Skip to main content

Salsa Blackthorn Carbon SLX

Salsa Blackthorn Carbon SLX
This item is currently not available.

Details

Blackthorn C SLX stands out in the carbon all-mountain bike field for its capability and value. The progressive geometry feels planted on descents and steep climbs. A 160 mm Fox Float X Performance fork and 140 mm RockShox Lyrik Select+ RC shock with Split Pivot suspension design grants you the poise to plow through rock gardens, send drops, and hit doubles with confidence. Blackthorn brings you the benefits of pack-free riding, thanks to the integrated down tube strap, top tube mounts, and a bottle mount.

Shimano's SLX 1 x 12 drivetrain and four-piston brakes are components you can rely on. We designed Blackthorn C SLX from the dirt up to lead the all-mountain category.

KEY FEATURES:

SPLIT PIVOT® REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM:
Split Pivot provides a host of impressive suspension characteristics because the system isolates pedaling forces and braking forces from each other, allowing us to tune and optimize the bike for both independently. The concentric rear axle pivot, in conjunction with precise wheel link, brake link, and control link placement, results in: Excellent bump compliance / Incredible pedaling efficiency / Smooth and predictable braking throughout travel / Maximum traction.

SPLIT PIVOT +
Split Pivot + is our suspension development philosophy that allows riders to swap suspension travel within a single chassis.

PURPOSE-TUNED SUSPENSION
The Blackthorn-specific control link and shock links optimize the frame geometry and kinematics for its suspension travel, delivering a well-rounded, balanced trail feel.

PROGRESSIVE GEOMETRY
Blackthorn is long, low, and slack, with a dash of moderation to preserve pedaling performance. A 64.6-degree head tube angle and short-offset fork feel confident when descending loose, steep trails or blasting through rock gardens. A steep 76.5-degree seat tube angle and consistent cockpit sizing makes for a comfortable pedaling position, while the moderate bottom bracket height provides stability at speed without sacrificing pedaling performance in technical sections. The long front center provides stability in extreme terrain while the short 432 mm chainstays make for nimble handling in tight situations.

FLIP CHIP 2.0
Integrated into the shock link mount, Flip Chip 2.0 allows simple, quick adjustments to bottom bracket height and head tube angle to account for the rider’s personal preference, terrain, or wheel size and tire diameter.

EPS CARBON MAIN TRIANGLE WITH CARBON SEATSTAYS AND ALUMINUM CHAINSTAYS
EPS construction allows for greater manufacturing control, smooth surfacing, a simplified bottom bracket junction, and an integrated shock mount. Carbon fiber material offers improved stiffness, better vibration damping, excellent toughness and weight savings compared to other materials. 6066-T6 aluminum heat-treated chainstays add durability.

TOP TUBE ACCESSORY MOUNTS
Top tube mounts accommodate K-Edge Top Tube Mount for bike computers or the Salsa EXP Series Direct Mount Top Tube Bag.

DOWN TUBE THREE-PACK MOUNTS
Three-Pack mounts on down tube accommodate a large water bottle on the lower pair and a frame-mounted pump bracket on the upper pair.

INTEGRATED REPAIR KIT LOCATION
Located in front of the rear shock in the front triangle, we provide a dedicated place for a small repair kit, tube, or bag of gummies. No more loading up your pockets or strapping the essentials to random spots on the frame and damaging the frame finish. Carbon frames feature an integrated reinforced slot and frame protection. Aluminum frames feature a machined strap slot. The slot is sized to accommodate most 3/4"- to 1"-wide straps. A Salsa Tube Strap is included with each frame (Salsa Tube Straps are for use with tubes only)

ACCOMMODATES A 26 OZ BOTTLE
All Blackthorn sizes accept a standard 26 oz water bottle within the front triangle.

INTERNAL SLEEVED CABLE ROUTING
Internal tubes guide housing through the frame, simplifying setup and maintenance, and creating a clean bike profile.

MOLDED FRAME PROTECTION
Molded rubber down tube, seat tube, chainstay, and seatstay guards protect your frame from impacts and abrasion.

