In a world filled with nanotechnology, miraculous pivot locations, and heaping amounts of travel, the Ala Carte is a reminder that ‘newer’ doesn’t always mean ‘better’, and that steel is still real.

The Ala Carte’s True Temper OX Platinum frame is lovingly paired with our suspension corrected CroMoto fork. The frameset presents a clean profile with its disc brake only construction.

The balanced Salsa geometry lends itself equally to climbing and descending while the steel tubing provides the durability and ride quality it’s famous for. The CroMoto fork is well mannered and provides a surprising amount of trail dampening. The young pups in the audience might not know it, but everybody used to ride rigid!

Our choice pick of parts makes the Ala Carte Complete an extremely functional value. SRAM’s X.9 shifters, rear derailleur, and X.7 front derailleur work with FSA’s V-Drive crankset to deliver positive shifting. Avid’s FR-5 brake levers and BB-7 mechanical disc brakes provide plenty of well-modulated stopping power. The WTB Rocket V Race saddle with Salsa embroidery provides comfort while the WTB ExiWolf 2.3” tires hook up in the dirt.

Pile some Salsa goodness on top of that for a little distinction from the masses. The painted-to-match CroMoto stem is as easy on the eyes as the Pepperjack grips and Moto Ace riser bar are on the hands. The Lip-Lock seat collar, and the Shaft seatpost add both function and class. Semi Disc rims (laced to Shimano XT hubs) keep your wheels spinning true.

So whether you’re a retrogrouch or someone who just likes to keep things simple, functional, and realistic, the Ala Carte stands as a contemporary tribute to mountain biking’s historic past.

Ala Carte Complete. A classic ride with classic good looks.