Gibbygoo

Has anyone built one up yet? I'd love to see some pictures and here your stories on this frame. I'm considering selling my Cross-Check to build one up.

Brad Smith

I'm not sure anyone has built one up yet, but there seems to be a lot of interest. I am currently planning on building one, as I am soliciting build help over in this thread. It looks like a great frame. If you can wait, I'm probably three to four weeks away from having it. I'll be sure to post pictures and experiences then.

atbman

Cycling Plus, June edition, has just reviewed this bike along with 3 others, including Kona Jake. Marked it as =1st with a Van Nicholas (9/10 mark)

Spoooky!

Quote
"There's little not to like about Salsa's classy and surprisingly well priced Casseroll - out top choice [as light tourer]. although it approcahes the one-bike-does-all angle from the road perspective, it's a really versatile, practical fram that's incredibly satisfying to ride and gorgeous to look at" end quote

xB_Nutt

How much for the frame and fork? Looks like a classy version of the Cross Check.

Oh and my vote goes for silver fenders...

M_S

This bike has also been mentioned on another thread (titled, I think "Help me buy an all-rounder bike"). it sure is pretty looking. Definitely the right color to go with cork bar tape.

I think the bike is probably more easily equated with the Surly Pacer than the Cross-Check, however. I don't believe it takes larger than around 32 tires (without fenders). Of course this is all heresay as I have never actually seen one in person, nor talked to someone who owns one. It is also lighter than the Check. definitely looks like it would be a lot of fun to build up though.

Gibbygoo

Fits up to 700c x 35mm tires; 32mm with fenders

M_S

I stand corrected. I presume those figures are for slicks and not treaded tires?

Jeez, really wishing I had the money to build one of these up now...

gbcb

This bike really seems to be causing a stir on this forum. Or maybe it's just me

So, this bike uses road geometry -- how much of a difference is that likely to make in day-to-day use? Should trails be completely avoided, even with knobbier tires?

Edit: I'm thinking of the Cross-Check as a point of comparison.

hairlessbill

Just noticed that it doesn't allow for cantis/vbrakes so long reach brakes are a must for big tires and fenders. A really beautiful bike but I love having the option to use cantis/vbrakes on the Cross-check.

Road geometry should be okay for light trail use and daily riding. I've taken my RB-1 offroad on mild trails with road tires. You bounce around a lot on the downhills but you can fly on the uphills.

modernjess

The similarities to Surly should not come as a surprise. Salsa and Surly are owned by the same company, Quality Bike Products (QBP). The largest bike products distributor in North america. They all work in the same building here in suburban Minneapolis.

They are pretty dedicated cyclists and they are adept at looking for trends and filling the niches as well or better than any of the big manufacturers. I wouldn't think they that they would build identical products between the two lines. But similar products appealing to a broader audience are good for expanding market share.

I own a Surly and I love it, and I'd be happy to own a Salsa too.