Notch
Introduced in 2024, the Salsa Notch is a heavy-hitting electric enduro mountain bike built around the Bosch Performance Line CX drive system. Positioned for aggressive descending and high-speed stability, the platform is defined by its adaptable Split Pivot+ rear suspension. This layout allows riders to change shock stroke and linkage hardware to shift the bike between 160mm and 180mm rear travel configurations, making the chassis highly tunable for different terrain. Salsa offers the Notch in both aluminum and carbon frame options, with the carbon models utilizing a larger 625Wh internal battery. Designed for riders who prioritize downhill capability and a forgiving ride over low weight, the Notch also integrates practical details like dedicated on-bike storage mounts for tools and hydration.
| Stack | 632.2mm |
| Reach | 519mm |
| Top tube | 631.6mm |
| Headtube length | 110mm |
| Standover height | 751.6mm |
| Seat tube length | 455mm |
Fit and geometry
The Notch features an exceptionally long reach, measuring 498.9mm on a size medium, which makes it one of the longest bikes in its category. To balance this stretched front center, Salsa utilizes a steep 79.9-degree seat tube angle. This combination puts the rider in an upright, comfortable seated position that effectively masks the bike's length during steep climbs.
When descending, the 64.4-degree head tube angle and long wheelbase prioritize straight-line stability over quick handling. The frame includes flip-chip hardware that allows riders to tune the geometry further and run a mixed-wheel setup with a 27.5-inch rear wheel in certain configurations. Across all sizes, the cockpit is standardized with a short 40mm stem and 780mm handlebars to help manage the long reach. Dropper post travel scales with frame size, ranging from 150mm on small frames up to 210mm on the largest carbon builds, ensuring adequate clearance for the bike's aggressive intentions.
Builds
The Notch lineup spans four builds, splitting between aluminum frames and the carbon-framed Notch C models. The entry-level CUES 10 build utilizes a 160mm SR Suntour fork, a RockShox Deluxe Select shock, and a 10-speed Shimano drivetrain. Stepping up to the aluminum Deore 12 introduces a 170mm RockShox Domain fork, a Fox Float X shock, and a 12-speed drivetrain.
The carbon builds move to a higher-capacity 625Wh Bosch battery and upgrade the suspension to 180mm forks. The C Deore 12 features a Fox 38 Performance fork, while the flagship C GX Eagle Transmission build is equipped with a RockShox ZEB Ultimate, a Vivid Ultimate shock, and SRAM's wireless electronic drivetrain. To manage the bike's substantial weight, all builds are specced with 4-piston hydraulic brakes and massive 220mm rotors front and rear. However, reviewers noted that the entry-level Shimano brakes on the lower-priced models may require an early upgrade for riders tackling steep, sustained descents. All models roll on aggressive Teravail Kessel tires with durable casings.
Reviews
Reviewers consistently characterize the Notch as a substantial, highly stable machine that excels when pointed straight down rough trails. The bike's significant weight—nearing 60 pounds on some builds—and long wheelbase mean it requires deliberate rider input to change lines or navigate tight switchbacks. However, that same mass helps it carry momentum through technical sections. One tester described it as a "big, burly, hard hitting bike" (YouTube) that easily absorbs trail chatter and plows through obstacles.
The Split Pivot suspension receives praise for its active, ground-hugging feel. Riders note the rear end is "supple off the top" (YouTube), providing excellent climbing traction and a smooth descending platform that resists harsh bottom-outs. While the bike can feel sluggish on mellower terrain, testers found that it "retains enough agility" (YouTube) once brought up to speed. The overall reputation points to a forgiving ride quality that suits riders looking for downhill capability rather than a highly playful e-bike.
