2025 Salsa Blackthorn 145 C GX Transmission - Slate/Terracotta

Blackthorn 145 C GX Transmission is the tool of choice for all-mountain adventures. The combo of a carbon frame, Split Pivot suspension, and our all-mountain geometry makes for a comfortable, confident ride both up and down the mountain.

145mm of Split Pivot suspension travel delivers superb small-bump compliance, remarkable climbing ability, and reliable traction even while braking. Paired with a Fox 36 Performance Elite 160mm fork, it's a platform well-suited to the ups and downs of epic all-mountain rides. Blackthorn's cargo capacity adds to its all-day capability, with space for two bottles, your tube and multitool, and mounts for our EXP-R Series Trillium Top Tube Bag or a K-Edge computer mount.

The SRAM GX Transmission drivetrain strikes a perfect balance with the precision and speed of electronic shifting and the durability of SRAM's Full Mount derailleur design.

Saddle up and why Blackthorn 145 C DLX GX Transmission is the best all-mountain bike for chasing Adventure by Bike in the mountains.

WARNING:

This product can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Headset:

FSA Orbit 1.5E ZS NO.57E

Seatpost:

TranzX REVERSE w/ GL Stealth MMX Lever, SM: 160mm travel; MD: 180mm travel; LG-XL: 210mm travel

Stem:

Salsa 35.0 Guide Trail, 40mm

Grips/Bar Tape:

WTB Wavelength Lock-On

Saddle:

WTB Solano, Medium, Steel SL, Fusion Form

Handlebar:

Race Face Turbine

Rear Derailleur:

SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission

Cassette:

SRAM GX Eagle Transmission, 10-52t, 12-speed

Chain:

SRAM GX Eagle Transmission Flattop

Crankset:

SRAM GX Eagle Transmission, 30t w/ MRP 1x iO SL ISCG-05 aluminum bashguard

Shifter:

SRAM AXS Pod controller, Right, w/ MatchMaker X Clamp

Brake Levers:

SRAM Maven Bronze Stealth

Brake Calipers:

SRAM Maven Bronze Stealth

Rotors:

SRAM CenterLine 2.0 (6-bolt, 200mm front and rear)

Front Tire:

Teravail Clifty, 29 x 2.5", Durable casing, WTB TCS Sealant Included

Rear Tire:

Teravail Clifty, 29 x 2.5", Durable casing, WTB TCS Sealant Included

Frame:

Blackthorn 145 Carbon

Color:

Slate/Terracotta

Rear Shock:

Fox Float X Performance Elite

Bottom Bracket:

SRAM DUB BSA 73mm MTB Wide

Suspension Fork:

Fox 36 Performance Elite, 160mm

Front Hub:

WTB Frequency 15 x 110mm

Rear Hub:

WTB Frequency 12 x 148mm

Spoke:

Double butted Pillar stainless steel, black

Rim:

WTB KOM Tough i30 TCS, 32h

KEY FEATURES:

Split Pivot Suspension System

• Allows us to tune the pedaling and braking forces independently
• Maximizes pedaling and braking performance without compromising either
• Results in optimal pedaling efficiency and traction when braking

Split Pivot +

• Multiple travel classes in one chassis provides riders with the opportunity to adapt their bikes to various adventures

Flip Chip

• Provides the ability to alternate wheel and tire sizes
• Riders can adjust for their terrain, or desired handling characteristics

Suspension Kinematics

• Lively, responsive ride feel with good bottom-out resistance
• Free, active, and uniform suspension feel under braking
• Efficient pedaling, stellar climbing traction, supple small-bump performance
• Tunable for all riders

On-Bike Storage

• Adventures require gear and riders should get to choose whether they carry it on their bike or on their body

Frame Protection

• Our products are built from experience - we've been there enough to know that a carbon fork can benefit from added protection just as much as the downtube on a suspension bike.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

Split Pivot rear suspension design

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 145 riders can swap control and shock links, in addition to the rear shock and fork, to switch travel to Blackthorn 125's 125mm rear and 140 mm front capability. One frame, multiple bikes.

Progressive leverage rate

Blackthorn is designed with a progressive leverage rate that 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 provide 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.

Purpose-tuned suspension

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

All-mountain geometry

Blackthorn 145 is long, low, and slack, with a dash of moderation to preserve pedaling performance. A 63.9-degree head tube angle creates a long front center with the stability to descend loose, steep trails in total confidence, while a steep 77.4-degree seat tube angle makes seated pedaling and climbing more comfortable. Short 432-433mm chainstays keep Blackthorn agile for handling tight situations.

Flip chip

A flip chip allows a simple and quick 5mm adjustment to bottom bracket height and 0.3-degree adjustment to head tube angle to account for your personal preference, terrain, or wheel size and tire diameter

Carbon fiber frame

High-modulus carbon fiber frame, seatstays, and chainstays with 6061-T6 aluminum links for durability

Top tube accessory mounts

Top tube mounts accommodate the Salsa EXP-R Series Trillium Top Tube Bag or K-Edge Top Tube Mount for bike computers

Fits two bottles on all sizes

Stay hydrated on long trail rides with space for two bottles on all frame sizes

Integrated repair kit location

Bring your multitool and tube without scuffing your frame or hauling around a hip pack

Versatile wheel and tire fit

Blackthorn features clearance for up to 29 x 2.5" tires and is compatible with mixed wheel sizes

Coil shock compatibility

Blackthorn is compatible with most coil shocks

Molded frame protection

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

Internally guided cable routing

Internal tubes guide housing through the frame, simplifying setup and maintenance, and creating a clean bike profile

Click for Geometrical Chart

SUPPORTIVE DOCUMENTS:

Click for Travel Conversion Instructions for Blackthorn 2.0 and Moraine 1.0

Click for Gen 4 Split Pivot Suspension Setup

Click for Bicycle Owner's Manual

Click for ASTM Riding Conditions Classifications

Click for ASTM 4 Framesheet