Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810
- Price：$3549
- Frame: 6066-T6 Alloy frame
- Gears：1×11
- Tire：700c x 47 mm
What do we like about it: Bikes with suspension to take you on more technical terrain and rack configurations to take you further afield.
What we don’t like about it: The paintwork is too monochromatic.
Rating:（4.7/5）
Introduction
To cut to the chase, we see that most gravel bikes have no suspension. Although many bikes have additional technology to compensate for this, I often question its damping capabilities for this reason.
With gravel bikes, I still want a shock absorber setup, so I was pleasantly surprised when this Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS appeared on my radar.
The bike’s 6066-T6 alloy frame with Class 5™ VRS and RockShox Rudy XPLR shock fork, quick and easy 1×11 Shimano GRX RX812 drivetrain, and a little wider 700c x 47 mm Teravail Rutland tires compared to road bike tires, made us all very happy with its performance on the tough gravel trails, and its performance on the Allegheny Mountains Loop from gentle gradients to relatively steep climbs and descents had us collectively cheering it on.
After 3 months of reviewing this bike, which accompanied us on many indescribable rides in the Allegheny Mountains Loop, it confirmed to me that it was the gravel bike I wanted.
Below we break down the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS for drop performance, gravel riding, general riding, key features, components and specifications, and other versions.
Descending
As we all know, both descending and climbing are the domain of many hardtails or specialist descending bikes, however, this time I’m going to lead you to this Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS with suspension.
For this review, we went to the Allegheny Mountains Loop, an impressive mountain range with popular riding routes due to natural variation and maintenance. At first, I thought the nature of the gravel bike would make it exceptional on gravel roads, but the addition of the front suspension gave me the idea to take it down a rugged and bumpy flowing mountain trail for a downhill review.
Yes, the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS did not disappoint me.
Based on its relatively light 700c x 47 mm Teravail Rutland vacuum tires and 40mm travel RockShox Rudy XPLR Base, as well as its steep seat tube angle (72.2°) even in this relatively difficult descending terrain its excellent damping and tire roll speed give it a unique descending appeal.
Also this bike, the Shimano GRX RX810 hydraulic disc brake, in which I had full confidence from the start, so its excellent performance on my ride was to be expected. With a soft feel and the ability to brake consistently in all conditions, it worked great on this variable descending trail.
It also comes with a 90mm dropper to make it even more bump-free and the adjustable seat tube allows you to enjoy more riding pleasure.
All in all, this is a versatile bike with suspension.
Gravel Riding
Does a gravel bike fear the polish that gravel roads can put on it? My answer is: of course not!
On this Allegheny Mountains Loop Tour ride we were given a variety of rides and I crossed the pavement to reach the gravel trail where the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS had a gravel performance that made me experience relaxation like never before.
Many people have a love/hate relationship with gravel trails, as I did before, but on this occasion, the excellent dropper configuration and the 40mm travel of the RockShox Rudy XPLR Base absorbed most of the shock, which allowed me to start enjoying the gravel ride.
In addition, the Shimano GRX RX812 1×11 drivetrain is not only easier to change speeds, but the relatively dense gear ratios allow me to dial in the right speed to achieve the right speed and a more effortless ride.
In addition, the durable casing of the 700c x 47 mm Teravail Rutland vacuum tire takes on the gravel head-on, crushing it with its abrasion resistance.
All in all the bike reduced the soreness that the bumps caused me on the gravel ride and not only made me smile on the gravel ride, but also allowed me to enjoy more of the scenery along the way.
General Riding
I wouldn’t deny that this bike is a little bit of a gravel ride and a little bit of a down frame ride, but to say that’s all it will be, I think you’re underestimating it.
Yes, the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS will also be your best friend in your fitness and for recreational camping.
Thanks to the relatively large number of water bottle mounting holes and the readiness of the rear rack, you can travel without fear on your bike. The wide enough Shimano GRX RX812 1×11 drivetrain allows you to get fit with various speed changes as well, and the light Teravail Rutland vacuum tires allow you to ride on commuter roads.
