When it came on the scene years back, the
Salsa Woodchipper Bar was a bit of an anomaly amongst the so called "normal" looking road drop handlebars. Fast forward to the present and it seems like every bicycle component company is making a flared road handlebar. With the explosion of adventure cycling and gravel cycling there has been a demand for flared bars that can deliver the comfort and control needed where the terrain gets a bit hairy.
The
Salsa Woodchipper is the original wide flared bar offering 25 degrees in the drops and a 38 degree drop angle. While we have long been fans of the Woodchipper there was one small improvement that we had wished for year over year. In 2018 that wish finally came true. The
Salsa Woodchipper is now available in carbon fiber.
With the advent of the carbon fiber model, Salsa achieved its four goals for the cockpit. Less weight, less deflection, increased vibration dampening, and increased room for gear. The carbon model is approximately 75 grams lighter than its aluminum counterpart, and even though they are stiffer, the vibration dampening properties of carbon sure make it hard to tell.
Over favorite feature of the new
Woodchipper is the added ability to mount accessories and gear thanks to the thoughtfully designed and lengthened top section. The 31.8mm portion of the bar measures 140mm, which is nearly unheard of by the competition. This allows you to mount lights,
Anything Cradles, computers, GPS units, bags, aerobars, etc.
- Weighs approximately 75 grams less than the aluminum version
- Available in 42cm, 44cm, and 46cm
- 31.8mm clamping diameter
- 140mm 31.8mm section for mounting accessories
- 25 degree flare, 38 degree bend
- 44cm weighs approximately 230 grams
- 114mm drop
- 56mm reach
The
Salsa Woodchipper Carbon is the single bikepacking product we are most excited for this year. If you have not tried a drop bar mountain bike, or wide flare handlebar, add it to your shortlist for the year. The increased control and handling on rough terrain is impressive.
Due to the unconventional shape, the
Salsa Woodchipper Handlebar requires a little bit more care to setup than the average handlebar. The brake/shift levers should be aligned downward in a 20-25 degree angle. We recommend picking up the
Salsa Cycles Glyph Tape. The
Glyph Tape's cut slightly longer than normal handlebar tape to accommodate the length and flare.