I want an even more compliant ride, I will throw on a WTB Weirwolf LT 2.5 front/WTB Exiwolf 2.3 rear combo. No chainstay rub with the Exiwolf. This adds about 1 pound more weight.
Bottom line is the frame is awesome, and I would definitely by another one if needed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brickisred
a Cross Country Rider
from NC Date Reviewed: August 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Keyauwee
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Light, solid, beautiful
Weaknesses:
Paint chips easily
Bike Setup:
1x9 setup with Stylo, SRAM X9, Avid BB7, Reba Race
Bottom Line:
Moved away from the mtns and was looking for something lighter and more versatile to replace my Giant VT dual suspension pig. Saw a Dos Niner frame on ebay and decided to try it out. Got a smokin deal on a like new 2007 bare frame plus King headset. I like it because it's a completely capable trail bike which also rides nice on the road with slicks. Kind of dual purpose, which is what I was looking for. Off road it is reliable, stable and incredibly fast on descents. Because of the larger tires it can be a little sluggish on climbs if your momentum is low, but the lack of suspension bob means you can just stand and hammer your way up. I wonder about the longevity of the rear chainstays as they are so delicate looking, but I'm not a clydesdale so... Taking 1 chili away for the fragile paint job. Overall, I'm very happy with it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pete johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from Bethesda, MD Date Reviewed: August 20, 2009
Favorite Trail:
many
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$3100.00
Purchased At:
Quality Bike Product
Strengths:
Light 29r, excellent climber. Fun to ride. Good for long fire road rides (rode 210 miles in 3 days). Likes rock gardens, rough terrain, creek crossings.
Weaknesses:
Somewhat noodly up front on rocky downhills. Frame is weak per the Bottom Line below. Paint chips and wears off quickly. My shoes wore the paint of the stays, but I have pronated stance.
Similar Products Used:
First 29er. Blur LT.
Bike Setup:
07 XL dos niner, Fox front shock, xt components, dt swiss wheels, avid juicy breaks, maxis igniter tires tubeless.
Bottom Line:
This was a great bike but in its third season I at some point dented the top tube slightly in a wreck, but not significant enough that I noted when it happened. Within a few months the top tube cracked at the site of the impression making it unrideable. Salsa Warranty Dept had a dealer ship the frame to them and they said that it was not a defect but that "all was not lost" and my dealer would tell me the details of a crash replacement discount. They did, and it was similar to speedgoat or several other retailers sale prices, thus the crash replacement had no value in this instance...I have purchased a Salsa Big Mama on the open market as a replacement. I have learned of numerous XL Dos Niner frames breaking, some of which were replaced under warranty and some not.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mwarner57
a Cross Country Rider
from San Anselmo, CA Date Reviewed: August 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
EBay
Strengths:
Light, sharp handling, adjustable shock, simplicity, ability climb out of the saddle.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Litespeed softail 26er(can't remember the model)
Zion 737 29er
Bike Setup:
Reba Race, 1x9 setup with Nexave crank and Alivio der. Bontrager Ranger wheelset.
Bottom Line:
I purchased this frame on EBay to replace my Zion 737 EBB, which I had converted to a 1x9 using an emergency rear der. hanger (don't try this at home). I liked they way Zion climbed, by was unable to keep up with the duallies on the techier downhill sections. With the Dos, I have no problem keeping up. The handling is quick without being twitchy, and the rear end stays planted through the rock gardes. I am running the shock at 20PSI, which in conjunction with a suspension seatpost and fat tires gives a nice, compliant ride while still handling the larger impacts. As an added benefit, I can stand up and hammer the climbs like a singlespeed, which I could never do on my 26er dually.
The claimed wieght for the frame is 4.1 lbs, which seems about right. I have crap components on the bike right now, and it weighs in at 27lbs with the pedals. I should be able to get it under 25 with a nice wheelset and a few other goodies.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ml
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento Date Reviewed: July 17, 2009
Favorite Trail:
salmon falls
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Strengths:
Great ride! It has the quickness of the hardtail and takes the edge off the bumps. I love my salsa!
Weaknesses:
Frame crackeed, but the great customer service more than made up for it.
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper comp.
Bike Setup:
bontrager, Sram, rebea race.
Bottom Line:
I had this bike for a couple of years, and unfortunately the frame cracked by the rear derailer on the weld. I emailed Salsa, and Bobby at Salsa told me to take it by my local shop and he'll send an return authorization on it. My shop took a couple of pics and sent it to salsa, and within a week they had the frame and built it up. Excellent customer service! I'd recommend them to anybody. Bikes had ridden great, and it was a small inconvenience, but you've got to love good customer service. Cheers
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Flat Ark
a Racer
from Rogers, AR Date Reviewed: September 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hobb's
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Mojo Bikes
Strengths:
Sharp handling, awesome "orange" paint, Relish is super easy to set up, Smooth riding and super fast.
