Updated: 19th March 2024

The Salsa gravel bike battle! Well which bike is best? We are going to compare these two iconic gravel bikes side by side and see what the difference is between each. When it comes to price the Warbird’s base Apex model is $100 cheaper at $2,599 when the Cutthroat starts at $2,699. But what really is the difference and which one is best for you and your riding goals?

The Cutthroat is classified by Salsa to be a bike suited for, Ultra-endurance mixed surface and bikepacking riding. As it was inspired by the Tour Divide bikepacking race! A much more capable bikepacking bike with a more upright riding position compared to the Warbird, longer wheelbase, and a more stable ride feel. While the Warbird on the other hand is considered best for gravel racing, fireroad riding and road riding! With a more racy geometry and slightly lighter weight. Also the cutthroat comes with 29″ wheels compared to 700c on the Warbird.

It makes it rather easy to figure out which bike out of these two are best for you, if you know what you are going to be using your bike for the most. Looking to go mostly bikepacking? Then the Cutthroat. What about mostly road riding with some gravel here and there? Then the Warbird. But wait, there are some other things you should consider before making that final decision!

Salsa Cutthroat Bike Models

Let’s take a look at each of the bikes and see which options offer which components and features. There are four Cutthroat options and three Warbird bikes.

****Also it is worth noting that since August 2020 Salsa have released a safety notice on Cutthroat V2 Fork which are the forks on all these Cutthroat bikes. It is recommended to head to their blog to see information if your current fork is affected. I am not sure I would purchase one of these 2020 models. It is disappointing but from what I read online people have had some bad experiences.****

I am personally waiting until the 2021 models come out and hopefully the problem is fixed. But you might still be okay to go ahead and purchase a Cutthroat with the V2 fork, just make sure to ask the retailer about this and determine whether the bike has an affected fork. And you can get it replaced by Salsa if this is the case.

Salsa Cutthroat Apex 1

Starting at the base Cutthroat model is the Apex 1 bike. As all these bikes are carbon gravel bikes, this Apex has mid-range components and mechanical disc brakes. Weighing 23.3 lbs / 10.58 kg and powered by the 1 x 11 Apex 1 groupset with Race Face Ride, DM 36t chainring and SRAM PG-1130, 11-42t cassette. With the Teravail Sparwood 29 x 2.2″ tires.

With this setup you get a 24.84″ climbing gear and 94.46″ highest gear with a 0.86 : 3.27 gear ratio. Priced at $2,699

Salsa Cutthroat GRX 600

The next step up id the GRX 600 Cutthroat which has high-end components and hydraulic disc brakes. Featuring a 2 x 11 GRX 800, GRX 600 groupset, with Race Face Ride w/ Easton DM 46/30t chainrings and Shimano HG700-11, 11-34t cassette. Weighing 23.4 lbs / 10.6 kg and those same 29 x 2.2″ wheels/tires.

With this 2 x 11 drivetrain you get a 25.42″ climbing gear and 120.75″ highest gear. That means a gear ratio of 0.88 : 4.18 and is priced at $3,299

Salsa Cutthroat GRX 810 1x

The Cutthroat GRX 810 1x is a carbon frame gravel bike with high-end components and hydraulic disc brakes. Featuring that 1 x 11 GRX 800 groupset and weighs 21.6 lbs / 9.8 kg. Comes with the Race Face Turbine w/ Race Face DM 36t chainring and Shimano M7000-11, 11-42t cassette.

Which gives you the same 24.84″ climbing gear as the Apex 1, but with higher quality components. Same 0.86 : 3.27 gear ratio and is priced at $4,199. However you do get better quality DT Swiss X 1900 Spline 15 x 110 mm rims then the entry level Apex.

Salsa Cutthroat GRX 810 Di2

Then there is the highest end option with the ultra high-end components and hydraulic disc brakes giving you the most equipped Cutthroat out of the bunch. With DT Swiss X 1700 Spline 15 x 110 mm rims, deluxe fork V2, and other slight uprights.

With the Electronic GRX Di2 drivetrain and groupset, you get Race Face Turbine w/ Easton DM 46/30t chainrings and Shimano HG800-11, 11-34t. Which give the bike the same 25.42″ climbing gear as the GRX 600. with the gear ratio of 0.88 : 4.18 and weighing in at 22.1 lbs / 10.0 kg. Priced at $5,799

Salsa Warbird Bike Models

Dive deep into the world of the Warbird with our comprehensive guide that leaves no stone unturned. From its inception to its evolution into a gravel racing powerhouse, we meticulously dissect every facet of this legendary bike. Whether you’re considering making it your next ride or simply curious about what sets it apart in the world of cycling, our guide offers insights, technical breakdowns, and real-world applications.

We cover everything from its design philosophy, frame geometry, and component selection to its performance on both gravel paths and rugged terrains. Get ready to explore the Warbird in unparalleled detail, and discover everything you need to know before you pedal off into your next adventure.