So, whatever the terrain, there will be a place for the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS.
Main Features
Frame
The Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS in a subdued black paint job will give you a nice upgrade, but I would still complain about the low choice of paint colors.
Secondly, the 6066-T6 alloy frame of this bike is relatively fatigue resistant, which will reduce frame flex and deformation in the face of long rides.
The internal cable setup also eases maintenance and cleaning costs, and the mudguard mounting allows you to have long rides even in the rain.
Also ready to go are the multiple water bottle mounting holes and the rack mounting holes for long rides and camping trips.
Geometry
Would anyone not value a geometric design? I think most people would want a bike with a geometric design that fits them as well as I do. This bike’s flattering geometry design makes me happy to ride it.
The steep seat tube angle (72.2°) of the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS not only allows me to stay comfortably upright and pedal more easily, but I can also dip down into the perfect position to keep going fast when I want to accelerate.
The Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS has a slightly slacker head tube angle (69.2°) compared to the sharp head tube angle of the road bike, but this made my descents more comfortable and I was impressed by the relatively responsive handling.
Also, the relatively compact Wheelbase (1058mm) allows me to manoeuvre more quickly.
The geometry of the fit really gives the rider a deeper experience of the ride.
Components and Specifications
Shimano GRX RX812 1×11 Drivetrain
For me who likes more gearing the 1×11 is not something I would take too seriously, but in this review of the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810, 1x SUS has given me a new appreciation for it.
Firstly as we know Shimano is always committed to having better drivetrains, so it didn’t go light on this 1×11 Shimano GRX RX812 system. The chainstay features an integrated chain stabilization mechanism, which allowed me to make speed changes on bumpy descents without worrying about dropping the chain.
Not only that I tried shifting non-stop over rough terrain and its quiet performance gave me an unbreakable love for it.
Shimano GRX RX810 Hydraulic Disc Brake
This hydraulic disc brake offers better control on mixed terrain riding with its low and narrow profile flat mount design. There were many times when I needed to brake on my actual rides, whether it was on sharp descending gravel roads or on flat and smooth corners when I pressed the control button it performed its powerful braking performance.
The excellent cooling technology also gives it a better guarantee of longevity.
Some people may think that it may be difficult to maintain, but the easy and simple oiling system and the easy-to-change wheelsets and handy access tools will make it easy for you to do this without any hassle.
Teravail Rutland Tire
Do you want to go further afield? Do you want to explore more gravel roads? If your answer is “yes” then I’d like to tell you that you’ll need this tire.
This Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS has a 700c x 47 mm Teravail Rutland vacuum tire set up to make it lighter and the rugged casing gives it greater wear resistance.
In addition, its tread slopes to closely spaced central lugs to reduce rolling resistance and the staggered arrangement of the side lugs provides traction in more aggressive cornering and on loose surfaces.
The protruding tread design also allows it to dislodge mud through the lugs when facing muddy trails, without adding extra weight that could slow it down.
RockShox Rudy XPLR Shock Fork
To be honest, the 40mm travel of the shock fork really seems a bit low to many people, but in my real-world riding, whether I was facing a stair drop or on bumpy gravel trails, there was no lag in the fork, and the consistent gentle cushioning absorbed enough vibration to make my ride easier.
The firm lockout setting also allows you to lock out the fork when you want to accelerate on flat roads to reduce the kinetic energy lost due to the shock and get faster.
Other Versions of The Salsa Stormchaser
In this review, we take a ride on the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS (MSRP $3549), which features a 6066-T6 alloy frame with a 40mm travel RockShox Rudy XPLR shock fork, Teravail Rutland vacuum tires, a Shimano GRX drivetrain and brakes.
