Opinions Pls: Trek 1120 vs Salsa Cutthroat

[BSweeney]

Hey all.  I jumped into cycling by purchasing a Trek FX3 before realizing that I would get so into biking and specifically bikepacking.  This commuter bike is being pushed to its limits and I am considering purchasing a new bikepacking specific bike.  It seems that there are two major types of bikepacking bikes:  either gravel bikes or mountain bikes.

My major question for those avid bikepackers is: what style of riding to you find yourself in most frequently?  And would you suggest the Trek 1120 or the Salsa Cutthroat to someone looking to upgrade their ride?

Thanks!

[Iowagriz]

Do your research on the 1120. I like the idea of that bike but have seen reports of breaking racks and mounting points. No experience with it.

I'd love a Cutthroat, but enjoy riding on singletrack and steeper grades, so mtb gearing works best for me. Really examine your riding locations and style, that will help pinpoint a bike style.

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[brambor]

Cutthroat for sure


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[phillip]

I agree with Iowagriz that you need to examine your style and location of riding.  My specialized sequoia was stolen just over a year ago so purchased a cutthroat.  The cutthroat has lots of versatility for tires, racks, suspension fork, etc.  I can use it on long bikepacking routes.  But, due to costs, I have only 2 bikes: cutthroat and Santa Cruz Tallboy.  I've found this essentially covers all my needs.  I can swap wheels by using adapters due to boost sizes, and tires.  Cutthroat can take tires from 44mm (the smallest since the BB drops too low with smaller sizes) to 2.6 (front) and 2.4 (back).

The trek 1120 has a flat bar and cutthroat is drop bar.  Cutthroat can run a 100mm suspension fork and can use a flat bar but you would have to have components for switching between the two.  I am considering this.  So, consider the versatility of the bike, what components you already have (cost issue), and your riding style.

For my cutthroat, I also commute so use a rack.  Compare the rack attachments, load capacity, and ease of replacement between the bikes.  When I look at the trek 1120 rack, attachments, load capacity, and replacement may be an issue.

for my style of bikepacking, I use my Tallboy on most rides since I am in Northern California (Sacramento region) and technical riding is more prevalent in the places I ride.  So, style preference and location are important considerations.

Oh, don't forget: Fishing!!  Bikepackfishing is the new term for me.  Have FUN!!

[Howard70]

After way too many years (decades) as a roadie I switched to dirt in January 2017.  Started with a Salsa Mukluk (carbon, 1x11, SRAM, extra set 3” 27.5 wheels, rear rack) and added a 2017 Cutthroat (carbon, 2x11, SRAM, rear rack) a couple of months later for mixed rides.  In 3.5 years I’ve put about 12,000 miles on both bikes probably 60/40 Mukluk/Cutthroat.  I’ve done several short (60 - 150 miles) bikepacking trips on both. After experimenting with various means of carrying gear I’ve drastically reduced what I take and settled on frame bags, rear racks with micro/mini panniers, a small day pack (back pack), top tube bag and 1 or 2 “food” bags on the handlebars for bikepacking both bikes.

There is absolutely nothing I’d change on the Cutthroat.  I love that bike and feel that the 2x11 gearing is perfect for mixed rides - I get a lower low with it than the 1x11 on the Mukluk and tighter jumps between gears.  Oddly, once I get on the Cutthroat with the drop bars and smoother gravel roads or pavement I revert to my roadie heritage and want to spin at the same rpm all day long so small jumps between gears become important.  On the Mukluk I’m usually on rougher, softer surfaces and don’t mind the big jumps in gears and varying cadence.

I use the appropriate Salsa rear racks on both bikes with their seatpost clamp that provides mounting points for the racks.

If I was you I’d go for the Cutthroat without question.

Howard Snell

[John S.]

I'm a new bikepacker but tend to plan way ahead & purchased a Trek 1120 about a year & half ago in preparation for touring the GDMBR in June 2020 (Pandemic permitting). I've made a few changes (Jones H-Bar 1.5 lift, Ergon saddle, new wheel set built by Mike Curiak utilizing a Schmidt Son 28 front hub & a DT Swiss rear hub & a higher spoke count than the stock wheel set) and I have additionally outfitted the bike with custom frame bags by Rockgeist.  I love the Jones bar & would definitely consider taking a very close look at their bikes if I was to start off from scratch again.

I've only done a few short one day training rides so far with my 1120 & absolutely love the bike & find it very comfortable.  I'll additionally be doing my first multi day "Shakedown" training ride in the next week or so to dial up my setup.

I would recommend test riding both bikes & simply go with what feels right for you.  In the meantime I'm definitely looking forward to expedition length trips with my Trek 1120.

Good luck & happy riding!

[Lentamentalisk]

You are right. There are two major types of bikepacking bikes. Gravel bikes and mountain bikes. You can ride anything on any bike, but you'll have more fun on the one designed for the type of riding you are trying to do. Here are some photos from a recent bikepacking trip with some friends. I had a full suspension Salsa Horsethief with a very minimalist bikepacking load. My friend had a Trek 1120 with a much less minimal load.

You can decide for yourself who chose better.