FSA K-Force Carbon Cranks and Flat Bar, Juicy 7 brakes, American Classic wheels "tubeless", Kenda Small Block 8's, Sram X0 Twisties, Sram X9 Rr der., XT frt der, Reba Race w/remote lockout, Thomson stem and post, XT pedals. 24.5lbs
Bottom Line:
I've had the opportunity to ride/own several 29ers and even a 96er. Nothing has impressed me as much as this Dos Niner. Really sharp/crisp handling without feeling "too" nervous. I am running the little Relish shock at 0 psi and when combined with the tubeless Small Block 8's (30 psi) it feels as though this bike has at least 2 inches of rear wheel travel. One of the biggest benefits is that I can stand and climb on this bike and it behaves just like a hardtail. Absolutely no pedal bob whatsoever. Even though I ride geared bikes I employ a SS style of riding and this bike is the perfect tool for my riding style. Make no mistake, this bike is NOT a full suspension, it is in fact a "soft" tail which translates into a really smooth hardtail. Awesome bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mgallgher
a Cross Country Rider
from Bethesda, MD, USA Date Reviewed: July 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Fredrick Watershed trails, Moon Rocks - Davis WVA,
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Light weight, stable, fast and carries speed in all but really tight conditions. Simple design makes for easy mantainance.
Weaknesses:
Some flex on rough decents which I assume is normal with 29" wheel sets
Bike Setup:
Sram 9.0, Juicy 5 brakes, tubeless tires. This set up weighs about 25 lbs total.
Bottom Line:
This bike really delivers for all types of cross country riding. The 1 inch travel with the 29" inch wheels seems to work great for the east coast riding I do. I have not missed having a full supension bike and doubt that I will go back to a 26er. For cross country and some racing I think this is the perfect bike to have. I mostly ride moderately technical trails but when I take it on the more technical rides to does really well. To me the benefits of a 29er (carrying speed, smooth ride, balanced in the air, faster climbing) far out weigh advantages of a 26er(tight handling and quicker acceleration).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matthew
a Weekend Warrior
from Mill Valley, CA, USA Date Reviewed: April 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Tenderfoot
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
BikeRX
Strengths:
Climbing, fast descents
Weaknesses:
Too little tire clearance. Fragile paint.
Bike Setup:
SRAM, Truvativ
Bottom Line:
I only came back to biking last Fall after a 25 year hiatus. I asked the bike store for a solid bike that would let me keep up with buddies who have biked longer, but nothing "above my station" as a newbie.
I am 6'3" and 220lbs, and the LBS folks recommended the Dos Niner without hesitation. I did not even know what a 29er was at the time.
It was a bit embarrassing showing up for my first group ride on this enourmous, bright orange/red bike with flames on the decals. I took a lot of heat...
However, within three rides I was keeping up, and now I can lead any ascent. The group calls it the Mustang because it seems to look for any opportunity to dig in and get moving. And riding down an long descent could not be any more fun. The bike just eats up the road.
I would recommend the Dos Niner with no reservation to any big guys. And I would give it a look even if you aren't
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shiva
a Cross Country Rider
from Pennsylvania Date Reviewed: March 8, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat.com
Strengths:
Rolls over everything and anything, really light, use it as my race rig.
Weaknesses:
Front end wants to lift if climbing while standing. Though I don't have my bike set up real aggressive which may be the real reason. A little slower in the turns, but now I have learned to anticpate that, so not a problem.
I had a 5" travel bike that I was trying to race. Comfy but heavy. Bought the dos as my race bike. It's really light, the bigger wheels roll over the rocks and roots so easily. Climbs great when seated. Descends just as well as my 5" travel bike.
Thought I would miss all the suspension, but with the bigger wheels, the scandium stays, 1" relish, and the tubeless tires, I can't even tell the difference that I'm on a softtail and not a full suspension.
On my weekly group ride, I went from being a mid-pack rider to riding in the front part of the group. Friends noticed the difference immediately. It is so much fun, that I find myself riding a lot more often.
People talk about the difficulty of getting started on 29er, but since this bike is so much lighter I can't see any problem at all.
My race times this past season compared to the years previous are much improved. Probably not all due to the dos, but a big portion of it is. I definitely recommend this bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Agoura Hills Date Reviewed: December 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Chesebro
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
MTBR
Strengths:
Killer handling, fast, stiff, awesome paint job (orange), doesn't feel tall, rear shock takes the edge off drops.
Weaknesses:
Paint chips easily
Similar Products Used:
First 29r owned
Bike Setup:
Reba Race, Truvativ Team cockpit, Stylo cranks, Salsa rims with WTB Lite Hubs. All SRAM - X.0 and X.9
Bottom Line:
This is my first 29r. Rides so smoothly over the trail. Still getting used to getting the wheels moving but once the bike gets going it hauls booty! Not better than a 26r but it has given my old trails a new life. Will be fun to go back and for from 26r to 29r. Go get one!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Cross Country Rider
from Hudson Date Reviewed: September 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
909
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
friend
Strengths:
for the price its one of the nicest, fun bikes out there
Weaknesses:
paint is weak- I guess that is from the scandium which paint doesn't stick to. I don't care for the "tribal" decal- but you really can't see that when you are haulin's ass on east coast single track
Similar Products Used:
Litespeed, fat chance, moots, serotta, Ellsworth truth x2, bianchia diss, dean ss, scalpel turned into ss, many different santa cruzs that my friends own.
