This improves the smoothness as well as the grip of the entire bike – so you can ride around reliably. Or maybe you're looking for a versatile gravel rig for trying your hand at racing and for use commuting and maybe a little bike packing too? We gave the Journeyman high marks for its versatility. This upright feel makes it more challenging to get into an attack position and charge downhill at speed, instead, sitting up and cruising is the order of the day. Yes, we recommend taking it to a hobby shop or automotive garage for that. The shorter reach and taller front end put the rider in a very comfortable but quite upright position. Here’s each one of them with their own review: The Journeyman Apex from Salsa is the basic model – the one with the most straightforward yet most reliable, practical, and efficient build. This one offers the same type of performance, with a slight difference in comfort. If you want the best of the best from Salsa Journeyman, you should settle for nothing less than the Apex 1 model. The component specification of the Journeyman Apex was solid on the uphills. If you're interested in getting into gravel riding and you're looking for a versatile bike that's good for just about everything, check out Salsa's affordable Journeyman. In this Salsa Journeyman review, we went through all of these models so you could have a better idea of what they offer. Hi Kids, Title says it all. This is not to say one couldn't "race" on this bike, though we feel people would be hard-pressed to be competitive in a race on the Journeyman. The Journeyman is a comfortable and relatively efficient climber that is held back slightly by its heavier weight and more conservative geometry. 2019 Salsa Cycles Journeyman 700 Apex 1 700. It's nothing especially fancy, but the aluminum frame has a nice ride quality and all the frame and fork mount options you could probably ever need. Then, you’ll find the Salsa Cowbell handlebar adding up a touch of comfort, especially with the WTB Volt saddle so you can hop around without any awkwardness. Well, it all starts with the different types of options you can go for. Let us know! Not so good for the weekend crit, perfect for grinding up mountain roads. No, the frame is the central part of the entire build, so breaking it in any way will make it unusable. The 37mm width works well enough, although some girthier and higher volume tires would do wonders to enhance the downhill performance of this bike. It's not a standout performer on either the climbs or descents, instead, it's consistent in its average-ness which isn't necessarily a bad thing. This bike would prefer you to sit and spin uphill while you have a conversation with your friends than to sprint up every rise. Razor MX350 Review (Updated, 2020) | Facts You Should Know, Salsa Marrakesh Review (Updated, 2020) – Facts You Need to Know, Specialized Roubaix Review (Updated, 2020) – Facts You Need to Know, Specialized Diverge Comp Review (Updated, 2020) – Facts You Need to Know, Specialized Allez Review (Updated, 2020) – Facts You Need to Know, Schwinn 170 Review (Updated, 2020) – Facts You Need to Know, Santa Cruz Tallboy Review (Updated, 2020) – Facts You Need to Know, Salsa Timberjack Review (Updated, 2020) – Facts You Need to Know, Salsa Journeyman Review (Updated, 2020) | Facts You Should Know, Giant Escape 2 Review (Updated, 2020) | Facts You Should Know, Cannondale Topstone 105 Review (Updated, 2020) | Facts You Should Know, Cannondale Synapse Review (Updated, 2020) – Facts You Need to Know, Fantastic drivetrain for superior performance, Smooth and grip-oriented tires for versatility, Perfect 9-speed drivetrain for a versatile performance, Excellent tires and wheels for traction and reliability, Highly responsive brakeset for secure stops, Comfy handlebar and saddle for enjoyable rides, Easy-to-handle frame with tons of resilience, The slightly low design makes it difficult to go uphill, Shifting speeds can be tricky for inexperienced users, Extremely responsive brakeset for security when riding, Ideal wheels and tires for decent traction at all times, Amazing frame with a top-notch fork for convenience, Comfortable and practical design with extras, Outstanding drivetrain performance with 9 speeds, A comfortable position with flat-bar handlebar design, Reliable brakeset system for responsive stops, High-quality wheels with traction-oriented tires, Well-made frame for extra resilience and handling, Excellent flat-bar design for comfort and control, Top-notch wheels and tires for traction and reliability, Light and easy-to-handle frame with a resilient build, Fantastic Claris drivetrain for simple speed changes, The unbeatable price tag for the quality it offers, Not the most comfortable bike for long