If you’re on a tighter budget the Salsa Stormchaser is also available as the Salsa Stormchaser Single Speed ($1899), Salsa Stormchaser Single Speed ($1899), and Salsa Stormchaser Single Speed ($1499).
It has to be said though that the versions of the Salsa Stormchaser Single Speed use mechanical disc brakes, but you’ll be impressed by the powerful braking power too.
Even though all three bikes are single speeds, their affordable prices will appeal to many, but for riders who prefer more speed, I think they will prefer the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS.
In short, whether you want a more affordable bike or a more versatile bike in terms of features the Salsa Stormchaser has a bike worthy of your choice.
What do we like about it?
- The sturdy and relatively fatigue-resistant 6066-T6 alloy frame allows you to ride for longer periods of time.
- RockShox Rudy XPLR shock fork and dropper set-up so you can ride without fear of gravel bumps
- Teravail Rutland vacuum tires are lighter and the rugged casing has greater abrasion resistance
- Shimano GRX RX810 hydraulic disc brakeSimple tubing set-up and lightweight access mechanism makes maintenance easy.
- The simple and smooth Shimano GRX RX812 1×11 drivetrain is easy to use, even for novices, and the anti-drop technology makes it easy to change speeds.
What don’t we like about it?
- Too little choice with a single paint color.
- Some people think that a 40mm travel front shock doesn’t absorb enough shock (you might be surprised if you do an actual ride).
FAQs
- Which tire sizes does the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS fit?
The Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS is designed for 700c x 32-50 mm and 650b x 47-50 mm wheels and tires.
- Can I use a shock fork with the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS?
The Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS can be used with a shock fork.
- What is the drivetrain of the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS?
The drivetrain of the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS is a Shimano GRX RX812 1×11.
Salsa Stormchaser Specs
| Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS | Salsa Stormchaser Single Speed | Salsa Stormchaser Single Speed | Salsa Stormchaser Single Speed | |
| Frame | Stormchaser BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Tire Clearance: 47c Color: Black | Stormchaser Aluminum BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Tire Clearance: 47c Color: Silver | Stormchaser Aluminum BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Tire Clearance: 47c Color: Red | Stormchaser Aluminum BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Tire Clearance: 47c Color: Copper |
| Fork | RockShox Rudy XPLR Base, 40 mm, 51 mm offset | Stormchaser Carbon | Stormchaser Carbon | Stormchaser Carbon |
| Headset | FSA No.42 ACB | / | / | / |
| Handlebar | Salsa Cowchipper Deluxe | Salsa Cowchipper | Salsa Cowchipper | Salsa Cowchipper |
| Saddle | WTB Volt Medium Steel SL | Salsa Guide, 18 mm offset | WTB Volt Medium Steel | WTB Volt 135 Sport |
| Seatpost | TranzX YSP38J, 90 x 360 mm | Salsa Guide, 18 mm offset | Salsa Guide | Salsa Guide |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano GRX RX812 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Crank | Race Face Ride, 38t | Race Face Ride, 38t | Race Face Ride, 38t | Race Face Ride, 38 |
| Cassette | Shimano SLX M7000, 11–42t, 11-speed | 17t and 18t cogs with spacer kit | 17t and 18t cogs with spacer kit | 17t and 18t cogs with spacer kit |
| Chain | Shimano HG601 | KMC Z1 Anti-Rust | KMC Z1 Anti-Rust | KMC Z1 Anti-Rust |
| Rims | Shimano RS470 12 x 100 mm hub, WTB ST i25 TCS 2.0 29″ rim, 28h | Shimano RS470 12 x 100 mm hub, WTB ST i23 700c TCS rim, 28h | WTB Serra 12 x 100 mm hub, WTB ST i23 TCS 700c rim | WTB Serra 12 x 100 mm hub, WTB ST i23 700c rim |
| Tires | Teravail Rutland 700c x 47 mm, tubeless-ready, Durable casing | Teravail Rutland, 700c x 42 mm, Durable casing | Teravail Rutland, 700c x 42 mm, Durable casing | Teravail Rutland, 700c x 42 mm, Durable casing |
Video
Comparison Table
| BIKE | PRICE | DRIVELINE | TIRE | BRAKE | CLICK VIEW |
| Trek Checkpoint SL 5 | $3,399.99 | 2×11 | 700x40c | Shimano RX400 Hydraulic disc brake | Click View |
| Cannondale Topstone Carbon 5 | $3,275 | 2×11 | 700 x 37c | Shimano GRX 400 Hydraulic disc brake | Click View |
| CUBE NUROAD C:62 SLT | $3,700 | 1×12 | 700×40c | SRAM Force eTap AXS Hydraulic disc brake | Click View |
| Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600 1x | $3,599 | 1×11 | 29 x 2.2″ | Shimano GRX RX400 Hydraulic disc brake | Click View |
Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS vs Trek Checkpoint SL 5
I have to say that the relatively cheap price of Trek’s carbon frame makes it only 21.3Ibs, and the wider range of 2×11 shifting is attractive.
