How to Choose Mountain Bikes
Salsa Blackthorn SLX Mountain Bike
$2,499.93Compared to $3,599.00* Save 30%
A capable climber that is stable and confident on rugged descents, the Salsa Blackthorn SLX mountain bike offers a well-balanced feel that will have you taking on serious topography with gusto.
Key Details
Wheel Size
29 inches
Fork Travel
160 millimeters
Number of Gears
12 gear(s)
- 6061-T6 aluminum frame
- Split Pivot+ suspension design features 140 mm of efficient travel that's fully active under braking and supportive throughout its stroke; paired with a 160 mm suspension fork
- 64.6° head tube angle provides confidence on descents
- Rear Flip Chip adjusts the head tube angle and bottom bracket height to accommodate varying terrain, wheel sizes and personal preference
- 76.5° seat tube angle with seat tube lengths optimized for longer dropper posts
- Super Boost 157 x 12 mm rear hub spacing allows for shorter chainstays (431–432 mm), more tire clearance, more chainring options and stiffer wheels
- Integrated strap location on frame for a tube or tool kit (not included)
- Clearance for up to 29 x 2.6 in. or 27.5 x 3.0 in. tires
- Pedals not included
- NOTE: Specs and images are subject to change based on component availability
Imported.
This bike comes with Coast to Coast Support, which includes:
New bikes go through a normal break-in period, after which they should be readjusted. All bicycles sold at REI include free adjustments for one year after purchase date—as many times as you need. Included: derailleur and brake adjustments, lateral wheel truing, hub and headset bearing adjustments, tire inflation and chain lubrication. Not included: replacement or installation of new components or accessories, any other services. Call your local REI Co-op Bike Shop for more information.
View the Salsa Blackthorn Product LineView all Salsa Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes- 1 year of free adjustments (see more below)
- In-store bike assembly
- Pickup in store or curbside
- Bike experts available at 170+ bike shops
- 20% off shop services
- Free tubes with purchase of flat tire repair (Co-op Cycles brand tubes only; tube must be installed at time of purchase)
New bikes go through a normal break-in period, after which they should be readjusted. All bicycles sold at REI include free adjustments for one year after purchase date—as many times as you need. Included: derailleur and brake adjustments, lateral wheel truing, hub and headset bearing adjustments, tire inflation and chain lubrication. Not included: replacement or installation of new components or accessories, any other services. Call your local REI Co-op Bike Shop for more information.
| Best Use | Mountain Biking |
|---|---|
| Frame | Blackthorn Alloy V1 |
| Mountain Bike Style | Trail |
| Bike Suspension | Full Suspension |
| Fork | RockShox Yari RC, 160 mm, 42 mm offset |
| Fork Travel | 160 millimeters |
| Rear Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ |
| Crankset | Shimano Deore M6130, 30T |
| Bottom Bracket | 73 mm BSA, threaded |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano SLX M7100 SGS |
| Rear Cogs | Shimano Deore M6100, 1051T, 12-speed |
| Number of Gears | 12 gear(s) |
| Brake Type | Hydraulic Disc Brake |
| Brakes | Shimano Deore M6120, 4-piston |
| Brake Levers | Shimano Deore M6120 |
| Rims | WTB ST i30 |
| Front Hub | 400-B 15 x 110 mm |
| Rear Hub | Shimano SLX M7130 12 x 157 mm |
| Wheel Size | 29 inches |
| Tires | Front: Maxxis Assegai 29 x 2.5 in.; rear: Maxxis Dissector 29 x 2.4 in.; Maxx Terra, EXO+, TR |
| Tire Width | 2.5 inches 2.4 inches |
| Handlebar Shape | Riser Bar |
| Handlebar | Race Face Chester 35 |
| Stem | Salsa Guide Trail 50 mm |
| Seat Post | TranzX YSI05, Shimano MT500 lever, 30 mm |
| Dropper Post | Yes |
| Saddle | WTB Volt 250 Steel, 250 x 135 |
| Pedals | Not included |
| Headset | FSA Orbit 1.5E NO.57E ACB, ZS44/ZS56 |
| Chain | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Weight | Unavailable |
| Gender | Unisex |
Salsa Bikes (199783)
