Submitted by
snafu5962
a Racer
from York, Pa, USA Date Reviewed: July 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Ridge County Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$430.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Very light, fast, good looking, and rare. Uses a traditional 1 1/8 headset. Takes a serious beating. Great cornering.
Weaknesses:
Hard to get used to at first. Rock Shox MC3.3 that comes with it is garbage. Scratches easily. Could be lighter but im a weight weenie
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Hard Rock Pro
Bike Setup:
18" El Santo frame, Fox F100RL, X7 shifters, X0 rear derailleur, XTR front derailleur, XT Wheels, Hayes HFX-9 carbon hydro brakes w/mud cutter rotors, S-Works flat bar, Specialized BG saddle, Salsa seat post and clamp, 110mm EA-50 stem, Intense XC 2.1 tires, PG990 cassette, 991 chain, Hollowtec II cranks, M520 pedals
Bottom Line:
Its a sweet full suspension 26er if you are looking to race and still ride all mountain with it. It will take big drops, eat up the switchbacks, bomb the downhills, and absorb the abuse from tree roots and rock gardens like they were never there. Switch out the MC 3.3 for a Fox RP23 asap so you can get the benefit of the propedal feature. These frames are super rare so snatch it if you find one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pedalitup
a Cross Country Rider
from Oregon Date Reviewed: April 11, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Dry and sunny
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$962.00
Purchased At:
QBP
Strengths:
Ride quality, durability, and drop dead gorgeous too.
Weaknesses:
NONE, since I found touch up paint.
Similar Products Used:
Giant NRS, AC air
Bike Setup:
Daves custom wheels, Reba race, XT drivetrain, BB7's with 185f 160r rotors, Thomson post and stem, FSA XC riser, WTB rocket V saddle.
Bottom Line:
This is a long term follow up review. I've put over a thousand miles on this frame, upgraded to a Reba fork and sick light custom wheelset. Overall this bike is comfortable, light, fast AND takes real fat tires. Since I don't submerge it and use a road bike when its muddy, I haven't replaced bearings or bushings. Thankfully waiting for some technological advance that makes me look elsewhere. . . Yes I know, I could spend big $$$ on a carbon Anthem or ASX for subtle improvements. Now that its no longer available in Salsas lineup, I'm glad I've got one.
I've ridden this frame hard for two years. Its NOT for sale.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
johnstoc
a Cross Country Rider
from Oregon Date Reviewed: April 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Anything singletrack
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
From a friend, used
Strengths:
Efficient, don't notice much pedal bob climbing even with the RS MC3.3 shock wide open. Lightweight (5.7lb) frame but haven't noticed any flex and I ride pretty hard.
Weaknesses:
The beautiful paint job! Paint flies off this frame at first sight on incoming gravel/rocks/sticks. Just gives it character, right? Bought it to ride it not to look at it on the wall, though it is pretty. Tubes are "soda-can" thin but have put up with a beating and a number of crashes. Blew through a bushing on the rear shock pretty fast (<1 year) but this is a wear part.
Similar Products Used:
Jamis Dakar XLT 2.0, Trek Fuel EX 9.5
Bike Setup:
08 Fox Talas, RS MC3.3, X0 shifters/rd, XT fd, J7's, King hubs on Mavic 717's, XT cranks, Crank Bros Candy SL's, Thompson seatpost/stem, Monkeylite XC bars, Oury grips, WTB rocket V saddle. Comes in 27 lbs with FireXC pros on, maybe 28 with some bigger/knobbier shoes.
Bottom Line:
SWEET trailbike. I love to climb then turn around and open it up on the way down, and this bike excels. Size feels spot on, 20" large and i'm 5'10ish.
Have no complaints about the "faux bar" suspension, does its job and I don't feel that it's inefficient. Would definitely recommend to a friend.
Overall- 5 flames as it puts a f'n ridiculous smile on my face every time I ride it.
