2024 Salsa Blackthorn SLX

Blackthorn SLX is all-mountain with a side of adventure. The stiff and durable aluminum frame uses our progressive trail geometry for a ride feel thats equal parts downhill ripper and stable climber. The Split Pivot suspension design builds on those qualities with supple-to-supportive travel linked to a 140 mm RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock. Paired with a 160 mm RockShox Yari RC fork, Blackthorn has the chops for those rugged lines youve been eyeing. On-bike cargo features like the integrated down tube strap, top tube mounts, and a bottle mount let you keep the ride essentials on your bike rather than your back. Shimanos SLX componentry means a smooth-shifting 1 x 12 wide-range drivetrain, while the four-piston brakes offer all the stopping power youll need. Blackthorn is a clever and capable rig that brings a lot to the all-mountain table.

Flip Chip

Make easy ride adjustments. Our flip chips alter bottom bracket height and head tube angle to suit rider preference, terrain, or wheel size.

Suspension Kinematics

Enjoy a familiar suspension feel. Our kinematics are tuned for each bikes purpose but share core priorities across the entire lineup.

On-Bike Storage

Carry more on your bike and less on your body. Our frames and forks feature mounts for extra bottles, camping gear, and ride accessories.

Frame Protection

Worry less about bike damage. Our frames and forks are designed and built to hold up to the rugged adventures you put them through.

Split Pivot Suspension System

Ride up and downhill efficiently. Our suspension system isolates pedaling forces from braking forces, so we can tune for both independently.

Split Pivot +

Choose your bikes suspension travel. Our design methodology allows us to optimize a frame for more than one travel class.

SPLIT PIVOT REAR SUSPENSION

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 and pedaling efficiency, smooth and predictable braking throughout travel, and maximum traction

SPLIT PIVOT+ DESIGN METHODOLOGY

The Split Pivot+ design methodology allows our engineers to optimize a frame for more than one travel class. This means that Blackthorn riders can swap control and shock links, in addition to the rear shock and fork, to switch travel to Cassidys 165 mm rear and 180 mm front capability. One frame, multiple bikes

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 riders 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

VERSATILE TIRE FIT

Specd as a 29er, Blackthorn is also capable of running 27.5 x 2.8-3.0" wheels and tires

CHAIN GUIDE-COMPATIBLE

Blackthorn frames features 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

REMOTE LOCKOUT READY

Blackthorn comes equipped for remote lockout, with cable routing to the rear shock via a cable port on the drive side of the downtube that exits between the forward shock mounting plates. If adding remote lockout, use a double-width frame plug on the downtube and a single-width frame plug at the forward shock mount. These are available in the Salsa Thick Frame Plugs for Internal Cable Routing kit (QBP part #FS2366).

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