The Salsa Blackthorn 145 represents the longer-travel half of the brand’s rebooted mountain bike platform. Built around a carbon 29-inch chassis and 145mm of Split Pivot rear suspension paired with a 160mm fork, it targets aggressive all-mountain riding while retaining Salsa’s signature emphasis on backcountry utility. The frame features generous on-bike storage options, including top-tube mounts and an integrated frame strap location, catering to riders who prefer to ride without a pack or take on multi-day trips.
A defining feature of the second-generation Blackthorn is its modularity. The frame is designed to be convertible; by swapping the shock, linkage, and fork, riders can transform the 145 into the shorter-travel Blackthorn 125. This generation also adopts current frame standards, moving to a SRAM UDH interface and 12x148mm Boost rear spacing, while offering clearance for 2.5-inch tires and mixed-wheel compatibility.
Where to get it.
No retailers stocking size Small.
No retailers carrying size Small right now.
Spec sheet.
Every component shipped with this build.
Geometry & fit.
4 sizes published.
The Blackthorn 145 utilizes a distinct long-front, short-rear geometry philosophy. Across all sizes, the frame features an exceptionally tight 432mm chainstay. This short rear center is the primary driver of the bike’s quick cornering and easy-to-manual character. To balance that compact rear end, Salsa pairs it with a generous reach, measuring 472mm on a size medium and stretching to 512mm on the extra-large.
A slack 63.9-degree head tube angle provides high-speed stability to offset the twitchiness that can sometimes accompany short chainstays. Meanwhile, the steep 77.4-degree seat tube angle pushes the rider into a very forward, upright seated posture. This forward bias is critical for keeping weight over the front wheel during steep climbs, preventing the front end from wandering while keeping the rider's mass centered over the short rear triangle. The resulting fit is modern and aggressive, keeping the rider centered and active rather than stretched out or hanging off the back.
Where the handlebar sits relative to the bottom bracket — the single most important fit pair.
01Fit geometry6 values
02Component geometry4 values
03Handling geometry7 values
Which size should I buy?
Slide your height to see the recommended size. GearWise's fit algorithm works from the published stack, reach, and ETT — the brand's own recommendation may differ.
→Calculated from GearWise's own stack / reach / ETT algorithm — the brand's size chart may recommend a different size, and a proper bike fit beats any calculator.
The lineup.
3 builds, ranging $3,999 – $8,999.
The Blackthorn 145 carbon frame is available in three complete builds, ranging from $3,999 to $8,999. All models are equipped with 12-speed drivetrains, 4-piston brakes with 200mm or 203mm rotors, and TranzX dropper posts scaled to frame size.
The entry point is the Deore 12 build, which relies on a reliable Shimano Deore mechanical drivetrain, Shimano M6120 brakes, and base-level RockShox suspension featuring a Lyrik fork and Super Deluxe shock. Stepping up to the $6,499 GX Transmission model introduces wireless SRAM shifting and moves to Fox Performance Elite suspension. This mid-tier build also upgrades the braking to SRAM’s powerful Maven Bronze system and swaps the alloy rims to WTB KOM Tough hoops.
The flagship X0 Transmission build maximizes the spec sheet with RockShox Ultimate suspension, including a Lyrik Ultimate fork with ButterCups. It features SRAM Maven Ultimate brakes, a carbon Salsa handlebar, and WTB CZR Carbon rims. Across the entire lineup, Salsa specs the same Teravail Clifty 29x2.5 tires and WTB Solano saddles, ensuring the contact points and rubber remain consistent regardless of the price point.
From the press.
2 reviews from the cycling press.
Reviewers characterize the Blackthorn 145 as an exceptionally agile all-mountain bike that favors active rider input over passive plowing. Rather than feeling glued to the ground, the suspension and geometry create a highly maneuverable platform that is "super easy to tuck that rear end around tighter corners" (YouTube). Testers found it to be a "super zesty" (Freehub) machine that excels on pump tracks and jump trails, rewarding riders who work the terrain for speed.
While the bike climbs efficiently with a supportive pedaling platform, the rear suspension has a high leverage ratio that can feel overly active. One tester noted a "basketball bounce" (YouTube) over climbing rollers, requiring added rebound damping to settle the chassis.
The most consistent criticism centers on the stock Teravail Clifty tires. Reviewers felt the 2.5-inch casings rode like a higher-volume tire, contributing to the bouncy sensation in dry conditions and eating up rider energy. Though the tires felt more predictable in wet dirt, testers suggested that a tire swap would be the quickest way to maximize the bike's descending capabilities. Despite the tire spec, the consensus points to a highly capable, "enduro-ready" (Freehub) bike that balances aggressive descending traits with long-distance pedaling efficiency.