Value- 5 flames. Bought it used from a friend at a great deal. Frame can be had for well under 1k new.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremiah
a Cross Country Rider
from Schenectady, NY USA Date Reviewed: March 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
River Bottoms trail, MN
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
consistent handling, reasonable weight, stiff
Weaknesses:
supspension performance but only because everything else is so good.
Similar Products Used:
Salsa Bandito, Specialized Epic S-works
Bike Setup:
XTR dual control, DT Swiss wheels, Aluminum components - no carbon, Kenda Karma 26x2.3, Rock Shox Reba Team, 15% sag f/r
Bottom Line:
I love the bike. The suspension effeciency is perfect in the small chainring, and pretty good in the middle ring, but bob's in the big ring. The MC3.3 works well for damping the bob, but in the middle and small ring I prefer no platform damping. Top tube looks short initially, but works well with the bikes geometry. It truly is more versatile than the numbers suggest. It performs well as a racer, but I wouldn't hesitate to take it anywhere.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grund
a Cross Country Rider
from Western MA Date Reviewed: March 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Earl's Trails
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
online bike porn
Strengths:
More than good enough for cross country, yet it has 2.3" tire clearance in the rear for all mountain. It dealt just fine with the wet, rooty, rocky, steep and tight trails of Western MA. Don't be mistaken, these trails are brutal.
I hear that many 4" frames feel bigger than their travel, and the El Santo is no different. It's as they say..."not the size of the ship in the sea, it's the motion in the ocean."
Weaknesses:
Within 3 months of use the sleeve bearing on the bottom shock pivot seized, and the top one did not look so hot either. The Rock Shox MC 3.3 was fine, but broke eventually and mocked that "loose headset feeling" that forks have. Replaced with Monarch 4.2 (cheaper than RP23).
Yes, the paint loves to jump off the frame.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing with squish in the rear. I need to try more FS so I can understand what people mean when they say that every 4" frame feels like a 5" frame. What does that make 5" frames?
Bike Setup:
Chris King+Revolution+Brass+EQ27. Reba 20mm Maxle Light 120mm, Monarch 4.2, Thomson, Ergon, SRAM X.0, Candy 4Ti, Deus Cranks
Bottom Line:
This bike started out as a 24.75 lb racer. As time went on, I realized that I wanted to do more than it was capable of while trail riding, but still be able to race efficiently. The parts have thus been transferred to a 23 lb steel hardtail, and I rebuilt the El Santo as a 27 lb all mountain rig. I now understand this "all mountain" trend. With more travel in front, wider rims, bigger tires and a riser bar, I can do dumber things on it.
5 for value because who sells such a nice frame for under 1200 bucks?
4 overall cuz of the bearing replacement, but I was able to do that myself thankfully.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
c5plus
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, Ca. Date Reviewed: August 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
The Forest of Nisene Marks
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$675.00
Purchased At:
QBP
Strengths:
Light weight Scandiuim Tubeset - Great looking paint job - Climbs very well with no perceptible rear bob - All-around good handling
Weaknesses:
Cable routing over top-tube rubs frame/paint too much
Similar Products Used:
Hard-tails: Giant Iguana - Specialized Rockhopper
Bike Setup:
Cross Country with a little All Mountain: 08 Fox F100 RLS - Fox RP23 - Custom DT Swiss wheelset - SRAM X.9 - Juicy 7 - Raceface Duce crankset - Thompson Stem / Post - Easton Monkeylite XC bars
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for an all-around cross country/all mountain 4" full suspension bike... Look no further. Bang for the buck, this is a great scandium frame for your money. I bought the frame and components separately and built the bike just the way I wanted. It is a great performer. It climbs very well with no perceptible rear bob. Attacks single track like a larger suspension bike. Handles great flying down hill too. The Scandium tube-set acts as a good vibration dampener. With El Santo's good looks and great performance, you can't go wrong with this frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pds1980
a Cross Country Rider
from Scotland Date Reviewed: June 22, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Strengths:
Looks stunning. Paint looks much nicer than even any picture ever could represent it. Very light. Even comes supplied with touch up paint. Stiff back end.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Marin Riftzone.
