2024 Salsa Horsethief SLX - Blue

The Salsa Horsethief SLX is our 29" full suspension trail bike with the versatility for epic days out or squeezing some singletrack into a busy day. Horsethiefs frame fits two full-size bottles in the triangle and features top-tube mounts for more cargo capacity and comfort, especially on long rides.The aluminum frame is designed around our trail geometry and efficient Split Pivot suspension design. With 120 mm rear suspension travel complemented by a 140 mm fork, it has the chops to take on your favorite flow or techy trails. The shallow attack angle of 29" wheels means they roll well over logs, roots, and rocks in the trail.Shimanos SLX 1 x 12 drivetrain delivers light shifting action, large gear range, and reliability you can trust on big backcountry adventures.

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.

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.

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.

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

Revised 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 riders personal preference.

EPS CARBON MAIN TRIANGLE WITH CARBON SEATSTAY

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.

HORSETHIEF GEOMETRY

Horsethief is designed as an incredibly versatile 29er trail bike with the capabilities to take on a wide range of trails. A highly adaptable machine, Horsethief sports the geometry and suspension travel to suit everything from weeknight hot laps to weekend XC racing to extended destination trail riding vacations. The 67-degree head tube angle, 432 mm chainstays, and overall wheelbase length combine to promote confident descending while retaining slow speed maneuverability. Specd as a 29er, Horsethief is also capable of running 27.5 x 2.8-3.0" wheels and tires. The built-in flip chip can be used to adjust headtube angle and bottom bracket height based on wheel size, terrain, or personal preference. The low top tube and dropper post contribute to the bikes descending prowess, and amazingly all sizes of Horsethief can fit two full-size water bottles inside the front triangle

MODERN TRAIL BIKE FIT

Horsethief is designed for a modern trail bike fit. This means a short stem, wide bar, and longer effective top tube are used to place the rider in the same position they are familiar with on their older trail bike. This results in a more 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 for fore-aft body movement when things get rowdy. Weve also done our best to provide a low top tube for on-trail body language shifts. Each frame size is designed around a 50 mm stem and wide bar. To maintain the correct hand position relative to the pedals and saddle, Horsethief has a longer horizontal top tube. 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

Horsethief is specd with a 29 x 2.5" front wheel/tire and 29 x 2.4" rear wheel/tire, but also fits: 29 x 2.2-2.6" / 27.5 x 2.8-3.0"

TOP TUBE ACCESSORY MOUNTS

Bolt on your Salsa EXP Series Top Tube Bag for a secure connection and elimination of strap wear

ACCOMMODATES TWO FULL-SIZE BOTTLES

All Horsethief sizes accept two full-sized (26 oz) water bottles 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

DROPPER POST STEALTH ROUTING COMPATIBLE

Compatible with 30.9 mm dropper posts for true trail bike performance

MOLDED FRAME PROTECTION

Protects your investment from impacts

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