Salsa Mukluk Deore 11
- Price: $2149
- Frame：6066-T6 Aluminum Frame
- Gear: 1×11
- Tires: 26 x 4.6″
What we like about it: The wide drive with huge tires floating on a soft surface, the frame and fork design allow you to go on adventures and travel to unknown places.
What we don’t like about it: The huge body looks a bit bulky.
Rating: (4.7/5)
Introduction
What is it that I want? I think every cyclist is a little troubled by this, although I am too. I always want a fat tire with a great grip on loose, soft terrain or rough, gravelly, uncharted trails.
Yes, we’ve been tracking the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 for a while now. The bike’s lightweight 6066-T6 Aluminum frame, easy Shimano Deore M5100 1×11 shifting system, huge amazing 26 x 4.6″ 45NRTH Dillinger 5 tires, and other components. This bike is unbelievable on loose, soft ground.
After a three month review, the bike took us through loose desert trails and uncharted paths with the scars of aging from the gold mining industry. Not only did we experience the bike’s ability to be called a “rock crusher”, but also its ability to “float” in the sand.
Yes, you probably can’t imagine how surprisingly smooth this bike is when facing desert trails. I was impressed by the bike’s freedom of movement in the sand.
Below we break down the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 for sand riding, adventure riding, key features, components and specifications, and other versions.
Sand Riding
I have some fear of sand. Because on a sand ride with my road bike, I couldn’t control my handlebars very well and my tires got stuck in the sand and couldn’t roll. Based on this failed ride, I was delayed in completing my plans to visit the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, which I had always wanted to do.
When the Fat Tire Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 appeared on my radar, I couldn’t wait to plan a trip to the Sierra Nevada. And my unexplained confidence in this bike proved to be correct.
Based on the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11’s wide enough 26 x 4.6″ 45NRTH Dillinger 5, the smooth shifting of the wide enough 1 x 11, and the low BB height (280mm), I was able to ride lightly on the sand with the Mukluk Deore 11 even on loose sand.
Not only that, but its excellent and responsive SRAM Level brakes made a big difference in my sandy ride. On a rather steep downhill section, I saw a lot of riders taking a flying leap. I decided to take my somewhat bulky-looking Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 for a challenge.
Post-Challenge Summary
I’m sorry to say I fell for the first time and ate a mouthful of sand. But I checked my Mukluk Deore 11 with very little wear and tear. I decided to take on the challenge again, and this time I was not disappointed. I came down fast and smooth, and as I slid forward I needed to stop, and with the soft and steady braking of the SRAM Level brakes, I stopped my wheels solidly.
Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 does not have a rear shock, so I was concerned about how it would handle bumpy trails. But I did find that it has a stealth dropper setup that is compatible with 31.6mm droppers. This can be paired if needed, which would make for a real trail bike-like experience.
In my opinion, the Fat Tire Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 is an excellent bike for touring the sand and enjoying the sandy landscape.
Adventure Riding
Abandoned Mining Area
After the experience of sand riding, we unknowingly rode to an unknown abandoned mining area. It was full of burnt brown gravel and there was hardly a clear path. But I did notice that there were some ruts in the road, so my partner and I decided to explore (kudos to our adventurous spirit).
I straddled my Mukluk Deore 11 and it’s wide enough tread to be a gravel machine with ease. It was undaunted by the gravel and I didn’t feel any noticeable bumps while riding. Its tire traction played a smooth role when facing sudden turns.
I have to mention my partner, who rode the not-quite-professional enough gravel bike that took a hard-to-travel injury here. The gravel bike, which looked cool enough, ended up breaking down.
In addition, we did some general mountain riding. True to form, the Mukluk Deore 11, despite many people’s belief that the bulky one would not perform as well as the lighter hardtail mountain bikes, the Mukluk Deore 11 was able to showcase its unique performance in this mountain review with its wide 1×11 speed transfer as well as its stable SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes and excellent 45NRTH Dillinger 5 tires in showing off its unique mountain presence.
Yes, the Mukluk Deore 11 has excellent tires, the aluminum frame consisting of three triangles has been made lighter and stronger by the treatment of new technology, allowing it to face all kinds of unknown roads.
It is worth mentioning that the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 is not as fast on flat roads as a professional road bike. But it has to be said that its stability is unmatched by road bikes, especially when riding in loose sand.
Wet & Muddy Trails
Also, we were riding through a section of wet and muddy trails and the Mukluk Deore 11 would get a bit caught in the mud due to the bulkier bodywork and my weight causing the tires to get caught in the dirt. But the Shimano Deore M5100 1×11’s drivetrain made a big difference. By changing speeds, I got a more suitable speed and got out of the muddy trail quickly.
Whether it’s sand riding or muddy country road riding, many bikes just can’t do what they’re capable of, but the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 is the king here.
