The 2025 Salsa Spearfish marks a significant reboot of the brand’s endurance cross-country platform. Moving away from its shorter-travel roots, this generation is a carbon-only chassis built around 120mm of rear suspension and designed to pair with a 120mm or 130mm fork. Salsa utilizes a revised Split Pivot+ design, which allows the frame to cover multiple travel classes, giving riders the option to adjust rear travel down to 100mm for a sharper race setup.
Positioned for riders who prioritize long-distance speed but want modern trail capability, the Spearfish bridges the gap between pure XC racing and light trail riding. The redesign abandons the previous generation's Super Boost rear end in favor of standard Boost spacing and adopts a SRAM UDH. With a focus on utility, the frame maximizes cargo capacity, accommodating up to three water bottles on larger sizes to support extended backcountry routes.
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.
5 sizes published.
The Spearfish’s geometry represents a massive departure from its predecessor, adopting a much longer and slacker profile. A 66.3-degree head tube angle and extended reach measurements push the front center out, creating a long wheelbase that delivers high-speed stability rarely found in the short-travel category. To keep the bike agile through tight corners, Salsa pairs this long front end with relatively short 430mm chainstays across all sizes.
Rider posture is heavily influenced by the steep 77.3-degree seat tube angle. This positions the rider directly over the bottom bracket, creating a powerful, centered stance for steep climbs. While highly efficient for power transfer, this aggressive forward bias can lead to increased hand pressure on flat terrain, making the fit feel slightly unusual for riders accustomed to traditional cross-country geometry.
A flip-chip in the lower shock mount allows for subtle fine-tuning. Switching to the low setting relaxes the head and seat angles by roughly 0.3 degrees and drops the bottom bracket by 5mm, offering a slightly more relaxed posture and lower center of gravity for riders focused on descending.
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.
7 builds, ranging $1,650 – $10,999.
The Spearfish lineup is split across two carbon frame tiers. The higher-end Deluxe carbon layup, featured on the GX and X0 Transmission builds, shaves roughly 250 grams off the standard carbon frame used for the Deore and Eagle 90 models. Both frames share the same geometry, molded frame protection, and extensive mounting points, but Salsa no longer offers an aluminum option for this generation.
Value is a nuanced topic across the build ladder, particularly following recent tariff-related price increases. The entry-level Deore build stands out as a practical starting point, pairing a RockShox SID fork with reliable Shimano components for only slightly more than the cost of a standalone Deluxe frameset. In the mid-range, the GX Transmission model offers a robust, race-ready package with Fox Performance Elite suspension and SRAM's electronic shifting, hitting a sweet spot for performance without the extreme premium of the top tier.
At the top of the range, the X0 Transmission build features RockShox Flight Attendant electronic suspension and carbon wheels. However, reviewers suggest the frame's inherent pedaling efficiency makes the automated lockout a luxury rather than a necessity for most riders.
From the press.
7 reviews from the cycling press.
Reviewers consistently note that the Spearfish climbs with a distinct sense of urgency, masking its moderate weight through an efficient suspension platform. The Split Pivot design isolates pedaling forces effectively, allowing the bike to maintain traction on technical ascents without excessive bobbing. On rolling terrain, the bike carries momentum exceptionally well, with one tester noting it "responds extremely well with more power at high speeds" (Bikepacking).
When pointed downhill, the bike exceeds traditional cross-country expectations. The suspension provides a supportive mid-stroke that prevents wallowing, helping riders maintain speed through rough sections. Testers found the chassis highly capable, though some noted the stock Teravail Camrock tires prioritize rolling resistance over cornering bite. The low-profile tread requires riders to "account for the rounded profile and short tread lugs when braking and cornering" (Bike Rumor).
While the suspension kinematics earn broad praise, the front end drew minor critiques from aggressive riders. Multiple reviewers observed that the stock 120mm forks felt "a little flexy in the rough stuff" (Bike Rumor), prompting suggestions to upgrade to a 130mm fork for demanding terrain. Despite this, the consensus points to a highly engaging ride that "continually impressed with what it could handle downhill" (PinkBike).
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