Quick Verdict
Yes – the Salsa Timberjack SLX 27.5 is a great trail hardtail. The new, longer and slacker geometry, 12-speed Shimano SLX and grippy 2.8-inch tires make it stable and confident off-road. The trade-off is weight: at about 35 pounds it is not the lightest bike in its class.
A good mountain bike is really hard to find. Although one has to admit, there is a good selection suitable for every specific need for individual riders, there are still some bikes that manage to blow the minds of both regular enjoyers and dedicated aficionados such as Salsa Timberjack SLX 27.5 Mountain Bike.
One of those bikes is the Salsa Timberjack SLX 27.5 Mountain Bike, proving that old saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” but still nailing it in making a perfect concoction of the familiar feel and new innovation that one could only recognize through riding it on mountain trails. Is this the right bike for you, you may wonder? Continue reading the review and find out!
What’s New
What Are the New Additions?
The previous Salsa Timberjack models have been knownfor the great combination of component selection, hardtail design, and competitive price, and it is considered by some bike enthusiasts as the flagship model and a prototype for a good bike that is a good entry point to the sport.
The 2020 model can be considered their best one, the next models do improve on the geometry of the bike itself, among other things.
The new Salsa Timberjack SLX 27.5 Mountain Bikes geometry has a longer tube and wheelbase as its crown jewel, in addition to a steeper seat tube, thus improving the rider’s posture in off-roading, improving both stability and fatigue. What has been noticed by some is that the longer forks avoid the steep feeling by compressing during the ride, thanks to the upgraded degree of the head tube angle.
The chainstay and standover height are shorter than previous models, however, it improves a lot in the separation of body and bike section, with the plethora of other, smaller frame tweaks, such as a three-packed mount for the downtube.
Another smaller addition is the revised and much smoother cable routing that snaps to the tube from the rear brake spot and enters the frame near the bracket at the bottom.
The Lineup
Salsa Timberjack Bike Types
The Timberjack is Salsa’s do-it-all hardtail, and it comes in more than one version.
Timberjack 27.5+
The model in this review rolls on 27.5-inch wheels with 2.8-inch plus tires. The big tires give extra grip and cushioning, which is great for loose, rocky trails and for riders who want a forgiving hardtail.
Timberjack 29
The 29-inch version uses bigger wheels with narrower tires. It rolls faster and holds speed better over long rides, so it suits riders who cover more distance on smoother trails.
Different Builds
Salsa offers the Timberjack with several Shimano and SRAM builds. Cheaper builds keep the same frame and geometry with simpler parts, while the SLX build in this review adds 12-speed shifting and better brakes.
Build Quality
Components and Frames
Frames
The Timberjack v2 frame is built for trail riding, with a tough aluminum main triangle and modern geometry.
6061-T6 Aluminum
A light but durable main 6061-T6 aluminum triangle is responsiblefor the durability and increased responsiveness of the whole frame.
Geometry and Dropouts
The new generation geometry is meant for aggressive rides with a noticeable increase in length and slack, in addition to a longer wheelbase for added stability.
Alternator 2.0 dropouts, which is a system that consists of replaceable dropout plates, can be set in rider-preferred modes and positions in order to customize the handling and stability, depending on the personal preference and the road.
Components
The Salsa Timberjack SLX 27.5 Mountain Bike has pretty good features.
Drivetrain
The famous Shimano SLX provides seamless shifting throughout all 12 speeds.
The build uses a Shimano SLX M7100 rear derailleur and shifter, a Shimano Deore cassette and chain, and a Shimano MT510 single-ring crankset.
Brakes
Shimano MT401 hydraulic disc brakes with RT10 Center Lock rotors give strong, consistent stopping on long descents and in wet conditions.
Wheels and Tires
The steeper seat tube helps in more efficient pedaling; 27.5 by 2.8-inch tires provide good traction and control on off-road tracks and trails.
The wheels use Shimano Center Lock hubs on 27.5-inch rims, with a Maxxis Minion DHF tire up front for cornering grip and a faster-rolling Maxxis Rekon at the back.
Fork
A RockShox 35 Silver fork handles the front suspension. It is a sturdy, easy-to-tune fork that suits the bike’s trail focus.
Cockpit
The cockpit pairs a Salsa Guide Trail stem with a 780 mm Race Face Chester handlebar and Salsa File Tread grips for control on rough ground.
An accessory mount on the underside of the lower tube; Pedals are sold separately.
The weight of the medium-sized bike is around 35 pounds, and it comes in all sizes, from the extra-small sizes to extra-large frames.
Ride Feel
Comfort and Performance
To be as concise as possible, the bike feels great, though it requires a bit of getting used to, especially if a biker is used to previous Timberjack models.
Comfort Features
The steeper seat tube and longer reach put you in a centered position that is comfortable on long climbs. As a hardtail, the Timberjack relies on its 2.8-inch tires to take the sting out of roots and rocks, and they do a good job of it.
The wide Race Face bar gives you plenty of leverage and a relaxed, open riding position, so long days on the trail feel less tiring.
Riding
As previously said, the main new addition, when compared to the previous models, is the new geometry of the bike, which feels otherworldly if you are used to the geometry of old bikes.
During rides, one can notice the slacker angles and lower stack height, as the downhill rides are more controllable, although faster.