Bike Setup:
Lp bars and seat post, hope pro 2 ss bolt (this made a big difference)RS Rebba, king headset, thomson stem, oury grips,Paul's chain tensionier
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike from a friend you couldn't handle the big boy wheels. I wanted to try out this whole 29er thing- which I thought was a fad. I crashed really hard on my first ride (not setting the fork up right made it waaay too stiff and I got flipped over the bars on a very steep rock drop off tumbling about 8 feet) AFTER moving the bars lower and getting the setup like my race bike- ITS THE BOMB! I can't believe it only has 1" of travel- with the 28er wheels it fells like as much as my scalpel (which I sold right away). Its crazy fast- I am running it single speed- and my average times are as fast or faster than my 4" travel moots geared bike. I had a problem with the original wheels rubbing into the chain stays- but that was the bonty's super stock which where too flexy. Put on a set of single speed Hope pro 2 bolt ons and sooo much better- I think the rear shock can let the rear twist a little- so a good rear wheel is the way to go. The trails I ride mostly everone is running 5" travel bikes- I can stay way ahead of them and slice though the single track- its a great frame and a great value- I also have beat the snot every other day from her- no SWEAKING!!!! a slinant killer which climbs like crazy! Anyone who doesn't love 29er hasn't ridden one at least 100 miles once you do you can't go back to those little kid wheels esp. if you are 6' tall or taller.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Climbbikeskione
a Racer
from Wild West Date Reviewed: September 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
the long singletrack one
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Light yet strong. Vertically compliant yet very efficient. Nice paint job yet fragile paint if you care and are one of those "pretty boy", probably shave your legs even though you've never really had road rash kind of guys.
Weaknesses:
Rear tire clearance at the seat stay shock junction...It doesn't bother me too bad in dry country and I've had a 2.2 bonty back there with/out issue...the problem is mud...If there's some serious clay style mud then you're either going to have some serious friction or trash your frame's paint job...if you keep pedaling like a jackass with the mud caked on...it might degrade frame life. The other weakness I've noticed in hard big gear pedaling is some rear triangle flex. I'm a big 6'3 200 lb single speeder by trade and I can flex the frame..go figure...I'm also a steel bike proponenet and this thing rides like steel...it does take a softail to make that happen I must add.
Similar Products Used:
Voodoo Dambala double butted steel, GF RIG
Bike Setup:
1x9 Gearing with White Bros Fork,Sram X-9, Truvativ stylo, Avid Mech BB-7, Easton Monkey light carbon bars..I'm tired and do your really care?
Bottom Line:
Salsa is a great company. Great bike! I want an El Mariachi! I am sold on single speed and my racing proves it...I am usually faster on my SS Rigid Voodoo. With that said the Dos is always a pleasure to ride. Comfy...fast...Very efficient..and super light...I think my squishy Dos is lighter than my Rigid Voodoo and more comfy to ride...but somehow I am always faster in the 10-18 mile distances on the Voodoo. My Dos is more stable but the Voodoo is more nimble at slower speed handling...I think the Voodoo has a steeper head angle and thus snappier steering. For me the Dos is an awesome training and long distance riding machine... I actually ride it more than my rigid Voodoo. Mainly because it is more pleasing to ride...I tend to smile a lot and isn't that why we ride?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
M G
a Racer
from Lincoln, Nebraska, USA Date Reviewed: August 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
hmmm... there are lots of 'em.
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Monkey Wrench Cycles
Strengths:
- awesome combination of stiffness, compliance and low weight - quick yet dependable handling - lack of bob in rear end when climbing (especially noticeable when riding with someone on a YBB) - good tire clearance - good people/good company
Weaknesses:
- brake routing does not include a cradle in the middle of the top tube, so you have to use a stick-on cable guide to keep the brake line from tapping the top tube when you ride over bumps.
Similar Products Used:
- Salsa El Mariachi (my other 29er) - variety of custom Soulcraft frames (demoed - friends' bikes) - Moots hardtail and YBB 29 (demoed - friends' bikes) - Kona Kula 29 (demoed - friends' bikes)
I've had all three iterations of the Dos Niner, and each has been a progression from the version before it. The first Dos (lighter green) rode awesome, but had limited rear tire clearance. The Very Verde (darker green) "2006" frame addressed the tire clearance and threw in lower standover via. a dropped top tube. The new Orange Peelz (orange) frame adds a slightly beefier downtube that adds a bit of stiffness and eliminates the need for a chin-type gusset at the DT/HT junction.
I've been riding my orange Dos for a little over a month, and it's the best one yet. The new downtube effectively increases the frame's stiffness in corners without noticeably increasing the amount of shock transmitted to the rider.
The best thing I can say about the Dos is that, every time I get on it and pedal away, my first impression is "man, this thing is fast... and smooth." I really feel it after I trade bikes with a friend, then trade back to my bike. That's pretty cool.
I'll add the disclaimer at this point that I ride for Salsa's racing team, but I think it's equally important for me to mention why. In 2005, I bought my first Dos after riding/racing sponsor-provided mountain bikes for more than a decade.
Long story short, I quickly fell in love with the bike, and the whole concept of big wheel mountain bikes. It was through the resulting relationship I found that the people at Salsa are exactly the type of people I want to support and promote in my racing efforts.
One aspect that I appreciate about the Dos is the hydraulic damper. I had a friend that rides a Moots YBB comment that the Dos doesn't experience any of the cyclical rear end movement that occurs on the undamped YBB, and I suspect it's directly related to the Dos' hydraulic damping.
I'm not a spring chicken anymore, and the bottom line for me is that the Dos helps keep me strong by taking the sting out of a surprising amount of stuff. No, it's not full suspension, but it's at least a pound lighter than any relevant full-suspension 29er, and for me, it's got the right balance of compliance and speed. Even after all this time, I'm still smitten...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Weave
a Racer
from York,PA Date Reviewed: August 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Anything @Michaux
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Jason's Cycle Works
Strengths:
Light, responsive ride - Relish shock's perfect to take the edge off without sacrificing any power.
