FOR THE LOVE OF DIRT
Take On Any Trail
Blackthorn is Salsa’s all-mountain 29er with 140 mm rear and 160 mm front travel. Designed for riding any trail, anywhere, Blackthorn is a well-balanced bike built to excel on rugged descents, technical climbs, and everything in between with confidence.
Meet Our New Mountain Bikes
Salsa’s Most Progressive Geometry
Blackthorn’s long front-center provides stability at speed while short chainstays keep it nimble in tight terrain. A moderate bottom bracket height balances stability with pedaling ability in technical terrain. Steep seat tube angles and a consistent cockpit length across all sizes preserves proper fit and pedaling position.
Outfitted for Everything
Blackthorn is loaded with thoughtful storage, featuring mounts for a Salsa EXP Series Direct-Mount Top Tube Bag or K-Edge Top Tube Computer Mount, an integrated strap location on the shock mount for a spare tube, and room on the downtube for a full-size bottle and pump. Frame protection in key areas defends against trail damage.
Split Pivot Suspension System
Split Pivot isolates pedaling forces and braking forces from each other, allowing Salsa’s engineers to tune and optimize 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. Blackthorn’s suspension is tuned for a well-rounded, balanced trail feel.
Split Pivot+ Frame Design Approach
Salsa’s new Split Pivot+ design philosophy results in a frame with adaptable geometry and suspension travel. Changing suspension travel on Blackthorn involves swapping the rear shock and link set, and reducing the fork's travel. We currently offer a link set to convert Blackthorn to 165 mm rear travel, the same as Salsa’s Cassidy enduro bike.