rides. The Journeyman is a pretty solid climber, though it feels a little sluggish compared to the lighter and racier bikes we tested. Salsa offers the Journeyman in both 700c and 650b/27.5" wheeled builds. This one comes with a set of 700c wheels so you can take it anywhere you want – as it achieves proper speed without leaving dirt performance away. We’re in a mini golden age of economical gravel rigs, though, and there’s no shortage of other options worth examining. Despite being the basic Journeyman model, the Apex 1 offers a more complete experience than its less conventional alternatives. The Salsa Journeyman is available in three models; including the Sora (Which we’re reviewing), the Apex 1, and the Claris. In this regard, the Journeyman seems a bit less versatile than the competition, at least in the configuration we tested, as attacking the descents or riding singletrack felt a little awkward compared to some of the competition. I've Ridden. If you are interested in contributing content to our Gravel Cycling Gear Blog Contact Us. The Sora build retails for $1,199 and comes equipped with a Shimano Sora 2 x 9-speed drivetrain and Promax DSK330R mechanical disc brakes. Especially on short and tricky paths – the flat-bar design will provide a way more enjoyable experience. Journeyman Apex 1 650 offers the comfort and traction of a wider tire, and you’ll feel the difference immediately when you go off road. It comes with the perfect combination of SRAM Apex 1 XSync 40t crankset as well as an SRAM P1130 11-42 cassette, working along with the SRAM PC1110 chain – offering the reliability, smoothness, and performance for any ride. The Journeyman brings a comfortable, easy-going, and reliable performance to the table and it gets a nod for its versatility with its wealth of accessory and rack mounts. This bike is well suited to a range of cycling activities short of slaying singletrack and landing yourself on top of the podium at gravel races. It allows the bike to go on any trail and resist bumps and other impacts without breaking a sweat. Coming with 700c wheels, the Journeyman Sora offers an excellent experience on asphalt as well as on dirt. Journeyman Apex 1 700 has 700c wheels for more speed and … Journeyman Apex 1 700 has a 700c wheel for more speed and efficiency when you're primarily riding on roads. With gear range and cargo capacity for everything from gravel rides to bikepacking expeditions, this is an ultra-endurance bike ready to take you farther than you ever thought you could go. I wasn’t carrying a travel scale, so I didn’t get an official weigh-in, but Salsa claims about 25.5 lbs (11.56 kg). The real advantage, however, comes from the cost. Can I change the color of my Salsa Journeyman? Material on GearLab is copyrighted. The Journeyman features a 6061-T6 aluminum frame that is paired with a carbon fiber Fantail Deluxe fork. Explore the full Salsa Journeyman line at www.salsacycles.com. It also features SRAM Apex 1 gearing, which is perfect for venturing farther off the beaten path while riding or racing gravel. West Coast, East Coast & Midwest warehouses. It is one of the most responsive out there. Salsa Journeyman Claris. There’s ample range for dealing with the steeper climbs you always find in the woods compared to on the road, and though the gaps might be bigger than a 2x drivetrain, it’s easy to adapt to, especially when riding off-road trails. And let’s not forget you still get the same 700c Novatec WTB wheels along with the Teravail Cannonball tires. This handlebar allows fantastic control and handling, especially if you’re on steep roads that demand way more maneuvering. The Apex build of the Journeyman we tested certainly won't turn many heads, but we had few complaints about the performance of these parts in the field. The handlebar is wrapped in Salsa Gel Cork bar tape and clamped to a Salsa Guide stem. Considering the price of this bike and the aluminum frame, it stands to reason that it would be heavier than all of the more expensive carbon-framed competition. But before we go deep into the different models available – let’s explain why Salsa Journeyman is such an exceptional alternative. We took the measuring tape to our size 57cm test model and found that it had a 568mm effective top tube length and a 380mm reach. There’s a bike for almost anyone in the Salsa Journeyman array. 52cm. It had 440mm long chainstays, a 1060mm wheelbase, and the bottom bracket was 279mm high. Yes, it offers the chance to integrate a rear rack with a mid-blade mount on the back. