A SPICY RIDE THROUGH TIME
THE STORY OF SALSA CYCLES
Video & Photos by Brian Niles
March 31, 2025
Salsa Cycles didn’t start in a corporate boardroom, it was born in the 1980s from the hands of a passionate frame builder in California. Back then, mountain biking was exploding, and many frame builders began to see an opportunity to mix craftsmanship with adventure, Salsa Cycles did so in a unique way
Salsa Cycles became known for high-quality, innovative bikes that could handle anything. Since then the brand has transformed a bit with lots of notable periods over the years. For many cyclists, they are most known for their gravel and fat bike lineup, they by no means are a brand to sleep on when it comes to legit trail-slaying mountain bikes and we’ve personally seen (and ridden) some exciting new things you’ll be seeing very soon.
We had the opportunity to visit Salsa Cycles’ headquarters in Minnesota, where we got an inside look at their renewed passion for gravity-fueled mountain biking. The moment we walked through the doors, it was clear this wasn’t just a workplace; it was a gathering of die-hard cyclists who live and breathe bikes in every form. Whether it’s laps at the bike park, bikepacking into the unknown, or tackling epic backcountry trails; the team at Salsa is deeply committed to creating bikes that empower all riders, no matter their skill level or terrain of choice. Their dedication runs deep—most employees have been with the company for over a decade, bringing years of experience and innovation to every frame, component, and design. That level of commitment isn’t just rare—it’s a testament to the brand’s culture and the passion that fuels every ride.
Salsa’s HQ lives in the home of QBP (Quality Bicycle Products), better known as Q to nearly every bike shop in America. QBP is a distributor to bike shops stocking anything and everything a shop needs to keep their customers on the trail. Here they have a decked out wheel building department, an in-house suspension service center, and pallet racks as far as the eye can see. Along with Salsa Cycles, QBP also owns and operates Surly, Teravail, 45NRTH, MSW, All-City and WHISKY out of the same building. While the Minnesota location is the HQ, they have distribution facilities across the US to better serve larger local markets.
While it was awesome to see where every Salsa bike comes to life, the real highlight of the trip was hitting the trails with the crew and riding the bikes they pour their hearts into. We couldn’t have asked for better conditions—perfect dirt, crisp air, and vibrant autumn colors setting the scene at Spirit Mountain. I spent most of the time at the park on the yet to be released Blackthorn 2, a bike that I had never swung a leg over but instantly felt at home on. We are stoked to get one in this season for a long term review.
If you weren’t familiar with Salsa Cycles before, we hope that this video will change that. It’s more than just a look at their bikes—it’s a deep dive into the passion, adventure, and downright fun that fuels everything they do. From the trails to the workshop, you’ll see first hand why Salsa isn’t just about making bikes; but about creating experiences, pushing boundaries, and embracing the ride. By the end, you won’t just understand what they do—you’ll want to be part of it, too.