Freakin' awesome bike - just finished the W101 for it's inaugural race - this rig climbs, is sweet through the single track and is predictable bombing on the DH - feels like you could ride forever on this setup - saw many others at the W101 with same sentiments! My 1st 29er - I'm sold!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard Amend
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashville, TN, USA Date Reviewed: August 8, 2007
I had the paint professionally removed by a company called strip masters here in Nashville. The bike looked great and I had a LBS build the bike for me. I had a great time riding it for 15 months. Then I snapped it in two at lock 4, top tube and down tube (it hurt). I took it back to the LBS for dismantle and return to Salsa. Salsa replies that it’s not covered by warranty because of the paint removal. I guess I saw it coming. This is the part that got me though; I called them up and asked "Did you check the frame for any defects or irregularities other than the obvious paint removal? And the response was "No", without any other explanation. So I was left to believe that this is so common to them that it does not interest them or they have no interest in retaining customers. They were kind enough to offer me a crash replacement at LBS cost (so I could pay again for the same inferior product.)It goes without saying I was less than satisfied with my experience with Salsa.
Did I mention I am 5'8" and weigh in at 135 lbs?
So, I would discourage anyone considering the purchase of a Dos Niner specifically or a Salsa product in general.
Be careful not to chip the paint apparently it is part of the structural integrity of the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bruce Brown
a Cross Country Rider
from Des Moines, Iowa, USA Date Reviewed: June 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Boone - Seven Oaks
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$899.00
Purchased At:
MTBR.com classifieds
Strengths:
Great XC racing frame! Lightweight and very responsive scandium (which means it is aluminum with a touch of scandium) frame that provides about an inch of rear suspension with the Relish Shock. I have the 2006 frame that is optimized for an 80mm travel fork. Plenty of clearance for the fork and for the rear tire. Can be used with V brakes or disc brakes. Due to the light frame, I was able to build my size XL Dos Niner into a 25 lb. race bike.
Weaknesses:
As with all scandium frames, it can not be powdercoated. So the paint tends to chip easily and rub off easily at cable housing contact points. Be prepared to touch up point more often than with a powdercoated frame.
Similar Products Used:
No other softail used. Other 29"er's include a Karate Monkey and a Sugar 293.
Bike Setup:
XL 2006 Dos Niner, Reba Race with poplock, Avid mechanical disc brakes, American Classic wheels, SRAM X.0/X.9 drivetrain, Race Face Next LP cranks with Titanium Boone rings, Crank Brothers ISIS BB, Race Face Carbon bars, Thomson post and stem, Xpedo pedals, Titec Ithys Gove saddle
Bottom Line:
A little bit of flex in this frame can be felt, but the forgiveness is predictable and does not detract from its performance. Much of this flex has been fixed beginning with the 2007 Dos Niner model. This is a perfect XC race bike as well as an excellent XC trail bike thanks to the edge being taken off on the rear with the Relish. Climbs and descends with authority and I have been very satisfied with the overall performance. Would I consider this frame again in the future if the one I own gives up the ghost? You bet!
Value gets 5 flamers from me because when compared to a custom builder's softail cost - the Dos cannot be beat for the price/performance ratio. Overall rating gets 5 flames because this bike has a great groove.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Light Chain
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder County Date Reviewed: May 29, 2007
Minimal rear tire clearance. Alignment of rear wheel must be PERFECT or the tire rubs the chain stays.
Similar Products Used:
First suspension mtn bike. Other bike is a rigid, built-from-scratch Bridestone MB-4 single speed.
Bike Setup:
Delgado race wheels, King hubs and headset, SRAM X.9 drive-train, XT crankset, Easton MonkeyLite carbon lo-rise bar, EC 90 stem and carbon seat post, WTB rocket V ti saddle, Time ATAC Carbon XS pedals. Avid Juicy 7 brakes. Reba fork.
Bottom Line:
Salsa has it all figured out. This bike handles like a 2-6er but clears obstacles like the 2-9er it is. The rear 1" of travel takes the edge off but without sacrificing energy on climbs. Granted, I've only ridden this rig a few times, but it feels totally dialed in. The rear clearance is a bit of a nuisance, but one that is worked around without too much trouble. Besides, one should be aligning one's rear wheel perfectly everytime anyway, right? And props to Glenn at Bitterbrush Cycles in Lyons. Last comment; don't dis the 2-9 on simply on principal. Ride it and see.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Racer
from Vinton,Va,U.S,A Date Reviewed: May 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Carvins Cove
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Cardinal Bike (LBS)
Strengths:
weight,weld quality,looks!
Weaknesses:
Looks to sweet to get dirty!
