Salsa Blackthorn

Three YouTube videos led by experts were the secret sauce to grasping all the vital aspects of the Salsa Blackthorn like a pro. These insights paint a picture of the Salsa Blackthorn as a capable and versatile trail bike, ideal for riders looking for a bike that offers both fun and reliability on rugged trails. I’ll break it down step by step for you.

Weight Matters
The Salsa Blackthorn doesn’t shy away from a bit of heft, weighing in at 33.62 pounds. It’s not aiming to be the featherweight champion in its category, but this weight contributes to its solid, sturdy build.

Front Travel: Ready to Soar
Featuring a substantial 160 millimeters of front suspension travel, the Salsa Blackthorn ensures your rides are comfortable and efficient, no matter the terrain. The RockShox Lyrik Fork at the front end of the bike further enhances your experience by providing ample front travel to handle technical terrains effectively.

Rear Travel: Smooth as Butter
The rear suspension on the Blackthorn offers between 140mm to 160mm of travel through a split pivot design. This range ensures you have ample suspension to conquer even the most demanding trails. The Fox Float X rear suspension guarantees a smooth and controlled ride, absorbing bumps and delivering a comfortable experience on challenging terrain.

Pedaling Efficiency: Conquer Climbs and More
Thanks to its split pivot design, the Salsa Blackthorn maintains excellent pedaling efficiency while offering impressive bump compliance. It strikes a perfect balance, making it suitable for both climbs and undulating terrain. Even with the suspension not locked out, the bike preserves your momentum, making climbs manageable without sacrificing efficiency.

Handling: Your Steady Companion
With a head tube angle of 64.6 degrees in the low setting and a chainstay length of 432 millimeters, the Blackthorn’s handling is optimized for stability. It maintains a steady and composed demeanor, favoring a consistent pace and demonstrating descending prowess without being overly playful. The full suspension setup ensures a stable and smooth handling experience, boosting your confidence and speed across various trail conditions.

Frame Stiffness: The Backbone of Confidence
Crafted with EPS molded carbon, the Blackthorn’s frame is renowned for its strength and efficiency. Salsa’s design prioritizes robustness and stiffness, offering stability and control even when tackling rocky and root-filled sections. Your ride remains smooth and predictable, allowing you to focus on the thrill of the trail.

Overall Notes: A Well-Rounded Performer
In summary, the Salsa Blackthorn emerges as a well-balanced and versatile mountain bike that caters to riders seeking a blend of trail and enduro capabilities. Its well-rounded package, complete with ample suspension, ensures a smooth and fast ride over challenging terrain. Salsa’s Blackthorn is a top choice for those who crave the high-performance, full-suspension mountain bike experience.

Curious to see how the Salsa Blackthorn bike compares to others? Explore our comprehensive guides for an in-depth analysis of top-quality bicycles designed to meet various cycling requirements and preferences. Inside these guides, you’ll encounter a diverse array of excellent options tailored to your liking, along with helpful resources to support you in making a well-informed decision.

Best Downhill Bikes
Best Enduro Bikes

Now that we’ve unraveled the secrets of the Salsa Blackthorn, it’s your turn! We’re eager to hear your opinion on the Salsa Blackthorn. Leave a review and enlighten us!

John