Bike Setup:
Reba's, Juicy 5, Sram x7, fulcrum metal 5's.
Bottom Line:
I spent 6 months with this frame in a box on top of the wardrobe while I bought all the other components I needed. after much planning and anticipation I was not disapointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Wolff
a Cross Country Rider
from Lyons, CO, USA Date Reviewed: April 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Kokopelli
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
qbp
Strengths:
Endurance X-country dream. Smooth yet tight and predictable ride. Very little bob from Rock Shox MC 3.3.
Weaknesses:
It hurts watching the so-sweet paint job get trashed. Don't brake my heart again-- make the next release bare metal.
SRAM X-9 drivetrain; RS Reba Race/MC 3.3; Avid BB-7; Race Face Deus; Race Face Evolve Carbon; Ritchey WCS stem and seat post; DT Swiss 240s/XR 4.2D
Bottom Line:
Total bike weighs in at 24.5. Not bad for a bike at this price. Climbs almost as well as my hardtail. I haven't measured, but my guess is that the effective travel is a little less than 4", but it rules for aggressive, endurance type x-country riding. Very tight when you want it, yet eats the bumby terrain like a champ.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cason
a Cross Country Rider
from Nashville, TN, USA Date Reviewed: January 14, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Used on Ebaty
Strengths:
Light weight, great climbing with little to no peddle bob (Manitou Swinger SPV works), affordable for this level of performance, you don't see these everywhere.
Weaknesses:
None found
Similar Products Used:
DBR V-Link 3.2
Bike Setup:
SRAM X9/9.0 8-speed with twist shifters, DT Swiss 340/4.1d running tubeless with Stan's, Marzocchi Marathon XC (set to 100mm), Shimano XT M-755 brakes, Truvativ Stylo cranks, Thomson stem/post, Control Tech scandium riser bar.
Bottom Line:
This is a fantastic all-around bike. I ride XC with very small drops and lots of rocks and roots. This frame has just the right amount of travel to soak it all up and it works very well with the Marathon XC fork (air/coil). This build is somewhere around 26 pounds (bathroom scale) and it's a durable bike that's a true pleasure to ride. I have the 2005 model with the higher top tube and this medium frame fits me very well (6'1" with 31" inseam) without standover issues. I find climbing to be a specific strength of this frame. On my DBR V-Link (mid-90s FS design), I either use rear lockout or put up with some bobbing, but I really don't notice any on the El Santo, which means the frame pairs well with the Manitou shock. I was perfectly happy with the lockout on the old frame, but this just takes one step out and makes for easier riding that's more fun!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
romwell
a Cross Country Rider
from valencia, bukidnon, philippines Date Reviewed: October 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
bukidnon mountain ranges
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Strengths:
Scandium light! pedals good, soaks terrain well, wicked paint! not many use it!
Weaknesses:
top tube cable routing rubs frame
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR, Giant Anthem, GTs, etc
Bike Setup:
08 Fox F100 RLC, am classic wheels, Raceface Next Sl carbon bars & posts, XT.
Bottom Line:
BOTTOM LINE IS YOU'LL PROBABLY BE THE ONLY ONE TO HAVE IT! Frame is light enough to be raced or used for epic rides. proven 4bar linkage remains active all throughout pedal range. Good enough manitou 3way swinger keeps bob in check. This frame is awesome, especially in the sense that it goes against the usual expensive-popular-but average performing frames out there. If you want a frame that performs and looks better than the usual popular brands then this is it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Apgar
a Cross Country Rider
from Suwanee, GA Date Reviewed: July 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Tanasi
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
local owner / new frame
Strengths:
Light and strong frame (scandium); proven suspension design; good rear shock with SPV (swinger 3-way); super welds and paint scheme; fast up and down and hugs the trail; unique product/bike company.
