Salsa Ala Carte: On Test

March 14th, 2008 by Arleigh

SixfiftyB has picked up a new frameset in the geared form. Steel is still real so when I stumbled across the fact that the Salsa Ala Carte could handle 650b tires I knew it was something needed.

It was a good thing this frame came in house this past week as the SUNRingle wheels I rode had to be run in the geared form. If you remember the issue I ran into with the single speed conversion sets (they didn’t work.)

The night the frame set came in it was built up. Temptations of a nice evening ride were passed up in hopes of riding this new beautiful steed the next day. Everything worked out as planned with the build which was a huge sigh of relief. I only had 24 hours left to ride the SUNRingle wheels and I wanted to make it a good ride!

So far I have about 20 miles on the bike. It is living up to the hype. Geometry is comfortable but not too slack. Steering with a 100mm stem is dead on. Fork isn’t too flexy which for a stock bike is good, for me and my light weight is bad. The plan is to ride in a good amount this weekend with the new tires I am also reviewing.

Possibly Related Articles:

5 Responses to “Salsa Ala Carte: On Test”

RSS & Trackback

1 MMcG on Mar 14th, 2008 at 3:55 pm

How’s about those Chargers? How’s the rear hub?
2 nalax on Apr 23rd, 2008 at 5:04 am

How about an update? Were the new tires quasi-motos?
3 Arleigh on Apr 23rd, 2008 at 5:06 am

Nalax.

I’ve only gotten about 5 rides on the bike so far which to me isn’t enough to give an update. The bike and tires are great so far but that’s mainly on two trails which I know very well.

Look for an update in two weeks when there is more miles under the wheels.
4 Benny on Jul 5th, 2008 at 3:50 am

Hey,

I’m thinking of bying an Ala Carte as well, so any change on a little review?

thanks
5 Arleigh on Jul 8th, 2008 at 4:06 pm

Benny,

The bike is needing a hub overhaul so it hasn’t seen dirt in a few weeks. Give me till the end of July and there will be a full write up.