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Meaghan Hackinen: Salsa Warbird Bike Check
Meet Meaghan:
"I'm Meaghan Hackinen. I’m a Kelowna, BC-based ultra-cyclist, bikepacker, and writer whose two-wheeled adventures have taken me from Haida Gwaii to Mexico’s high plateaus, across Canada and the United States, and from North Cape to Tarifa along some of Europe’s highest paved roads. I’m a multi-faceted rider with a dozen women’s wins (including the 2024 Tour Divide and 2025 Hellenic Mountain Race), numerous FKTs, as well as the 2019-2024 course record at the World 24-Hour Time Trial Championships. 2025 is my first year as a Salsa-sponsored athlete, and my fourth year supported by Light Bicycle as my wheel partner."
The Salsa Warbird: a light & fast gravel race bike
"The Salsa Warbird C Force AXS Wide is fast, light, and down for adventure. While not a complete shift away from my primary bikepack racing bike, with the Salsa Cutthroat, it’s the little things that make a difference. With more racy geometry, a 43/30t crankset and 12-speed 10-36t cassette, plus lightweight Turbo 40 wheels from Light Bicycle, this setup is made for all-day explorations, gravel races, and minimalist bikepacking trips. I'm hooked on the sleek design—every detail shines, from the precise electronic shifting to the smooth curvature of the rim sidewalls."
Built for training and race days
"My Salsa Warbird with Light Bicycle Turbo 40 Disc wheels is my go-to for big training days and fast mixed-surface rides with friends. I’ve been building up to and above 20 hours on the bike per week in preparation for my next big race, with many of those hours spent on the Warbird. To me, it's the ultimate ride—lightning-fast on pavement and tough enough to conquer rugged off-road terrain. I love the thrill of switching between both worlds without missing a beat. I’ve even raced it in treacherous BC conditions, spending hours grinding through slick mud and rain."
Turbo 40 SOLiX wheels for an aero advantage
"I’m running Light Bicycle’s Turbo 40 Disc wheelset with Industry Nine SOLiX hubs and gold nipples and decals to pair with the gorgeous frame. I chose the Turbo 40s for ultimate performance on road and gravel: I wanted a setup for big day outs and fast bikepacking adventures on varying terrain. The 40 mm depth hits that sweet spot of aero and cross‑wind stability without extra weight. These wheels accelerate quickly and come to life on the climbs—allowing me to hit PB’s and enjoy the view. Paired with Rene Herse Corkscrew Climb Semi Slicks, these wheels continue to open the door to adventure: from community-based gravel races to rarely visited ridgelines and alpine lakes. Plus, the tubeless-friendly rim profile makes for no-fuss tire fitting."
Custom components that make it hers
"I’ve added a Redshift Sports Shockstop Suspension System (seatpost and stem) to smooth out road imperfections as well as reduce fatigue and strain. The forest service roads here in the Okanagan can get pretty rowdy, plus there’s a lot of washboard. I’ve also added Garmin Rally XC1000 power pedals so that I can pace my efforts and effectively adhere to my workout plans on outdoor rides. I’m using a long top tube pack from Apidura to store electronics and snacks, and have sideloading water bottle holders that pair with 1 L water bottles to meet my hydration needs. I also tuck a collapsible water filter into my back jersey pocket on longer or more remote rides to refill on the go from flowing creeks. The gold decals and nipples on the Turbo 40 rims complement the frame—a colour palette so dialled, even the gold value stem caps match. The result: a performance gravel bike that’s up for anything, and looks just as sharp as it handles."
Spec List:
Frame (Year, Model, Travel, Color): 2025 Salsa Warbird C Force AXS Wide, Mustard Yellow
Fork (Model, Travel): Waxwing
Wheels (Full Specs):
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December 2nd, 2025 | Light Bicycle
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