Northern Michigan is home to mile after mile of groomed winter trails, and that’s the perfect place to put the Salsa Beargrease to the test. Salsa’s premier race fat bike, the platform turns 14 years old in 2027, but it hasn’t lost a step.
The New Salsa Beargrease Lineup
Salsa now has four Beargrease models to choose from, including three carbon frame builds and an affordable aluminum option, too.
Salsa Beargrease C GX AXS
Beargrease C Eagle 90
Beargrease C Eagle 70
Beargrease Eagle 70
You can also get the carbon frameset, and Salsa still has a few older Beargrease C CUES 11 builds available - let us know if we can order you one.
The Legend Lives On
The bike is named after John Beargrease, a Minnesotan mail carrier who lived in the late 1800s. Minnesota’s North Shore relied on Beargrease to stay connected to the world, waiting for Beargrease’s weekly deliveries. He used horses, dog sleds, and boats to skirt the jagged Lake Superior shoreline.
The Evolution Continues
The Beargrease debuted as an aluminum frame with 26” wheels back in 2013; the stock build was an unheard-of 29 pounds at the time, when the Surly Pugsley clocked in more than ten pounds more.
The Beargrease continually pushed the fat bike envelope, expanding to carbon and 27.5” wheels at fat biking’s peak.
The Beargrease C GX AXS comes spec’d with 12-speed electronic GX AXS Eagle components, including a winter-ready SRAM 10-52t cassette. While it used to ship with 4” tires, the Beargrease now rocks 27.5” x 4.5” Dillinger tires for maximum traction and flotation. That added grip is ideal for the Winter Sports Singletrack’s tight turns and softer days at the Cadillac Pathway.
Is the Beargrease Still the Best Fat Bike?
Almost certainly, if you’re looking for versatility and speed. Most Salsa Beargrease reviews agree that it’s unmatched in terms of stock weight and lively yet stable handling. Unlike early versions, the Beargrease now offers several frame and fork mount options; you can race it and bikepack on it without leaving anything at home.
Shop the Salsa Beargrease at Einstein Cycles
Einstein Cycles built up the first Salsa Beargrease in Michigan over a decade ago, and we’re still the home of the sport’s more venerable fat bike. Stop into our Traverse City, Big Rapids, or Cadillac stores to find the best fat bike for how and where you ride - we’re looking forward to riding with you! Start your fat bike search by getting in touch.