Journeyer ESSA 1x8
Journeyer ESSA 1x8
Journeyer ESSA 1x8 is made to be your gateway to gravel riding; it's a versatile gravel adventure bike that can keep up with your gravel races, backroad wandering, and even a little light bikepacking. Journeyer is designed around comfortable upright geometry that feels confident and comfortable even on rough gravel roads (and gives you a better view of the scenery). The aluminum frame and fork feature mounts for fenders, racks, and accessories like our EXP-R Series Trillium Top Tube Bag, so you can adapt it for any adventure. The Shimano ESSA 1x8 components are reliable enough for your most remote rides and have plenty of gear range for comfortable pedaling on steep climbs and long flats. Journeyer’s versatility and comfort make it the best gravel adventure bike for riders starting to explore lesser-traveled roads.
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Warning for Residents of California
Warning for Residents of California
⚠️ WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Bike Key Features
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On-Bike Storage
View More- Adventures require gear and riders should get to choose whether they carry it on their bike or on their body
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Frame Protection
View More- Our products are built from experience — we’ve been there enough to know that a carbon fork can benefit from added protection just as much as the downtube on a suspension bike.
Product Details
Build Kit
Frameset
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Frame
Journeyer
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Color
Vapor Gray
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Fork
Fantail Aluminum
Components
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Headset
FSA
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Seatpost
Salsa Guide, 12mm offset
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Stem
TranzX
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Grips/Bar Tape
Cork tape
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Saddle
WTB Volt
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Handlebar
TranzX alloy
Drivetrain
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Front Derailleur
N/A
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Rear Derailleur
Shimano ESSA U2000
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Cassette
Shimano HG300-8, 11–45t, 8-speed
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Chain
KMC Z8
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Crankset
Shimano ESSA U2000, 40t
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Shifter
Shimano ESSA U2030
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Brake Levers
Shimano ESSA U2030
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Brake Calipers
Shimano RS305
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Bottom Bracket
Shimano UN300, square taper, 122.5mm spindle
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Rotors
Shimano (6-bolt, 160mm front and rear)
Wheels
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Front Tire
Teravail Washburn, 700c x 45mm, Durable casing, wire bead
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Rear Tire
Teravail Washburn, 700c x 45mm, Durable casing, wire bead
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Front Hub
Novatec 9 x 100mm QR
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Rear Hub
Novatec 10 x 135mm, HG, QR
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Spoke
Straight-gauge, 14g
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Rim
WTB ST i25, 32h
Weight
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Complete Bike
26 lbs. 04 oz
*Specifications are subject to change without notice
Geometry
| Size | 49cm | 51cm | 53cm | 55cm | 57cm | 60cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Effective Top Tube | 493.0 | 510.0 | 530.0 | 550.0 | 570.0 | 600.0 |
| B. Stand Over | 617.0 | 652.0 | 688.0 | 724.0 | 760.0 | 807.0 |
| C. Reach | 366.0 | 369.0 | 372.0 | 376.0 | 387.0 | 409.0 |
| D. Stack | 510.0 | 528.0 | 552.0 | 570.0 | 599.0 | 627.0 |
| E. Total Seat Tube Length | 340.0 | 380.0 | 410.0 | 450.0 | 490.0 | 520.0 |
| F. Headtube Length | 90.0 | 105.0 | 130.0 | 150.0 | 180.0 | 210.0 |
| G. Headtube Angle |
68.5
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69.5
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69.5
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69.5
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69.5
|
69.5
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| H. Seat Tube Angle |
76.0
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75.0
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74.0
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73.0
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73.0
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73.0
|
| I. BB Drop | 70.0 | 70.0 | 70.0 | 70.0 | 70.0 | 70.0 |
| J. BB Height | 283.0 | 283.0 | 283.0 | 283.0 | 283.0 | 283.0 |
| K. Chainstay Length | 440.0 | 440.0 | 440.0 | 440.0 | 440.0 | 440.0 |
| L. Fork Length Axle to Crown | 402.0 | 402.0 | 402.0 | 402.0 | 402.0 | 402.0 |
| M. Fork Offset | 50.0 | 50.0 | 50.0 | 50.0 | 50.0 | 50.0 |
| N. Wheelbase | 1027.0 | 1028.0 | 1040.0 | 1051.0 | 1072.0 | 1104.0 |
| Crank Arm Length | 170.0 | 170.0 | 170.0 | 170.0 | 175.0 | 175.0 |
| Handlebar Width | 400.0 | 420.0 | 440.0 | 440.0 | 460.0 | 460.0 |
| Recommended Rider Height | 142.0 - 152.0 | 150.0 - 160.0 | 157.0 - 170.0 | 165.0 - 178.0 | 173.0 - 185.0 | 183.0 - 196.0 |
| Stem Length | 60.0 | 70.0 | 80.0 | 80.0 | 90.0 | 100.0 |
Measurements based on:
- a fork measuring 402mm with 50mm offset
- a 700 x 38mm tire measuring 706 mm in diameter
- Stand over measured vertically to top of top tube from a position 50mm forward of BB center
Size Guide
Frame Specs
- Design Wheel/Tire Sizes 700c x 38mm
- Alternate Wheel/Tire Sizes 700c x 32–50mm; 650b x 47–50mm
- Frame Construction Aluminum
- Fork Construction Aluminum
- Rigid Fork Length 402mm length on axis
- Fork Offset 50mm
- Rear Spacing 135mm
- Rear Axle Size 10 x 135mm quick-release
- Rear Brake (Rotor) Flat mount 140 frame standard (160mm max.), 20mm thickness, 27mm bolt length
- Front Brake (Rotor) Flat mount 140 fork standard (160mm max.)
