2026 Salsa Horsethief C Frame - Charcoal And Raw Carbon

The Salsa Horsethief C frame is our carbon fiber trail bike frame built to bring you many years of memorable mountain bike adventures. With room for two full-size bottles in the triangle and top tube mounts for ride accessories, you can ditch the backpack for a streamlined setup that lets you focus on the trail. The Horsethief frame features a Split Pivot suspension design and trail geometry for impressive performance when climbing and descending. The 120 mm Fox Float DPS Performance Elite shock is supple and efficient - pair it with a 140 mm fork and your favorite components, then let fly. You can even choose between 29" or 27.5+ wheels depending on your local terrain and riding style.

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

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.

Flip Chip

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

Frame Specs

• Design Wheel/Tire Sizes Tire Size Range for 622/29" Wheels: 56-66mm (2.2-2.6")
• Alternate Wheel/Tire Sizes Tire Size Range 584/27.5" Wheels: 70-76mm (2.8-3.0")
• Max Tire Outer Diameter ø754mm (29.7")
• Suspension Fork Length (Travel) 531-551mm (120-140mm)
• Fork Offset 42-51mm
• Rear Spacing 157 x 12mm thru-axle
• Rear Axle Size ø12 x 197mm, TP = 1.75, TL = 20
• Rear Brake (Rotor) 74mm post (ø160-180mm)
• Headset - Upper IS41
• Headset - Lower IS52
• Rear Shock Size 190 x 45mm
• Shock Mount, Fore Carbon: 08x40mm, Aluminum: 08x30mm
• Pivot Kit Refer to Suspension Frame Service Instructions
• Seatpost ø30.9mm
• Dropper Post Compatible Yes, internal/stealth
• Seatpost Clamp Carbon: 35.4mm, Aluminum: 35.0mm
• Derailluer Hanger FS2322
• Bearings 17287 (qty 4), 6801 (qty 6)
• Bottom Bracket 73mm BSA, threaded. Carbon bike requires ISCG cover ring or ISCG mounting bracket in place of 2.5mm DS BB Spacer
• Crankset (Max Ring) Super Boost 157 55-57mm chainline only 1x: 32t max
• Accessory Mounts Top tube bag mounts
• Bottle Mounts 2

Additional Features

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 rider's 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. Spec'd 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 bike's 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. We've 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 spec'd 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

Click for Geometrical Chart

Click for Build Kit

?? 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.