| S | M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height Range | 165cm - 173cm | 173cm - 180cm | 180cm - 188cm | 188cm - UP |
| Reach | 448 / 451 | 469 / 472 | 490 / 493 | 510 / 514 |
| Stack | 611 / 609 | 615 / 613 | 624 / 622 | 633 / 630 |
| Effective Top Tube | 594 / 593 | 616 / 615 | 640 / 630 | 663 / 662 |
| Seat Tube Center-Top | 405 | 430 | 455 | 480 |
| Standover Height | 726 / 728 | 729 / 732 | 730 / 733 | 730 / 733 |
| Head Tube Length | 95 | 100 | 110 | 120 |
| Head Tube Angle (degrees) | 64.6 / 64.9 | 64.6 / 64.9 | 64.6 / 64.9 | 64.6 / 64.9 |
| Seat Tube Angle (degrees) | 76.5 / 76.8 | 76.5 / 76.8 | 76.5 / 76.8 | 76.5 / 76.8 |
| Bottom Bracket Height | 26 / 22 | 26 / 22 | 26 / 21 | 26 / 21 |
| Wheelbase | 1204 / 1204 | 1288 / 1227 | 1253 / 1252 | 1278 / 1278 |
| Chainstay | 432 / 431 | 432 / 431 | 432 / 431 | 432 / 431 |
| Fork Offset | 43 | 43 | 43 | 43 |
Sizing Notes
Measurements are stated in millimeters unless otherwise indicated.
Measurements based on:
- an unsprung bike (no sag)
- a 29 x 2.4" tire measuring 746mm in diameter
- Standover is measured from vertically from ground to top of top tube 50mm forward of bottom bracket,
subtract 9mm (0.3") for 27.5 x 2.8" tires
- Note: Where two measurements are listed, the first number is with Flip Chip in Low position; the second
number is with Flip Chip in High position
How we measure bikes
- Standover Height Standover Height is a measurement from the ground to the top of the top tube, measured at the midpoint of the top tube.
- Reach Reach is the horizontal distance from the center of the cranks to the center of the head tube, measured at head tube level.
- Stack Stack is the vertical distance from the center of the cranks to the center of the head tube, measured to the top of the head tube.
- Effective Top Tube Effective top tube is the distance from the center of the head tube to the center of the seat tube/seat post, measured parallel to the ground.
- Seat Tube Center to Top Seat Tube length is the measurement of the seat tube, from the center of the cranks to the top of the seat tube.
- Head Tube Length Head Tube Length is measured from the bottom to the top of the head tube.
- Head Tube Angle Head Tube Angle is the acute angle between the head tube and the ground (measured towards the rear of the bike)
- Seat Tube Angle Seat Tube Angle is the acute angle between the seat tube and the ground (measured towards the rear of the bike).
- Bottom Bracket Height Bottom Bracket Height is a measurement taken vertically from the ground up to the center of the cranks.
- Wheelbase Wheelbase is the measurement from the center of the front axle to the center of the rear axle.
- Chainstay Length Chainstay Length is the measurement from the center of the cranks to the center of the rear axle.
- Fork Offset Fork Offset, or rake, is the distance from the front axle to a line drawn parallel to the center of the head tube or steering axis.
Buying Advice
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Jacob Lau
Bentonville AR
lots of fun
1 year ago
The geometry of this bike makes its very fun. With a long front end for high end stability with a short chain stay length so it’s still very playful. I’m 6ft and went with a medium, as the 460-470mm reach is my preferred number. The 160f 140r travel is awesome for most conditions. The split pivot rear end makes that 140 supple and smooth, feeling closer to 145-150mm of travel. It is a heavy bike and does bob on the climbs, but makes up for it in the descents. Really awesome this can be converted to the Cassidy if more travel is desired.
Age:25–34
Weight:225–250 lbs.
Inseam:34"
Height:6'0"
Experience Level:Experienced
Riding Frequency:Daily
Yes , I recommend this product
Aaron G
Missoula, MT
Great Bike
4 months ago
Been riding this guy for the past month and it's been fantastic on all sorts of trails. Did some looking around before buying, and this seems like great value for the price/
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Experience Level:Experienced
Riding Frequency:Once per week