Salsa Timberjack [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for.

The Salsa Timberjack XT 27.5+ Mountain Bike delivers exceptional performance on trails and gravel, featuring plus-size tires, a RockShox fork, and Shimano XT components. The bike is a versatile and high-value choice for adventurous riders. 

Overview

I recently ordered and received a Salsa Timberjack XT 27.5+ Mountain Bike from Worldwide Cyclery, upgrading from my previous Timberjack to this newer, improved version. I can’t say enough good things about this bike—it’s a high-quality hardtail mountain bike with excellent geometry. I particularly love the plus-size tires, which give it a ride and feel comparable to a full-suspension bike.

The Timberjack is available in several component configurations, and I opted to upgrade from a Suntour shock and Shimano Deore components to a RockShox shock and Shimano XT components. On my first ride, I immediately noticed a significant improvement, especially with the upgraded front shock and the smoothness of shifting. Having 12 gears instead of the 10 on my older Timberjack also made a noticeable difference.

Based on my past experience, the Salsa Timberjack excels on local singletrack trails, including technical sections, and handles local gravel roads just as well. I frequently race in gravel events and plan to use the Timberjack in two upcoming races with rougher gravel sections. Honestly, I don’t expect to be any slower than I would be on my dedicated gravel bike.

The bike came with a $150 gift card to Worldwide Cyclery, which I used to purchase Wolf Tooth Waveform pedals in espresso to complement the copper color of my new Timberjack. While the pedals are pricey at $200, they proved to be worth every penny on my first ride. I prefer flat pedals for mountain biking as they allow me to switch foot positions easily and step off quickly when needed. These pedals provide incredible grip while still allowing for easy foot repositioning. I chose the large platform size, which feels perfect. If you want to enhance your climbing and descending performance on your mountain bike, I can’t recommend these pedals enough.

Although we have a local Salsa dealer, Worldwide Cyclery offered a deal I couldn’t pass up. The bike required some assembly, so I took it to my local dealer for professional assembly and tubeless conversion. Fortunately, the bike came with tubeless stems, which helped keep the conversion cost down. Even after factoring in the assembly cost, I still saved significantly by purchasing through Worldwide Cyclery.

The ordering process and delivery were seamless. The bike arrived in under a week with free shipping, and the customer service was outstanding. Worldwide Cyclery is incredibly responsive, answering emails within 24 hours. I highly recommend purchasing bikes through Worldwide Cyclery for their competitive pricing, excellent service, and hassle-free delivery.

Final Thoughts

The Salsa Timberjack is an outstanding hardtail with excellent geometry, versatile performance, and premium upgrades like a RockShox fork and Shimano XT drivetrain. It’s a perfect choice for riders tackling technical trails or gravel adventures, combining durability, comfort, and precision.