2026 Salsa Warbird C Rival XPLR eTap AXS - Red

Warbird C Rival XPLR eTap AXS is built to tame the toughest terrain, with a Class 5™ VRS-equipped high-modulus carbon fiber frameset. Our gravel race geometry puts you in a comfortable, confident riding position. On-bike cargo features let you gear up for long days of riding far from anywhere. SRAM's sure-shifting Rival XPLR eTap AXS drivetrain is a technological marvel with loads of gear range. As the industry's first gravel race bike, Warbird is designed and built to provide control, comfort, and speed when the going gets rough.

Features

On-Bike Storage

• Adventures require gear and riders should get to choose whether they carry it on their bike or on their body

Class 5 VRS

• Comfort equates to speed and distance over rough terrain
• Rider benefit is inherent to the design

Frame Protection

• Our products are built from experience - we've been there enough to know that a carbon fork can benefit from added protection just as much as the downtube on a suspension bike.

Frame Specs

• Design Wheel/Tire Sizes 622 - 32 (700 x 32mm)
• Alternate Wheel/Tire Sizes 622 - 32-45 (700c x 32-45mm / 1.2-1.8") / 584 - 47-51 (650b x 47mm-51mm / 1.85-2.0")
• Max Tire Outer Diameter 700c: 716mm / 650b: 696mm (Some front derailleurs may reduce tire clearance. Check manufacturer's specifications to confirm clearance before installing.)
• Suspension Fork Length (Travel) 436.7mm axle-to-crown (40mm travel)
• Rigid Fork Length 405mm
• Fork Offset 50mm
• Rear Spacing 142mm
• Rear Axle Size M12 x 167L, TP = 1.5, TL = 20mm
• Rear Brake (Rotor) Flat mount 140, 140-160mm, flat mount frame standard 20mm thickness, 27mm bolt length
• Front Brake (Rotor) Flat mount 160, flat mount rear standard, 35mm thickness, 42mm bolt length
• Headset - Upper IS41
• Headset - Lower IS52
• Front Spacing 12 x 100 mm TA
• Front Axle Size M12 x 120L, TP = 1.5, TL = 12mm
• Crown Race Integrated SHIS 40, 36° angle
• Stem Clamp ø28.6mm
• Seatpost 27.2mm
• Seatpost Clamp 32.0mm
• Derailluer Hanger Hanger 465, QBP# FS2322
• Bottom Bracket BB86 PressFit
• Crankset (Max Ring) 1x: 44t max; 2x: 52/36t max, 46/30t minimum
• Accessory Mounts Rack Mounts 165 mm Low-rider compatible. Salsa Down Under rack recommended; Downtube Accessory Mount: Yes, one pair; Toptube Mounts: Yes, compatible with Salsa Toptube bag; Three-Pack Mounts: One mount per fork leg
• Bottle Mounts Frames up to 54cm: 2 in main triangle, frames 56cm and larger: 3 in main triangle
• Front Fender Mounts Yes, required fender hardware included
• Rear Fender Mounts Yes, required fender hardware included

Additional Features

Class 5 VRS

The Class 5™ Vibration Reduction System has specially shaped seatstays with a tall, thin, vertically oriented profile that promotes vertical compliance by allowing the seatstays to "flex" outwards on impacts. The horizontally oriented chainstays work to resist torque and maintain a laterally stiff rear end. The seatstays and chainstays lack bridges, furthering the full length of the stays to contribute to flexibility. And a rear thru-axle delivers precise tracking while allowing the seatstays to provide that incredible compliance

Interior Junction Control Molding Technology

We use internal molds at all the main front triangle junctions during layup and curing. This allows for precise control of wall thickness and inner wall smoothness in these areas. This process increases compaction and reduces voids and wrinkles in critical high stress zones. The end result is a top-quality carbon frame that delivers consistent high performance

Warbird Geometry

Warbird features the latest evolution of our already industry leading gravel racing geometry. Warbird places the rider in a position that can be maintained for hours on end over bumpy B-roads and loose surfaces, drastically reducing fatigue. A low bottom bracket and stable wheelbase help keep the tires planted and boost confidence. Long top tubes paired with short stems provide increased stability at high speed and on rough descents

Waxwing Deluxe Fork

This fork features carbon construction with an aluminum steerer and utilizes a 12 x 100 mm thru axle for true tracking and flat mount brake for quick setup. Most importantly, the fork includes an incredible array of accessory features: Three-Pack mounts accept either water bottle cages or Anything Cages for increased hydration or gear carrying capacity / Mid-blade mounts allow the attachment of our Down Under Low Rider Rack for front pannier use / Internal Dynamo Hub Cable Routing means clean cable routing for those upgrading to dynamo front hubs / Fender mounts mean more pleasant riding in rainy weather, allowing you to tack on more training miles

700c x 42 mm Wheel/Tire Spec

For faster acceleration and overall speed

Dual Wheel Size Compatible

Warbird fits up to 700c x 45 mm OR 650b x 2.0" wheels/tires. We offer models with each spec so you can choose the wheel size that best meets your needs, or set up a second wheel set so your Warbird is optimized for the race course at hand

Integrated Toptube Bag Mount

Bolt on your Salsa EXP Series Top Tube Bag for secure connection and elimination of strap wear

Generous Water Bottle Capacity

Helps you stay hydrated during ultra-endurance training rides and races. 2-3 bottle mounts inside main triangle (56 cm and above receive 3), 1 accessory mount on underside of downtube, 2 bottle mounts possible on fork via Three-Pack mounts

Internal Sleeved Cable Routing

Internal tubes guide housing through the frame, simplifying setup and maintenance

Refined Drivetrain Compatibility

Designed to accept 1x, 2x, and current electronic offerings

Stealth Dropper Post Compatible

Accepts 27.2 mm dropper posts for more confident descending at high speeds on rough, unpredicatable gravel roads. Internal stealth routing when running 1x setups

Fender Mounts

Fenders allow for longer, more pleasant rides in wet weather

Rear Rack Friendly

Compatible with the Salsa Wanderlust Rack when using the optional Salsa Rack-Lock seat collar

Click for Geometrical Chart

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Click for Warbird Size Chart (PDF)

?? WARNING:

This product can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.