Winter Fat Bikes – BushtukahSalsa Cycles Unveils the 2026 Beargrease: A Fusion of Performance and Versatility
Salsa Cycles has introduced the 2026 Beargrease, a fat bike that seamlessly blends the brand’s extensive experience with modern mountain bike innovations. Designed for stability and versatility across diverse terrains, the new Beargrease is available in both carbon and aluminum frames and accommodates 27.5 x 4.5″ tires. (bikepacking.com)
Enhanced Geometry and Design
The latest Beargrease features updated geometry, including a longer wheelbase, slacker head tube angle, and extended chainstays. These adjustments aim to improve weight distribution and position the rider’s center of gravity over the bottom bracket, enhancing overall handling and stability. (bikepacking.com)
Bearpaw Fork: A New Standard
Central to the 2026 Beargrease is the new Bearpaw fork, available in both carbon and aluminum versions. This fork boasts a 44mm offset, internal brake routing, and a 483mm axle-to-crown measurement. The carbon variant features a full carbon construction, while the aluminum version is equipped with an alloy steerer. Salsa has announced that the carbon Bearpaw fork will be available for aftermarket purchase at $599 USD. (bikepacking.com)
Tire Compatibility and Mounting Options
The Beargrease is designed to clear 27.5 x 4.5″ or 26 x 4.8″ tires, providing ample flotation on soft surfaces. The frame includes a SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) dropout and is equipped with multiple mounting points for racks, bags, and cages. These include top-tube mounts, bolt-on frame bag mounts, two or three standard bottle mounts (depending on frame size), downtube mounts, and three-pack mounts on both fork legs. Additionally, a rear rack can be installed using Salsa’s Rack-Lock Seatpost Clamp. (bikepacking.com)
Geometry Specifications
The 2026 Beargrease is available in five sizes, from XS to XL, with the following geometry:
| Size | Effective Top Tube | Reach | Stack | Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 559.5 mm | 425 mm | 582.7 mm | 1147.0 mm |
| SM | 581.6 mm | 445 mm | 591.8 mm | 1171.1 mm |
| MD | 604.8 mm | 465 mm | 605.4 mm | 1197.3 mm |
| LG | 629.0 mm | 485 mm | 623.6 mm | 1225.6 mm |
| XL | 654.2 mm | 505 mm | 646.4 mm | 1255.8 mm |
Pricing and Availability
The 2026 Beargrease is offered in four complete builds, ranging from $1,999 to $5,999 USD:
- Beargrease AL Eagle 70: $1,999 USD
- Beargrease C Eagle 70: $3,299 USD
- Beargrease C Eagle 90: $4,299 USD
- Beargrease C GX AXS: $5,999 USD
Carbon framesets (frame and fork) are also available for $1,999 USD. (bikepacking.com)
45NRTH Levitas Carbon Fat Bike Rims
Complementing the Beargrease, Salsa’s sister company, 45NRTH, has introduced the Levitas carbon fat bike rims. Available in 27.5″ and 26″ diameters, these rims are designed to pair seamlessly with 45NRTH tires. The 27.5″ Levitas rim has a 76mm internal width, 83mm outer width, and weighs 660 grams, while the 26″ version has an 84mm internal width, 91mm outer width, and weighs 680 grams. Both models are tested to ASTM Category 3 standards and have a suggested weight limit of 300 pounds. (bikepacking.com)
For more information, visit Salsa Cycles’ official website or contact your local Salsa dealer.