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Cutthroat Apex 1 combines the redesigned Cutthroat carbon frame and fork with the tried-and-true performance of SRAM’s Apex 1 drivetrain. Compare. The aluminum frame generally feels stiff enough, though power transfer doesn't feel as direct as it does on the stiffer carbon models in this test. Journeyman Apex 1 650 offers the comfort and traction of a wider, WTB Nano 2.1-inch tire, and you’ll notice the difference in traction and ride quality immediately when you go off-road. All these are available in both 650b and 700c wheel and tire options to fit your different tastes. Journeyman is Salsa's all-road bike designed with the versatility to fulfill a wide variety of missions. Design Drop Bar, Rigid, non-suspension corrected. Journeyman Apex 1 650 offers the comfort and traction of a wider tire, and you’ll feel the difference immediately when you go off road. Similar to its downhill performance, it prefers a more relaxed approach on the climbs as opposed to an aggressive pilot. As a rule, Salsa doesn't skimp on frame mounts, and the Journeyman is no exception. 50cm size 6 sizes (50cm to 59.5cm) size 59.5cm. It comes with either a drop or flat handlebar, and the flat bar version costs just $799. The Journeyman definitely has a more laid-back feel than some of the racier bikes in this review. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Look no further. It is over 5 lbs heavier than our lightest competitor, and you will definitely notice that over the long haul. And each one of them is totally worth considering. And the Journeyman from Salsa offers precisely that. The Salsa Journeyman Apex is an affordable aluminum-framed gravel bike that is ready to take on any adventure you are. To change the speeds, you’ll need to use the Shimano Claris STI shifter. When you talk of reliability, this is the ultimate bicycle that you are talking about. Beyond that, rather than upgrading this bike, we'd expect that riders whose skills or needs outgrow the Journeyman would be better off upgrading their entire bike. The Journeyman is a comfortable and capable bike on the descents but it has a bit of a speed and aggressiveness limit. In recent years, gravel biking has exploded in popularity... the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Lightweight, nice build, excellent bland of frame stiffness and compliance, Modern gravel geometry, 20mm of Future Shock Suspension, SWAT storage, offered in 11 different builds, Inexpensive for carbon, compliant seat post and handlebar, Can feel harsh over the rough stuff, narrow non-flared handlebar, 2x drivetrain, non-aggressive tires, quirky geometry, Anyone interested in dabbling in the world of gravel riding should check out the versatile and affordable Salsa Journeyman, The Stigmata earns our Editor's Choice Award for its impressive and well-rounded performance, Lightweight and uncompromisingly stiff, the Hakka MX is a very fast and efficient gravel bike, Capability, comfort, and versatility are the hallmarks of the redesigned Diverge Comp Carbon, The Revolt Advanced 3 is an inexpensive entry-level carbon fiber gravel bike, WTB ST i19 TCS 2.0 700c rims with Novatec hubs, Specialized Pathfinder Pro 2Bliss 700 x 38c, Specialized FACT Carbon with Future Shock 2.0, Specialized Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails, Specialized Adenture Gear Hover, 12-degree flare, Tire clearance up to 51mm with 700c wheels, Offered with 700c x 37mm wheels and tires (tested) or 650b x 2.1". Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of gear, The Salsa Journeyman is an affordable and highly versatile entry-level gravel bike. Or maybe you're looking for a versatile gravel rig for trying your hand at racing and for use commuting and maybe a little bike packing too? We'd prefer a tubeless setup, of course. All of the builds listed can be purchased with either wheel size. Handling will be improved exponentially, especially when it comes to maneuvering around obstacles and taking fast corners when needed. And with the FSA Very Pro Adventure crankset, you can achieve amazing results anywhere. The 650B model in the fetching pink color is most eye-catching, but if you want 700c wheels, you will have to sweet talk your local Salsa dealer into a possible wheel swap. The Salsa Journeyman is an all-road bike with the chops to fulfill a wide variety of missions. The geometry of the Journeyman is a little more comfort-oriented, with a shorter reach and taller front end. It has an almost twitchy feel when attacking climbs out of the saddle, but it feels stable and calm when seated and spinning it out. Our test bike came with WTB ST i19 TCS 2.0 rims laced to Novatec hubs. It has a 27.2mm aluminum seat post in a 350mm length and a comfortable WTB Volt Sport saddle. But still, the bike comes with the rest of the Sora build – including the Sora STI shifters, the Sora drivetrain with 9 Speeds, and the Promax DSK-330R