browngw 

I'm considering a Salsa Vaya3 for light touring, rail trail use, and occasional road trips. Tomorrow I drive 50 miles to the nearest dealer for a test ride.
Anyone have comments, good or bad on this bike for comfort and ride quality?

hodag

You're gonna love it. Love it love it love it.
Or hate it, possibly even feel ambivilant?
They make very nice products with very nice components. I almost got one but ended up getting something else.
Like the El Mariachi 3 I pick up tomorrow!!!!
Seriously, the Vaya is a super nice ride, let us know what you thought of it.

bikemig 

I was so tempted to pick up a 2013 salsa vaya 2 (white with blue panels). I though the bike rode great. The 2014 vaya 3 is, I think, nicely spec'd as a one bike does it all kind of bike. I like the green too.

doublegg66

bought the 2013 model last November-after looking and trying a lot of others,can say now after I have almost 500 miles on it,I love it,was worried the granny was'nt low enough,but I only carry 30lbs total,and it is spinnable up in the black hills,of South Dakota,and here in western Nebraska.

bkj

I have a Vaya 2 and it is fabulous. It's very versatile and has a great ride.

Radials983

My 2012 Vaya 3 has been incredibly reliable, and a pleasure to ride. That shade of green on the '14 model sure looks good!

fietsbob

May want to substitute a smaller 'granny gear', for long hills ..
although the STI Brifters may upshift with some resistance due to the larger Gap .

mm718

Question for Vaya owners. How would the ride of the Vaya compare to an LHT? I don't mind the "SUV" handling of the LHT but sometimes I desire a little more acceleration, especially when riding unloaded. I've also reduced my gear weight significantly and if I could save another 3-5 lbs of weight on the bike side of the equation that would be very nice. Your thoughts?

doublegg66

unloaded and riding to work,I find my Vaya almost lively and quick on acceleration,this is my one bike that does all I need it to do-and I got the 2013 model because the red/tan colors are really eye-catching.

browngw 

Had my "test ride" of the Vaya3 today. I was relaxed, brought my own pedals and kit and headed off to the bike shop. The bike was ready to go and with a saddle adjustment (my measurement, they didn't seem concerned with fit). SPD A530 pedals installed, I asked where I could find some good riding including some gravel. There was silence for a minute, then a request not to get the tires dirty! I was put off a little but went on with the ride. After a few kilometers it appeared that the bike was going to be mine anyways so I found some gravel and rough surface. The bike exceeded my expectations in almost everyway, for a fairly heavy bike 28 lbs (with rack and pedals on my luggage scale) it accelerated quickly and felt much lighter than its actual weight. The 40mm Silento tires felt like racing tires. Ride is smooth and solid feeling, I am smitten! I ended up paying the $1599 CDN and bringing it home in spite of not feeling really welcome in the otherwise clean and well presented shop. Salsa only has 3 or 4 dealers in Ontario.


The detail and workmanship of the build is really nice although they have saved some money with the Sora group. That's fine with me. In this case it was the bike and not the shop that closed the deal.

My second choice was a Giant "Anyroad" with aluminium frame but no rack mounts, charcoal color and harsher ride although lighter.

tonytwotimes

Congrats!

I have the exact same bike, bought in November --> gearing up for 4000km tour in 3 weeks.
I've been quite happy with the bike so far.
The tires seem to be wearing fairly quickly, maybe just the terrain I am taking the bike on.
No real issues with the bike thus far.
Swapped out the seat for a Brooks B17 and went back to the WTB to see the difference. Definitely glad I have the Brooks.
Had to make some adjustements to the cables in the front of the bike ($30) so I could fit a handlebar bag in the front.

Enjoy

wheelinthai

My Volpe came with CRANKSET FSA Vero Triple 50/39/30. I replaced it with FSA Dyna Drive Mtn 44/32/22. I didn't even have to change the BB. Apart from lowering the FD, the STI shifts through chain rings beautifully.

browngw 

Safe travels on your upcoming tour!
Would love to see pics of the cable routing and handlebar bag.
My riding buddy bought a B17 in Jan and is just getting it broke in. I'm not sure how I will like the WTB saddle either.