Weaknesses:
No glaring weaknesses yet. As stated before...put clear tape over top tube and cable rub points if you want to protect the paint. Paint may chip easier on scandium.
Similar Products Used:
GT I-drive; Santa Cruz Blur; EPX carbon-fiber HT.
Bike Setup:
2006 El Santo 20" Large with Manitou Swinger 3-way; Marz. Marathon SL 120 mm fork; XT shifters/DR's/drivetrain; Syncros bar; Thompson stem/seatpost; Cane Creek S6 headset; WTB saddle/grips; Mavic Crossland wheelset with Specialized Resolution UST tubeless tires/Stan's; Time carbon ATAC.
Bottom Line:
This is by far the best bike I have owned to date. I was happy to get a good price on the frame. Transferred a lot of parts over from the SC Blur, but the El Santo rides as if new. The Blur with VPP is excellent, but after 4 years, wanted to try a different type of suspension. You will not be disappointed in this bike! My build-up weighs 27-28 lbs., but the bike rides and pedals as if 25 lbs. This bike is super fast and feels light going up and down; the large 20" frame centers riders 5'9" to 6'1" and the mid-tube SO height is about 32" with the newer sloping TT. The Specialized Resolution Pro UST 26 x 2.1 tires really keep the bike grounded over rocks, angled roots, off-camber singletrack and wash-outs. I run the rear in reverse for better traction.
The El Santo has the option of being built light abeit expensive for XC racing or more standard builds for general XC trail riding and endurance racing or epic riding....where it achieves a good comfort level with the right saddle! It is designed for 100mm forks but I am using 105-115mm depending on air pressures, and do not notice handling problems in tight quarters.
The bottom line for me is noticably better climbing and downhill control over technical trails than previous rides. If your looking for a multi-purpose full suspension bike for(especially)general trail riding or epic/endurance riding, this Salsa might fit the bill....it is a quality frame at the retail price-point compared with other frames as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen Houston
a Weekend Warrior
from Simpsonville, SC 29681 Date Reviewed: July 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
DuPont, Slick Rock
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Rbikes.com
Strengths:
Fast climber,rear lockout may be what helps. Great control downhill, it wants to go much faster than my skill level right now. Wicked paint!
Weaknesses:
You want to use clear protective tape on cable rub areas. For such a sweet paint job, you would think Salsa would reroute the cables a little.
Similar Products Used:
I was a Hardtail purist before. Raliegh
Bike Setup:
Manitou front forks, Rock Shock MC3 rear. Sram shifters/derailers. Avid juicy 5s disk.
Bottom Line:
You dont see other Salsas on the trails. El Santo is a great frame to build up from. Big bang for the buck. The paint is second to none. You will get scratches, but you want to get them on your terms(the trails) not garage wear and tear. Remember clear protective tape at cable wear areas!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rain Waters
a Cross Country Rider
from Southern Oregon Date Reviewed: June 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
The one I'm on
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$962.00
Strengths:
Both unique and generic at once. Suspension design, build quality, steep head angle with 4" fork.
Climbs better than the NRS because suspension stays more active. Descends like an AC air for the same reason. BB shell was faced perfectly upon receipt of frame. Put frame protector tape under the top run cables and don't sweat the tiny stuff. I rode this bike 68 miles the first weekend including 10k ft of climbing and hard descending, its broke in and not broken. The bike is totally comfortable, a fast climber and fun to ride downhill. For the price I paid for this frame and the ride quality it provides I could not be happier.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Wilmington, NC Date Reviewed: March 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
It's definately not in this state
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Thru QBP
Strengths:
Nice lightweight frame with full sealed bearings and a great SPV shock
Weaknesses:
Not a fan of top tube cable routing
Similar Products Used:
lots of different hardtails and dual squishies
Bike Setup:
Full XT, just about every component Salsa makes. Set up race style, long and low, no sissy riser.
