2025 Salsa Blackthorn SLX - Mustard

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 that's 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 you've 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. Shimano's SLX componentry means a smooth-shifting 1 x 12 wide-range drivetrain, while the four-piston brakes offer all the stopping power you'll need. Blackthorn is a clever and capable rig that brings a lot to the all-mountain table.

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 NO.57E ACB, ZS44/ZS56

Seatpost:

TranzX YSI05, Shimano MT500 lever, 30 mm travel adjust (SM 125 x 409 mm, MD 150 x 459 mm, LG 170 x 499 mm, XL 200 x 559 mm)

Stem:

Salsa Guide Trail 50 mm

Grips/Bar Tape:

Salsa File Tread Lock-on

Saddle:

WTB Volt 250 Steel, 250 x 135

Handlebar:

Race Face Chester 35, 780 mm width

Rear Derailleur:

Shimano SLX M7100 SGS

Cassette:

Shimano Deore M6100, 10-51t, 12-speed

Chain:

Shimano Deore M6100

Crankset:

Shimano Deore M6130, 30t

Shifter:

Shimano Deore M6100

Brake Calipers:

Shimano Deore M6120 four-piston

Front Wheel:

Shimano MT400-B 15 x 110 mm hub, WTB ST i30 29" rim

Rear Wheel:

Shimano SLX M7130 12 x 157 mm hub, WTB ST i30 29" rim

Front Tire:

Maxxis Assegai 29 x 2.5" , Maxx Grip/Maxx Terra, EXO+, TR

Rear Tire:

Maxxis Dissector 29 x 2.4", Maxx Grip/Maxx Terra, EXO+, TR

Complete Bike:

35 lbs 5 oz for Medium

Frame:

Blackthorn Alloy V1

Color:

Mustard

Rear Shock:

RockShox Super Deluxe Select+

Suspension Fork:

RockShox Yari RC, 160 mm, 42 mm offset

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

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

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 Cassidy's 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 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 ¾"- 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

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

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.

Click for Geometrical Chart

SUPPORTIVE DOCUMENTS:

Click for Bicycle Owner's Manual

Click for ASTM 4 Framesheet

Click for Gen 4 Split Pivot Suspension Setup

Click for Main Pivot Instructions

Click for Control Link Pivot Instructions

Click for Rear Axle Pivots and Hanger Instructions

Click for Shock Mount Hardware Instructions

Click for Flip Chip 2.0 Shock Mount Hardware

Click for Blackthorn / Cassidy Conversions

Click for Cable Port Frame Plug Instructions

Click for ASTM Riding Conditions Classifications

Click for Gen 3 Link Bolt Type 1 Instructions