Warbird

The Warbird lineup spans seven complete builds, all utilizing the same high-modulus carbon frame and Waxwing carbon fork. The range starts with mechanical 11-speed Shimano GRX 600 and 12-speed GRX 610 1x setups, offering reliable shifting and hydraulic braking on aluminum WTB rims. Mid-tier options move to Shimano GRX 820 in both 1x and 2x configurations, upgrading the drivetrain components while keeping the aluminum wheelsets.

At the upper end, the builds transition to SRAM electronic shifting with the GX Eagle AXS mullet setup and the top-tier Force AXS Wide 2x. These premium models introduce carbon components, including Salsa's Cowbell Carbon handlebar and a carbon seatpost. The flagship Force AXS Wide build also upgrades to WTB CZR carbon rims, significantly reducing rotational weight.

While reviewers universally praise the frameset's quality and feature set, several note that the complete builds carry a premium price tag. The stock configurations prioritize durability over outright weight savings, leading some testers to suggest that purchasing the standalone frameset and building it custom might offer better overall value for riders seeking a specific, high-end specification.

Reviewers consistently praise the Warbird for its ability to mute harsh gravel roads while maintaining an efficient pedaling platform. The Class 5 Vibration Reduction System rear triangle effectively absorbs high-frequency chatter, reducing fatigue over long distances without feeling soft under power. On open gravel and broken pavement, the bike is frequently described as "fast, consistent and smooth" (Cycling Weekly).

When the terrain turns technical, the updated geometry shows its worth. Testers note that the lengthened wheelbase and slacker front end make the bike "much more confident when descending rough gravel and singletrack" (Bikepacking) compared to earlier iterations. However, this emphasis on high-speed stability introduces a slight tradeoff in low-speed agility. The "slightly sedate steering is only really noticeable when you're turning through a tight gate gap" (BikeRadar), though some riders felt the handling became "a little bit more dull" (YouTube) on paved sections compared to more road-oriented gravel bikes.

Overall, the consensus points to a highly capable endurance machine. It excels at holding a line on fast, rough descents and keeping the rider fresh, even if it sacrifices a bit of snappy, low-speed maneuverability to get there.