I have a Warbird, have been pleased with it and it got me hooked on gravel. After reading the Riding Gravel review as well as others on GRX, I test rode a Stigmata and was SUPER impressed. I'm 71, enjoy "racing" (or at least going as hard as possible) on the 35-50 mile events, but back off the intensity and enjoy "just riding" anything longer. Anybody have any thoughts on why I shouldn't get the Stigmata? It's faster, lighter, racier, and a lot shorter wheelbase, so its not as stable a ride, but are there any downsides? Thanks!
You have to decide what it is you want from a bike. It sounds like faster (not sure how you determined the SC is faster?) lighter and racier are what you are after. The things you list as positives, I would find to be negatives i.e. shorter wheelbase and not as stable. I have a Niner BSB RDO and a 2019 Salsa Warbird. The Niner is shorter, stiffer, racier and "feels" faster (its not really, just feels that way). However if you ask me which I would rather ride 100 miles of gravel on, its the Salsa. The Niner is great for short rides, it makes you feel fast, but it beats you up and is tiring on longer rides. But if you prefer the Stigmata then go for it. But keep in mind that the Warbird is a seriously light frame and fork (I think Salsa claims 1350g for frame AND fork) and can be built quite light, mine is under 17 lbs, so I doubt that built with the same parts that the Stigmata is lighter. The wheels and cassette weigh a ton on the Apex 1 build, so swapping them out makes a huge difference in ride feel.
Thanks, ljsmith, good info. I got a quote from my LBS to build up the Warbird with GRX and better wheels instead of buying the Stigmata, and that would also save a couple of grand.
I’m in a similar situation..... have 2017 Warbird Brooks LTD and love the paint and ride of the bike. I keep thinking about getting a new bike, but now think I’ll upgrade to eTap 11sp Wifli and lighter and wider wheels and stick with the frame. Not sure if I can get my Warbird under 17lbs, but it’ll be cool to try.
Sounds like your mind is made up but I'll put a plug in for the Stigmata. I picked one up this past summer and am absolutely thrilled with it. I built up a set of Zipp 302s with 28c tubeless tires to swap in for fast road rides. It is a rocket ship. Then throw the stock wheels with Maxxis Rambles back on and it is basically a mountain bike. Fun!