Similar Products Used:
Orbea lanza
Bike Setup:
Bike29 royale wheelset.King hubs,headset,Shimano,Sram drivetrain,Thompson stem,Magura marta sl discs
Bottom Line:
This frame rides great!Handles better then the orbea,It is light and the orange paint job is sweet!Running tubeless my bike weighs 24 pounds!And its a softtail!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eldon
a Racer
from Oklahoma City Date Reviewed: April 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Any Trail with Dirt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Celestial Cycles
Strengths:
Great Bike, Rolls over anything,Fast, Light, Great Orange Paint Scheme
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Salsa Juan Solo
Bike Setup:
Reba Race with Pop Loc, Truvativ Fire X, Avid BB7 Disc, Sram X-7 Drive Train, Salsa Seat Post, Fizik Gobi Saddle,American Classic Wheels, Maxxis Ignitor 2.1 Tires,XTR Spd Pedals. 26.1 pounds
Bottom Line:
It is hard to get on a 26" wheel after riding my 29er.This bike will climb anything if you can hang on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill Richards
a Cross Country Rider
from Marquette, MI USA Date Reviewed: April 26, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
Frame weight. Relish shock and frame's design concept. Balanced geometry. Cool graphics. Plenty of room for the fork to clear the downtube. Build quality seems excellent. Salsa stands behind their products and has great customer service.
Weaknesses:
None of consequence to note so far. Maybe standover? The paint seems to chip easily. After my first ride, I had a bunch of paint chips...and really only rode XC trails.
Similar Products Used:
Soma Juice...also an excellent frame. Other steel hardtails.
Bike Setup:
Bike 29 Royale wheelset. Reba SL. LX and XT bits. Hone crankset. WTB Nanoraptors. Ergon grips.
Bottom Line:
A great bike for epic-type XC rides. The 1" travel in the rear really does do quite a bit for smoothing out the trail...I certainly don't feel as beat up after rides as I did on my Soma hardtail. The Dos Niner is fast, but only while I'm riding it. ;-)
I was die-hard about steel bikes for awhile. I still think they are great, but the Scandium and Relish ride smoother than steel and are lighter. I feel that the BB is stiffer on Scandium, too. And from the looks of the welds and finish work, I think the Salsa will last for years.
Buy this bike if you like hardtails, but also need riding to be easy on your back. I haven't noticed ANY bobbing or loss of power when climbing. The Relish does a little bit to keep your rear wheel planted on the ground while climbing in the rough stuff...but it doesn't bounce around or bob like more complex suspension designs. You still get excellent power transfer.
Some folks have complained about tire clearance. I have a 2006 model and there's a TON of clearance back there. I see no reason why one couldn't run a large volume 2.3 in the rear. Do you really need to go bigger?
I would buy this bike again. I got my frame and fork for less than $1000.00. Check Speedgoat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keith
a
from Dripping Springs,TX USA Date Reviewed: April 18, 2007
This bike is light and nimble. It climbs and descends as good as any bike I have ridden in 15 years. It rails corners and is fairly nimble in single track.
But the thing I love the most is the ride. I weight 170 lbs and set the Relish shock with no air pressure. It rides like a Hard tail but handles moderate bumps without any harshness. Smooooooth!
Got the frame from Bikeman with the Reba for $999. The Frame is an '06 and the Reba is an '07. Great deal!Great Bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenixville, PA Date Reviewed: December 4, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
The Swiss Army Knife of bikes. Rolls over anything, softtail takes the sting out of roots and rocks, and the 1x9 configuration I have it set up with does just fine. Fits nice fat tires, no fork or feet clearance issues, and very comfy geometry.
Weaknesses:
Low bottom bracket caused me a little initial grief getting adjusted, rear water bottle mounts don't fit a large bottle, only a 16-20 ozer.
As in the intro, this the true go anywhere, do anything bike. I was a 29er skeptic, and now I'm a believer. I might upgrade the wheelset with something lighter for race days and endurance events, but not much else to change.
I really, really, really like the 1x9 concept. I'm also appreciating the accuracy and stronger springs of the SRAM trigger shifter/derailleur combo. Nice.
Also, I don't have any idea what the reviewer who claimed flexiness are talking about. This thing is stiff and rails just fine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a
from SE Washington The Edge of Hell Date Reviewed: October 25, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
B&L Bicycles Pullman, WA - The 29er Super Store of Eastern WA
Strengths:
Smooths out the trail well (it works as advertised), light weight frame, and the price is a killer deal.
Weaknesses:
Flexy frame (almost noodle like) and personally I think this frame is a bit harder to pedal than most.
Similar Products Used:
Fisher 292, LENZ Sport Leviathan, Fisher X-Caliber, Fisher Supercal29...and a whole slew of 26 inch bikes
Bike Setup:
Nicely at 24.5 lbs with IRC Mythos tires run tubeless
Bottom Line:
The bike is ultra smooth on the trail over the small bumps. The Relish shock worked perfectly for me once I got it set up with the correct pressure (easily done). I loved this bike but it had some qualities I did not like so much also. The flexy frame was annoying but I could live with it - railing hard through corners it was a new adventure in drift each time due to this flex. I did eventually find compromise through experience and came to trust it in most corners. My biggest beef was more personal - I felt this frame design and/or geometry was more difficult to pedal. I always seemed to have a higher perceived exertion on this bike which I could find no answer for. My races and off-road time trials were always substandard on this bike compared to others I had so I finally gave up and sold it. I'm only saying that this bike is not for me...it may be an absolutely a perfect machine for someone else. If you can find one to ride before you buy (unfortunately the way Salsa is set up this is a difficult process since Salsa dealers are rare if at all existent)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay Sanders
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Polk, LA, USA Date Reviewed: October 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Anything Hilly
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$760.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Perfect geometry, stiff frame, paint and color scheme, softtail.
Weaknesses:
Clear coat scratches easy, but this is a MTB.
Similar Products Used:
Did not try any other 29er's.
