2022 Salsa Spearfish SLX

Spearfish SLX is a short travel 29er that threads the needle between trail bike and XC bike. Its progressive XC geometry, combined with 120 mm front and 100 mm rear travel and our Split Pivot suspension system, make for a ride that's efficient enough for ultra-endurance races but fun enough for weekend trail sessions with friends. Spearfish SLX is built on a frame made of double and triple-butted, heat-treated 6066-T6 aluminum tubing for durability and stiffness. Tying it all together is Shimano's SLX drivetrain, with a wide gear range and smooth performance so you can focus on the trail ahead.

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

PROGRESSIVE LEVERAGE RATE

The leverage rate is progressive and offers plenty of bottom out performance at the end of the stroke, promoting more confidence and control on bigger hits and a deeper feel to the travel. The beginning and mid-stroke remain relatively unchanged, providing extremely supple small bump compliance off the top for a smooth ride and consistent mid-travel support to help combat rider fatigue and maintain bike geometry. A slightly lower overall rate yields lower shock pressures making for easier and quicker initial setup

CONSISTENT BRAKING TRACTION

The Split Pivot® suspension design allows us to isolate braking forces from the rest of the system. Braking effect on suspension is minimal and consistent throughout the suspension travel

EFFICIENT PEDALING

Spearfish’s Anti-squat design leads to better pedaling performance. This improved anti squat is partly the result of designing the bike to be 1x-specific and optimized around a 32-tooth chainring. The riding result is incredibly efficient pedaling without the need to over dampen the rear shock (thereby hindering small bump compliance) or necessitating the use of a lockout

METRIC SHOCK STANDARD

This shock standard brings a host of benefits: Increased stiffness in rear triangle/rear suspension frame members / Able to be fine-tuned for improved ride quality and personal preference

FLIP CHIP

Integrated into the shock link mount, the Flip Chip allows simple, quick adjustments to bottom bracket height/headtube angle to account for wheel size, tire diameter, terrain, or the rider’s personal preference

6066-T6 ALUMINUM TUBESET

Top-shelf, double and triple-butted, heat-treated 6066-T6 aluminum tubing is used throughout the frame. This 6000-series aluminum has better strength and fatigue characteristics than 6061 and 7000-series aluminums, allowing for a stronger and lighter overall frame. Additionally, the tubing is strategically shaped and formed for additional stiffness and strength optimization in key stress areas

SPEARFISH GEOMETRY

Spearfish is designed as a progressive XC bike for the rider focused on both climbing and descending with speed. It is based on the premise that precision and efficiency equal speed. While Spearfish has a renowned pedigree in ultra-endurance racing, those same attributes make it a great choice for weeknight laps at the local trail system or toeing the start line at the weekend XC race. The sub 68-degree headtube angle combines with 432 mm chainstays to provide confidence at speed without sacrificing agility. Spec’d with 29" wheels, Spearfish is also capable of running 27.5+ wheels. The built-in Flip Chip can be used to adjust headtube angle and bottom bracket height based on wheel and tire size, terrain, or personal preference. The low top tube and dropper post contribute to the bike’s descending prowess

MODERN XC BIKE FIT

Spearfish is designed for a modern XC fit. A short stem, wide bar, and long effective top tube are used to place the rider in a position that balances between aggressive for racing and comfortable for long rides. Our frame design delivers precise steering motion due to the shorter stem; a lot of front wheel control with the wide bar; and plenty of front-center length and cockpit room thanks to the long, low top tube for fore-aft body movement when negotiating trail obstacles. Each frame size is designed around a 50 mm stem and wide bar with a long effective top tube to maintain the correct hand position relative to the pedals and saddle. There's no need to size up when selecting a frame size with the intent of running 40 to 60 mm stems—we built it in for you

VERSATILE TIRE FIT

Spearfish is spec'd with 29 x 2.35" wheels and tires, but also fits: 29 x 2.2" to 2.6" / 27.5 x 2.8" to 3.0

TOPTUBE ACCESSORY MOUNTS

Bolt on your Salsa EXP Series Toptube Bag for secure connection and elimination of strap wear.

ACCOMMODATES FULL-SIZE BOTTLE

All Spearfish sizes accept two full-sized (26 oz) water bottle within the front triangle

FULL-LENGTH INTERNAL HOUSING CABLE ROUTING

Full-length housing improves shifting performance in poor conditions and increases use time between maintenance intervals

DROPPER POST STEALTH ROUTING COMPATIBLE

Compatible with 30.9mm dropper seatposts for true trail bike performance

MOLDED FRAME PROTECTION

Protects your investment from impacts.

build kit

Frameset

• Frame: Spearfish Alloy
• Fork: Rockshox Recon Gold RL, 120 mm, 51 mm offset
• Color: Red
• Rear Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select+

Drivetrain

• Front Derailleur: N/A
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano SLX M7100
• Cassette: Shimano Deore M6100, 10–51t, 12-speed
• Chain: Shimano Deore M6100
• Crankset: RaceFace Ride, 32t
• Shifter: Shimano SLX M7100
• Brakes & Rotors: Tektro HD-M745 four-piston brakes, Tektro rotors (180 mm front, 160 mm rear, 6-bolt)

Components

• Headset: FSA Orbit IS-2 ACB, IS41/IS52
• Stem: Salsa Guide Trail, 35.0 mm clamp
• Handlebar: RaceFace Chester 35
• Grips: Salsa File Tread Lock-on
• Seatpost: TranzX YSI05JL2 , 30 mm Travel Adjustable, Travel: SM = 125 mm, MD = 150 mm, LG = 170 mm, XL = 200 mm
• Saddle: WTB Volt Sport

Wheels

• Front Wheel: Novatec D791SB-B15 15 x 110 mm hub, WTB ST i25 TCS 2.0 29" rim, tubeless-ready
• Rear Wheel: Novatec DH82SB-S4S 12 x 157 mm hub, WTB ST i25 TCS 2.0 29" rim, tubeless-ready
• Tires: Maxxis Forekaster front, Maxxis Ikon rear, 29 x 2.35", 60 TPI, EXO, tubeless-ready

Weight

• Complete Bike: 31 lbs 9 oz for Medium

FrameSheet

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Geometry

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