NEW Salsa Blackthorn 145 C All-Mountain Frame - Carbon, Black / Graphite Gray - 210000074792

NEW Salsa Blackthorn 145 C All-Mountain Frame - Carbon, Black / Graphite Gray - 210000074792

Blackthorn is Salsa’s 140 mm all-mountain 29er, built for riding any trail anywhere with confidence. It’s a well-balanced bike that takes on serious topography with gusto. Blackthorn is stable and confident on rugged descents and is a stunningly capable climber. With Split Pivot suspension dialed for maximum traction and pedaling efficiency, Blackthorn has the chops to ride all-mountain, all-out, all day.

Features                    

• Carbon fiber frame and seatstays with 6061-T6 aluminum chain stays for durability
• Split Pivot + suspension design features 140 mm of efficient travel that’s fully active under braking and supportive throughout its stroke
• Rear Flip chip adjusts the head tube angle and bottom bracket height to accommodate varying terrain, wheel sizes, and personal preference
• Integrated strap location on frame for tube or tool kit
• A long top tube and 64.6-degree head tube angle provides descending confidence
• 76.5-degree seat tube angle with seat tube lengths optimized for longer dropper posts
• Super Boost 157 x 12mm rear hub spacing allows for shorter chainstays (431­–432 mm), more tire clearance, more chainring options, and stiffer wheels
• Clearance for up to 29 x 2.6" or 27.5 x 3.0" tires

What our Experts Think  

• Modern carbon all-mountain frameset designed for aggressive trail riding, enduro-style descents, and big backcountry adventures.
• Lightweight carbon construction reduces overall build weight while maintaining high stiffness and trail durability.
• 145mm rear travel platform balances efficient climbing with confident, controlled descending on technical terrain.
• 29" wheel compatibility enhances rollover speed, stability, and momentum on rough, high-speed trails.
• Progressive geometry improves control on steep descents while staying responsive in tight singletrack sections.
• Built for modern long-travel trail builds where versatility and descending capability are equally important.
• Multiple mounting points support bikepacking and adventure-oriented configurations for extended backcountry use.
• “Black / Graphite Gray” finish delivers a clean, premium aesthetic suited to high-performance builds.

                 
Q&A

Q: What is the Salsa Cycles Blackthorn 145 C Frame designed for?
A: The Blackthorn 145 C is a carbon all-mountain full-suspension frame built for aggressive trail riding, technical descents, and long backcountry adventures.

Q: What material is the frame made from?
A: It uses carbon fiber construction for a lightweight yet stiff platform, improving climbing efficiency while maintaining control on rough terrain.

Q: How much suspension travel does it have?
A: It is designed around 145mm of rear suspension travel, typically paired with a mid- to long-travel trail fork for balanced climbing and descending performance.

Q: What wheel size does it use?
A: It is built around 29” wheels for improved rollover ability, stability, and speed on technical singletrack and varied terrain.

Q: What makes the Blackthorn 145 different from XC or lighter trail frames?
A: It prioritizes descending capability, stability, and rough-trail confidence over pure climbing speed, making it more capable in technical terrain than XC-focused frames.

Q: Is it suitable for bikepacking?
A: Yes. It includes mounting options for bottles and gear, making it suitable for lightweight bikepacking and extended backcountry trail rides.

Q: What drivetrain compatibility does it offer?
A: It supports modern wide-range 1x drivetrains designed for steep climbs, technical terrain, and durable trail performance.

Q: What terrain is it best for?
A: It excels on technical singletrack, rocky descents, steep climbs, and long mixed-terrain backcountry routes.

Q: Who is this frame best for?
A: Riders who want a modern carbon full-suspension platform for aggressive trail riding, enduro-leaning adventures, and all-day mountain exploration.

                   
Maintenance Tips  

• Clean carbon frame, linkage, and pivot areas after trail rides to remove dirt, mud, and grit buildup.

• Inspect carbon frame regularly for cracks, chips, or impact damage, especially around joints and high-stress zones.

• Use correct torque settings on all bolts and clamps to avoid damaging carbon structure.

• Service suspension linkage pivots and bearings at recommended intervals for smooth rear travel performance.

• Check shock mounting hardware and pivot bolts for tightness before rides.

• Keep cable routing areas clean to prevent abrasion and contamination.

• Inspect drivetrain regularly for wear and maintain proper lubrication for trail conditions.

• Check hydraulic brakes for pad wear, rotor cleanliness, and consistent stopping power.

• Store indoors in a dry, temperature-stable environment away from direct heat or sunlight.

• Perform routine pre-ride checks of suspension, brakes, tires, and cockpit security.