• Salsa Blackthorn C SLX bike red BK5572 side view on white background
  • Salsa Blackthorn C SLX bike red BK5572 front three quarter view on white background
  • Salsa Blackthorn C SLX bike red BK5572 rear three quarter view on white background
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Blackthorn C SLX

Blackthorn C SLX

$2,199.99 USD
$4,999.00 USD $2,199.99 USD
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Blackthorn C SLX stands out in the carbon all-mountain bike field for its capability and value. The progressive geometry feels planted on descents and steep climbs. A 160 mm RockShox Lyrik Select+ RC fork and 140 mm Fox Float X Performance shock with Split Pivot suspension design grants you the poise to plow through rock gardens, send drops, and hit doubles with confidence. Blackthorn brings you the benefits of pack-free riding, thanks to the integrated down tube strap, top tube mounts, and a bottle mount. Shimano’s SLX 1 x 12 drivetrain and four-piston brakes are components you can rely on. We designed Blackthorn C SLX from the dirt up to lead the all-mountain category.

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.

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Bike Key Features

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Product Details

Build Kit

Frameset

Frame

Blackthorn Carbon V1

Color

Red

Suspension Fork

RockShox Lyrik Select+ RC, 160 mm, 42 mm offset

Rear Shock

Fox Float X Performance

Components

Headset

Cane Creek 40 Series, ZS44/ZS56

Seatpost

TranzX YSI05, Shimano MT500 lever, 30 mm travel adjust (SM 125 x 409 mm, MD 150 x 459 mm, LG 170 x 499 mm, XL 200 x 559 mm)

Stem

Salsa Guide Trail 50 mm

Grips/Bar Tape

Salsa File Tread Lock-on

Saddle

WTB Volt 250 Steel, 250 x 135

Handlebar

Race Face Aeffect R 35, 780 mm width

Drivetrain

Front Derailleur

N/A

Rear Derailleur

Shimano SLX M7100 SGS

Cassette

Shimano Deore M6100, 10–51t, 12-speed

Chain

Shimano Deore M6100

Crankset

Shimano SLX M7130, 30t

Shifter

Shimano SLX M7100

Brake Calipers

Shimano Deore M6120 four-piston

Rotors

Shimano RT64, Center Lock (203 mm front, 180 mm rear)

Wheels

Front Wheel

Shimano SLX M7110 15 x 110 hub, WTB KOM Trail i30 29" rim

Rear Wheel

Shimano SLX M7130 12 x 157 hub, WTB KOM Trail i30 29" rim

Front Tire

Maxxis Assegai 29 x 2.5", Maxx Grip/Maxx Terra, EXO+, TR

Rear Tire

Maxxis Dissector 29 x 2.4", Maxx Grip/Maxx Terra, EXO+, TR

Weight

Complete Bike

33 lbs 9 oz for Medium

Geometry

Geometry Diagram
SizeSmallMediumLargeX-Large
A. Effective Top Tube 594.0- 593.0 616.0- 615.0 640.0- 639.0 663.0- 662.0
B. Stand Over 726.0- 728.0 729.0- 732.0 730.0- 733.0 730.0- 733.0
C. Reach 448.0- 451.0 469.0- 472.0 490.0- 493.0 510.0- 514.0
D. Stack 611.0- 609.0 615.0- 613.0 624.0- 622.0 633.0- 630.0
E. Total Seat Tube Length 405.0 430.0 455.0 480.0
F. Headtube Length 95.0 100.0 110.0 120.0
G. Headtube Angle
64.6
-
64.9
64.6
-
64.9
64.6
-
64.9
64.6
-
64.9
H. Seat Tube Angle
76.5
-
76.8
76.5
-
76.8
76.5
-
76.8
76.5
-
76.8
I. BB Drop 26.0- 22.0 26.0- 22.0 26.0- 21.0 26.0- 21.0
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 569.0 569.0 569.0 569.0
M. Fork Offset 43.0 43.0 43.0 43.0
N. Wheelbase 1204.0- 1204.0 1228.0- 1227.0 1253.0- 1252.0 1278.0- 1278.0
Crank Arm Length 165.0 170.0 170.0 175.0
Handlebar Width
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 746mm in diameter
  • Standover is measured from vertically from ground to top of top tube 50mm forward of bottom bracket, subtract 9mm (0.3") for 27.5 x 2.8" tires
  • Note: Where two measurements are listed, the first number is with Flip Chip in Low position; the second number is with Flip Chip in High position

