Imagine a grueling 300-mile gravel race with nearly 17,000 feet of elevation gain—a true test of human endurance and machine capability. Now picture a yet-to-be-released bike dominating this punishing course, leaving competitors in the dust. That’s exactly what happened at the Mega Mid South ultra race, where Salsa Cycles’ mysterious new gravel bike stole the show. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this bike a game-changer poised to replace Salsa’s iconic Warbird, or is it an entirely new beast altogether? Let’s dive in.
The Mega Mid South, organized by the Mid South team from their Stillwater, Oklahoma headquarters, is no ordinary race. Unlike its fully supported counterpart, this ultra event is self-supported, free to enter, and relies solely on Trackleaders tracking for participation. When the 2025 Mid South race was canceled due to wildfires, the event took on a new life as riders like Ted King and Chase Wark battled for the fastest known time (FKT), with Wark claiming the men’s record. But the 2025 grand depart brought fresh opportunities for glory—and Salsa Cycles was ready.
Salsa-sponsored riders Matt Acker and Jill Martindale swept the men’s and women’s categories, respectively, with Martindale also securing the women’s FKT. Another Salsa rider, Britt Mason, was on pace to shatter the women’s record by nearly 5 hours before technical issues forced her to withdraw at mile 285. What’s the common thread? All three were riding the same bike—one that doesn’t exist in Salsa’s current lineup. And this is the part most people miss: This isn’t just a new model; it’s a strategic marketing move, a slow reveal designed to build anticipation months before the official launch.
The tactic isn’t unique to Salsa. Brands like Factor and Orbea have employed similar strategies at events like Unbound, equipping pros with unreleased bikes to generate buzz. But Salsa’s execution at the Mega Mid South feels particularly bold, blending performance and promotion in a way that’s hard to ignore. As I watched the race from home, the distinct design of Salsa’s new bike caught my eye, and an Instagram post later confirmed it: this bike wasn’t just for show—it was race-ready.
So, what does this mean for the future of Salsa’s gravel lineup? Will the Warbird be phased out, or will this new bike carve its own niche? Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is this unreleased bike a natural evolution of Salsa’s gravel DNA, or a radical departure that could redefine the category? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take. One thing’s for sure: Salsa has our attention, and the gravel world is watching closely.
