Overview
Embark on the journey of a lifetime with the Tour Divide in mind—a staggering 2,700 miles and 200,000 feet of climbing await. The Salsa Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS is designed to be your reliable partner through this epic adventure. Its lightweight carbon frameset delivers rigidity where you need it most, ensuring your energy transforms into forward motion. For those bone-rattling forest roads, our Class 5™ VRS technology provides the comfort you’ve been searching for. The bike’s drop-bar geometry is your ticket to enduring comfort across a myriad of surfaces, from gravel to singletrack. With an array of mounts, you can haul all your necessities until the next opportunity for resupply. To top it off, the bike is equipped with SRAM’s X01 Eagle AXS electronic drivetrain, offering a gear range that makes even the most intimidating mountain passes seem surmountable. Prepare to redefine your limits.
So, you’ve “read the specs”, but let’s dig into why the Salsa Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS is destined to be your gravel bikepacking dream machine. Imagine traveling through the untamed beauty of the Alaskan Denali Highway. This bike is your passport to the far corners of the earth. Its Class 5™ VRS technology is a game-changer for gravel, smoothing out those washboard roads like a hot knife through butter. Load up your bikepacking bags and set forth; this bike is engineered to handle both you and your gear over challenging terrains and steep ascents. Ready to embark on an epic?
Geometry & Ride Characteristics
The Salsa Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS geometry is tailored for the rigors of ultra-endurance bikepacking races, especially the grueling Tour Divide. Its unique drop-bar mountain bike geometry boasts a longer effective top tube, enabling riders to adopt a stretched, aerodynamic position—essential for combating persistent headwinds. Additionally, the bike’s slack headtube angle promises stability during steep and unpredictable descents. In contrast, its concise chainstays ensure agility and swift handling.
Riding the Salsa Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS offers a blend of speed, resilience, and comfort. It has high lateral stiffness due to its carbon frame paired with the Class 5™ VRS, providing a ride that’s both reactive and cushioned. The bike is adept at handling everything from rugged trails to gravel roads, offering a forward-leaning yet comfortable riding position. This setup not only enhances aerodynamics but also minimizes rider fatigue, making it ideal for extended backcountry trips and competitive races.
- Reach: The Cutthroat offers a reach ranging from 357.77mm for the 52cm size to 406.36mm for the 60cm size, ensuring a comfortable and ergonomic riding position across various sizes.
- Stack: The stack measurements provide a balance between an aggressive and upright stance, ranging from 584.98mm in the 52cm size to 664.34mm in the 60cm size, catering to the demands of varied terrains.
- Wheelbase: The wheelbase of the Cutthroat ensures stability at high speeds, with measurements spanning from 1049.54mm in the 52cm size to 1128.6mm in the 60cm size, making it suitable for diverse terrains.
- Head Tube Angle: The consistent head tube angle of 69° across all sizes ensures stability on descents and a balanced steering response, differing from racing bikes that might have steeper angles for quicker turns.
- BB Drop: The Cutthroat maintains a consistent BB drop of 70mm across all sizes. This design ensures a low center of gravity, providing stability, especially during turns and descents.
- Chainstay Length: The Cutthroat features a consistent chainstay length of 445mm across all sizes, emphasizing stability and predictable handling.
- Top Tube Length (Effective): The effective top tube lengths range from 520mm to 600mm, ensuring riders have a comfortable reach to the handlebars.
- Seat Tube Angle: The seat tube angles vary slightly across sizes, ranging from 73.75° to 74.5°. This variation ensures an optimal pedaling position and balance of comfort and efficiency.
- Fork Length and Offset: The Cutthroat is designed with a rigid fork length of 483mm and a fork offset of 51mm. This combination ensures stability and a balanced steering response.
