Hi guys,
Can’t decide between getting a timberjack XT or a surly KM rigid or suspension. I want it primarily for hitting trails and bikepacking in all terrain but pavement. Both seem to have pretty decent components! I’ve never ridden a rigid bike so that makes me lean more towards the timberjack. And for reference my previous bike was a Specialized Stumpjumper evo comp 27.5, I also had a cheap Rocky Mountain fusion 29er for just commuting and easy dirt roads, cheap components, awful gear range but I did like how easy it was to go over roots and rocks with a 29er.
Decided To get a timberjack XT. Can’t really test the bike unfortunately so I am torn with the sizes. I was aiming to get the XT 27.5 in small but now I’m considering the XT 29 size x small. I’m 5’3 and 29” inseem. In terms of geometry the reach and stack of the x small is similar to my old stumpjumper. thanks guys
Hey all, I currently have a 2021 Timberjack GX, and I'm hoping to use it as my rig for a couple of long distance trail/bikepacking races here in AK. The bike is basically all stock, besides for different grips and a oneup carbon bar. It's my favorite bike ever, and after scrapping plans for a new bike, I'm pondering how I should upgrade it to be a little more efficient. Suspension-wise, do you all think a SID would be a good fit, or should I instead upgrade to a burlier/more supple fork that might still be lighter than the stock bomber? Any other suggestions on making the bike more efficient?
I'm looking to get my first MTB (been riding trails with a gravel conversion, but I've already pushed it to the limit of what it can do), and I'm currently mulling over either the Giant Fathom 29 2 or the Salsa Timberjack XT 29.
The Fathom ($1460) is less expensive, but I'm concerned about having to deal with the mismatched parts issue (the chainring from the factory is a 0mm offset instead of 3mm, which numerous reviews say causes chain drop on the easiest gear); the small also only has one bottle holder in the frame, which might limit my range.
The Timberjack ($2099) is arguably more versatile (way more mount points for bikepacking); it is substantially more expensive though.
My current use cases would be:
- short local trail rides after work (steep, dry, often loose dirt) / longer day rides on the weekends. Climbing ability, security on the descents, and ability to cover a lot of ground are most important to me.
- Taking it on road trips to national parks/forests/etc. as a way to boost my exploratory range and as an emergency vehicle (I do this with my current bike already, but a MTB would work so much better for the places I'm going). Not sure if overnight trips are something that I'd have time/interest in, but it'd be nice to feel self-sufficient and prepared for contingencies on long rides
What do you think I should go with? Any other models I should consider? Any advice and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
It has been decided! Thanks!
These two bike have became available at the same time, one at a LBS (Honzo), and the other via an online retailer. I like the geo of both bikes, but can't decide between them. Currently I ride mostly XC Midwest trails on a Cannondale Trail 8, but I want to be able to hit a variety of terrain, which is why I'm looking at two trail bikes and not XC bikes. According to 99 spokes, the bikes are essentially the same bang for the buck with only minor differences overall. Thanks for your input
Thanks to everyone for the input. I'm the proud owner of a honzo!
Ps, rei has salsa timberjack in stock ready to ship
I am a newish rider, I live near a lot of hiking and some technical trails. I have limited funds (I would have to eat ramen if I got the Timberjack.) I am like an hour from a bike park, what would you recommend?
I need something to lift up the trees so I can cut them.
I see these timberjacks, but have never used one.
What are everyone's thoughts?
Hello everybody. I've been riding my new mountain bike to work lately, and it's made me really want to convert my old Salsa Timberjack to electric for those days I don't feel like riding. I was looking at something like this kit:
I've experienced enough buyers remorse in my life to know that I should ask before I buy. I'm handy, so installation isn't a problem, I just wanted to get input from the folks here that know about this kinda stuff so I can avoid any pitfalls that I may not be aware of. Thanks!
I'm 5'7" (170cm). Based on the geometries of the bikes I've tested in my buying process, do you think I'd fit a Timberjack 29 XS, or could it be too cramped? (I'd have to order it online if I got it, so I wouldn't be able to test-ride it ahead of time)
https://preview.redd.it/eteus607euw71.png?width=1518&format=png&auto=webp&s=b457e64d1338c5dc572295be47cc323183db74cb
I've got a 2019 model with the 1.0 Alternator drop outs. I bought the bike with 27.5s and the chain stay in the shortest position. Will I need to lengthen the chain to accommodate 29s? I'm eyeing some affordable 29r wheel set that came off a new TJ. Thinking I'll figure out which size wheel I prefer before buying an expensive wheel set.
Looking to upgrade from my trek marlin 5. Budget: around 1k
Prefer to buy used and am mechanically inclined.
