NEW Salsa Blackthorn 145 Eagle 70 Transmission Full Suspension All-Mountain Bike - 29", Aluminum, Black Spruce - 210000074739
Blackthorn 145 is Salsa’s All-Mountain Bike. It’s a rugged rig that’s ready for backcountry trails and rowdy lines. It’s most at home on the steep and techy terrain — both up and down the mountain. Built to be capable, confident, and cargo-friendly without being a handful, Blackthorn 145 brings the fun to big days on the trail.
Features
- 6061-T6 aluminum frame
- Split Pivot suspension design features 145mm of efficient travel that’s fully active under braking and supportive throughout its stroke, paired with a 160mm suspension fork
- Split Pivot + design philosophy lets riders switch travel class to the 125mm rear/140mm front travel found on Blackthorn 125 by swapping out shock link, shock, and fork
- 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 and multitool
- Fits two bottles on all sizes
- Top tube mounts for use with top tube bags or K-Edge computer mounts
- Clearance for up to 29 x 2.5" tires
- Compatible with mixed wheel sizes
- Compatible with most coil shocks
- Molded frame protection
Specifications
- Frame: Blackthorn 145 Aluminum
- Fork: RockShox Lyrik, 44mm offset, 160mm
- Rear Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select+, 2P, 210 x 55mm
- Color: Black Spruce
- Crankset: SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission, 30t, single guard
- Front Derailleur: MRP 1x iO SL chainguide
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission
- Cassette: SRAM XS-1270 Transmission, 10–52t, 12-speed
- Chain: SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission Flattop
- Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB MTB Wide, BSA
- Grips / Bar Tape: WTB Wavelength lock-on
- Handlebar: Alloy, 35.0mm
- Stem: Salsa Guide 35.0
- Headset: FSA Orbit 1.5E ZS NO.57E
- Shifter: SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission
- Brakes & Rotors: SRAM Maven Levers/ Maven 4-piston Calipers, SRAM CenterLine 2.0 Rotors (6-bolt, 200mm front and rear)
- Saddle: WTB Solano Steel Hybrid Fusion, medium
- Seatpost: TranzX YSI-05 adjustable-travel dropper w/ GL Matchmaker X lever
- Front Wheel: WTB Frequency 3X 15 x 110mm hub, WTB ST Tough i30 TCS, 32h, 29" rim
- Rear Wheel: WTB Frequency 3X 12 x 148mm hub, WTB ST Tough i30 TCS, 32h, 29" rim
- Tires: Front: Teravail Kessel 29 x 2.5", 60 TPI Durable casing, Grip Plus compound / Rear: Teravail Kessel 29 x 2.5", 120 TPI Durable Plus casing, Grip Plus compound
- Tubeless Accessories: WTB TCS valve and sealant included
- Pedals: not included
What our Experts Think
- Modern all-mountain full-suspension bike designed for aggressive trail riding, enduro-style descents, and big backcountry rides.
- Aluminum frame delivers durability and strength with a balanced weight for demanding terrain.
- 145mm rear travel platform offers a strong blend of climbing efficiency and downhill capability.
- 29" wheels enhance rollover speed, stability, and confidence on technical, rough, and high-speed trails.
- SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission drivetrain provides precise, under-load shifting with wide-range gearing for steep climbs and fast descents.
- Progressive geometry improves control on steep terrain while maintaining composure at speed.
- Built for modern trail systems where versatility, durability, and descending confidence are essential.
- “Black Spruce” finish gives it a clean, natural-inspired aesthetic suited to rugged outdoor performance.
Q&A
Q: What is the Salsa Blackthorn 145 designed for?
A: The Salsa Cycles Blackthorn 145 is a full-suspension all-mountain bike built for aggressive trail riding, technical descents, and long backcountry adventures.
Q: What type of suspension travel does it have?
A: It features 145mm of rear travel paired with a modern trail fork (typically ~150–160mm), balancing climbing efficiency with confident downhill performance.
Q: What drivetrain does this build use?
A: It comes equipped with a SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission system, offering wide-range gearing, precise shifting under load, and high durability for demanding trail use.
Q: What material is the frame made from?
A: The frame is constructed from aluminum alloy, designed for strength, stiffness, and durability while keeping weight manageable for trail riding.
Q: What wheel size does it use?
A: It is built around 29” wheels, providing excellent rollover ability, stability, and speed on technical singletrack and rough terrain.
Q: What makes the Blackthorn 145 different from an XC bike?
A: It prioritizes descending control, suspension performance, and trail stability over pure climbing speed, making it better suited for aggressive all-mountain riding.
Q: Is it suitable for bikepacking?
A: Yes. It includes frame mounting options that support bikepacking setups, making it capable of multi-day backcountry trail adventures.
Q: What terrain is it best for?
A: It performs best on technical singletrack, rocky descents, steep climbs, and mixed alpine or backcountry trails.
Q: Who is this bike best for?
A: Riders who want a capable aluminum full-suspension mountain bike for challenging trails, enduro-style riding, and extended off-road adventures.
Maintenance Tips
Damage 
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