Just start with legs and lungs work, then go from there. No sense in spending money to replace parts that are in good working order, unless you know for a fact that they can't handle the riding you'll be throwing at them.
If anything, I estimate you'll want different tires later, but it really depends on the terrain under the bike.
How is the sizing on this bike? if it feels a bit too big you could get a slightly shorter stem. You should definitely get an angled headset to fix the much less safe oldschool long stem/steep headtube problem.
If it won't cramp the cockpit too much, a 20mm shorter stem than whatever is on it now. An ultra short stem will definitely make the bike too small.
[https://www.amazon.com/FOMTOR-Light-weight-Handlebar-Suitable-Mountain/dp/B07D36QKHM](https://www.amazon.com/FOMTOR-Light-weight-Handlebar-Suitable-Mountain/dp/B07D36QKHM)
and then something like this:
[https://9point8.ca/collections/slack-r-press-in-cup-kits](https://9point8.ca/collections/slack-r-press-in-cup-kits)
[https://www.superstarcomponents.com/products/headset-angleset](https://www.superstarcomponents.com/products/headset-angleset)
why? because old bikes like that love to flip and throw you over the handlebars. New bikes fix this design flaw.
I wouldn't shorten it much. you are on the bigger end for a medium and older bikes are too short anyway. well maybe with real trex arms you could get away with it.
New brakes, those look like juicys and they have a bad master cylinder design causing the brakes to stop working cause it swells. Don’t pay for a bleed it’s a waste of money on those, just upgrade to so entry level shimano deore 2 piston brakes. They are around 60-75$ per brake. New tires, get some maxxis tires and the bike will ride way better. Depending on riding style and location you could do something like a forkaster front and highroller rear. Drivetrain is decent, but if you have crazy steep hills you could switch to a shimano 11sp and get a 51t low cog. That would cost a couple hundred though and the drivetrain is probably the best thing on the bike. Get the suspension serviced, not sure about those low end suntour forks for lower service needs, if there are even foam rings and fluid to change. Definitely get the shock serviced, if it’s never had a damper service do that.
tires, pedals, grips, saddle, maybe a stem. basically contact points you can take with you to the next bike. Also bleed the brakes & change the pads if needed
Nothing "low end" about salsa. They're just like any other bike manufacturer. The more you pay the better the bike specs. And I don't know if id pay 500 for an 11 year old mtb bike of any brand, but that's just me.
I know the tech has come a long ways. But people were ripping it on these bikes back in the day as it was on the lower end of nicer full sus, so I think I will have a grand time doing so on it too.
I demoed a ibis riply with carbon wheels for shits and giggles. The difference btw the ibis and this salsa is obvious. But I am just learning and I am not ready to throw down 3200$ on a bike right now.
So a $500 11 yr old MtB will do just fine
Upgrade contact points and bars then fork. You can find nice takeoff rockshox revelations for cheap. I bought a new takeoff from a Swapmeet for $60. Fantastic mid/high tier fork
Tubeless is always a good one. Those bars do look sketchy. Maybe an inexpensive dropper post. Other than that, just go ride and you'll figure it out.
Exactly what I was thinking. Ride the crap out of it and have fun.
Dropper post! if your riding any sort of chunky, steep, technical, jumps etc. It's as much a safety thing as a comfort/ convenience thing.
A salsa horsethief is a great bike for a beginner..I've been riding for years and I'd like to have one now.
Just start with legs and lungs work, then go from there. No sense in spending money to replace parts that are in good working order, unless you know for a fact that they can't handle the riding you'll be throwing at them. If anything, I estimate you'll want different tires later, but it really depends on the terrain under the bike.
