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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.

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
Picture
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