SALSA CYCLES BLACKTHORN CARBON SLX｜Carbon All-Mountain: Descend Hard, Climb Efficiently
Combines confident descending with climbing efficiency. A carbon all-mountain bike built for endless adventure.
Some days you're blasting through technical rock gardens, other days you're tackling long climbs to breathtaking trails. The SALSA CYCLES BLACKTHORN CARBON SLX is an all-mountain bike designed to handle this wide range of mountain riding with a single machine.
Its progressive geometry, featuring a 64.6° head angle and 76.5° seat angle, provides both high-speed stability and efficient climbing performance. The 160mm travel RockShox Lyrik Select+ RC fork and 140mm travel Fox Float X Performance shock ensure a capable ride even on rough trails.
The Split Pivot rear suspension uses a unique design that separates pedaling and braking forces. It offers excellent traction, maintaining grip even under braking. This allows for efficient climbing and consistent traction on descents. This exquisite balance is the BLACKTHORN's greatest appeal.
Furthermore, with the Split Pivot+ design, it can be upgraded to a 165mm rear / 180mm front setup, comparable to the Cassidy, by changing the linkage and suspension. This expandability allows the bike to evolve with the rider's growth and changing needs.
True to Salsa's practical design, it's packed with features like top tube mounts, Three-Pack mounts, and an integrated frame repair kit storage space. This versatile bike is capable of everything from trail riding to adventure riding.
Features
- High traction and efficient pedaling performance thanks to Split Pivot rear suspension
- Split Pivot+ design allows for conversion to 165mm / 180mm travel setup
- Blackthorn-specific tuned suspension linkage
- Progressive geometry with 64.6° head angle and 76.5° seat angle
- Equipped with RockShox Lyrik Select+ RC 160mm fork
- Equipped with Fox Float X Performance rear shock
- Geometry adjustment via Flip Chip 2.0
- EPS carbon main triangle
- Carbon seatstays + 6066-T6 aluminum chainstays construction
- Top tube accessory mount
- Downtube Three-Pack mount
- Integrated frame repair kit storage space
- Accommodates 26oz bottle (all sizes)
- Full-sleeve internal cable routing
- Molded frame protection
- Compatible with 29-inch and 27.5×2.8-3.0 inch tires
- Compatible with 30.9mm dropper post (stealth routing compatible)
- Rear shock remote lockout compatible
- Shimano SLX 1×12 drivetrain
- Shimano 4-piston brakes
SPECIFICATIONS
- Frame: EPS Carbon Main Triangle / Carbon Seatstays / 6066-T6 Aluminum Chainstays
- Rear Suspension: Split Pivot
- Rear Travel: 140mm
- Fork: RockShox Lyrik Select+ RC (160mm)
- Rear Shock: Fox Float X Performance
- Wheel Size: 29 inches
- Tire Compatibility: 29 inches / 27.5×2.8-3.0 inches
- Drivetrain: Shimano SLX 1×12 speed
- Brakes: Shimano 4-piston
- Seatpost Diameter: 30.9mm
The BLACKTHORN CARBON SLX is a bike that perfectly embodies the phrase, "descends confidently and climbs without struggle."
Its 160mm/140mm travel is a finely tuned setting that handles everything from trail riding to enduro-style play. It absorbs large impacts effectively while avoiding an excessive feeling of weight.
The 76.5° seat angle creates a very natural climbing position, preventing the front wheel from lifting and allowing for efficient progress on long climbs. The Split Pivot suspension also offers excellent traction, maintaining grip even on rough ascents.
Practical features like repair kit storage and cargo mounts, designed with real-world riding in mind, are also appealing. This all-mountain bike is recommended for riders who want to balance aggressive riding fun with practicality.