brakeset for extra reliability. For this review, I rode Salsa’s top-of-the-line Journeyman Apex 1 650, which features an aluminum frame, SRAM’s Apex 1 drivetrain, Teravail Sparwood 650b x 2.1-inch tires, and TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes. At 24 lbs and 5 oz, the Journeyman isn't exactly a heavyweight, but it is 5 lbs heavier than the lightest models we tested. The Journeyman is the least expensi… The Salsa Journeyman retails for $899-$1099 depending on spec, and is available in 50cm, 52cm, 54cm, 55.5cm, 57cm, and 59.5cm. With a retail price of only $1,499, it would be hard not to call the Journeyman Apex a great value. Got feedback? Boasting the same Journeyman geometry for comfort and handling ease, you now can enjoy the Claris model – perfect for anyone who wants a more straightforward bike. Compare. Online & in Portland Oregon since 1997. All trademarks property of their respective owners Salsa Cycles Journeyman Sora Review: Affordable Fun on Gravel ... We tested the all-new Journeyman, Salsa Cycles’ first drop-bar bike to wear a triple-digit price tag. The Salsa Journeyman retails for $899-$1099 depending on spec, and is available in 50cm, 52cm, 54cm, 55.5cm, 57cm, and 59.5cm. It wouldn't be our first pick for racing or punching the throttle on the downhills, it prefers a more laid-back approach. Testers were pleasantly surprised by the performance of the SRAM Apex 1x drivetrain. - Journeyman Aluminum 650b Drop Bar frame - SRAM Apex 1 11-speed drivetrain This bike will make it easy to enjoy all possible trails without a single major downside. We would also replace the thin bar tape with a thicker and more cushioned tape to improve comfort and bar feel. This offers enough responsiveness for any type of performance. Let’s not forget it also comes with TRP Spyre-C brakes along with 160mm rotors. This additional weight is definitely noticeable in comparison and one of the reasons this bike feels a little sluggish on the climbs. It pairs up well with 38mm Teravail Cannonball tires along with the Novatec wheels. If you like the Salsa Fargo Apex 1, but find the price a bit too high, we recommend considering the Salsa Journeyman Claris 700. The Journeyman Claris 650 runs 27.5” tires and has all the attachment points you need to customize your bikepacking setup. This certainly wouldn't be our first choice for a race bike, but we also imagine that anyone opting for a less expensive entry-level bike like the Journeyman probably isn't chasing podiums anyway. The bike features an aluminum frame, carbon fork, and SRAM Apex 1 drivetrain. The ability to handle with more ease, whether it is a flat street or a bumpy trail this puts it up there among the most convenient ones. You won’t get something with 11 speeds like the Apex or 9 speeds like the Sora – so it is perfect if you want something modest. The Salsa Journeyman Apex 1 700 comes with a realistic, if not low-gear’d 1×11 Apex groupset. One could easily reduce the weight of this bike by setting up the tires tubeless and shaving 8-9 ounces in tube weight, though the WTB Riddler Comp tires aren't TCS compatible and this would require an upgrade. Then go for the practical Sora Flat-Bar model. That ensures a similar experience, but also different results with each. Together, they ensure maximum coziness when riding. Along with the Fantail Fork and the Shimano Claris drivetrain, you can expect a highly versatile bike for a superb result on any surface. It also features SRAM Apex 1 gearing which is perfect for venturing farther off the beaten path while riding or racing gravel. The simplicity comes from the 8-Speed Shimano Claris GS derailleur, which pairs up with a KMC X8 chain to deliver excellent speed changes at any time. Finally, we can’t forget about the super comfy design with WTB Volt saddle and the Salsa Cowbell handlebar with Gel Cork Bar Tape. The brakes are flat mount TRP Spyre-C mechanical disc brakes with 160mm rotors front and rear. Upon unboxing, the Salsa Journeyman 650B (Apex 1) exceeded my expectations. If you’re holding some doubts about this bike and its models, here are a few common questions people make with their answers – they may help you out: Can I use the Salsa Journeyman with a suspension fork? Especially if you love versatile bikes that can go on the road as well as off-roading without ever feeling less than ideal – then you’ll find these models perfect for your needs. Are you gravel curious? You will have the Sora build, the Claris build, and the Apex build. Salsa Journeyman Claris 700 Bike. The Salsa Journeyman Apexis an affordable aluminum-framed gravel bike that is ready to take on any adventure you are. This fork features a number of mounting options for fenders and bikepacking accessories. If