Horsethief C Frame
Horsethief C Frame
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.
Share
Warning for Residents of California
Warning for Residents of California
⚠️ 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.





Bike Key Features
-
Split Pivot Suspension System
View More- 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
View More- Adventures require gear and riders should get to choose whether they carry it on their bike or on their body
-
Frame Protection
View More- 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
View More- Provides the ability to alternate wheel and tire sizes
- Riders can adjust for their terrain, or desired handling characteristics
Product Details
Build Kit
Frameset
Frame
Horsethief Carbon
Color
Charcoal and Raw Carbon
Rear Shock
Fox Float DPS Performance Elite
Components
Headset
Cane Creek 40 (IS41/IS52)
Seatpost Clamp
Drivetrain
Wheels
Rear Axle
Salsa Deadbolt UL thru axle, 12 x 197 L, 1.75 tp, 20 tl
Weight
Frame
6lb 5oz - Medium (with headset, seatpost collar, rear shock, and rear thru axle)
Geometry

Size | Small | Medium | Large | X-Large |
---|---|---|---|---|
A. Effective Top Tube | 595.0- 594.0 | 616.0- 615.0 | 638.0- 637.0 | 660.0- 659.0 |
B. Stand Over | 747.0- 750.0 | 751.0- 754.0 | 762.0- 765.0 | 773.0- 776.0 |
C. Reach | 417.0- 420.0 | 436.0- 439.0 | 455.0- 458.0 | 474.0- 477.0 |
D. Stack | 612.0- 610.0 | 621.0- 619.0 | 630.0- 628.0 | 639.0- 637.0 |
E. Total Seat Tube Length | 419.0 | 444.0 | 483.0 | 520.0 |
F. Headtube Length | 103.0 | 113.0 | 123.0 | 133.0 |
G. Headtube Angle |
67.3 -
67.5
|
67.3 -
67.5
|
67.3 -
67.5
|
67.3 -
67.5
|
H. Seat Tube Angle |
73.9 -
74.1
|
73.9 -
74.1
|
73.9 -
74.1
|
73.9 -
74.1
|
I. BB Drop | 33.0- 30.0 | 33.0- 30.0 | 33.0- 30.0 | 33.0- 30.0 |
K. Chainstay Length | 432.0- 431.0 | 432.0- 431.0 | 432.0- 431.0 | 432.0- 431.0 |
L. Fork Length Axle to Crown | 541.0 | 541.0 | 541.0 | 541.0 |
M. Fork Offset | 42.0 | 42.0 | 42.0 | 42.0 |
N. Wheelbase | 1135.0 | 1158.0 | 1181.0 | 1204.0 |
Crank Arm Length | 170.0 | 170.0 | 175.0 | 175.0 |
Handlebar Width | 760.0 | 800.0 | 800.0 | 800.0 |
Recommended Rider Height | 165.0 - 173.0 | 173.0 - 180.0 | 180.0 - 188.0 | 188.0 |
Stem Length | 50.0 | 50.0 | 50.0 | 50.0 |
Measurements based on:
- an unsprung bike (no sag)
- a 29 x 2.4" tire measuring 745mm in diameter
- Standover is measured from vertically from ground to bend in top tube, subtract 2–8mm (0.1–0.3") for 27.5 x 2.8–3.0" tires
- Measurements shown are for LOW / HIGH Flip Chip settings
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
- 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
Supportive Documents
Support Document links
- Manual del dueño de la bicicleta
- ASTM 3 Framesheet
- Gen 4 Split Pivot Suspension Setup
- Main Pivot Instructions
- Control Link Pivot Instructions
- Rear Axle Pivots & Hanger Instructions
- Link Bolt Instructions
- Shock Mount Hardware Instructions
- Flip Chip 2.0 Shock Mount Hardware
- Cable Port Frame Plug Instructions
- Removable ISCG Bracket and Cover Ring Instructions
- ASTM Riding Conditions Classifications
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 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
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
FAQ
Do you offer touch-up paint?
No, we do not offer touch up paint. Hobby shops or automotive stores are excellent places to find paint. We suggest you test the paint on a scrap piece of metal before using it on your frame.
I crashed and dented (or cracked) my frame. Is it safe to ride?
Stop riding your frame immediately and take it to the nearest Salsa authorized dealer for inspection. A dented or cracked tube represents a structural weakening of the frame, and is a safety risk.
What is the warranty for this bike?
View Warranty
Warranty Information
All Salsa products are warranted against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship from the date of retail purchase of the product, subject to the limitations detailed below.