Salsa Warbird Carbon Apex 1

The entry level Warbird model is a carbon frame gravel bike with mid-range components and mechanical disc brakes. Featuring a 1 x 11 Apex 1 groupset. You might think this is the same as the Cutthroat Apex but this bike comes with a SRAM Apex 1 X-Sync, 42t crank compared to the Cutthroat’s Race Face Ride, DM 36t chainring. They both have the same SRAM PG 1130, 11–42t cassette. This means the Warbird Apex has a 27.80″ granny gear compared to the 24.84″ on the Cutthroat Apex. And the Warbird has a 106.18″ highest gear compared to the Cutthroat’s 94.46″

All the Warbird bikes come with the Teravail Cannonball 700c x 42 mm tires. The Apex Warbird weighs in at 21.6 lbs / 9.8 kg and is priced at $2,599

Salsa Warbird Carbon GRX 600

The Warbird Carbon GRX 600 is a carbon frame gravel bike with high-end components and hydraulic disc brakes. Comes with the 2 x 10 GRX 800, GRX 600 groupset and weighs 20.5 lbs / 9.3 kg. Which has the same teeth as the GRX 600 Cutthroat just different types of rings. You get the Shimano RX600-11, 46/30t crank and Shimano HG700-11, 11–34t cassette.

You get a slightly better 24.46″ climbing gear and a 116.18″ highest gear (which is not as capable as the GRX 600 Cutthroats). Priced at $3,199

Salsa Warbird Carbon GRX 810

Then the highest end Warbird model is the GRX 810 which is a carbon frame gravel bike with high-end components and hydraulic disc brakes. With a Shimano RX810-2, 48/31t (RX600, 46/30t with 165mm arms on 49cm size) crank and Shimano HG800-11, 11–34t cassette. Weighing 19.8 lbs / 9.0 kg and priced at $4,099. The bike has a 25.29″ climbing gear and 121.19″ highest. Which is ever so slightly easier at climbing than the $5,799 Cutthroat.

Difference in Specs (Build, Wheels and Groupset) Cutthroat Vs Warbird

Below in the tables I have gathered all the specs of each bike and stacked them side by side for a better visual representation of all the build, groupset and wheel differences.

The main differences between the Cutthroat and the Warbird is handlebars, saddles and rims/tires with slight variations in groupset components and rings.

Build

Cutthroat GRX 600Cutthroat Apex 1Cutthroat GRX 810 Di2Cutthroat GRX 810 1xWarbird Carbon GRX 810Warbird Carbon GRX 600Warbird Carbon Apex 1
FrameCutthroat Carbon V2Cutthroat Carbon V2Cutthroat Carbon V2Cutthroat Carbon V2Warbird Carbon V2Warbird Carbon V2Warbird Carbon V2
ForkCutthroat Carbon V2Cutthroat Carbon V2Cutthroat Carbon Deluxe V2Cutthroat Carbon Deluxe V2Waxwing DeluxeWaxwingWaxwing
Bottom BracketPress Fit BB92, 41 x 92 mmPress Fit BB92, 41 x 92 mmPress Fit BB92, 41 x 92 mmPress Fit BB92, 41 x 92 mmBB86 PressFitBB86 PressFitBB86 PressFit
HeadsetCane Creek 40Cane Creek 40Cane Creek 40Cane Creek 40Cane Creek 40Cane Creek 40Cane Creek 40
StemSalsa GuideSalsa GuideSalsa GuideSalsa GuideSalsa GuideSalsa GuideSalsa Guide
HandlebarSalsa Cowchipper DeluxeSalsa CowchipperSalsa Cowchipper CarbonSalsa Cowchipper DeluxeSalsa Cowbell DeluxeSalsa Cowbell DeluxeSalsa Cowbell
SaddleWTB Volt CompWTB Volt SportWTB Volt ProWTB Volt RaceWTB Volt RaceWTB Volt CompWTB Volt Sport
SeatpostSalsa Guide DeluxeSalsa GuideSalsa Guide CarbonSalsa Guide DeluxeSalsa Guide DeluxeSalsa Guide DeluxeSalsa Guide
GripsMSW Anti-Slip GelMSW Anti-Slip GelMSW Anti-Slip GelMSW Anti-Slip GelMSW Anti-Slip GelMSW Anti-Slip GelMSW Anti-Slip Gel

Groupset

Cutthroat GRX 600Cutthroat Apex 1Cutthroat GRX 810 Di2Cutthroat GRX 810 1xWarbird Carbon GRX 810Warbird Carbon GRX 600Warbird Carbon Apex 1
Rear DerailleurShimano GRX 810SRAM Apex 1Shimano GRX 815 Di2Shimano GRX 812Shimano RX810Shimano RX810SRAM Apex 1
Front DerailleurShimano GRX 810Shimano GRX 815 Di2Shimano RX810Shimano RX810
CrankRace Face Ride w/ Easton DM 46/30t chainringsRace Face Ride, DM 36t chainringRace Face Turbine w/ Easton DM 46/30t chainringsRace Face Turbine w/ Race Face DM 36t chainringShimano RX810-2, 48/31t (RX600, 46/30t with 165mm arms on 49cm size)Shimano RX600-11, 46/30tSRAM Apex 1 X-Sync, 42t
ShiftersShimano GRX 600 HydroSRAM Apex 1Shimano GRX 815 Di2 HydraulicShimano GRX 810 HydroShimano RX810 HydraulicShimano RX600SRAM Apex 1 Mechanical
CassetteShimano HG700-11, 11-34tSRAM PG-1130, 11-42tShimano HG800-11, 11-34tShimano M7000-11, 11-42tShimano HG800-11, 11–34tShimano HG700-11, 11–34tSRAM PG 1130, 11–42t
ChainShimano HG601-11SRAM PC-1110Shimano HG701-11Shimano HG701-11Shimano HG701-11Shimano HG601-11SRAM PC 1110
BrakesShimano GRX 400 Hydro, RT66 160 mmTRP Spyre-C, 160 mmShimano GRX 810 Hydraulic, RT76 160 mmShimano GRX 810 Hydro, RT76 160 mmShimano RX810, Hydraulic, RT76 160 mm rotorsShimano RX400, Hydraulic, RT66 160 mm rotorsTRP Spyre-C Flat Mount, 160 mm rotors