MULLET BUILD COMPATIBILITY
Mullet build compatibility lets riders run a 29" wheel in the front and a 27.5" wheel in the back with minimal impacts to geometry.

CHAIN GUIDE-COMPATIBLE
Blackthorn frames feature ISCG-05 mounts for chain guides (removable on carbon frames).

STEALTH DROPPER POST ROUTING
Compatible with 30.9mm dropper posts for true trail bike performance.

Geometry

Geometry Chart:
SizeSM - 160mm ForkMD - 160mm ForkLG - 160mm ForkXL - 160mm ForkSM - 150mm ForkMD - 150mm ForkLG - 150mm Fork
A. Effective Top Tube (mm) 594 / 593 616 / 615 640 / 639 663 / 662 593 / 592 615 / 614 639 / 638
B. Stand Over (mm) 726 / 728 729 / 732 730 / 733 730 / 733 720 / 723 724 / 727 725 / 728
C. Reach (mm) 448 / 451 469 / 472 490 / 493 510 / 514 452 / 456 473 / 476 494 / 497
D. Stack (mm) 611 / 609 615 / 613 624 / 622 633 / 630 608 / 605 612 / 609 621 / 618
E. Total Seat Tube Length (mm) 405 430 455 480 405 430 455
F. Headtube Length (mm) 95 100 110 120 95 100 110
G. Headtube Angle 64.6 / 64.9 64.6 / 64.9 64.6 / 64.9 64.6 / 64.9 65.0 / 65.3 65.0 / 65.3 65.0 / 65.3
H. Seat Tube Angle 76.5 / 76.8 76.5 / 76.8 76.5 / 76.8 76.5 / 76.8 76.9 / 77.2 76.9 / 77.2 76.9 / 77.2
I. BB Drop (mm) 26 / 22 26 / 22 26 / 21 26 / 21 29 / 25 29 / 25 29 / 25
K. Chainstay Length (mm) 432 / 431 432 / 431 432 / 431 432 / 431 17.0 / 17.0 432 / 431 432 / 431
L. Fork Length Axle to Crown (mm) 569 569 569 569 559 559 559
M. Fork Offset (mm) 43 43 43 43 43 43 43
N. Wheelbase (mm) 1204 / 1204 1228 / 1227 1253 / 1252 1278 / 1278 1200 / 1200 1223 / 1223 1249/ 1248
Crank Arm Length (mm) 170 170 170 175 170 170 170
Handlebar Width (mm) 760 800 800 800 800 800 800
Stem Length (mm) 50 50 50 50 50 50 50
Sizes:
SizeHeight (cm)
Small165 – 173
Medium173 – 180
Large180 – 188
X-Large188 – UP

Specs

Fork Fox Float 36 Performance Elite GRIP2, 160 mm, 44 mm offset
Stem Salsa Guide Trail 50 mm
Chain Shimano SLX M7100
Frame Blackthorn Carbon V1
Tires Maxxis Assegai 29 x 2.5" front, Maxxis Dissector 29 x 2.4" rear, Maxx Grip/Maxx Terra, EXO+, TR
Brakes Shimano SLX M7120 four-piston
Rotors Shimano RT64, Center Lock (203 mm front, 180 mm rear)
Saddle WTB Volt 250 Steel SL, 250 x 135
Wheels F: Shimano XT M8110 15 x 110 mm hub, WTB KOM Tough i30 29" rim | R: Shimano XT M8130 12 x 157 mm hub, WTB KOM Tough i30 29" rim
Crankset Shimano XT M8130, 30t
Seatpost TranzX YSI05, Shimano MT500 lever, 30 mm travel adj
Shifters Shimano XT M8100
Handlebars Race Face Turbine R 35
Rear Shock Fox Float X Performance Elite
Tape/Grips Salsa File Tread Lock-on
Rear Derailleur Shimano XT M8100 SGS
Cassette/Freewheel Shimano SLX M7100, 10–51t, 12-speed

* Subject to change without notice.