All in all, with the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 I got to experience the sandy rides I’ve been yearning for and am no longer afraid to ride in the sand and be more adventurous. I hope to do a review of the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11’s snow performance in the winter when it snows, so look forward to that! My dear readers.
Main Features
Frame
It is well known that a solid enough frame can stay with us longer. Watch the sun rise and set and experience the rising tide with us. A bit of a long shot, but indeed a solid bike will be your best friend. This Fat Tire Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 gave me a full sense of security right off the bat with its chunky stance. And its premium 6066-T6 Aluminum is applied to the entire frame, a material that has relatively better strength. It can effectively reduce the bending deformation that may occur after prolonged use, and has a better response to this unavoidable fatigue characteristic.
Although I have nothing to say about the frame, the design of the paint color is too “stingy”. It’s really rare to see only one paint color (black) to choose from. Although black is a classic color, I would like to sincerely suggest that more color options are available.
In addition, the comfortable internal wiring makes me admire the ingenuity of its design. And the design of the housing improves the shifting performance in harsh conditions and also increases the service life between maintenance intervals.
In addition, two water bottle mounts located inside the triangular frame allow you to take plenty of water with you on long rides. Not only that, the rear rack is ready for installation. Even if you go on a long trip, you can still bring plenty of equipment to make your ride more convenient.
Geometry
For me, an uncomfortable geometry makes me feel bad and makes it hard to ride. This fat tire bike seemed to my naked eye that its low enough BB height (280mm) would make my ride more stable, and it did.
In addition, its slack head tube angle (69°) relative to road bikes will make it easier to descend. The steep seat tube angle (73°) allows me to keep a comfortable upright ride, and it makes pedaling easier.
Also, I have to mention that the longer (for me) reach (428mm) is a bit long for a rider like me with a less than slender front. I had to dip my body slightly to be able to ride (I changed to the right size when I started the review). This can make my arms a little stiff for me to keep riding for long periods. So here’s my advice if you need a bike, make sure you measure your actual body data carefully as it will affect your comfort level on the ride.
Components and Specifications
Shimano Deore M5100 1×11 Drivetrain
I’m sure you know me well enough to know that a relatively larger range of gearing would be something I would enjoy. But I have to say that this Fat Tire Shimano Deore M5100 1×11 drivetrain has fully piqued my interest.
First of all, there is nothing I can say about its relatively large speed range. Not to mention its rear chainstay, which allows it to deliver consistent MTB shifting performance even on rough terrain. Because of Shimano’s chain stabilization technology, you can effectively reduce chain drops. I have to mention here that I encountered a section of rough terrain when I was doing a ride, where I was more worried about whether it would cause chain drop due to gear shifting. To my surprise, it not only shifted smoothly and successfully, but its quiet drivetrain was unbelievable. After a few shifts, I have to admit that this is a great drivetrain.
SRAM Level Hydraulic Disc Brake
Many people have a question when they see SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes with 2-piston brakes, “Will this work?” I was unsure without doing any actual riding. But my actual riding told me not to worry, there is no problem at all.
First, we see that the SRAM CenterLine rotor design provides a smooth, consistent and quiet running braking surface. The rounded edges not only meet UCI standards but are also easier to install.
Secondly, I noticed while riding that the shape and contour of the brake lever were designed to fit my fingers perfectly. This reflects the ergonomic design is very thoughtful and will reduce rider fatigue at the same time.
Not only that, but this hydraulic brake with 2 pistons is also the lightest and most precise brake, so it can brake steadily no matter what the weather is like.
45NRTH Dillinger 5 Tires
I have some questions about the 45NRTH Dillinger 5 tire: “I don’t know why it gets so many negative reviews?” I even saw a comment about its lack of float in shallow sand. To be honest I was shocked by this statement. Because my experience on my sand riding trips fully tells me that its tires float well even in desert terrain and that it still rolls well.
In addition, it has vacuum tires ready to go, which allows it to have a lighter weight. And the side lugs with support can effectively improve the turning ability, which greatly reduces the hindrance of turning due to the thick tires. Not only that, but the extra width of the Dillinger 5 provides float on loose snow and turns on ice and snow. I’ve honestly never looked forward to winter so much.
Other Versions Of Salsa Mukluk Deore
In this review, we have reviewed in detail the Shimano Deore M5100 1×11 drivetrain, SRAM Level hydraulic disc brake, 45NRTH Dillinger 5 tires, and other components of the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11. To get a more comprehensive look at the Salsa Mukluk, we found the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11, and 2019 Salsa Mukluk Deore 1x.
