Salsa NEW 2023 Salsa Blackthorn Deore - Aluminum All-Mountain Bike, 29", Dark Gray - 210000051863

Salsa NEW 2023 Salsa Blackthorn Deore - Aluminum All-Mountain Bike, 29", Dark Gray - 210000051863

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

• 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
• 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 short stem, 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

Specifications

What our Experts Think

• Built for the Mountains: The 2023 Salsa Blackthorn Deore is a rugged all-mountain machine, designed for aggressive trail riding with a durable aluminum frame and balanced geometry for stability and control on steep descents and technical climbs.

• Confidence-Inspiring Geometry: With a slack 64.6° head tube angle and a steep 76.5° seat tube angle, it delivers both downhill confidence and climbing efficiency—perfect for riders tackling varied terrain.

• Tunable Ride Feel: The integrated Flip Chip 2.0 system lets you easily adjust geometry for a lower bottom bracket and slacker head angle, giving you more control on gnarly terrain or a tighter feel for climbing and pedaling.

• Reliable Drivetrain: Outfitted with a 12-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain, it delivers crisp, consistent shifting and a wide gear range to conquer steep climbs and maintain speed on flats.

• Trail-Ready Suspension: The RockShox Yari RC fork (160mm travel) and Super Deluxe Select+ rear shock (140mm travel) soak up bumps, drops, and rock gardens, ensuring a smooth and composed ride.

• Grippy 29” Wheels & Tires: With Maxxis Assegai (2.5") up front and Dissector (2.4") in the rear, this setup is optimized for aggressive grip, braking control, and cornering precision.

• Dropper Post Equipped: A TranzX dropper post lets you instantly adjust saddle height for descents, improving rider control and handling in technical sections.

Q&A

Q: What is the 2023 Salsa Blackthorn Deore?
The Salsa Blackthorn Deore is a full-suspension, all-mountain aluminum bike built for aggressive trail and enduro riding. With 29" wheels and 160mm front / 140mm rear travel, it’s designed to handle rough terrain with control and confidence.

Q: What makes the Blackthorn Deore great for all-mountain riding?
Its long-travel suspension, slack geometry, and Split Pivot suspension system deliver excellent downhill performance while maintaining climbing efficiency. The Flip Chip allows riders to tweak the geometry or swap to different wheel sizes.

Q: Who is this bike for?
It’s ideal for aggressive trail riders, enduro racers, and bikepackers looking for a durable, versatile platform that handles technical descents and demanding climbs.

Q: What sizes are available?
Available in Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large to fit a wide range of riders.

Q: What is the price?
The bike is priced around $3,499, though pricing may vary by retailer and promotions.

Q: Where can I buy it?
The Blackthorn Deore can be found through Salsa’s authorized bike shops and select online retailers. Availability may vary by size and region.

Maintenance Tips

• Lubrication: Apply appropriate lubricant to the chain and derailleur pivots to ensure smooth shifting and prevent wear.

• Chain Wear: Monitor chain stretch and replace the chain when it shows signs of significant wear to prolong the life of the cassette and chainring.

• Frame Inspection: Regularly inspect the aluminum frame for any signs of cracks or damage, especially after crashes or hard impacts.

• Pivot Points: Check the Split Pivot suspension linkage for play or wear and service the bearings as recommended to maintain suspension performance.