- Front and Rear Spacing: With a front spacing of 110 x 15 mm and rear spacing of 148 x 12 mm, the Cutthroat is designed to accommodate modern thru-axle standards, ensuring rigidity and efficient power transfer.
vs. the Salsa Cutthroat C GX Eagle
The Salsa Cutthroat C GX Eagle, with its SRAM GX Eagle AXS drivetrain, is a more economical version of the Salsa Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS. While both bikes share the same frame, the primary differences lie in the componentry as follows:
- Rear Derailleur:
- C XO1 Eagle AXS: SRAM X01 Eagle AXS
- C GX Eagle: SRAM GX Eagle AXS
- Cassette:
- C XO1 Eagle AXS: SRAM XG-1295 10–52t, 12-speed
- C GX Eagle: SRAM XG-1275 Eagle 10–52t, 12-speed
- Chain:
- C XO1 Eagle AXS: SRAM X01 Eagle
- C GX Eagle: SRAM GX Eagle
- Crankset:
- C XO1 Eagle AXS: SRAM X01 Eagle DUB, Boost, 36t
- C GX Eagle: SRAM GX Eagle DUB, 34t
- Shifter:
- C XO1 Eagle AXS: SRAM Force eTap AXS
- C GX Eagle: SRAM Rival eTap AXS
- Wheels:
- C XO1 Eagle AXS Front Wheel: DT Swiss 370 15 x 110 mm hub, Whisky No.9 30W carbon rim, 28h
- C GX Eagle Front Wheel: DT Swiss X1900, 15 x 110 mm hub, 25 mm internal-width rim
- C XO1 Eagle AXS Rear Wheel: DT Swiss 370 (18t ratchet) 12 x 148 mm hub, Whisky No.9 30W carbon rim, 28h
- C GX Eagle Rear Wheel: DT Swiss X1900, 12 x 148 mm (18t ratchet) hub, 25 mm internal-width rim
vs. the Salsa Warbird C Force AXS
The Salsa Warbird C Force AXS is primarily designed for gravel racing, emphasizing speed and agility on mixed terrains, with its geometry and components fine-tuned for responsiveness on gravel roads. Its carbon frame and specific componentry make it a premium choice for riders seeking efficient power transfer and nimble handling. In contrast, the Salsa Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS is tailored for ultra-endurance bikepacking races, with a geometry that prioritizes stability and comfort on long, rugged trails. While both bikes are high-end in their categories, the Cutthroat’s design leans more towards durability and comfort for extended off-road expeditions, making it relatively costlier.
- Rear Derailleur:
- Warbird C Force AXS: SRAM Force eTap AXS
- Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS: SRAM X01 Eagle AXS
- Cassette:
- Warbird C Force AXS: SRAM XG-1270-D1 10–36t, 12-speed
- Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS: SRAM XG-1295 10–52t, 12-speed
- Crankset:
- Warbird C Force AXS: SRAM Force D1, DUB, Wide, 43/30t
- Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS: SRAM X01 Eagle DUB, Boost, 36t
- Brakes and Rotors:
- Warbird C Force AXS: SRAM Force Hydraulic, SRAM Paceline rotors (160 mm)
- Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS: SRAM Force Hydraulic, SRAM CenterLine rotors (160 mm)
- Tires:
- Warbird C Force AXS: Teravail Cannonball 700c x 42 mm, tubeless compatible, Durable casing
- Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS: Teravail Sparwood 29 x 2.2″, tubeless compatible, Durable casing
- Ride Feel:
- Warbird C Force AXS: Emphasizes speed and agility on mixed terrains, optimized for gravel racing.
- Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS: Tailored for ultra-endurance bikepacking, prioritizing stability and comfort on rugged trails.
- Geometry:
- Warbird C Force AXS: Geared towards responsiveness on gravel roads, with a balance between aggressive and relaxed stances.
- Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS: Drop-bar mountain bike geometry with a longer effective top tube for aerodynamics and a slack headtube angle for stability on descents
vs. the Bombtrack Hook EXT TI
The Bombtrack Hook EXT TI is crafted with a titanium frame, offering a plush and compliant ride quality, ideal for mixed terrains and long-distance tours. Its geometry is versatile, catering to both off-road adventures and gravel grinding. In contrast, the Salsa Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS is specifically tailored for ultra-endurance bikepacking races, emphasizing stability and comfort on extended off-road trails. While both bikes are designed for rugged terrains, the Cutthroat leans more towards the demands of challenging bikepacking expeditions, potentially positioning it at a higher cost bracket relative to the Hook EXT TI.
