Salsa Warroad C 105

Salsa

WarroadC 105

From$2,000
Claimed weight20 lb 12 oz (56cm)Complete bike
FrameSalsa WarroadSalsa Warroad Carbon
GroupsetShimano 105 R7020Shimano HG700, 11-speed,…
WheelsShimano RS470 or Alex B…Teravail Rampart 700c x 32m…
Tire clearance35 mm

The Salsa Warroad is an endurance all-road platform designed to bridge the gap between a traditional road bike and a dedicated gravel machine. Built around a carbon frame and fork, it is tailored for riders who want to maintain efficiency on smooth pavement while retaining the capability to explore dirt connectors and rough chipseal. The defining element of the frame is Salsa’s Class 5 VRS rear triangle, which uses bowed, bridge-less seatstays to tune compliance over broken surfaces.

Beyond its ride feel, the Warroad is heavily focused on all-day utility. The platform features extensive cargo options, including top-tube bag mounts, under-downtube bottle bosses, and a fork equipped with three-pack mounts and internal dynamo routing. It accommodates either 700c or 650b wheels, allowing riders to push the bike toward fast group rides or loaded mixed-surface touring depending on their setup.

Salsa Warroad
Build
Size
$2,000
02 / Specifications

Spec sheet.

Every component shipped with this build.

01Frameset
3 components
FrameSalsa Warroad
ForkSalsa Warroad Carbon
Weight20 lb 12 oz (56cm)
02Drivetrain & brakes
11 components
Shift leversShimano 105 R7020
Front derailleurShimano 105 R7000
Rear derailleurShimano 105 R7000
CassetteShimano HG700, 11-speed, 11–34T
ChainShimano HG601
CranksetShimano RS510, 50/34T
Bottom bracketShimano RS510 (bottom bracket not specified)
Front rotorShimano RT54 or Tektro TR160-35A, Center Lock, 160mm
Rear rotorShimano RT54 or Tektro TR160-35A, Center Lock, 160mm
03Wheels & tires
4 components
Front wheelShimano RS470 or Alex BRD-50312OF0 12x100mm hub / WTB ST i21 TCS 700c rim, 28h
Rear wheelShimano RS470 or Alex BRD-50812M0B 12x142mm hub / WTB ST i21 TCS 700c rim, 28h
04Cockpit & contact
5 components
StemSalsa Guide
HandlebarsSalsa Cowbell
SaddleWTB SL8 Medium Steel SL
SeatpostSalsa Guide
Grips/TapeAnti-Slip Silicone handlebar tape
03 / Geometry

Geometry & fit.

7 sizes published.

The Warroad’s geometry leans heavily into endurance road territory while borrowing stability cues from the gravel world. A relatively slack 71-degree head tube angle is paired with a long-offset fork, creating a high mechanical trail that helps keep the steering predictable over uneven ground. This relaxed front end encourages a comfortable, upright rider posture suited for long-distance touring and multi-hour mixed-surface rides.

At the rear, the bike utilizes short 415mm chainstays across all seven frame sizes. This compact rear center keeps the wheelbase relatively tight, ensuring the bike remains agile and responsive to pedal input, particularly when climbing or accelerating out of corners. The combination of a stable front end and a tucked-in rear wheel gives the Warroad a lively feel at lower speeds without sacrificing its ability to track straight on fast, sweeping descents. The cockpit features Salsa’s flared drop bars, which provide a wider, more secure stance for the hands when navigating rougher dirt sections.

Reach × Stack · size 54.5cmmm

Where the handlebar sits relative to the bottom bracket — the single most important fit pair.

660614568521475STACK ↑345365385405425REACH →ENDURANCERACE / AEROSize 54.5cm372.1 · 565.55
01Fit geometry6 values
Stack565.55 mm
Reach372.1 mm
Top tube545 mm
Headtube length152 mm
Standover height747.41 mm
Seat tube length485 mm
02Component geometry3 values
Crank length170 mm
Handlebar width400 mm
Stem length80 mm
03Handling geometry6 values
Headtube angle71°
Seat tube angle73°
BB drop72 mm
Offset51 mm
Wheelbase1004.68 mm
Chainstay length415 mm

Which size should I buy?

Slide your height to see the recommended size. GearWise's fit algorithm works from the published stack, reach, and ETT — the brand's own recommendation may differ.

Your height
5'8"173 cm
5'0"5'5"5'10"6'3"6'7"
Recommended size54.5cmBased on stack, reach & ETT for your height · score 61/100.

Calculated from GearWise's own stack / reach / ETT algorithm — the brand's size chart may recommend a different size, and a proper bike fit beats any calculator.

04 / Other builds

The lineup.

4 builds, ranging $2,000 – $4,620.

The Warroad lineup spans four carbon builds, split between electronic and mechanical drivetrains. The top tier features the C Ultegra Di2 and C Rival eTap AXS models, both priced just above $4,500. These premium builds include 12-speed wireless shifting, hydraulic disc brakes, and upgraded wheelsets, with the Ultegra Di2 model utilizing Whisky carbon rims and the Rival AXS relying on DT Swiss aluminum hoops.

For riders seeking a more accessible entry point, the mechanical builds offer significant value while retaining the exact same carbon frame and fork. The C Ultegra model provides 11-speed shifting and Shimano hydraulic brakes, while the base C 105 build utilizes a reliable 11-speed Shimano 105 groupset. Both mechanical options roll on WTB aluminum rims laced to Shimano hubs.

Tire clearance is a critical factor across all builds. The frame officially clears 700c x 35mm or 650b x 47mm tires. Riders looking to maximize 700c rubber should note that the fork is the primary limiting factor, and pushing past the 35mm recommendation can lead to rubbing under flex.

05 / Reviews

From the press.

8 reviews from the cycling press.

Reviewers consistently praise the Warroad for its dual personality, noting that wheel size dramatically alters its character. When equipped with 650b wheels and high-volume tires, the bike is frequently described as a "nimble, playful, ‘go anywhere’ sporty SUV" (Advntr) that easily absorbs rough terrain. In this configuration, testers found it highly capable on dirt, noting its ability to "handle rough, hard riding and float over potholes, bumps, and rocks" (Bicycling).

However, opinions diverge when the route turns to aggressive or technical off-road descending. While some riders felt secure, others found the handling less reassuring on steep, loose terrain, describing the front end as "skittish and sketchy going down dry, dusty, and rocky descents" (YouTube). On 700c wheels with narrower tires, the bike feels much closer to a traditional endurance road model. It accelerates well on tarmac, but testers observed that it "gets nervous easily" (Velomotion) when the pavement ends and the surface deteriorates.

Ultimately, the consensus points to a highly compliant frame that smooths out vibrations without feeling sluggish under power. It lacks the immediate sprinting snap of a pure road racing bike, but makes up for it with a forgiving ride quality that prevents fatigue during long days in the saddle.

06 / Compared to

Compared to.

Most-viewed comparisons.