BLACKTHORN SLX

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 

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 (Salsa Tube Straps are for use with tubes only)

LocationAccommodates 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

Chain Guide-Compatible

Blackthorn frames features 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

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. If adding remote lockout, use a double-width frame plug on the downtube and a single-width frame plug at the forward shock mount. These are available in the Salsa Thick Frame Plugs for Internal Cable Routing kit (QBP part #FS2366).

FRAMESET

Frame Blackthorn Carbon V1

Color Raw Carbon

Rear Shock Fox Float X Factory

Seat Post Collar Salsa Lip-Lock Seatpost Collar, 35.4 mm

Rear Thru-Axle Salsa Deadbolt UL thru axle, 12 x 197 L, 1.75 tp, 20 tl

COMPONENTS

Headset (Upper/Lower)Cane Creek 40 Series (ZS44/ZS56)

WEIGHT

Frame Weight 7 lbs 2 oz for Medium (with shock, axle, headset, and seat collar)

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 Shock Size 210 x 52.5 mm

Shock Mount, ForeØ8 x 30mm

Shock Mount, Aft No Bushing, Ø15

Pivot Kit(s)1215, 1585, 1587, 1589, 1590, 1592, 1594

Bearings 17287 (Qty 4), 6801 (Qty 6)

Headset, Upper ZS44

Headset, Lower ZS56

Seatpost 30.9 mm

Max Post Insertion SM = 195 mm, MD = 220 mm, LG = 245 mm, XL = 270 mm

Seatpost Collar 35.4 mm

Dropper Compatible (Routing)Yes (internal)

Front Derailleur Clamp N/A

Front Derailleur Type N/A

Bottom Bracket 73 mm BSA, threaded

Crankset (Max Ring) Super Boost 157, 55–57 mm chainline (34t)

Rear Brake (Rotor)74 mm post mount (180–203 mm)

Rear Spacing 157 x 12 mm TA

Rear Axle Size12 x 197 mm, TP = 1.75, TL = 20 mm

Derailleur Hanger FS2322

Front Triangle Bottle Mounts1

Top Tube Mounts Yes, compatible with Salsa EXP Series Direct Mount Top Tube Bag.

SM - 160mm Fork

A. Effective Top Tube 594 / 593

B. Stand Over 726 / 728

C. Reach 448 / 451

D. Stack 611 / 609

E. Total Seat Tube Length 405

F. Headtube Length 95

G. Headtube Angle 64.6 / 64.9

H. Seat Tube Angle 76.5 / 76.8

I. BB Drop26 / 22

K. Chainstay Length 432 / 431

L. Fork Length Axle to Crown 569

M. Fork Offset 43

N. Wheelbase 1204 / 1204

Crank Arm Length 170

Handlebar Width -see build kit

Recommended Rider Height 165cm–173cm

Stem Length 50

MD - 160mm Fork

A. Effective Top Tube 616 / 615

B. Stand Over 729 / 732

C. Reach 469 / 472

D. Stack 615 / 613

E. Total Seat Tube Length 430

F. Headtube Length 100

G. Headtube Angle 64.6 / 64.9

H. Seat Tube Angle 76.5 / 76.8

I. BB Drop 26 / 22

K. Chainstay Length 432 / 431

L. Fork Length Axle to Crown 569

M. Fork Offset 43

N. Wheelbase 1228 / 1227

Crank Arm Length 170

Handlebar Width -see build kit

Recommended Rider Height 173cm–180cm

Stem Length 50

LG - 160mm Fork

A. Effective Top Tube 640 / 639

B. Stand Over 730 / 733

C. Reach 490 / 493

D. Stack 624 / 622

E. Total Seat Tube Length 455

F. Headtube Length 110

G. Headtube Angle 64.6 / 64.9

H. Seat Tube Angle 76.5 / 76.8

I. BB Drop 26 / 21

K. Chainstay Length 432 / 431

L. Fork Length Axle to Crown 569

M. Fork Offset 43

N. Wheelbase 1253 / 1252

Crank Arm Length 175

Handlebar Width -see build kit

Recommended Rider Height 180cm–188cm

Stem Length 50

XL - 160mm Fork

A. Effective Top Tube 663 / 662

B. Stand Over 730 / 733

C. Reach 510 / 514

D. Stack 633 / 630

E. Total Seat Tube Length 480

F. Headtube Length 120

G. Headtube Angle 64.6 / 64.9

H. Seat Tube Angle 76.5 / 76.8

I. BB Drop 26 / 21

K. Chainstay Length 432 / 431

L. Fork Length Axle to Crown 569

M. Fork Offset 43

N. Wheelbase 1278 / 1278

Crank Arm Length 175

Handlebar Width -see build kit

Recommended Rider Height 188cm–UP

Stem Length 50

SM - 150mm Fork

A. Effective Top Tube 593 / 592

B. Stand Over 720 / 723

C. Reach 452 / 456

D. Stack 608 / 605

E. Total Seat Tube Length 405

F. Headtube Length 95

G. Headtube Angle 65.0 / 65.3

H. Seat Tube Angle 76.9 / 77.2

I. BB Drop 29 / 25

K. Chainstay Length 17.0 / 17.0

L. Fork Length Axle to Crown 559

M. Fork Offset 43

N. Wheelbase 1200 / 1200 

Crank Arm Length 170

Handlebar Width -see build kit

Recommended Rider Height 

Stem Length 50

MD - 150mm Fork

A. Effective Top Tube 615 / 614

B. Stand Over 724 / 727

C. Reach 473 / 476

D. Stack 612 / 609

E. Total Seat Tube Length 430

F. Headtube Length 100

G. Headtube Angle 65.0 / 65.3

H. Seat Tube Angle 76.9 / 77.2

I. BB Drop 29 / 25

K. Chainstay Length 432 / 431

L. Fork Length Axle to Crown 559

M. Fork Offset 43

N. Wheelbase 1223 / 1223

Crank Arm Length 170

Handlebar Width -see build kit

Recommended Rider Height 173cm–180cm

Stem Length 50

LG - 150mm Fork

A. Effective Top Tube 639 / 638

B. Stand Over 725 / 728 

C. Reach 494 / 497

D. Stack 621 / 618

E. Total Seat Tube Length 455

F. Headtube Length 110

G. Headtube Angle 65.0 / 65.3

H. Seat Tube Angle 76.9 / 77.2

I. BB Drop 29 / 25

K. Chainstay Length 432 / 431

L. Fork Length Axle to Crown 559

M. Fork Offset 43

N. Wheelbase 1249/ 1248

Crank Arm Length 175

Handlebar Width -see build kit

Recommended Rider Height 180cm–188cm

Stem Length 50

XL - 150mm Fork

A. Effective Top Tube 662 / 661

B. Stand Over 725 / 728

C. Reach 515 / 518

D. Stack 629 / 627

E. Total Seat Tube Length 480

F. Headtube Length 120

G. Headtube Angle 65.0 / 65.3

H. Seat Tube Angle 76.9 / 77.2

I. BB Drop 29 / 25

K. Chainstay Length 432 / 431

L. Fork Length Axle to Crown 559

M. Fork Offset 43

N. Wheelbase 1274 / 1274

Crank Arm Length 175

Handlebar Width -see build kit

Recommended Rider Height 

Stem Length 50

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