Details
Blackthorn SLX is all-mountain with a side of adventure. The stiff and durable aluminum frame uses our progressive trail geometry for a ride feel that's equal parts downhill ripper and stable climber. The Split Pivot suspension design builds on those qualities with supple-to-supportive travel linked to a 140 mm RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock. Paired with a 160 mm RockShox Yari RC fork, Blackthorn has the chops for those rugged lines you've been eyeing. On-bike cargo features like the integrated down tube strap, top tube mounts, and a bottle mount let you keep the ride essentials on your bike rather than your back.
Shimano's SLX componentry means a smooth-shifting 1 x 12 wide-range drivetrain, while the four-piston brakes offer all the stopping power you'll need. Blackthorn is a clever and capable rig that brings a lot to the all-mountain table.
KEY 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.
SPLIT PIVOT +
Split Pivot + is our suspension development philosophy that allows riders to swap suspension travel within a single chassis.
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
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 3/4"- to 1"-wide straps. A Salsa Tube Strap is included with each frame (Salsa Tube Straps are for use with tubes only)
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.
Chain Guide-Compatible
Blackthorn frames feature ISCG-05 mounts for chain guides (removable on carbon frames).
Stealth Dropper Post Routing
Compatible with 30.9mm dropper posts for true trail bike performance.
MULLET BUILD COMPATIBILITY
Mullet build compatibility lets riders run a 29" wheel in the front and a 27.5" wheel in the back with minimal impacts to geometry.
Size | SM - 160mm Fork | MD - 160mm Fork | LG - 160mm Fork | XL - 160mm Fork | SM - 150mm Fork | MD - 150mm Fork | LG - 150mm Fork |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A. Effective Top Tube (mm) | 594 / 593 | 616 / 615 | 640 / 639 | 663 / 662 | 593 / 592 | 615 / 614 | 639 / 638 |
B. Stand Over (mm) | 726 / 728 | 729 / 732 | 730 / 733 | 730 / 733 | 720 / 723 | 724 / 727 | 725 / 728 |
C. Reach (mm) | 448 / 451 | 469 / 472 | 490 / 493 | 510 / 514 | 452 / 456 | 473 / 476 | 494 / 497 |
D. Stack (mm) | 611 / 609 | 615 / 613 | 624 / 622 | 633 / 630 | 608 / 605 | 612 / 609 | 621 / 618 |
E. Total Seat Tube Length (mm) | 405 | 430 | 455 | 480 | 405 | 430 | 455 |
F. Headtube Length (mm) | 95 | 100 | 110 | 120 | 95 | 100 | 110 |
G. Headtube Angle | 64.6 / 64.9 | 64.6 / 64.9 | 64.6 / 64.9 | 64.6 / 64.9 | 65.0 / 65.3 | 65.0 / 65.3 | 65.0 / 65.3 |
H. Seat Tube Angle | 76.5 / 76.8 | 76.5 / 76.8 | 76.5 / 76.8 | 76.5 / 76.8 | 76.9 / 77.2 | 76.9 / 77.2 | 76.9 / 77.2 |
I. BB Drop (mm) | 26 / 22 | 26 / 22 | 26 / 21 | 26 / 21 | 29 / 25 | 29 / 25 | 29 / 25 |
K. Chainstay Length (mm) | 432 / 431 | 432 / 431 | 432 / 431 | 432 / 431 | 17.0 / 17.0 | 432 / 431 | 432 / 431 |
L. Fork Length Axle to Crown (mm) | 569 | 569 | 569 | 569 | 559 | 559 | 559 |
M. Fork Offset (mm) | 43 | 43 | 43 | 43 | 43 | 43 | 43 |
N. Wheelbase (mm) | 1204 / 1204 | 1228 / 1227 | 1253 / 1252 | 1278 / 1278 | 1200 / 1200 | 1223 / 1223 | 1249/ 1248 |
Crank Arm Length (mm) | 170 | 170 | 170 | 175 | 170 | 170 | 170 |
Handlebar Width (mm) | 760 | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 |
Stem Length (mm) | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
Size | Height (cm) |
---|---|
Small | 165 – 173 |
Medium | 173 – 180 |
Large | 180 – 188 |
X-Large | 188 – UP |
Specs
Fork | RockShox Yari RC, 160 mm, 42 mm offset |
---|---|
Stem | Salsa Guide Trail 50 mm |
Chain | Shimano Deore M6100 |
Frame | Blackthorn Alloy V1 |
Tires | Maxxis Assegai 29 x 2.5" front, Maxxis Dissector 29 x 2.4" rear, Maxx Terra, EXO+, TR |
Brakes | Shimano Deore M6120 four-piston |
Rotors | Shimano RT64, Center Lock (203 mm front, 180 mm rear) |
Saddle | WTB Volt 250 Steel, 250 x 135 |
Wheels | F: Shimano MT400-B 15 x 110 mm hub, WTB ST i30 29" rim | R: Shimano SLX M7130 12 x 157 mm hub, WTB ST i30 29" rim |
Crankset | Shimano Deore M6130, 30t |
Seatpost | TranzX YSI05, Shimano MT500 lever, 30 mm travel adj |
Shifters | Shimano Deore M6100 |
Handlebars | Race Face Chester 35 |
Rear Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ |
Tape/Grips | Salsa File Tread Lock-on |
Rear Derailleur | Shimano SLX M7100 SGS |
Cassette/Freewheel | Shimano Deore M6100, 10–51t, 12-speed |
* Subject to change without notice.
Part Numbers
Option | UPC | MPN |
---|---|---|
Mustard / Small / 29-inch | 657993314142 | BK5567 |
Mustard / Medium / 29-inch | 657993314166 | BK5568 |
Mustard / Large / 29-inch | 657993314180 | BK5569 |
Mustard / X-Large / 29-inch | 657993314203 | BK5570 |