1996 Salsa Town Bike
The Salsa Town Bike was a single prototype built for the 1996 Interbike show by Ross and the Salsa crew in Petaluma, CA. Based on the Shimano Nexus seven speed hub, the goal was a bicycle for commuters that came fully equipped with lights, rack, fenders, and kickstand. Production bikes would be made in Taiwan and could be sold for less than $1000. According to Ross the prototype bike "had lots or interest and positive-vibe backslaps, but not one dealer willing to commit." In 1994 Ross had gotten a similar response to his 24 inch wheel bikes for kids which never sold and was hesitant to take out a loan to make the Town Bike happen. A year later the market was swamped with town bikes, with notable models from Bianchi and Specialized. In recent years, bike companies that solely make bikes for commuting have managed to find a place in the market, so Salsa was a bit too ahead of the curve.
After the bike show the prototype became a valuable part of the Salsa shop, used regularly by the crew for lunch runs.
More information about Salsas can be found on the Salsa Photo Archive page.
After the bike show the prototype became a valuable part of the Salsa shop, used regularly by the crew for lunch runs.
More information about Salsas can be found on the Salsa Photo Archive page.
The Build
Year: 1996
S/N: SM2083 Frame: Salsa Town Bike Fork: Salsa Ritchey Logic Stem: Salsa Moto Headset: Chris King Bottom Bracket: Campagnolo Veloce Handlebar: WTB Chrome Steel Brake Levers: Shimano Nexus Front Brake: Mafac Tandem Rear Brake: Shimano Nexus Hub Crankset: Ritchey Logic Chainrings: Ritchey Logic 38T with chain guard Pedals: Suntour XC-II Hubs: Shimano Nexus / Shimano Sealed Rims: WTB Speed Master Tires: Tioga City Slicker Seatpost: Ritchey Logic Seatpost QR: Salsa Flip-Lock Saddle: Selle Italia Turbo Grips: Salsa Juegos de Fuego Chain: Sachs Cog: Nexus 16T Bottle Cage: Salsa Rack: Blackburn MTN RACK Fenders: Mt. Zefal Kickstand: Oiona Tail Light: Vista |
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