Price
For me when looking at a product, no matter what it is, I like a clear price tag. The most expensive of the three Salsa Mukluk Deore is the
Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 at $2149 and the lowest is the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 at $1699. However, this is controversial if you just look at the price and ignore its performance. Next, we will analyze them from the drivetrain, braking system, and tires.
Driveline
First up is the drivetrain of our protagonist, the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 Shimano Deore M5100 1×11. It gave me ample enough boost on my ride to be trusted to make smooth and precise shifts in the face of any situation. However, the other two bikes also use Shimano drivetrain and the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 also has 1×11 shifting.
So in real-world riding, there is very little difference in the feel of their gearing to me. If I had to say a personal feeling, I would prefer the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11.
Braking
All three of these bikes have hydraulic disc brakes. As you know, I’m always a fan of hydraulic brakes, and the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 and 2019 Salsa Mukluk Deore 1x both use SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes. Although the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 is a Tektro HD-M275/HD-M276 hydraulic disc brake, it is still a brake worth trying at this price.
Tires
For fat tire bikes, a very important point is the grip and wear resistance of its tires and traction. Because it will face relatively more difficult terrain, riders expect more from it.
About the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 and Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 having the same tire, this was well described in the previous article. Now we can take a look at the Maxxis Minion FBR 26 x 4.8″ tires for the 2019 Salsa Mukluk Deore 1x. The soft 60tpi has a relatively high resistance to compression and the EXO sidewall protection gives it more wear resistance. However, it has to be said that it does not have a vacuum tire setup and will have some weight, so its ability to float in the sand is relatively less outstanding.
Whichever one you need, Salsa Mukluk Deore has more than enough options.
What do we like about it?
- In sandy riding, I am fearless due to my superb sand floating ability.
- Sufficiently wide vacuum tires with light rolling capacity.
- Smooth and streamlined 1×11 speed, so you can handle any terrain.
- Excellent hydraulic disc brakes, which always have the same braking capacity.
- High-quality 6066-T6 Aluminum frame can make it stay with you longer.
What do we don’t like about it?
- Too little choice of single paint colors.
- Relatively large weight may discourage you. (The actual ride its dexterity will make you want to let go)
FAQs
- What is the frame material of the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11?
The frame material of the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 is a 6066-T6 Aluminum Frame.
- What is the tire size of the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11?
The tire size for the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 is 26 x 4.6″.
- What is the drivetrain of the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11?
The drivetrain of the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 is the Shimano Deore M5100 1×11 drivetrain.
Salsa Mukluk Specs
| Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 | Salsa Mukluk C XT | Salsa Mukluk microSHIFT ADVENT X | Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 | |
| Frame | Mukluk Aluminum BB Standard: BSA, 100mm, Threaded Color: Black | Mukluk Carbon BB Standard: BSA, 100mm, Threaded Color: Purple | Mukluk Aluminum BB Standard: BSA, 100mm, Threaded Color: Black | Mukluk Aluminum BB Standard: BSA, 100mm, Threaded Color: Green |
| Fork | Bearpaw | Kingpin Deluxe | Bearpaw | Bearpaw |
| Headset | FSA Orbit 1.5E NO.57E-T | Cane Creek 40 | FSA Orbit 1.5E NO.57E-T | FSA Orbit |
| Handlebar | RaceFace Chester 35 20mm rise, 780mm | Race Face Aeffect R 35 | RaceFace Chester 35 20mm rise, 780mm | Salsa Guide Deluxe 35.0 Aluminum |
| Saddle | WTB Volt Steel Medium 142x265mm | WTB Volt Cromoly Medium | WTB Volt Steel Medium 142x265mm | WTB Volt Steel Medium |
| Seatpost | Salsa Guide | / | / | / |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore M5100 | Shimano XT M8100 | MicroSHIFT Active Motion RD+ with clutch | Shimano Deore |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore M5100 | Shimano XT M8100 | MicroSHIFT Trail Pro | Shimano Deore |
| Cassette | Shimano Deore M5100, 11–51t, 11-speed | Shimano SLX M7100, 10–51t, 12-speed | MicroSHIFT CS-H104, 11–48t, 10-speed | Shimano Deore, 11–51t, 11-speed |
| Chain | KMC X11 EPT Anti-Rust | Shimano SLX M7100 | SRAM PC-1031 | KMC X-11 EPT Anti-Rust |
| Brakes | SRAM Level brakes, SRAM CenterLine rotors (160 mm, 6-bolt) | SRAM G2 RS, Centerline rotors (160 mm, 6-bolt) | Tektro HD-M275/HD-M276 brakes, Tektro rotors (160 mm, 6-bolt) OR SRAM Level brakes, SRAM CenterLine rotors (160 mm, 6-bolt) | Tektro HD-M275/HD-M276 (160 mm rotors) |