- Headset - Upper IS41
- Headset - Lower IS52
- Front Spacing 100mm
- Front Axle Size 9 x 100mm quick-release
- Steerer Tube 28.6mm / 1 1/8"
- Crown Race 40mm
- Seatpost 27.2mm
- Dropper Post Compatible Yes (internal)
- Seatpost Clamp 32.0mm
- Front Derailleur Clamp 31.8mm OD, bottom pull
- Front Derailleur Type 2x, bottomg swing
- Derailluer Hanger Salsa 959
- Bottom Bracket 68mm BSA
- Crankset (Max Ring) 1x crankset: 42t max.; 2x crankset: 48/33t max.
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Accessory Mounts
Downtube Accessory Mounts: Yes, one
Rack Mounts Frame: Yes
Rack Mounts Fork: Yes, low rider -
Bottle Mounts
49cm frame: one in main triangle
51–56cm frames: two in main triangle
57–60cm frames: three in main triangle
Fork bottle mounts: two - Front Fender Mounts Fender Mounts Fork: Yes
- Rear Fender Mounts Fender Mounts Frame: Yes
Supportive Documents
Additional Features
6061-T6 Aluminum Frame
We use alloy tubing developed specifically for the Journeyer frame, which is then heat-treated to T6 alloy standards for extra strength and durability.
Fantail aluminum fork
The Fantail fork is constructed from aluminum alloy and designed for a 9 x 100 mm quick-release axle. Fantail’s two sets of Three-Pack mounts and mid-blade rack mounts let you load up everything you need for your rides. Fender mounts add a touch of all-weather utility, and massive 700c x 56 mm or 650b x 59 mm (27.5 x 2.3") tire clearance lets you choose the wheel and tire setup for your riding conditions.
Gravel Geometry
Journeyer feels comfortable and stable whether you're entering your first gravel race, exploring dirt paths around town, or venturing into unfamiliar terrain. It's spirited when you want it to be but relaxed enough to leave you with the energy for long rides.
Internal Cable Routing
Full-length housing improves shifting performance in poor conditions and increases use time between maintenance intervals. Internal routing for a clean, uncluttered look.
Dropper Post Routing
Internal dropper post routing makes it easy to outfit your Journeyer for more technical riding.
Flat-Mount Brakes
Flat-mount brakes offer a clean look, easy setup, and compatibility with most of today’s road and gravel brake offerings.
Cargo Capability
Journeyer features front and rear rack mounts, a Three-Pack mount on each fork leg, a top tube mount, down tube mount, and bottle mounts. With this many options, you can load it up however you like.
Dual Wheel Size Compatibility
Journeyer fits both 700c and 650b wheel sizes so you can adapt it for any type of gravel or all-road ride.
FAQ
Can I use a suspension fork on this frame?
No, this frame was not designed or tested for use with a suspension fork.
Do you offer touch-up paint?
No, we do not offer touch up paint. Hobby shops or automotive stores are excellent places to find paint. We suggest you test the paint on a scrap piece of metal before using it on your frame.
I crashed and dented (or cracked) my frame. Is it safe to ride?
Stop riding your frame immediately and take it to the nearest Salsa authorized dealer for inspection. A dented or cracked tube represents a structural weakening of the frame, and is a safety risk.
What is the warranty for this bike?
View Warranty
Warranty Information
All Salsa products are warranted against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship from the date of retail purchase of the product, subject to the limitations detailed below.