Bike Setup:
XL Dos Niner, Zoke Comp Pro w/ETA, TV Stylo Team, SRAM XO, Easton Monkey, Thompson Elite, Avid BB7, Delgado w/XT disc hubs, various Shimano items.
Bottom Line:
I was a pretty die hard hardtail fan until I had a few rides on the Dos Niner. What a huge difference the small travel makes on the softtail. I was a little concerned about losing some energy when pedalling/climbing but the Salsa is very crisp and doesn't seem to lose any energy during pedalling.
The 29" set up seems like a perfect fit for me (6' 2" with 34-35" inseam). I was also concerned about the bike feeling clumsy or over large but I am convinced that it handles WAY better than the 26" I rode previously. I can turn faster and sharper than before without worrying about dumping the bike. And the thing I LOVE about the big wheels/tires and extra clearance is that I can ride just about anywhere I want. I basically have made my own trails through forests, fields and the like.
I am more than happy with the Dos Niner and the components I selected for the build. The bike is light (26-ish), maneuvers like nobody's business and overall is a blast to ride. The big wheels do take a little extra energy to get them to speed but once they are rolling it feels awesome!
I love my Dos Niner! I have got to go..."Ride and smile!"
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Green
a Racer
from Greenville, SC USA Date Reviewed: September 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Anything Pisgah
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Excellent handling, Climbs + descends exceptionally well, goes places my 26" Sugar would not, has made my cadence faster on my road bike, Gets great holeshots against the 26" wheeled bikes!!
Weaknesses:
Paint seems to flake on chainstay easily, but hey, it is a MTB bike, small learning curve on choosing the correct cadence while racing.
Similar Products Used:
Orbea Scape 29er, Klein Palomino, Gary Fisher Sugar, Specialized Epic
Bike Setup:
SRAM X9 shifters, Zoke fork, Bontrager wheels, Monkey bar, Avid BB7 discs, Time Atacs
Bottom Line:
The Dos-Niner is an excellent all around racer and play bike, would recommend to anyone looking to improve their level of riding or wanting a bike for multiple uses. Give your legs a couple of rides of turning the bigger wheel for best results. With a couple of tire changes, I have used this bike for commuting to work, play riding at Pisgah National Forest, MTB racing, riding with my wife at the local park and Cyclocross. That is a hard thing to do on any other bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Dullard
a Cross Country Rider
from Cedar Rapids, Ia Date Reviewed: August 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Spruce Creek, Winter Park. Keystone Gulch, Keystone. Sugar Bottom, Ia
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Geoff's Bike and Ski
Strengths:
TRACTION. Rolls Fast. Stability in Corners. Smoothes out small and intermediate bumps.
Weaknesses:
Gearing is a taller due to Larger Diameter--Get stronger I guess Reba not exactly plush.
Similar Products Used:
Various HT's, Epic
Bike Setup:
Delgado Disc, XT, Hayes El Camino, Thompson and Thompson, Reba Race w/pop lock, Specialized Fast Trac tyres and S Works Carbon Riser bar.
Bottom Line:
It is all true the good and the bad,
Clydesdales... look no farther. 6'3" 230#. Finally, a bike I don't look like a circus bear on a kid's trike.
Excellent Bike for endurance events. Rolls much better than 26er. Not great for super technical stuff but once the bike takes a set in a corner, it will carry higher cornering speeds than a 26er
Maintains momentum over baby heads and roots. The big wheels help a lot and the Relish takes care of the rest.
Had to go 10# under the reba's recommended pressure. The fork is solid in the corners
Scorches the descents, get good brakes.
I could of us a Bigger cog on the back for Steep, long climbs. My friends would be in 1-2 or 3 spinning while I was seemingly barely turning over a 22t -34t. Like I said above, get stronger. Or maybe the industry can help a brother out.
Not a Hucker, Bike Magazine seemed to think it was and gave it a mediocre review. 29 hoops are not as strong as smaller rims...its science.
5 for value 4 chili's The bike's weaknesses are not related to the Dos Niner, Just 29er's in general.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Jezek
a Cross Country Rider
from Carson City, NV Date Reviewed: August 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Light: when's the last time something weighed less than the company claimed? Never. My XL Dos Niner weighed 3.96 lb on a digital shipping scale. 29" wheels rule!
Weaknesses:
None. I don't know what people are talking about with the paint thing? Mine's solid and my Dos Niner is a mountain bike: they get dirty and scratched up.
Similar Products Used:
Never had a 29" before. My last MTB was an Ellsworth Id.
Bike Setup:
26.5 lb built all-day solid. XT shifter and derailuers. RaceFace Dues crank, King on Velocity Dyad rims. White Bros. .80 fork. Magura Marta Discs.
Bottom Line:
I had exactly 1 hour on this bike before I took it to 24 Hours of Adrenalin Leguna Seca in 2005. I rode 129 miles and climbed 29,000 ft. 14 laps, in 19 1/2 hours. And this bike was 100% solid. It felt like I had been riding it all my life. I love the geometry. The 29" wheels rule. I rode up Hurl Hill 12 of the 14 laps (I didn't make the other 2 only because of traffic). I still haven't crashed this bike. When people wanted to pass on the single track I could go off the trail and back on without stopping. The 29" wheels feel like suspension by themselves, and with the soft-tail this thing rides like a 3" travel bike. I have a KHS soft-tail SS and it doesn't feel nearly as good as the 29". I'm never going to switch back to 26". If you're over 6', you should be on a 29" bike. It's a way better trail bike than a 26" and if you're tall the 29" wheels just fit better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Baumgartner
a Cross Country Rider
from Palm Desert, CA Date Reviewed: July 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Hurkey Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Webcyclery
Strengths:
Light, geometry is fast and smooth yet climbs. Rear shock is tuneable. Its a 29er.