- Rear Derailleur:
- Hook EXT TI: SHIMANO GRX DI2 RD-RX815
- Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS: SRAM X01 Eagle AXS
- Crankset:
- Hook EXT TI: SHIMANO GRX 810-2, hollow forged aluminium crank
- Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS: SRAM X01 Eagle DUB, Boost, 36t
- Brakes:
- Hook EXT TI: SHIMANO GRX BR-RX810 flat mount hydraulic disc brakes with 160 mm rotors
- Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS: SRAM Force Hydraulic, SRAM CenterLine rotors (160 mm)
- Tires:
- Hook EXT TI: WTB RANGER TCS LIGHT / FAST ROLLING 27.5” x 2.0”, tubeless ready
- Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS: Teravail Sparwood 29 x 2.2″, tubeless compatible, Durable casing
- Groupset:
- Hook EXT TI: SHIMANO GRX DI2, emphasizing electronic shifting and gravel-specific design.
- Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS: SRAM X01 Eagle AXS, focusing on wireless electronic shifting and off-road durability.
- Ride Feel:
- Hook EXT TI: Versatile and compliant, suitable for mixed terrains and long-distance tours.
- Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS: Tailored for ultra-endurance bikepacking, prioritizing stability and comfort on rugged trails.
- Geometry:
- Hook EXT TI: Balanced geometry catering to both off-road adventures and gravel grinding.
- Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS: Drop-bar mountain bike geometry with a longer effective top tube and a slack headtube angle for aerodynamics and stability.
Features
Electronic shifting: The SRAM X01 Eagle AXS rear derailleur offers wireless shifting, a feature usually found in more expensive models, providing a seamless and reliable shifting experience
Carbon Frame and Fork: The Cutthroat Carbon frame and Deluxe fork are not just lightweight but also extremely durable, designed to withstand the rigors of ultra-endurance bikepacking.
Hydraulic Brakes: SRAM Force Hydraulic brakes offer superior stopping power and modulation, a crucial feature for long descents and technical terrains.
Carbon Rims: The DT Swiss 370 hubs paired with Whisky No.9 30W carbon rims are a standout feature, offering a balance of durability and performance without adding extra weight.
Dropper Post: The TranzX JD-YSP38 dropper post is a rare find in endurance bikes at this price range, offering added versatility and comfort on varied terrains and offers both internal or external routing
Tubeless-Ready Tires: The Teravail Sparwood tires are not just durable but also tubeless-ready, allowing for lower tire pressures and better traction, a feature often found in more expensive bikes.
Bag and Rack Mounting Points
The Salsa Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS is equipped with the following mounting points to cater to all your gear-hauling needs:
Top Tube Mounts: The bike features mounts on the top tube, allowing for easy access to essential items like snacks or a phone, usually through a top tube bag. These mounts are compatible with the Salsa Top Tube bag, making it especially useful for long rides and endurance races.
Front Fork Mounts: There are multiple mounts on both sides of the front fork for water bottles, cargo cages, or front racks.
Rear Rack Mounts: The bike’s rear is equipped with mounting points for a standard rear rack, suitable for panniers or additional equipment. However, due to the absence of upper mounting eyelets on the seatpost, it requires a Salsa Racklock Seatpost Collar. Salsa Wanderlust Rack recommended. Salsa Bent Rack Struts also required for installation on 58 cm and 60 cm frames. Not compatible with Salsa Wanderlust HD Rack
Down Tube Mounts: The down tube has mounts for a water bottle cage or for attaching additional gear.
Seat Tube Mounts: The seat tube also has mounts for a water bottle cage.
Under Downtube Mount: There’s a mount under the downtube, which is a common place to carry an extra water bottle or tool keg.
Specs
Build Kit
The Salsa Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS is powered by a high-end SRAM X01 Eagle AXS drivetrain, ensuring precise shifting, and features SRAM Force Hydraulic brakes for reliable stopping power. The wheelset comprises DT Swiss 370 hubs and Whisky No.9 30W carbon rims, wrapped in durable Teravail Sparwood tires. Comfort is enhanced with a TranzX dropper post and a WTB SL8 Medium Cromoly saddle.
