Salsa - traditionalists get misty-eyed at this sonorous name. Founded decades ago by cult welder Ross Shafer, the small American forge soon achieved cult status. Handmade, finely crafted steel frames with great attention to detail - Salsa still has this aura today. The El Mariachi has been around since 2007 and is characterised by a frame made from Japanese "Kung Fu" tubing. Triple butted and with a biaxially ovalised down tube, the chassis represents the state of the art in steel frame construction. The "Alternator" dropout is a brand-new, in-house development: this is where the chain is tensioned on single-speed models. The elaborately milled CNC part is also prepared for the installation of derailleur gears. Our test bike was built by German importer Cosmic with a singlespeed and rigid enabler fork, also from Salsa. If traditionalist simplicity is the name of the game, then it's the right one. The only really modern feature here is the 29-inch tyres, which Salsa has remarkably been fitting to this model since 2007.
This gives the rigid device at least a little comfort, so that you can master gravel tracks and less demanding trails quite comfortably. However, when things get rough, the rider has to provide their own damping - the Salsa doesn't help. However, purists who are interested in this type of bike will not be put off by this. If you have the strength to tackle climbs with the thick single-speed gearing, then you will be pleased with the sporty, stretched seating position, which allows a good flow of power. The long wheelbase ensures directional stability and brings calm to the bike. Only when pedalling out of the saddle is there a slight lack of traction.
MY CONCLUSION
The Salsa is a real gem, frame engineering par excellence. As a singlespeed version with a rigid fork, it is really only suitable for purists. With gears and a suspension fork, it would be much more suitable for all-round use.
.