Weaknesses:
Scandium doesn't hold paint well. The lightness of the frame is worth the ease of scratching. A bit flexy but not really a concern becuase the bike is still stable.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Rig
Bike Setup:
Reba, King, Hayes El Camino. Sram XO trigger, FSA carbon bar, Sram XGen and 9.0 derailluers, Race Face Dues Crankset, Swiss DT 240s laced to Salsa Daldo disc rims, Thomson stem and post, Selle Italia saddle.
Bottom Line:
If you want a smooth rider on a 29er that is light and race ready w/out having to go full suspension for under $1500 look no further.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Reggie
a
from Fort Collins, Co Date Reviewed: April 16, 2006
It took me about 6 rides to finally see the light with this bike. At first it felt big and clumsy, but I later found out it was just me, I had weak legs. Once I started doing more leg work (squats,leg press etc.) I noticed a big difference. It takes more leg strength to turn the big wheels.
Keeping momentum is key with this bike as well, if momentum is lost, I've noticed it's much harder to regain it.
As for the relish shock:
On the minus side the relish is hard to guage due to the fact that air pressure is adjusted 1 thru 10 psi on the shock pump. It's impossible to know how much psi you have when it's 1-10. Salsa should have included a special shock pump for this shock.
I ride the relish with 0 psi, this is not a plush ride by any means but it's a lot better than any hardtail. I don't feel beat up after long rides. The Scandium frame is really nice, although it does chip easily and only comes in one color. Salsa needs to come out with more color options. Salsa if you're listening make us a anodized version, they hold up so much better.
The customer service at Salsa is below average, they had to replace the relish shock, and it took them 2 weeks to get a new one out. Now the guy at Salsa did call and admit he dropped the ball and he did apologize, so that was cool. I think they are really busy and probably need to hire some more people.
Anyway, the dos niner rides great, it's very fast, no one will touch you on the jeep roads. On the single track it is quite nimble even with it's high cockpit. The best thing so far for me is the bottom bracket heigth, I never hit my pedals on rocks anymore, the thing just rolls over everything. The Reba Race is a solid fork and can be taken from 80mm to 100mm. I'm riding with the 80mm right now with no complaints. Again the relish is not plush, but it does it's job effectively smoothing out the bumps.
Every ride I like this bike just a little more. I'm giving 5's accross the board even though the C.S. wasn't the greatest.
The ride makes up for everything.
Total weight with pedals 27 lbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Rolla, mo, USA Date Reviewed: April 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Council Bluffs
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
want ads for whole bike
Strengths:
Light weight, fast xc race geometry, increadibly versatile, smooths out the trail, its a 29er, solid, nice color (personal preferance)
Weaknesses:
Rear tire clearance (pre 06 models)
Similar Products Used:
02 Specialized Enduro FSR, Schwinn Mesa
Bike Setup:
Maverick SC32, Full X-0, Carbon Bar and stems, tires for the occasion, Velocity Dyad rims, DT swiss 240s rear hub, Gobi Ti saddle, cane creek ergos barends
Bottom Line:
This is the best all around XC bike frame I've ever owned. On 29" wheels you don't need 3-5" of rear travel to ride fast. The 1" it gives is more than enough and is actually very tuneable... The geometry allows to ride through tight twisty single track at amazing speeds and is very light weight considering the shock... Only 1 weakness on this frame and that is the tire clearance (this problem has been solved on newer darker green frames) the largest tire currently in production (WTB Exiwolf said to be 2.3) fits but nothing larger would and there is no mud clearance... Just beware of this short fall... This really doesn't bother me at all for the type of racing I do. I would suggest this frame to anyone short of a all mountain or Freerider..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Beaupre
a Cross Country Rider
from Boylston, MA Date Reviewed: February 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Vietnam
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Bobs
Strengths:
Outstanding climber. Very fast. Smooth, compliant ride. Light weight. Excellent single track geometry. Descends with confidence. Nice BB height. Rolls over obstacles that give 26" wheels fits. Quality construction. Very cool looking. A great do-it-all XC bike with a twist. A bargain for what you get.
Weaknesses:
If you build one, you can forget about riding any of your other bikes. None of your buddies will be able to keep up with you so you may end up riding alone. A little tight on the standover height for me.
Similar Products Used:
Owned Gary Fisher 29" Rig. Surley Karate Monkey
Bike Setup:
16" 06 frame, Rockshock Reba fork. Salsa Delgado disk rims w/XT hubs. Race Face Deus crankset. Thompson Masterpiece stem and seatpost. Easton Monkeylite XC carbon bars, Avid Juicy 7 brakes, Deore XT deraillers, WTB laser stealth saddle, Kenda Klaw or WTB Exiwolf tires depending on conditions. 26 lbs!