Frameset
- Frame: Cutthroat Carbon
- Fork: Cutthroat Deluxe
Drivetrain
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM X01 Eagle AXS
- Cassette: SRAM XG-1295 10–52t, 12-speed
- Chain: SRAM X01 Eagle
- Crankset: SRAM X01 Eagle DUB, Boost, 36t
- Shifter: SRAM Force eTap AXS
- Brakes: SRAM Force Hydraulic
- Rotors: SRAM CenterLine rotors (160 mm)
Components
- Headset: Cane Creek 40
- Stem: Salsa Guide -OR- Zoom TDS-D507G, ±7 degrees
- Handlebar: Zoom DR-AL-199BTFOV
- Grips / Bar Tape: Anti-Slip Silicone Tape
- Seatpost: TranzX JD-YSP38 dropper post
- Saddle: WTB SL8 Medium Cromoly SL
Wheels
- Front Wheel: DT Swiss 370 15 x 110 mm hub, Whisky No.9 30W carbon rim, 28h
- Rear Wheel: DT Swiss 370 (18t ratchet) 12 x 148 mm hub, Whisky No.9 30W carbon rim, 28h
- Tires: Teravail Sparwood 29 x 2.2″, 60 tpi, tubeless compatible, Durable casing
Frame Construction
The frame of the Salsa Cutthroat C XO1 Eagle AXS is designed to accommodate tires up to 29 x 2.4 inches, providing flexibility for various terrains. It’s compatible with both types of forks—suspension and rigid—with lengths of 506 mm and 483 mm, respectively. The bike employs front and rear thru-axles, measuring 110 x 15 mm and 148 x 12 mm, to ensure a stable and precise ride. Unlike conventional frames that rely on traditional welding, this model uses internal molds at crucial junctions during the carbon layup and curing stages. This innovative approach enhances the frame’s structural integrity by optimizing wall thickness and reducing internal imperfections, resulting in a high-performance, durable carbon frame.
Geometry
| Size | 52cm | 54cm | 56cm | 58cm | 60cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Effective Top Tube | 520 | 540 | 560 | 580 | 600 |
| B. Stand Over | 700.44 | 741.72 | 810.51 | 851.75 | 874.22 |
| C. Reach | 357.77 | 372.91 | 385.28 | 395.13 | 406.36 |
| D. Stack | 584.98 | 592.45 | 619.53 | 644.73 | 664.34 |
| E. Total Seat Tube Length | 355.6 | 419.1 | 508 | 558.8 | 584.2 |
| F. Headtube Length | 90 | 98 | 127 | 154 | 175 |
| G. Headtube Angle | 69 | 69 | 69 | 69 | 69 |
| H. Seat Tube Angle | 74.5 | 74.25 | 74.25 | 74 | 73.75 |
| I. BB Drop | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| K. Chainstay Length | 445 | 445 | 445 | 445 | 445 |
| L. Fork Length Axle to Crown | 483 | 483 | 483 | 483 | 483 |
| M. Fork Offset | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 |
| N. Wheelbase | 1049.54 | 1067.55 | 1090.31 | 1109.83 | 1128.6 |
| Crank Arm Length | 170 | 170 | 175 | 175 | 175 |
| Handlebar Width | 44cm | 46cm | 46cm or 48cm | 46cm or 50cm | 46cm or 52cm |
| Recommended Rider Height | 154cm–168cm | 168cm–175cm | 173cm–185cm | 183cm–193cm | 190cm–UP |
| Stem Length | 60 | 70 | 80 | 80 | 90 |
Measurements based on:
- an 483mm AC x 51mm offset fork which is equivalent to an average 100mm 29″ suspension fork at 25% sag
- a 29″ x 2.2″ tire measuring 740mm in diameter
- Standover for all sizes is measured vertically to top of toptube from a position 50mm forward of BB center
Warranty
WARRANTY REGISTRATIONS
Register your purchase at Salsa’s Warranty Registration.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Salsa Cycles ( “Salsa ” ) makes the following limited Warranty:
All Salsa products are warranted against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship from the date of retail purchase of the product, subject to the limitations detailed below. Every Salsa frame, component, and apparel has a useful product life cycle. The length of that useful product life cycle will vary depending on the construction and the materials of the product, maintenance and care the product receives, and the amount and type of use the product is subjected to over its life. Your bike has an intended level of use as defined by the ASTM Riding Condition Classification Chart. Failure to adhere to the use cases identified in this chart will void your warranty. Save your dated receipt for proof of purchase.