Frame Specs

  • Design Wheel/Tire Sizes 29 x 1.9–2.6"
  • Alternate Wheel/Tire Sizes 27.5 x 2.8–3.0"
  • Suspension Fork Length (Travel) 140–160 mm
  • Fork Offset 42–51 mm
  • Rear Spacing 157 x 12 mm TA
  • Rear Axle Size 12 x 197 mm, TP = 1.75, TL = 20 mm
  • Headset - Upper ZS44
  • Headset - Lower ZS56
  • Rear Shock Size 210 x 52.5 mm
  • Shock Mount, Fore Ø8 x 30mm
  • Pivot Kit 1215, 1585, 1587, 1589, 1590, 1592, 1594
  • Seatpost 30.9 mm
  • Dropper Post Compatible Yes (internal)
  • Seatpost Clamp 35.4 mm
  • Max Post Insertion SM = 195 mm, MD = 220 mm, LG = 245 mm, XL = 270 mm
  • Front Derailleur Clamp N/A
  • Front Derailleur Type N/A
  • Derailluer Hanger FS2322
  • Bearings 17287 (Qty 4), 6801 (Qty 6)
  • Bottom Bracket 73 mm BSA, threaded
  • Crankset (Max Ring) Super Boost 157, 55–57 mm chainline (34t)
  • Accessory Mounts Top Tube Mounts: Compatible with Salsa EXP Series Direct Mount Top Tube Bag
  • Bottle Mounts 1

Supportive Documents

Support Document links

Additional Features

Split Pivot Rear Suspension

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 riders can swap control and shock links, in addition to the rear shock and fork, to switch travel to Cassidy’s 165 mm rear and 180 mm front capability. One frame, multiple bikes

Purpose-Tuned Suspension

The Blackthorn-specific control link and shock links optimize the frame geometry and kinematics for its suspension travel, delivering a well-rounded, balanced trail feel

Progressive Geometry

Blackthorn is long, low, and slack, with a dash of moderation to preserve pedaling performance. A 64.6-degree head tube angle and short-offset fork feel confident when descending loose, steep trails or blasting through rock gardens. A steep 76.5-degree seat tube angle and consistent cockpit sizing makes for a comfortable pedaling position, while the moderate bottom bracket height provides stability at speed without sacrificing pedaling performance in technical sections. The long front center provides stability in extreme terrain while the short 432 mm chainstays make for nimble handling in tight situations

Flip Chip 2.0

Integrated into the shock link mount, Flip Chip 2.0 allows simple, quick adjustments to bottom bracket height and head tube angle to account for the rider’s personal preference, terrain, or wheel size and tire diameter

EPS Carbon Main Triangle with Carbon Seatstays and Aluminum Chainstays

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

Top Tube Accessory Mounts

Top tube mounts accommodate K-Edge Top Tube Mount for bike computers or the Salsa EXP Series Direct Mount Top Tube Bag

Down Tube Three-Pack Mounts

Three-Pack mounts on down tube accommodate a large water bottle on the lower pair and a frame-mounted pump bracket on the upper pair

Integrated Repair Kit Location

Three-Pack mounts on down tube accommodate a large water bottle on the lower pair and a frame-mounted pump bracket on the upper pair

Accommodates a 26 oz Bottle

All Blackthorn sizes accept a standard 26 oz water bottle 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

Molded Frame Protection

Molded rubber down tube, seat tube, chainstay, and seatstay guards protect your frame from impacts and abrasion

Versatile Tire Fit

Spec’d as a 29er, Blackthorn is also capable of running 27.5 x 2.8-3.0" wheels and tires

Stealth Dropper Post Routing

Compatible with 30.9mm dropper posts for true trail bike performance

Remote Lockout Ready

Blackthorn comes equipped for remote lockout, with cable routing to the rear shock via a cable port on the drive side of the downtube that exits between the forward shock mounting plates.

FAQ

How do I convert my Blackthorn to a Cassidy?

Follow these instructions

Can I run a coil shock?

No, the leverage rate of the Blackthorn is optimized for the natural progressivity of air spring shocks. A coil shock will not produce enough end-stroke support at the rear wheel, leading to frequent and harsh bottom-outs that will likely result in frame damage. Fitting a coil shock to this frame voids the warranty.

Can I run a mullet setup on this bike?

Yes, for Blackthorn mullet setup requirements:

  • Minimum fork travel: 160 mm; minimum fork axle to crown: 573 mm
  • Minimum front tire size: 29 x 2.4"
  • Minimum rear size: 27.5 x 2.5"
  • Maximum crank arm length: 170 mm
  • Flip chip position must be set to high

How does the geometry change if I use a suspension fork with 150mm travel?

See the Blackthorn geometry chart for alternate fork size specs.

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.

Review Warranty Info