Salsa Blackthorn Carbon XT

For an all-mountain bike with an adventurous side, Blackthorn C XT is the ticket. We designed the stiff carbon fiber frame around progressive geometry that feels planted on descents and climbs. We paired Blackthorn XT's 160 mm Fox Float 36 Performance Elite GRIP2 fork with a 140 mm Fox Float X Performance Elite shock that runs on our Split Pivot suspension platform for excellent small-bump compliance and support. A padded tube strap spot, top tube mount, and bottle mount allow for pack-free riding or extending your range.

The Shimano XT 1 x 12 drivetrain and four-piston brakes keep you in control through testing terrain. Blackthorn C XT is a brilliant all-mountain bike equipped for a wide variety of singletrack adventures.

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.

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.

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.