NOTE:
All warranty periods below apply to the original owner only
ONE YEAR WARRANTY
All apparel
All frame bags
Salsa Cycles does not guarantee the compatibility of original components with a warranty replacement frame. Salsa Cycles is not responsible for parts or labor required to remove and/or refit and re-adjust the product within the bicycle assembly, including wheel rebuilds.
Salsa Cycles cannot guarantee a color match to the original frame, component, or apparel in the event of a replacement.
This warranty applies to 2014 and newer model bicycles and covers only Salsa Cycles branded product. Any other original part or component shall be covered by the stated warranty of the original manufacturer. Any products not specifically included above are hereby excluded.
TWO YEAR WARRANTY
Aluminum chainstays of suspension frames
Aluminum seatstays of suspension frames
Carbon seatstays of suspension frames
All other suspension frame parts (excludes hanger, pivot hardware, bearings)
THREE YEAR WARRANTY
Aluminum frames
Aluminum front triangles of suspension frames
All Salsa forks
All Salsa components
FIVE YEAR WARRANTY
Steel frames
Titanium frames
Carbon frames
Carbon front triangle of suspension frames
THE WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THE FOLLOWING
Damage due to improper assembly or follow-up maintenance or lack of skill, competence or experience of the user or assemble
Bicycles that were not assembled or serviced by an authorized Salsa Cycles dealer
Products that have been modified, neglected, used in competition, or for commercial purposes such as rental, courier, police, security, etc, misused or abused, involved in accidents or anything other than normal use
Installation of components, parts, or accessories not originally intended for use with or compatible with Salsa frames and components
Salsa Cycles bicycles, frames, components or softgoods purchased from an unauthorized dealer
Salsa Cycles bicycles, frames, components or softgoods purchased from third-party internet sites, including auction websites, and regional trading websites (examples: Amazon, eBay, and Craigslist) are not covered under this warranty, even if you have a receipt
Sandblasting, sanding, grinding, wire brushing, filing, welding, brazing, drilled holes, anodizing, refinishing, powder coating, or chrome plating the bicycle, frame, or component will void the warranty
Internal rust perforation on all steel frames
Wear, scratches, chips and cracks to paint, finish, or coating on all Salsa frames and components
Bent or broken derailleur hangers or Alternator plates
Labor required to remove and/or refit and re-adjust the product within the bicycle assembly, including wheel rebuilds
Damage to carbon fiber caused by any carbon assembly paste
Normal wear and tear
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This limited warranty is expressly limited to the repair or replacement of a defective product, at the option of Salsa Cycles, and is the sole remedy of the warranty. This limited warranty applies only to the original purchaser of the Salsa Cycles product and is not transferable. This warranty applies only to Salsa Cycles products purchased through an authorized dealer or distributor. In no event shall Salsa Cycles be liable for any loss, inconvenience or damage, whether direct, incidental, consequential, or otherwise resulting from breach of any express or implied warranty or condition of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or otherwise with respect to our products except as set forth herein. This warranty gives the consumer specific legal rights, and those rights and other rights may vary from place to place. This warranty does not affect your statutory rights.
TO THE EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY LAW, THESE WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND THERE ARE NO OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS INCLUDING WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
For 2013 and older model bicycles and products, please consult your Owner’s Manual, Salsa Cycles product instructions, or contact Salsa Cycles or your authorized Salsa dealer for the applicable warranty information.