
Salsa Warbird C Rival XPLR AXS Carbon All-Road Gravel Bike – 700c Wheels, Red
$1,079.31
Description
The Salsa Warbird is designed to conquer every challenge of off-road racing while offering unmatched versatility for adventure riding. Engineered through years of competitive experience in iconic gravel events nationwide, this bike combines race-ready performance with practicality tailored for real-world exploration. Its high-modulus carbon frame ensures featherweight strength paired with responsive handling—perfect whether you’re chasing podium finishes or conquering multi-day epics across mixed terrain landscapes such as rugged backcountry trails or demanding gravel routes.
A standout feature is Salsa’s Class 5™ Vibration Reduction System (VRS), strategically placed within its carbon layup to absorb road buzz caused by prolonged contact with uneven surfaces—keeping you fresher over marathon distances than standard carbon frames lacking this technology. The Waxwing fork adds functional elegance with flat-mount brake standards integrated alongside Three-Pack accessory slots for hydration storage plus fender/dynamo capabilities—ideal for commuters seeking weather protection or touring cyclists needing extra gear attachment points mid-blade eyelets allow seamless accessory integration without compromising aerodynamics while dynamo routing simplifies lighting setups even during overnight rides.
Warbird’s adaptable design accommodates both performance-oriented setups (with narrow 700c tires up to 45mm) and rugged off-road configurations (via wider 650b tires up to 51mm), making it equally at home on paved race courses as loose dirt paths requiring technical precision thanks also its dropper post-ready construction enabling quick seat adjustments when tackling steep descents—a rarity among pure gravel race bikes prioritizing weight savings over practicality
Warbird vs Competitors:
| Feature | Salsa Warbird | Typical Race Gravel Bikes |
|————————|———————————–|——————————–|
| Vibration Control | Advanced Class 5™ VRS | Minimal damping solutions |
| Frame Durability | High-modulus carbon build | Lower-grade carbon/aluminum |
| Tire Flexibility | Dual wheel/tire size compatibility | Single wheel size optimized |
| Accessories Support | Full Three-Pack + rack/fender ready| Limited mounting provisions |
For riders prioritizing all-day comfort over punishing terrain yet wanting race-proven efficiency—Warbird delivers via its carefully balanced geometry that combines aggressive racing angles with stable touring characteristics ensuring confidence whether sprinting through technical sections or carrying gear-loaded panniers during cross-country journeys
Size Guide:
49cm – Suitable for riders between 4’8”–5’2”
52.5cm – Ideal at heights from 5’1”–5’5”
54cm – Perfectly matched from 5’4”–5’8”
56cm – Best fit between 5’7”–5’11”
58cm – Designed for riders from 5’10”–6’2”
61cm – Recommended at heights above 6’3”
Whether you’re an endurance athlete targeting ultra-gravel events like Dirty Kanza or weekend explorers seeking reliable off-road capability—the Warbird’s combination of cutting-edge technology paired with real-world functionality makes it an indispensable tool across diverse riding scenarios.