2023 Salsa Blackthorn SLX

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Overview

About this bike

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.

Specifications

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