It has to be said though that the lack of dropper and front shock on Trek’s bike makes it less damp than I would have liked. This brings me to the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS dropper and front shock setup which makes for an easy ride even on bumpy and rough gravel trails.
I think the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS is the bike you want if you’re going to go over more bumpy trails.
Learn more: Is Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 A Good Bike? [Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Review]
Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS vs Cannondale Topstone Carbon 5
The Cannondale Topstone Carbon 5 uses a carbon frame and has a wider range of speed options with the 2×11, but I have to mention that in practice it is not as easy and convenient as the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS for me to change speeds, so for a novice, I think the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS 1× would be smoother and easier. I think the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS 1× is a much smoother and simpler transmission for the novice rider.
Both bikes also have hydraulic disc brakes, but the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS has Shimano GRX RX810 hydraulic disc brakes, which offer better performance than the Shimano GRX 400 hydraulic disc brakes on this Cannondale Topstone Carbon 5. The Cannondale Topstone Carbon 5 is a Shimano GRX 400 hydraulic disc brake.
Also, the lack of a dampening setup on the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 5 makes me prefer the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS.
learn more: Cannondale Topstone 4 Review -Can It Give You A Fun Road Experience?
Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS vs CUBE NUROAD C:62 SLT
The old-fashioned looking CUBE NUROAD C:62 SLT has a crisper feel, a 1×12 SRAM Force XPLR eTap AXS™ drivetrain for a wider speed range and smoother, easier shifting, and an attractive electronic speed change, plus a carbon frame design that makes it lighter.
Of course, the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS isn’t any worse than this bike. The CUBE NUROAD C:62 SLT’s lack of dropper and shock makes me a little concerned that it won’t have enough damping, but the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS has a dropper and front shock to give you the confidence to take on bumpy and rough trails.
Plus the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS has vacuum tires to make your ride even easier.
Whichever bike you need, my best advice is to choose a bike that is more suited to your everyday needs.
Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS vs Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600 1x
It’s fair to say that the Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600 1x is a bit of a mountain bike, with its design inspired by mountain bikes. The carbon fiber frame is relatively light and strong, but the 1×11 gearing, which is not too dissimilar to the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS, makes me think it could be even better, and the hydraulic disc brakes on the Shimano GRX RX400 are equally powerful, but I prefer the Salsa in my real-world riding. Shimano GRX RX810 hydraulic disc brakes on the Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS
In fact, it was a difficult choice for me to pick the better of the two bikes. But I would prefer the Salsa Cutthroat C GRX 600 1x to the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS without the dropper and front shock setup (although the carbon fiber also does a good job of absorbing shock).
If your ride takes you over bumpy and rough trails, I think the Salsa Stormchaser GRX 810 1x SUS would be one of the choices you can’t go wrong with.
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learn more: Salsa Cutthroat Apex 1 Review-Gravel Bike Looks Cool, Wouldn’t It?
