I'm looking to upgrade my kit so it's more bikepacking oriented. I currently ride a Giant Revolt Advanced 0 (I want to be on a 1x and never deal with a 2x again) but have my eye on the Cutthroat as Tour Divide and similar bikepacking is one of my ultimate goals!
I would use this bike for daily riding / training, rides with friends, but likely wouldn't try to race anything below 600km.
I'm not as bike savvy as I'd like but I am willing to learn! Right now I am between the Cutthroat C Apex AXS Transmission ($6000 CAD) and the Cutthroat C GRX 600 1x ($3700 CAD, $200 cheaper than just buying the frameset).
Component wise the Lauf Siegla looks tempting but it seems like it may be a bit too aggressive and not very bike packing oriented.
https://www.salsacycles.com/products/2025-cutthroat-c-apex-axs-transmission
vs
https://dismountbikeshop.com/collections/sale/products/salsa-cutthroat-grx-600
Ultimately I'd like to be on electronic shifting, upgrade the cassette to 10-52t, setup a dynamohub, etc. I would be packing very light for my trips, not recklessly. (Also looking at Woho bikepacking kit if anyone has any input on that).
I'm just hopefully looking for some advice, I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to bikes but not when it comes to pushing myself physically and mentally or throwing myself at a hobby. (I am a thruhiker).
I really appreciate any input!
by Top-Investigator-140
3 Comments
I bought my Cutty a few years back and use it as my commuter, leisure rider, and touring rig. No complaints except for the added maintenance, obviously. Almost as important as the frameset, if you’re using something in that diversity of use cases you’ll want to spend some time thinking about what needs to come off/go back on with every transition from commuter, leisure rider, touring kit, etc.
I think your friends that keep their 2x Revolts will leave you in the dust except in super chunk. You’ve already got an exceptional gravel bike. Why not n+1 and consider something like what Lael or Justinas or Sofiane win with which is a hardtail-pick your handlebar?
The Cuthtroat (rigid dropbar) type bikes have semi dominated the TD field over the last 5+ yrs. It will be very interesting to see how many TD racers move to XC FS race bikes this year. Front sus/hardtails have been gaining quickly in recent years too. I have a 2020 Cutthroat that I like overall, but would pick a XC FS short travel race bike if I get to do the TD next year. And one without a pressfit BB.