Cassidy C XT
Cassidy C XT
Cassidy C XT is a well-balanced carbon enduro bike. The stiff frame helps you hold your line through treacherous terrain, while Fox’s Float X2 Performance shock and Float 38 Performance Elite GRIP2 soften the trail with 165 mm rear and 180 mm front travel. Progressive trail geometry and our Split Pivot suspension design keep your tires planted both down and up the mountain. On-bike cargo features such as a padded tube strap spot, top tube mount, and full-size bottle clearance support extra laps or longer days out, making Cassidy ideal for enduro adventures. Shimano’s XT 1 x 12 components bring smooth shifting, wide range, and four-piston brakes to take it all to the next level. Time to start adding trails to your “must-ride” list.
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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
-
Split Pivot +
View More- Multiple travel classes in one chassis provides riders with the opportunity to adapt their bikes to various adventures
-
Flip Chip
View More- Provides the ability to alternate wheel and tire sizes
- Riders can adjust for their terrain, or desired handling characteristics
-
Suspension Kinematics
View More- Lively, responsive ride feel with good bottom-out resistance
- Free, active, and uniform suspension feel under braking
- Efficient pedaling, stellar climbing traction, supple small-bump performance
- Tunable for all riders
-
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.
-
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
Product Details
Build Kit
Frameset
Frame
Cassidy Carbon V1
Color
Red
Suspension Fork
Fox Float 38 Performance Elite GRIP2, 180 mm, 44 mm offset
Rear Shock
Fox Float X2 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 SL, 250 x 135
Handlebar
Race Face Turbine R 35
Drivetrain
Front Derailleur
N/A
Rear Derailleur
Shimano XT M8100 SGS
Cassette
Shimano SLX M7100, 10–51t, 12-speed
Chain
Shimano SLX M7100
Crankset
Shimano XT M8130, 30t
Shifter
Shimano XT M8100
Brake Calipers
Shimano SLX M7120 four-piston
Rotors
Shimano RT64, Center Lock (203 mm)
Wheels
Front Wheel
Shimano XT M8110 15 x 110 mm hub, WTB KOM Tough i30 29" rim
Rear Wheel
Shimano XT M8130 12 x 157 mm hub, WTB KOM Tough i30 29" rim
Front Tire
Maxxis Assegai 29 x 2.5", Maxx Grip, DD, TR
Rear Tire
Maxxis Dissector 29 x 2.4", Maxx Grip, DD, TR
Weight
Complete Bike
35 lbs 7 oz for Medium
Geometry

Size | Small | Medium | Large | X-Large |
---|---|---|---|---|
A. Effective Top Tube | 596.0- 595.0 | 619.0- 618.0 | 642.0- 641.0 | 665.0- 664.0 |
B. Stand Over | 737.0- 740.0 | 740.0- 743.0 | 741.0- 744.0 | 741.0- 744.0 |
C. Reach | 439.0- 443.0 | 460.0- 463.0 | 481.0- 484.0 | 502.0- 505.0 |
D. Stack | 617.0- 615.0 | 622.0- 619.0 | 631.0- 628.0 | 640.0- 637.0 |
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 |
63.8 -
64.1
|
63.8 -
64.1
|
63.8 -
64.1
|
63.8 -
64.1
|
H. Seat Tube Angle |
75.7 -
76.0
|
75.7 -
76.0
|
75.7 -
76.0
|
75.7 -
76.0
|
I. BB Drop | 19.0- 15.0 | 19.0- 15.0 | 19.0- 15.0 | 19.0- 15.0 |
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 | 589.0 | 589.0 | 589.0 | 589.0 |
M. Fork Offset | 43.0 | 43.0 | 43.0 | 43.0 |
N. Wheelbase | 1213.0- 1212.0 | 1236.0- 1235.0 | 1262.0- 1261.0 | 1287.0- 1286.0 |
Crank Arm Length | 165.0 | 165.0 | 170.0 | 170.0 |
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) 170–180 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 230 x 62.5 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
- Bicycle Owner's Manual
- ASTM 4 Framesheet
- Gen 4 Split Pivot Suspension Setup
- Main Pivot Instructions
- Control Link Pivot Instructions
- Rear Axle Pivots and Hanger Instructions
- Link Bolt Instructions
- Shock Mount Hardware Instructions
- Flip Chip 2.0 Shock Mount Hardware
- Blackthorn / Cassidy Conversions
- Cable Port Frame Plug Instructions
- ASTM Riding Conditions Classifications
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 Cassidy riders can swap control and shock links, in addition to the rear shock and fork, to switch travel to Blackthorn’s 140 mm rear and 160 mm front capability. One frame, multiple bikes
Progressive Leverage Rate
Progressive from start to finish, Cassidy’s leverage rate is tuned for speed. It delivers supple small-bump action early for a smooth ride at high speed; a consistent and supportive feel through the mid-stroke for popping, pumping, and holding up to high-G corners; and continued progression through the end-stroke to provide plenty of support for big hits and recovering from poor line choices
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
6061-T6 Aluminum Frame
Top-shelf, double and triple-butted, heat-treated 6061-T6 aluminum tubing is strategically shaped and formed for additional stiffness and strength optimization in key stress areas
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
Located in front of the rear shock in the front triangle, we provide a dedicated place for a small repair kit, tube, or bag of gummies. No more loading up your pockets or strapping the essentials to random spots on the frame and damaging the frame finish. Carbon frames feature an integrated reinforced slot and frame protection. Aluminum frames feature a machined strap slot. The slot is sized to accommodate most ¾"- to 1"-wide straps. A Salsa Tube Strap is included with each frame (the Salsa Tube Strap is for use with tubes only)
Accommodates a 26 oz Bottle
Located in front of the rear shock in the front triangle, we provide a dedicated place for a small repair kit, tube, or bag of gummies. No more loading up your pockets or strapping the essentials to random spots on the frame and damaging the frame finish. Carbon frames feature an integrated reinforced slot and frame protection. Aluminum frames feature a machined strap slot. The slot is sized to accommodate most ¾"- to 1"-wide straps. A Salsa Tube Strap is included with each frame (the Salsa Tube Strap is for use with tubes only)
Stealth Dropper Post Routing
Compatible with 30.9mm dropper posts for true trail bike performance
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 with a 29 x 2.5" tire up front and a 29 x 2.4" in the rear, Cassidy is also capable of running up to 29 x 2.6" or 27.5 x 2.8-3.0" wheels and tires
Chain Guide-Compatible
Cassidy frames features ISCG-05 mounts for chain guides (removable on carbon frames)
Remote Lockout Ready
Cassidy C comes equipped for remote lockout, with cable routing to the rear shock via a guided port on the drive side of the downtube that exits under the forward shock mount.
FAQ
How do I convert my Cassidy to a Blackthorn?
Follow these instructions
Can I run a coil shock?
No, the leverage rate of the Cassidy 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 Cassidy mullet setup requirements:
- Minimum fork travel: 180 mm; minimum fork axle to crown: 596 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
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.