2026 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 see why Blackthorn 145 C DLX GX Transmission is the best all-mountain bike for chasing Adventure by Bike in the mountains.

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.

Frame Specs

• Design Wheel/Tire Sizes 55-63.5mm (2.2-2.5")
• Alternate Wheel/Tire Sizes 584/27.5" Rear Wheel Only 63-70mm (2.5-2.7")
• Max Tire Outer Diameter Frame: 29 x 2.5"
  Fork: Max Tire Diameter: 732 mm / Max Tire Width: 81mm
• Frame Construction Carbon
• Suspension Fork Length (Travel) 160mm
• Fork Offset 44mm
• Axle to Crown 575mm
• Rear Spacing 12 x 148mm
• Rear Axle Size 12 x 188mm, TP=1.0, TL=20
• Rear Brake (Rotor) 74mm Post-mount (180-200mm rotor)
• Front Brake (Rotor) 74mm Post-mount (180-220mm rotor)
• Headset - Upper ZS44/28.6
• Headset - Lower ZS56/40
• Rear Shock Size 190 x 45mm
• Shock Mount, Fore ø10 x 30mm
• Front Spacing 15 x 110mm
• Front Axle Size Fox Kabolt: 15 x 155mm, TP=M14 x 1.5, TL=12mm
• Steerer Tube 1.125-1.5" Tapered
• Crown Race 59mm
• Stem Clamp 35.4mm
• Seatpost 30.9mm
• Dropper Post Compatible Yes (internal)
• Max Post Insertion SM: 215mm; MD: 240mm; LG: 265mm; XL: 290mm
• Derailluer Hanger SRAM UDH
• Bottom Bracket 73mm BSA
• Crankset (Max Ring) 34t, 55mm Chainline
• Accessory Mounts Top Tube (top side) Accessory Mounts: One
• Bottle Mounts 2
• Fork Mounts None
• Front Fender Mounts None
• Rear Fender Mounts None

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. See Supportive Documents for coil shock spring rate recommendations.

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

Click for Build Kit

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

Click for Suspension Frame Service Gen 3 & 4 - Flip Chip 1557 Shock Mount Hardware

Click for Link Hardware Kit 3731 Instructions

Click for Coil Shock Spring Rate Recommendations for Blackthorn 2

Click for Suspension Frame Service - Control Link Pivot Hardware Type 2

Click for Suspension Frame Service - Rear Axle Pivot Type 2 and SRAM UDH

Click for Travel Conversion - Blackthorn 2 & Moraine 1

?? WARNING:

This product can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.