Check out the 2026 Salsa Beargrease, Updated Bearpaw Fork, and 45NRTH Levitas Rims

First released in 2014, the Beargrease was Salsa’s first carbon fat bike. Previously more of an XC-inspired carbon racing model, the latest generation of the Beargrease fat bike is designed for stability and versatility across all terrain and conditions. “The all-new Beargrease combines our 15 years of fat-tire experience with lessons from modern mountain bikes for a platform that excels at both winter ultras and hitting hot laps on snowy groomed singletrack,” explains Ethan Frey, product manager at Salsa Cycles.

The newest Salsa Beargrease combines Heyday’s exploration focus and Beargrease’s lightweight race feel into one platform centered around the stability and traction of 27.5 x 4.5″ tires. It’s available with either a carbon fiber or 6061-T6 aluminum frame, with the new Bearpaw carbon and aluminum forks. The geometry has been updated with a longer wheelbase, slacker head tube angle, and longer chainstays, which Salsa says provides better weight distribution and centers the rider’s weight over the bottom bracket.

The new Bearpaw fork has a 44mm offset, features internal brake routing, and uses the same 483mm axle-to-crown and 15 x 150mm thru-axle. The previous carbon Bearpaw fork has an alloy steerer, but this one has a full carbon construction; the alloy version is specced with alloy Beargrease. Salsa said the carbon Bearpaw fork will eventually be available as an aftermarket purchase for $599 USD.

The Beargrease clears 27.5 x 4.5″ or 26 x 4.8″ tires, has a SRAM UDH dropout, and is loaded with bosses for racks, bags, and cages. There are top-tube mounts, bolt-on frame bag mounts, two or three standard bottle mounts depending on the size, downtube mounts, three-pack mounts on both fork legs, and a rear rack can be used with Salsa’s Rack-Lock Seatpost Clamp. The new Beargrease is available in five sizes, from XS to XL.

2026 Salsa Beargrease Geometry

The 2026 Beargrease is available in four complete builds/pricepoints, ranging from $1,999 to $5,999 USD. The Beargrease AL Eagle 70 build costs $1,999 ($2,599 CAD), the Beargrease C Eagle 70 costs $3,299 USD ($3,999 CAD), the Beargrease C Eagle 90 costs $4,299 USD ($6,099 CAD), and the Beargrease C GX AXS costs $5,999 USD ($8,499 CAD). Carbon framesets (frame + fork) are also available for $1,999 USD ($2,899 CAD).

Visit SalsaCycles.com or your local Salsa dealer to learn more.

45NRTH Levitas Carbon Fat Bike Rims

Winter must be coming, because Salsa’s sister company, 45NRTH, is celebrating the change of seasons with the release of their first fat bike rim, the Levitas. This seems like yet another example of the Whisky Parts Co. catalog being absorbed by fellow QBP brands, as we’ve been seeing with Teravail’s new components.

The Levitas is a carbon fat bike rim that’s “purpose-built to complement 45NRTH tires,” according to the brand. They are available in 27.5″ and 26″ diameters, with a 32-hole drill pattern, 32mm rim depth, and a narrow spoke bed that reduces weight where possible, while reinforced rim walls provide strength and impact resistance.

The 27.5″ Levitas rim has a 76mm internal width, 83mm outer width, and weighs 660 grams. The 26″ Levitas has an 84mm internal width, 91mm outer width, and weighs 680 grams. Both models are tested to ASTM Category 3 and have a suggested weight limit of 300 pounds.

Learn more at 45NRTH.com.

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