Bottom Line:
Bike handles great! I usually keep it on the stiffer side because the trails here aren't too rough. I can stand up and sprint and the shock doesn't move, yet it feels plenty smooth on the trails. I strongly recommend this bike to everyone of a race or trail nature.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mumps
a Weekend Warrior
from Tky Date Reviewed: October 13, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good looking. Good weight. Plush. Stiff. No bob at all.
Weaknesses:
Non yet.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing that similar
Bike Setup:
built up with XT, Avid Rim brakes, Manitou Skareb, Crossmax Xl wheels
Bottom Line:
This is a bit earlier than I like to write a review but I am fully convinced by this product. This frame is a bit unique since the geometry lays somewhere between an XC race bike and a more all round trail bike. I chose it because I wanted a bike light enough for an adventure race that I could still have fun on on the weekends. It replaces a Gary Fisher hardtail. As a hardtail rider that has not spent that much time on duelies here are my thoughts: -Pedal bob/ pedal feedback/general squishiness: This was a major concern of mine when switching to dual sus. As a result I did lots of research on horst vs. faux bar etc. and almost ended up with an Specialized Epic. I am glad I didn't this frame is alot more fun (and lighter) than the Epic and pedal bob/ pedal feedback etc. is non exist. The frame design seems to work perfectly with the 3-way air and even with the shock set very plush with minimal SPV damping there is no pedal bob or feedback at all. -Brake jake: The other disadvantage of a non host link. Can I feel it? I've been trying to feel it. Maybe I've felt it? Or maybe its in my head? Don't know - I come from an HT and am used to getting a wack on every bump. For me this bike is plush without braking and more than plush enough under braking. If there is brake jack its to minimal for me to detect. -Suspension feel: This bike really feels bottomless. I have it set up way softer than I thought I would and I thought I would be bottoming out regularly and, according to the little o-ring on the shock I am definitely using the shocks etire travel - but I am yet to feel the bottom. Geometry: Its a bit shorter on top than I am used to but this and the bikes generally balanced feel gives it excellent handling in tight single track. I can now get arround tight switchback I could never do on my old Gary Fisher (maybe this was the drawback on Genius geometry). Adjusting my handle position a bit has made me comfortable on the climbs too.
I am trying to think of something to criticize but I really can't. The frame is great value too. If anyone is looking for a XC race bike that can also be alot of fun than I fully recommend the El Santo.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Corey Koehn
a Cross Country Rider
from Kohler, WI Date Reviewed: July 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
John Muir
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1150.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Works, Sheboygan Falls, WI
Strengths:
Pivot is strong, stiff, and smooth. Large frame size (22") for us big guys (6'7" tall). Kick arse paint job!
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Epic.
Bike Setup:
Cross Country
Bottom Line:
Bought the frame only and had it built up custome. As a large rider, I love that Salsa has a larger frameset. Once set up for your weight, etc. the Manitou Swinger SPV works perfectly. Climbing is a breeze, and bombing downhill is plush and smooth. As big as I am, I still haven't felt like I am coming close to bottoming it out. Balanced out very well when you need slow handling on singletrack. I can say that this bike has helped every aspect of my ride. Climbing, handling, endurance. It does it all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
benny
a Cross Country Rider
from Charleston, WV Date Reviewed: June 16, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Mary Ingles
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Quality Bike Products
Strengths:
Full Bearings, 4" travel, Frame nicely gussetted, Paint Job!
Weaknesses:
Cables run accross top tube, this can cause scratches
Similar Products Used:
Any bike I've ever ridden
Bike Setup:
Cross Country / All mountian
Bottom Line:
I own it. This bike is very fast! The travel seems bottomless. I like that the rear shock is "protected" from mud (the seat tube is between it and the Tire). All should buy it and set it up the way you want(Cross country Racer to Freeride). Firm up the suspension and race it or back off the suspension and spend all day onit! It climbs extremly well, much better than I could have hoped for and it just floats downhills. Dont buy this bike unless you actually intend to ride it, please, it needs to be ridden to be appreciated. da,da,da,da,daaa I'm Lovin' it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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