2019 Salsa

Journeyman Apex 1 650

An aluminum frame gravel bike with upper mid-range components and mechanical disc brakes.
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MSRP$1,499
Weight25.5 lbs  
FrameAluminum
SuspensionRigid
ForkCarbon
Wheels650b Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 11
GroupsetApex
BrakesMechanical Disc
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Rider Position
relaxedaggressive
Terrain
smoothrugged
Journeyman Apex 1 650
Other Gravel bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

30 mph

Journeyman Apex 1 650

36 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
50cm

4'11" – 5'3"

52cm

5'1" – 5'6"

54cm

5'4" – 5'9"

55.5cm

5'8" – 6'1"

57cm

5'10" – 6'3"

59.5cm

6'2" +

Rider Fit Notes

None yet.

Do you have this bike? Help other riders make a decision about which size will work for them by sharing your own size and fit notes.

Reviews
BIKEPACKING.com
Salsa Journeyman Review (650B)

Aug 2019 · Logan Watts

In our Salsa Journeyman review, we took three 650B builds on an epic trip through the wilds of Montana to see how this budget off-road drop-bar rig performs

Highs
  • Frame and fork are well designed and offer a great bang for the buck

  • Frame geometry suited for a blend of exploration and fun

  • Loads of mounting options

  • 650B x 2.1″ tires offer a wide range of capability

  • Cowbell handlebars and cockpit components are solid

  • Apex 1 drivetrain isn’t too bad, but definitely not great

Lows
  • Gearing is too high; a crankset that could fit a smaller chainring or 11-46T cassette would be better

  • Thru-axles are commonplace these days and QR skewers feel like an unnecessary step backward

  • Non-tubeless compatible tires come standard on all model

  • If I’m splitting hairs, I’d prefer 27mm internal width rims and a Cowchipper handlebar

Read Review

off.road.cc
Salsa Journeyman Apex 1 650 review

Jul 2019

Salsa is an iconic bike brand that's been doing off-road capable drop bar bikes longer than most. The Journeyman brings this expertise and experience to a lower price, and there’s a lot to like about this pink beauty. But its beauty is only skin deep. While the ride and handling are very good, and there are some good components, it’s under specced compared to rivals which make it hard to recommend.

Read Review

Geometry
99 Spokes on YouTube99 Spokes on YouTube
Specs
Build
Frame

Journeyman Drop Bar

BB StandardBSA, 68mm, Threaded

ColorPink

Fork

Fantail Deluxe

Shock

N/A

Bottom Bracket

68mm BSA

Headset

VP Sealed Bearing

Stem

Salsa Guide

Handlebar

Salsa Cowbell

Saddle

WTB Volt Sport 142

Seatpost

27.2 x 350mm

TypeRigid

Grips

Salsa Gel Cork Bar Tape

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM Apex 1

Front Derailleur

N/A

Crank

SRAM Apex 1 X-Sync, 40t

Shifters

SRAM Apex 1

Cassette

SRAM PG 1130, 11-42t

Chain

SRAM PC 1110

Brakes

TRP Spyre-C Flat Mount, 160mm rotors

TypeMechanical Disc

Wheels
Rims

Front: Novatec, 32h, 100mm, WTB ST i23 TCS 2.0 650b, 2.0mm spokes, brass nipples, Rear: Novatec, 32h, 135mm, WTB ST i23 TCS 2.0 650b, 2.0mm spokes, brass nipples

Tires

WTB Nano 650b x 2.1" Comp

Disc Rotors

TRP Spyre-C Flat Mount, 160mm rotors

Accessories
Racks

Low-rider rack capability on the fork with mid-blade mounts with integrated mounts for a rear rack. For optimal rear rack fit, we recommend our Wanderlust Rack

Rider Notes
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Last updated April 19
Not listed for 703 days