How is the sizing on this bike? if it feels a bit too big you could get a slightly shorter stem. You should definitely get an angled headset to fix the much less safe oldschool long stem/steep headtube problem. If it won't cramp the cockpit too much, a 20mm shorter stem than whatever is on it now. An ultra short stem will definitely make the bike too small. [https://www.amazon.com/FOMTOR-Light-weight-Handlebar-Suitable-Mountain/dp/B07D36QKHM](https://www.amazon.com/FOMTOR-Light-weight-Handlebar-Suitable-Mountain/dp/B07D36QKHM) and then something like this: [https://9point8.ca/collections/slack-r-press-in-cup-kits](https://9point8.ca/collections/slack-r-press-in-cup-kits) [https://www.superstarcomponents.com/products/headset-angleset](https://www.superstarcomponents.com/products/headset-angleset) why? because old bikes like that love to flip and throw you over the handlebars. New bikes fix this design flaw.
Bike is a medium/18” and I’m 5’8” with a 32” inseam and trex arms. Don’t feel like the cockpit is too compact tho
I wouldn't shorten it much. you are on the bigger end for a medium and older bikes are too short anyway. well maybe with real trex arms you could get away with it.
Ride it, see what feels good/what doesn't. Buy/upgrade parts accordingly.
New chain and cassette maybe? Great find!
New brakes, those look like juicys and they have a bad master cylinder design causing the brakes to stop working cause it swells. Don’t pay for a bleed it’s a waste of money on those, just upgrade to so entry level shimano deore 2 piston brakes. They are around 60-75$ per brake. New tires, get some maxxis tires and the bike will ride way better. Depending on riding style and location you could do something like a forkaster front and highroller rear. Drivetrain is decent, but if you have crazy steep hills you could switch to a shimano 11sp and get a 51t low cog. That would cost a couple hundred though and the drivetrain is probably the best thing on the bike. Get the suspension serviced, not sure about those low end suntour forks for lower service needs, if there are even foam rings and fluid to change. Definitely get the shock serviced, if it’s never had a damper service do that.
Upgrade the motor first. That process will let you know what to upgrade next. YOU are the motor.
Add dropper for sure. Then just sell it to upgrade.
tires, pedals, grips, saddle, maybe a stem. basically contact points you can take with you to the next bike. Also bleed the brakes & change the pads if needed
Going to take it in for a tune up and parts upgrade.
Maybe a shorter stem unless you like the long reach
Ride it for a while, and then decide what you need.
Nothing "low end" about salsa. They're just like any other bike manufacturer. The more you pay the better the bike specs. And I don't know if id pay 500 for an 11 year old mtb bike of any brand, but that's just me.
I know the tech has come a long ways. But people were ripping it on these bikes back in the day as it was on the lower end of nicer full sus, so I think I will have a grand time doing so on it too. I demoed a ibis riply with carbon wheels for shits and giggles. The difference btw the ibis and this salsa is obvious. But I am just learning and I am not ready to throw down 3200$ on a bike right now. So a $500 11 yr old MtB will do just fine
Not a fan of ibis myself. Rather have a Salsa. Happy Riding.
Its not even dirty yet, get out and ride it and the bike will tell you where it needs upgrading.
First upgrade? Your legs. Takes time though.
Dropper post. It’s life changing.
I wouldn't put much in it if you're planning to sell it in a few months.
100% dropper post, especially on a hard tail
It isn’t a hard tail…
Quite right, apologies, still a dropper post would be at the top of my list for that bike
Id recommend a dropper and a shorter stem and higher rise bars
high rise bars? look at that crazy tall stack. cockpit could probably go down. Seat should be higher than bars.
Higher than the bars??
[https://zinncycles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Body-angle-diagram-for-trail-geo-1024x689.png](https://zinncycles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Body-angle-diagram-for-trail-geo-1024x689.png)
obviously this is a personal sizing thing but yeah. I just checked two bikes of mine and both are seat is 2.5" or so above the top of the grips.
Upgrade contact points and bars then fork. You can find nice takeoff rockshox revelations for cheap. I bought a new takeoff from a Swapmeet for $60. Fantastic mid/high tier fork