Control
The control is maintained on high levels even on different surfaces, which is commendable, without the feeling of heaviness or a sense of disarray. The steeper angles put the body at an appropriate position that favors speed but at the same time, it is not a speed at which one could lose control, it is as if you glide through the air.
Of course, one of mountain bikes’ most important characteristics is the sturdiness of the frame, which is the case here, with the Timberjack striking a good balance between lightweight and toughness and sturdiness needed for difficult mountain trails.
Weight
Even though it might a bit heavier for some riders who prefer super lightweight bikes, as there might be some situations where those 35 pounds could prove too heavy, especially on the mountain that require quick reaction and adaptation.
Having said that, do not let this dissuade you from getting this model, it is definitely a minuscule thing that may not come up even as a problem during your rides.
All in all, this bike feels really great on all types of rides, especially off-road, off-the-beaten-track ones, and as comfortable as one felt on the previous Timberjack models, this model has been improved to an almost unimaginable extent that it feels and rides like a dream, no matter the intent or physical readiness of the rider.
Specs
Salsa Timberjack SLX 27.5 Mountain Bike
Everything that the previous models lacked, this model makes up for it with a great set of components that complement each other and boost the overall versatility of the bike itself.
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The Verdict
Pros and Cons of the Salsa Timberjack SLX 27.5
The Timberjack SLX 27.5 gets a lot right for a hardtail, but it is not for everyone.
Salsa Timberjack SLX 27.5
Key Specs
- Frame: Timberjack v2 Aluminum
- Fork: RockShox 35 Silver
- Drivetrain: Shimano (Rear SLX M7100 SGS
- Cassette and Chain: Shimano Deore
- Shifter: SLX M7100
- Crankset: MT510-1
- Brakes and Rotors: Shimano MT401 and RT10 Center Lock rotors
- Stern: Salsa Guide Trail
- Race Face Chester handlebar (35 mm, 780 mm width, 20 mm rise XS-SM,35 mm Rise MD-XL)
- Grips: Salsa File Tread
- Wheels: The front one is Shimano MT4000-B Center Lock 15 by 110 mm hub, and the rear wheel is Shimano MT410-B Micro Spline Center Lock 12 by 148 mm hub,
- Rims: 27.5-inch
- Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF front tire and Maxxis Rekon rear tire.
Pros of the Timberjack SLX 27.5
- Modern Geometry: The longer, slacker frame is stable and easy to control on fast descents.
- Quality Components: 12-speed Shimano SLX shifting and hydraulic disc brakes work well together.
- Grip: 27.5 x 2.8-inch Maxxis tires give lots of traction and cushioning.
- Adjustable: Alternator 2.0 dropouts let you tune the handling to your riding.
Cons of the Timberjack SLX 27.5
- Weight: At around 35 pounds, it is heavy for riders who want a light, quick bike.
- Price: It can be too expensive for casual neighborhood riding.
- Extras Not Included: Pedals and some accessories, such as a seat clamp for a rear rack, are sold separately.
- Learning Curve: The new geometry takes a little getting used to if you rode older Timberjacks.
SalsaCheck PriceGear For Your Mountain Bike
Grippy tires, the right pressure and a trail tool cover most of what goes wrong on the trail. These are picks we would put on our own bikes.
Mountain bike tire
Maxxis Minion DHF
A grippy, tubeless-ready trail tire with tough casing options for rocky and rooty terrain.
View on AmazonTubeless sealant
Stan’s NoTubes Tire Sealant
Seals small punctures as you ride – a must-have for tubeless trail, gravel and fat-bike setups.
View on AmazonFloor pump
Topeak JoeBlow Sport III
Correct pressure is the easiest way to prevent pinch flats and uneven wear. 160 psi, a large gauge and a head for Presta and Schrader valves.
View on AmazonPressure gauge
Topeak SmartGauge D2
A digital gauge for precise pressure checks before every ride – properly inflated tires last longer.
View on AmazonTire levers
Park Tool TL-1.2 Tire Levers
Small, strong levers for swapping tires and fixing flats without scratching your rims.
View on AmazonMulti-tool
Crankbrothers M19 Multi-Tool
19 functions in one compact tool – hex and Torx keys, screwdrivers and a chain tool for roadside and trailside fixes.
View on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, The Bike Magazine earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are shown on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions riders ask most about the Salsa Timberjack SLX 27.5.
I am getting back to biking after a 10-year-long hiatus. Is this bike right for me?
This bicycle is a great all-around bike that will suffice your needs. The only thing that may stop you is your allocated budget, as there might be some more affordable models, if that is the case with you.
What makes this bicycle stand above the other similar models?
The most known aspect of this bicycle is the upgraded geometry that improves the overall handling and comfort of the bike while riding. Other similar models are close in these aspects to the but the SLX really feels different and better in action.
I want to buy a bicycle to ride around the neighborhood and I like this one a lot. Should I pick the Timberjack?
While Salsa Timberjack SLX 27.5 is a mountain bike meant for going off-road trails, this bike can be perfectly ridden on flat and “tamer” surfaces, as well. Though it might be an expensive choice for a bicycle for casual rides, it is still a great choice, regardless of which model you opt for.
How much does the Salsa Timberjack SLX 27.5 weigh?
A medium Timberjack SLX 27.5 weighs around 35 pounds. That is heavier than many trail hardtails, but the sturdy frame and big tires make it very durable.
