Kicking the New Year off the right way, Salsa has launched two brand new hardtails. Joining the brands already comprehensive roster are two hardtails dubbed the Timberjack and Rangefinder. Both bikes fill the gaps left for a playful trail hardtail and an entry-level, confidence-building hardtail.

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The Rangefinder is the brand's new approachable hardtail that's designed to bring the thrill of the trail to the masses. There are two models of the Rangefinder, one fitted with SRAM's SX drivetrain and the other with Shimano Deore. Each model also comes with 29" or 650b+ wheel options.

At the front, there's 120mm of travel provided by an SR Suntour XCR 34. The Rangefinder also comes equipped with a TranzX dropper post. The 650b+ bike gets WTB Ranger Comp tyres, with the 29er getting WTB Trail Boss G2 Comps. Both bikes roll on WTB ST rims with Shimano MT200 hubs.

As for its geometry, the Rangefinder gets a 68 degree head angle, which steepens to 68.5 degrees with the 29" wheel option. On a medium frame, the reach comes to 439mm on the 650b+ bike and it stretches to 444mm. The frame 6061 aluminium frame also gets boost 141 spacing and room for 27.5 x 3.0" or 29 x 2.6" tyres. The cable routing is internal, running through the front triangle.

The Timberjack is Salsas capable, all-rounder hardtail with 10mm extra fork travel and slightly more relaxed geometry. It's aimed at more experienced riders who are seeking a fun and predictable ride.

As with the Rangefinder, the Timberjack comes with 29er a 650b+ wheel options but with Shimano XT, SLX and SRAM NX drivetrain choices. There's also the same TranzX dropper post and it runs on the same wheelsets as the Rangefinder, but that's where the similarities end.

There's 130mm of travel on this bike, provided by a RockShox Sector RL fork, which sits at a 67.4 head tube angle. The reach comes to 430mm on a medium frame and it remains the same across the wheel sizes.

What really makes the difference between the two models is that the Timberjack has an adjustable chainstay, offering 17mm of adjustment, from 420mm to 437mm. A great feature for those who like to tune their ride.

The Timberjack comes in five sixes, XS to XL and it also comes in a titanium frame only build, along with a regular alloy frame option.

Full Timberjack builds start at $2,000 (around £1,532) with the Ti frame costing $2,500 (£1,915) and the aluminium frame only being $550 (around £420).

The Rangefinder also comes in the same five sizes but doesn't have any fancy frame only options.

A full Rangefinder build starts at $1,100 (around £841) for the Deore spec. The SRAM SX spec will set you back $1,300 (around £995).

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