Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS

The Stormchaser lineup splits distinctly between its purist single-speed roots and its expanded suspension-equipped geared options. The entry point is the Single Speed build, which pairs the rigid carbon fork with a Race Face crankset, TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes, and a spacer kit featuring 17-tooth and 18-tooth cogs. This build maximizes the frame's low-maintenance ethos, though riders prioritizing plushness may eventually want to upgrade the stock aluminum cockpit components.

Moving up the ladder, Salsa offers two geared variants equipped with 40mm-travel RockShox Rudy XPLR suspension forks and 90mm TranzX dropper posts, transforming the platform into a highly capable adventure rig. The Apex Eagle SUS build utilizes a wide-range SRAM 12-speed drivetrain, blending Apex shifters with an Apex Eagle rear derailleur and a 50-tooth climbing gear. The flagship GRX 810 1x SUS build shifts to Shimano’s dedicated 11-speed gravel group, offering refined hydraulic braking and a slightly tighter 11–42t cassette. All builds roll on tubeless-ready rims and durable-casing Teravail Rutland tires, ensuring the rolling stock is ready for the abrasive conditions the frame was built to endure.

Reviewers consistently characterize the Stormchaser as a highly stable, unyielding machine that excels in terrible conditions but demands physical input on rough terrain. The heavy-duty alloy frame delivers exceptional power transfer for mashing a single gear, creating a chassis that "feels rock solid" (Ridinggravel) when holding a line through deep mud or loose sand. This inherent rigidity makes the bike a "proper bomber on technical descents" (Bike Perfect), prioritizing straight-line tracking over low-speed agility.

However, that stout construction translates to a firm ride. While Salsa includes its Class 5 VRS rear triangle to mitigate chatter, multiple testers found the rear end stiffer than expected. The front end is similarly resolute; one reviewer noted the stock carbon model is "possibly the stiffest fork I have ever ridden on a gravel bike" (Ridinggravel). To manage the resulting hand fatigue on frozen or baked stutter bumps, testers strongly recommend maximizing the frame's generous tire clearance. Swapping the stock rubber for high-volume 50mm tires noticeably improved vibration damping and revealed the bike's best ride qualities without compromising its steadfast handling.