Wheels

Cutthroat GRX 600Cutthroat Apex 1Cutthroat GRX 810 Di2Cutthroat GRX 810 1xWarbird Carbon GRX 810Warbird Carbon GRX 600Warbird Carbon Apex 1
RimsWTB Speedterra Hub, WTB ST i23 TCS 2.0 32h Rim, 15 x 110 mmWTB Serra Hub, WTB ST i23 TCS 2.0 32h, 110 x 15 mmDT Swiss X 1700 Spline 15 x 110 mmDT Swiss X 1900 Spline 15 x 110 mmDT Swiss C 1800, 12 x 100 mm, 700cWTB Speedterra 12 x 100 mm hub, WTB ST i23 TCS 2.0 28h 700c rimWTB Serra 12 x 100 mm hub, WTB ST i23 TCS 2.0 28h 700c rim
TiresTeravail Sparwood 29 x 2.2″ Durable, Tubeless ReadyTeravail Sparwood 29 x 2.2″ Durable, Tubeless ReadyTeravail Sparwood 29 x 2.2″ Durable, Tubeless ReadyTeravail Sparwood 29 x 2.2″ Durable, Tubeless ReadyTeravail Cannonball 700c x 42 mm, Durable, Tubeless-ReadyTeravail Cannonball 700c x 42 mm, Durable, Tubeless-ReadyTeravail Cannonball 700c x 42 mm, Durable, Tubeless-Ready
Disk RotorsFlat mount (160–180 mm), flat mount frame standard (35 mm thickness), 42 mm bolt lengthFlat mount (160–180 mm), flat mount frame standard (35 mm thickness), 42 mm bolt lengthFlat mount (160–180 mm), flat mount frame standard (35 mm thickness), 42 mm bolt lengthFlat mount (160–180 mm), flat mount frame standard (35 mm thickness), 42 mm bolt lengthFlat mount 140, 140–160mm, flat mount frame standard 20mm thickness, 27mm bolt lengthFlat mount 140, 140–160mm, flat mount frame standard 20mm thickness, 27mm bolt lengthFlat mount 140, 140–160mm, flat mount

Geometry – Cutthroat Vs Warbird

Geometry can play a big part in the difference of how I bike rides and feels. It is definitely something to consider when buying a bike. It is clear to see that the Cutthroat is better designed for long days in the saddle, exploring with bikepacking gear loaded on the bike. Thanks to longer wheelbase, chainstay, and more relaxed angles. Along with a more upright position. While the Warbird is adapted for road riding with some gravel grinding here and there. All the measurements below are in mm and are for both 56 cm sized bikes.

Want to learn more about understanding bike geometry? Read this article which goes through all the jargon and what it means for a comfortable ride!

Cutthroat (teal) and Warbird (grey)

You can clearly see how much more upright and comfortable the Cutthroat is geometry wise when it comes to adventure cycling.

BikeCutthroatWarbird
Stack619.53584.85
Reach385.28381.19
Stack/Reach Ratio1.611.53
Top Tube Length560560
Seat Tube Length508510
Seat Tube Angle74.2573
Head Tube Length127160
Head Tube Angle6970.75
BB Drop7070
Front Center655618
Chainstay Length445430
Wheelbase1090.311038.21
Rake5150
Trail7969
Standover Height810.51770.11

The Salsa Cutthroat has a 1.61 stack/reach ratio which is nice and upright compared to the 1.53 on the Warbird, this is still rather upright for a gravel bike. The chainstay on the Cutthroat is 445 mm which makes it on the longer end feeling rather chill in the back compared to the Warbird’s 430 mm chainstay which is in that mid range making it feel like an all-rounder in the rear.

The trail on the Cutthroat is on the high end at 79 making it rather sluggish and stable at the front. While the Warbird is 69 which is still in that high end of trail lengths for gravel bikes. But more stable than sluggish. Also the Warbird has a 40.4 mm lower standover height compared to the Cutthroat.

About The Author

codey

codey

Codey Orgill, a seasoned bicycle adventurer, has been exploring the world on two wheels for over 10 years. Since embarking on his initial cycling journey, Codey Orgill has traversed numerous countries, experiencing a series of epic adventures.