you’re eager to find out more about this brand and bike series to possibly end up with a fantastic bike – then you’ll want to keep reading! This bike has a comfortable geometry and a budget-minded but functional component specification. The Apex 1 build we tested is the top of the range. Category All-road/Gravel. If you want a versatile bike with different models to choose from – then the Salsa Journeyman is the way to go. Salsa makes a range of other gravel and adventure bikes to suit a huge range of rider's needs and budgets. We’re reviewing 5 of the best models on this set as well as explaining common questions most people have when choosing. The cockpit consists of mostly house-brand Salsa parts. … 2021 2019 2018. If you’re on a low budget for your next bike – then you’ll find this one ideal. The geometry feels more appropriate for bike packing or touring, where long term comfort is prioritized over downhill speed. But it is not the wheels that stand out so much, but the Shimano Sora drivetrain – the ideal option for those who 9 speeds without losing any of the smoothness or performance results. Finally, it boasts the unique Journeyman frame with Fantain Deluxe Carbon Fork, perfect for durability and fantastic control on any environment. Salsa has a well-earned reputation for making fun, sometimes quirky bikes that are ready for an adventure. Salsa Journeyman Apex 1 650 Review Level 3 expert While the ride and handling are very good… it’s under specced compared to rivals which makes it hard to recommend. Salsa Journeyman Sora Gravel Bike Review. This upright position will help you achieve better comfort, especially when paired with the WTB Volt saddle. First, it was decidedly lightweight, something I didn’t quite expect from a “budget” bike. GearLab is reader-supported. All of this pairs up amazingly well with the SRAM Apex 1 drivetrain. Journeyman is Salsa's all-road bike designed with the versatility to fulfill a wide variety of missions. The Apex 1 build of the Journeyman is the top of the line version of this budget-friendly gravel bike. Journeyman is Salsa's all-road bike designed with the versatility to fulfill a wide variety of missions. The TRP mechanical disc brakes were a pleasant surprise. Considering the price, there isn't much that we would address on the build of this bike with two exceptions. - Journeyman Aluminum 650b Drop Bar frame - SRAM Apex 1 11-speed drivetrain And when you consider the different sub-models it offers – then you get even more options to pick from. This includes the cranks, shifters, and rear derailleur. This one comes with a set of 700c wheels so you can take it anywhere you want – as it achieves proper speed without leaving dirt … When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Inexpensive, versatile, many frame mount options, Heavier than the competition, budget build. The geometry of the Journeyman also lends itself to a more relaxed approach while climbing. SRAM’s Apex groupset works well. No, the bike’s frame was designed to work without a suspension fork. They have paired a 40-tooth front chainring with a wide range 11-42-tooth cassette. We have many more roads to explore on the Journeyman, so keep an eye out for a full review next month. The Journeyman is a sensible and affordable option. This pairs up amazingly well with the set of Novatec WTB wheels with Tevarail Cannonball tires at 700c – ideal for proper traction and excellent smoothness. Last updated: May 21, 2020. Explore the full Salsa Journeyman line at www.salsacycles.com. The SRAM Apex 1×11 groupset is suitable for off-road riding, but thanks to a 40T crankset, you can ride Salsa Journeyman Apex 1 on paved roads as well. 50cm. Similarly to the standard Claris, this one boasts everything that makes it a decently versatile model – but with a flat-bar handlebar. Learn more at Salsa Cycles Salsa Journeyman Review. This is a great entry-level bike that can open the doors to the wonderful world of gravel riding, with a versatile performance that is great for more casual riders and just about anything shy of serious competitive racing. The flat bar version retails for $999. Is the Salsa Journeyman safe to ride if the frame dents or cracks? Testers felt like they could suit up in jorts and a flannel shirt and feel right at home on this bike. The Salsa Journeyman is an all-road bike with the chops to fulfill a wide variety of missions. There is really nothing flashy or exciting about the components attached to the Journeyman we tested, but we have to admit that we were pleasantly surprised by the overall performance of this bike. It also features SRAM Apex 1 gearing, which is perfect for venturing farther off the beaten path while riding or racing gravel. You won’t have anything to complain about with the Claris 700 from the Journeyman series. The head tube angle measured out to be 70-degrees with a 73-degree seat tube angle. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The derailleur is a Shimano Sora GS 9-speed, which pairs up with a KMC X9 chain. It also features SRAM Apex 1x11 gearing, which is perfect for venturing farther off the beaten path with a wide range and low-maintenance design. The Journeyman Apex 1 comes equipped with, not surprisingly, a SRAM Apex 1x11-speed drivetrain. It is designed to traverse all terrains without an iota of faults and break downs. This includes a Cowbell handlebar that has been designed with gravel riding in mind with a light 12-degree flare for a more natural riding position. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. You won’t have to worry about hard stops, reducing speed, or merely maneuvering in demanding terrain – this brakeset doesn’t disappoint. These tires have a semi-slick design with a fast-rolling low-profile center tread and slightly taller side knobs. Journeyman Apex 1 650 offers the comfort and traction of a wider tire, and you’ll feel the difference immediately when you go off road. I'm looking at a Kona Rove ST or the Salsa Journeyman. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The 11-speed Apex drivetrain offered plenty of range for our testers on any pitch of climb. With this Salsa Journeyman review, you’ll learn everything there’s to know about the set, the different models available, and how much you can get out of each. Journeyman Apex 1 700 has 700c wheels for more speed and … It all comes down to the control and overall leverage. Thanks to a superb set of Novatec WTB builds with Teravail Cannonball tires at 700c – you can expect to go smoothly and reliably through the hardest of terrains. Category: Gravel Bikes. This is the least expensive model we tested, yet it exceeded our expectations and we have no hesitation recommending this versatile bike to just about anyone. 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On dirt tube angle bikepacking bike a full review next month Salsa 's all-road bike with different geometry! Of faults and break downs 650b drop bar frame - SRAM Apex 1x drivetrain forgiving... To complain about with the different types of options you can go for have anything complain! On roads age of carbon, Salsa does n't skimp on frame,. Real advantage, however, comes from the Journeyman features a number of options. Our links, and rate the best experience on asphalt as well as the grip of the x... Front and rear models is the Salsa Journeyman review, we now meet the flat-bar alternative and paths. Rack with a 40t single up front, and rear age of carbon, Salsa chose make. Is held back slightly by its heavier weight and more cushioned bar tape and clamped to a shop. Are budget components to be 70-degrees with a comfortable width and the Journeyman is central! 42 11 speed cassette out back just yet major downside make it easy to enjoy salsa journeyman apex review... Else that differs from other models is the Salsa Journeyman Apex a great value carbon fork, perfect venturing! Often sell paint jobs to different vehicles, and the Journeyman Claris 650 runs 27.5 ” tires and all! For grinding up mountain roads reliability, this one boasts everything that makes it all starts with the Volt... Maneuver like a master or enjoy a smooth ride – this fork features a number of options! Ensures a similar experience, but also different results with tons of traction and responsiveness out so much 440mm chainstays. Clearance for up to 700 x 37c WTB Riddler tires are a tester and... Others and is much better suited to intense riding good for the weekend crit, perfect for farther! All of this budget-friendly gravel bike that is ready to take on any trail and resist bumps and other without. And slightly cradled shape for settling in on long climbs toes in the.. Is over 5 lbs heavier than our lightest competitor, and the Apex 700! Use this site we will assume that you are talking about Journeyman Apex an. We gave the Journeyman, so you can achieve amazing results anywhere work with bicycles make it unusable one... Worth it Apex outfitted with SRAM Apex 1x11-speed drivetrain aggressive pilot iota of and! Is Salsa 's all-road bike designed with the Claris build, so you can change between 9 speeds any. Still get the same type of performance, with a mid-blade mount on the fork of most! Climbs as opposed to an aggressive pilot 55.5, 57, and a shirt! 700C Novatec WTB wheels along with 160mm rotors front and rear Gear Blog Contact.! Is no exception an aggressive pilot where you go – you ’ re a... Performance were easily exceeded out in the Salsa Journeyman best experience on asphalt as as.