My two options:
- Custom Surly Bike: $1,000
2019 Surly lowside medium frame 27.5
Front Wheel: raceface affect 40 plus
Rear Wheel: WTB ST.I23
Brakes: Shimano XT BR-m8000 front and rear with icetech XT SM-RT86 6 bolt rotors.
Group set: Sram eagle NX 12 speed boost groupset (Drivetrain is brand new)
Dropper post: oneup v2 dropper post 150mm
Front suspension: Rockshox revelation 140mm
Tires: Maxxis ardent and high roller II tubeless setup (Comes with 2 full sets of tires)
Pedals: Raceface Chester’s
This bike is located 20 mins from me
2: 2019 Salsa Timber-jack SLX 27.5: $900
This bike is about 1.5 hours away from me and the seller answers messages very slowly
I think I prefer the Surly. I’m looking to do some smaller local trails and a little bit of street riding.
I’m trying to get into mountain biking and saw this on facebook marketplace. It has a lot of upgrades but I don’t know enough to tell if they are good or bad. Would this be worth the $1500 and a 4 hour drive? https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/209879647793191/?ref=search&referral_code=marketplace_search&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A80141265-b3f7-4c3e-a2e5-c64788b5306f
Timberjack vs Triple Stryke
Winner of last round: Sentinel! The sentinel is going on to Round 2 to fight the winner of this round
Timberjack advantages: Strong wings, larger, faster
Triple Stryke advantages: Higher attack with deadly pincers, higher endurance, has venom, better defence
Where it takes place: Inside a dense forest where the Timberjack goes hunting for food for its children when it stumbles across an aggressive Triple Stryke protecting its eggs.
WINNER: Up to you to decide
PS: These advantages aren’t based on the stats that the books or wiki says. Also, this is only movies and TV shows so no comics or anything.
https://preview.redd.it/ezs6plrxrpg71.png?width=964&format=png&auto=webp&s=f70d26bdb77aeb4f795c8e6b260fc2e3c200b4da
I've been wanting to get into MTBing for a few months now (avid roadie) but given that everything has been out of stock I couldn't purchase what I wanted. I know the Timberjack is a trail bike with 130mm travel & weighs something like 32 lbs/14.5 kg but I'm wondering at how much of a disadvantage would I be on a XC course vs if I had been able to buy any of the XC bikes I had my eye on (Cube Reaction C:62 or Canyon Exceed something like 10.5-11.5 kg vs 14.5).
Realistically since I'm so new to MTBing a vast majority of my riding, possibly even 100% for the next year, will be only on trails and no racing just to get those skills -- don't want to race without a solid foundation of skills. My understanding is that as a slacker trail bike I'd have more fun & be safer on the trails with the Timberjack than a nervous all-out XC racer? I'd also have more flexibility to ride a greater variety of trails? Seems like this bike can also handle some offroad bike packing which seems on the opposite end of the spectrum from XC racing but yay for versatility? I also have no idea what the level of competition is like in the XC races around me, as far as fitness goes I'm near the pointy end but as far as bike handling skills go, I'm decent for a roadie/gravel rider but a complete beginner for MTB.
Finally, what are the benefits of platform pedals vs SPD clipless? Coming from the roadie/gravel background it's a nobrainer for me to throw SPD 520's on there but am wondering what would I be missing because I see so many MTBers with platforms.
New (to me) bike day! Have been looking for a burlier hardtail and finally found one at a LBS on consignment. Super fun to go ripping down some single track on! Sorry the bike is a little far away in the photo, I just love that shot of the mountains 😁.
I've always been a Timberjack fan, and I'm probably extra frustrated because Typhoomerangs were introduced and got a lot of spotlight, basically being a Timberack replacement without the beauty and elegance.
I will admit Snaptrappers are probably the most conceptually unique dragons though, and it would have been awesome for them to get an episode or movie appearance.
So my mechanic told me my hub is shot and recommends getting a new wheelset. He has the velocity dually with a sram 900 hub for $600, but he says I would have to get a 1x12 derailleur and a new cassette which would bring the total to $1000
Anyone have recommendations for a wheelset that will work with a 1x10 derailleur? Or do I just bite the bullet and upgrade everything at once?
Alternatively, he has ASYM econoset that he could do for $300 and they would work with my deore 1x10
Not sure if it's worth pouring a grand into a bike that I originally spent like $1200, but also don't want to put something called "econoset" on my bike
Hello!
I, like many others, am looking for the Salsa Timberjack slx 27.5+ model. Size xs. Has anyone seen any in California? I tried a few local shops but no luck.
I'm hopeful that I find one soon!
Thanks everyone!