| Rims | SUNRinglé SRC 15 x 150 mm hub, SUNRinglé Mulefüt SL 80 mm rim | / | / | / |
| Tires | 45NRTH Dillinger 5, 26 x 4.6″ 60 TPI, Tubeless-Ready, Folding, Tan Wall, Custom Studdable | 45NRTH Dillinger 5, 26 x 4.6″ 60 TPI, Tubeless-Ready, Folding , Tan Wall, Custom Studdable | 45NRTH Dillinger 5, 26 x 4.6″ 60 TPI, Tubeless-Ready, Folding, Tan Wall, Custom Studdable | 45NRTH Dillinger 5, 26 x 4.6″ 60 TPI, Tan Wall, Custom-Studdable, Tubeless-Ready |
Video
Comparison Table
| BIKE | PRICE | DRIVELINE | TIRE | BRAKE | CLICK VIEW |
| Trek Farley 5 | $1,999.99 | 1×10 | 27.5×4.50” | SRAM Level Hydraulic Discs | Click View |
| Salsa Beargrease C Deore 11 | $2,949 | 1×11 | 27.5 x 4.0″ | Tektro HD-M275/HD-M276 Hydraulic Disc | Click View |
| Cannondale Fat CAAD 1 | $2,000 | 1×11 | 27.5 x 3.8″ | Tektro M745 Hydraulic Disc | Click View |
| Kona Woo | $2,499 | 1×12 | 26×4.8″ | Shimano M4100 Hydraulic Disc | Click View |
Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 vs Trek Farley 5
Both of these bikes are fat tire bikes and their wide tires allow for easy riding on the looser ground.
For the Trek Farley 5, we found it to be a 1×10 shifter, which is a bit less selective than the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11’s shifting. However, it is worth mentioning its dropper setup which gives it better shock absorption in the face of rougher bumps.
In addition, we can see that both the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 and the 2019 Salsa Mukluk Deore 1x, both bikes are SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes. So there is almost no difference between them in terms of braking.
In addition, the Trek Farley 5’s 120tpi Bontrager Gnarwhal Team Issue vacuum tires are set up to be lighter and stronger. But whether it’s the $2,149 Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 or the $1,699 Salsa Mukluk Deore 11, their vacuum tires are just as good. Whether it’s grip in the sand or on muddy trails, they won’t let you down.
The Salsa Mukluk Deore is a great value for money, whether it’s the lower-end version or the more advanced version.
Learn more: Trek Farley 5 Review – Does It Qualify To Be Your Fat-Tire Bike?
Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 vs Salsa Beargrease C Deore 11
The Salsa Beargrease C Deore 11 retails for $2949. It’s $800 more expensive than the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11, but the Beargrease Carbon v2 frame is appealing enough to me. And I like the equally wide 1×11 shifting even more. But I prefer the 26 x 4.6″ tires of the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 to its 27.5 x 4.0″ width tires for a better ride.
Also, both the and versions of the Salsa Mukluk Deore have the same tires, and they have the same 1×11 gearing. But in terms of riding feel I would prefer the softer shifting feel of the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11.
If you are on a budget but still want a hydraulic disc brake with a wide range of speed options, I think the Salsa Mukluk Deore series will be of interest to you. If you want a lighter weight and don’t care about price, the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 is a good choice for you.
Learn More: Would the Amazing Carbon Fat Tire Bike Be Your Choice? –Salsa Beargrease C Deore 11
Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 vs Cannondale Fat CAAD 1
I was a little shocked when I saw the weight of the Cannondale Fat CAAD 1. Because its weight of less than 30Ibs shattered my preconceived notion of fat tires. Also, the wide 1×11 shifting is more than excellent at this price. But the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11, also with 1×11 shifting, is priced at just $1699.
Also the Cannondale Fat CAAD 1 27.5 x 3.8″ tires are relatively small in width. Which makes them require some force when doing sand riding, instead 26 x 4.6″ wide tires will have a better float. Moreover, if we look at the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 again, the hydraulic disc brakes, the wide 1 x 11 shifting, and the wide enough tires, all of these will make it amazingly capable whether it is in the sand or facing the snow.
Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 vs Kona Woo
Available in more color options, the Kona Woo is a sight to behold. And with a wide enough speed selection of 1×12, the hydraulic disc brake makes this bike even more appealing. The 26×4.8″ tires are also wide enough to allow it to face more ground. Although the Kona Woo looks like a winner, that doesn’t mean the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 is going to lose.
While some may argue that the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11’s 1×11 drive speed is relatively small, you will be impressed with its smooth shifting. Relative to the Kona Woo’s cheaper $350 Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 hydraulic disc brakes, the Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 was able to brake consistently in all conditions on my actual rides. In addition, the more affordable Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 has the same wide range of 1×11 shifting.
No matter which one you want, you’ll find it at Salsa.
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