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.
Damage 
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