Bottom Line:
Outstanding climber, I have climbed some hills that I never climbed on my numerous 26" bikes! I can't believe how well this bike climbs both in and out of the saddle. Amazing! The geometry, a larger tire contact patch and a firm, lightweight ride gets this bike up and over stuff that gave my 26" bikes fits!. What this translates into is greater capability to go further, faster and with less effort than anything I have ever riden before. It's that good. It takes a little more effort to get the bike rolling but it holds speed so much better that I feel it is a fair tradeoff. This bike is fast! It gives you much more confidence to motor thru rocks, roots, logs etc...without breaking momentum, losing your line or stalling. Downhills are taken with confidence as well. The Relish shock and 29" wheels deliver a smooth, compliant ride. A huge difference over a conventional hardtail but it won't be confused with a full suspension bike either. Speaking of full suspension, I am now convinced that for XC riding/racing, a soft tail is the way to go. You can feel all your energy being used to propel you forward, nothing wasted. Overall, this bike is smooth, fast, out climbs anything on the planet and descends with confidence. Buy one and you will be amazed at what this bike will do for you. Also, buy a whistle so you can tell your friends where you are as they fall further and further behind. 10 CHILIS!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John R
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Peters, MO Date Reviewed: February 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Berryman Trail MO
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Saint Louis Bicycle Comp
Strengths:
I'm 6'0" 205lbs and come from a road/triathlon background. Climbing: Everything they say is true; I climb in and out of the saddle much more efficently then with my 26" HT. Stable: This bike is very stable on rough single track. I have a lot more confidence rolloing over roots and rocks. They say that a 29er is harder to handle on switch backs but I don't see it. One thing you find on a steep climb is the front wheel is less likely to pull up and the rear wheel will not slip as quickly as a 26".
Weaknesses:
No air bags for those fast decents! It really does roll faster.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher HT
Bike Setup:
LX, Salsa Delgado wheels (built be the bike shop) and Shimano Hydralic brakes (work great)
Bottom Line:
There's nothing I would change on this bike. I didn't want a ST with lots of rear travel that would impact climbing efficency. The 1" rear travel is fine on fast rocky decents. The greater air volume in the 29" tires make this a great ride and I'm not getting snake bite flats! This will be an outstanding bike for Adventure Racing!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MadCowRider
a Cross Country Rider
from middle of nowhere, WA Date Reviewed: January 12, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Strengths:
Light, fast, easy steering. Did I say light? Very light. Sold as frame only, so it has the added bonus of letting you build it up custom.
Weaknesses:
The medium frame has some toe overlap. Kind of annoying.
Bike Setup:
XTR cassette and front der, SRAM-XO rear der and chain. Raceface TurbineLP-ISIS crank. Avid mechs.
Bottom Line:
Sweet ride. Fast. I like hardtails and this handles just like a hardtail but the little relish 1-incher takes just enough of the chop out of a trail to make long rides that much easier. Great bike. It took a while for me to dial in the stem/handlebars, but worth the effort.
Not the greatest paint, American Classic rear hub.
Similar Products Used:
Diamond Back Apex, 88' Litespeed Hardtail, Mongoose/Amp F2, Cannondale F3000, Titus Racer-X
Bike Setup:
Stock Salsa build, Reba, American Classic/WTB Wheels
Bottom Line:
After looking around on the 29er forum, I was intrigued enough to take a trip over to the classifieds, where lo and behold, a '05 20" Dos Niner w/ respectable parts was for sale for a fair price. It was a used demo bike from a shop and looked to be in good shape. I figured why not? The nice folks at The Bike Rack packed and shipped it promptly. I had a race in October (the 12 Hours on the Hill of Truth, a fine event, by the way), and saw a good opportunity to give my teammates ulcers, by riding a new bike for the first time.
Well, I got it adjusted, did a shake down run at a local trail, and loved the felling of the 29" wheels. They just felt faster, and as I would latter find, they are faster. I did do a lap of the race course the day before the event, but forgot my cycle computer, so the best estimate of my time was around 49 minutes.
Now this is where I made up my mind. The venue (Haw Ridge) has some very tight, twisty, rough technical sections and I thought the Dos Niner's weaknesses would be revealed here: i.e. longer wheel base+bigger wheels=slower handling, 1" softail+rough trails= beat up body. Well, I was wrong. I think the geometry makes up for the handling, and while it was definitely harsher, it wasn't unbearable.
And what it was... was faster. My best practice time with my old bike was about 51 minutes. Now, to frame this up, my old bike is a Titus Racer-X with a Fox FX100 and a pretty lightweight build. It was definitely more comfortable (plusher) than the Dos Niner. The handling was unbelievably about the same. The Dos Niner Climbed better on the long, steep Hill of Truth, and did nearly as well on the short, sudden steep sections elsewhere. I think it came down to traction. Climbing didn't require concentration to Keep the front end on the ground (as w/ the RX), so I could just concentrate on turning the pedals. Cornering traction was a notch better than the RX, so I was frequently surprised that I was getting through turn at such speeds. And rolling resistance was vastly better: on the smooth sections of trail and the paved section, it just flew... so much less effort for so much more speed. And all this with a rear tire known for speed, but less so for great climbing traction.
Where the rubber hits the trail is lap time: 46:08, 48:06, 47:something, 56:something (night lap). I plan on doing the race course again on the RX, and trying to turn some laps in anger for a direct comparison, and if anyone is interested, I will let you know the result.
This is too long now, but quickly, I am 6'3", 180lbs, I have the 20" frame and have no stand-over issues, and the size seems good. It was very easy to dial in fit on this bike. I am running the low end of Salsa's recommended presure, and -10psi of RockShox low end of recommended presure for my weight. I will probably play with the fork some more, and the tires are WTB Nano rear/ Bonty Jones ACX front.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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