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2021 Blackthorn Carbon SLX Detailed View 1

2021 Blackthorn Carbon SLX

$4,999 USD (MSRP) *

* Manufacturer's suggested retail price may not include additional shipping or preparation charges. Please contact your local dealer for a quote.

Blackthorn Carbon SLX is our 29er carbon all-mountain bike with the versatility to take on any trail. With progressive geometry, a lightweight carbon frame, 140 mm of rear travel and a 160 mm fork, you’re ready for jump lines, drops, rock gardens, and anything else the mountain can throw at you. Blackthorn’s Split Pivot suspension system offers excellent pedaling efficiency and is fully active during braking, resulting in a well-balanced bike that both climbs and descends exceptionally well. Shimano’s SLX drivetrain and four-piston brakes keep you in control when Blackthorn prompts you to push your limits.

2021 Blackthorn Carbon SLX in action

Key Features

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Split Pivot Suspension System view 1

Split Pivot Suspension System

Ride up and downhill efficiently. Our suspension system isolates pedaling forces from braking forces, so we can tune for both independently.

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Split Pivot + view 2

Split Pivot +

Choose your bike’s suspension travel. Our design methodology allows us to optimize a frame for more than one travel class.

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Flip Chip view 3

Flip Chip

Make easy ride adjustments. Our flip chips alter bottom bracket height and head tube angle to suit rider preference, terrain, or wheel size.

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Suspension Kinematics view 4

Suspension Kinematics

Enjoy a familiar suspension feel. Our kinematics are tuned for each bike’s purpose but share core priorities across the entire lineup.

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Additional Information

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

We kept coming back to the Blackthorn’s potential for adventure. Not just because adventure is what you do on a Salsa. But because it’s built into this bike. The steady, confident descending, the burly, reliable frame and the long-haul-ready climbing are made for big days. Even Salsa’s clever gear strap gives the Blackthorn a little backcountry cachet.”

- Beta MTB