Bikes Of 2025: Ti Muk 2 (Salsa Cycles Titanium Mukluk)

  It's another end-of-year period on the blog. You know what that means? Yep! Another round of my bikes I used in 2025. This round-up will not include some of the bikes I did not use this year much, or at all. I focus only on the bikes that played a big role in my riding during this year.  As always, any changes or future plans for any bike I feature will also be detailed. I hope that you enjoy this year's round-up.

2015 Salsa Cycles Titanium Mukluk:

This bike is the ultimate Winter commuter bike, but I use it for more than just Winter riding. Obviously, not too long ago it was my Virtual Turkey Burn Ride bike of choice.  I use it for gravel riding at times also. The name, "Ti Muk 2" goes with this bike because it is my second titanium Mukluk I've owned. 

But the main thing is Winter gettin' around. This is an "ultimate" because of the drive train and the wheels. The drive train because it does not have exposed gears or derailleurs. The single chain, chain ring, and cog are a lot less prone to premature wear due to Winter slop. The gears, all fourteen of 'em, are housed internally. The range I get is perfect for commuting or for grinding up a steep dike or slogging through deep slushy snow. 

Doing some saddle testing early in 2025 with the Ti Muk 2

The bike requires little from me other than a periodic oil change and a once-every-five-year sealant clean-up. Since I've upgraded the lights, replaced a bottom bracket and chain ring, and went with an Answer carbon handlebar I've pretty much dialed this bike in. 

I did have a wrangle with the rear caliper on this bike, but since replacing the Avid BB-7 with a Spyke TRP caliper the rear brake issue has been put to bed. I now have an actual rear brake instead of a speed scrubber! 

 

I ended up going back to the OG Salsa branded WTB Silverado which came to me on the bike when I got it six years ago or so. I like that saddle a lot on this bike, for some reason, because I wasn't thinking I'd like the older narrower Silverado. But I do. 

I guess the only other thing here which is interesting is when people look at the bike and ask me how much it would cost. You have to figure in today's economy the cost would be pretty exorbitant. Probably nearly the price of a decent sub-compact used car. I don't really know, though, because this sort of thinking does not compute with my brain. I simply don't care about the subject. It is what it is. Buy one or do not buy one like it. I only know it is a whole lot of fun to ride and it can go a lot of places cars cannot go. Besides, I've saved a load of cash by not burning dinosaur sueezin's instead.