SALSA CYCLES TIMBERJACK XT Z2 27.5+|A Hardtail That Compromises Neither Riding nor Hauling
The joy of ripping through trails and the freedom of packing gear for distant adventures. This adventure hardtail makes it all possible in one bike.
Some days you want to enjoy a nimble trail ride, other days you want to load up your bikepacking gear and head for unknown routes. The SALSA CYCLES TIMBERJACK XT Z2 27.5+ is a multi-purpose hardtail MTB that responds to such a wide range of playstyles.
The double/triple-butted 6061-T6 aluminum frame offers an excellent balance of durability and lively riding performance. The modern trail geometry with a 66° head angle and 75° seat angle achieves a high-level balance between stability on descents and efficiency on climbs.
Equipped with a Marzocchi Z2 Rail 130mm fork, it smoothly absorbs impacts from roots and rock sections, enabling stable line control even at high speeds. Combined with 27.5x2.8-inch tires, it provides excellent traction and a sense of security on loose surfaces and technical sections.
Furthermore, the Alternator 2.0 dropouts allow for wheelbase adjustment and conversion to single-speed. With numerous mounting points, it possesses high potential not only as a trail bike but also as an adventure bike.
The excellent shifting performance of the Shimano XT 1x12 drivetrain ensures reliable riding even during demanding rides.
Features
- Double/triple-butted 6061-T6 aluminum frame
- Progressive trail geometry with 66° head angle and 75° seat angle
- Equipped with Marzocchi Z2 Rail 130mm suspension fork
- Compatible with forks up to 150mm
- Shimano XT 1x12 drivetrain
- TranzX dropper post as standard equipment
- Alternator 2.0 dropouts
- 17mm of wheelbase adjustment possible
- Also compatible with single-speed conversion
- 27.5x2.8-inch tires as standard equipment
- Also compatible with 29x2.1-2.6-inch tires
- Top tube mounts and downtube underside mounts
- Three-Pack mounts
- Rear rack compatible
- Full-length internal cable routing
SPEC
- Frame: 6061-T6 Aluminum (double/triple-butted)
- Fork: Marzocchi Z2 Rail / 130mm
- Drivetrain: Shimano XT 1x12 speed
- Seatpost: TranzX Dropper Post
- Wheel Size: 27.5+
- Compatible Tire Sizes: 27.5x2.8 inches / 29x2.1-2.6 inches
- Dropouts: Alternator 2.0 Adjustable Dropout
The TIMBERJACK is a model we recommend for those who seriously want to enjoy both trail riding and bikepacking.
This XT grade, in particular, offers excellent shifting precision and feel, with consistent shifting even after long rides on rough terrain. The combination with the Marzocchi Z2 Rail is also highly compatible, giving a strong impression of confidence when picking up speed.
The grip and cushioning provided by the 27.5+ tires are also appealing, resulting in a balanced setup that is easy for both trail beginners and experienced riders to handle.
If you're looking for a bike that you can enjoy for trail rides during the week and adventure rides with gear on the weekends, this could be a long-term companion for you.