NEW* Salsa Blackthorn 145 C X0 AXS Transmission Full Suspension All-Mountain Bike - 29", Carbon, Coffee Black / Sage, SM, GRADE A - LIKE NEW - 210000074571

NEW* Salsa Blackthorn 145 C X0 AXS Transmission Full Suspension All-Mountain Bike - 29", Carbon, Coffee Black / Sage, SM, GRADE A - LIKE NEW - 210000074571

Blackthorn 145 is Salsa’s All-Mountain Bike. It’s a rugged rig that’s ready for backcountry trails and rowdy lines. It’s most at home on the steep and techy terrain — both up and down the mountain. Built to be capable, confident, and cargo-friendly without being a handful, Blackthorn 145 brings the fun to big days on the trail.

Features                    

• Carbon fiber frame, seatstays, and chainstays with 6061-T6 aluminum links for durability
• Split Pivot suspension design features 145mm of efficient travel that’s fully active under braking and supportive throughout its stroke, paired with a 160mm suspension fork
• Split Pivot + design philosophy lets riders switch travel class to the 125mm rear/140mm front travel found on Blackthorn 125 by swapping out shock link, shock, and 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 and multitool
• Fits two bottles on all sizes
• Top tube mounts for use with EXP-R Series Trillium Top Tube Bag or K-Edge computer mounts
• Clearance for up to 29 x 2.5" tires
• Compatible with mixed wheel sizes
• Compatible with most coil shocks
• Molded frame protection

Specifications

• FRAME: Blackthorn 145 Carbon
• FORK: RockShox Lyric Ultimate, 160mm
• REAR SHOCK: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate
• COLOR: Coffee Black / Sage
• CRANKSET: SRAM X0 Eagle, 30t w/ MRP 1x iO SL ISCG-05 composite bashguard
• FRONT DERAILLEUR: N/A
• REAR DERAILLEUR: SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission
• CASSETTE: SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission, 10–52t, 12-speed
• CHAIN: SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission Flattop
• GRIPS / BAR TAPE: WTB Wavelength Lock-On
• HANDLEBAR: Salsa Guide Carbon
• STEM: Aluminum CNC
• HEADSET: FSA Orbit 1.5E ZS NO.57E
• SHIFTER: SRAM AXS Pod controller, Right, w/ MatchMaker X Clamp
• BRAKES & ROTORS: SRAM Maven Ultimate Stealth, SRAM HS2 (6-bolt, 200mm front and rear)
• SADDLE: WTB Solano, Medium, Steel SL, Fusion Form
• SEATPOST: TranzX REVERSE w/ GL Stealth MMX Lever, SM: 160mm travel; MD: 180mm travel; LG–XL: 210mm travel
• FRONT WHEEL: WTB Frequency 15 x 110mm hub, WTB CZR Carbon i30, 28h rim
• REAR WHEEL: WTB Frequency 12 x 148mm hub, WTB CZR Carbon i30, 28h rim
• TIRES: Teravail Clifty, 29 x 2.5", Durable casing front, Teravail Clifty, 29 x 2.5", Durable casing rear
• ACCESSORIES: WTB TCS Sealant Included
• PEDALS: not included

What our Experts Think  

• The Salsa Blackthorn 145 C X0 AXS Transmission is a true all-mountain “enduro-lite” carbon platform, built to handle aggressive terrain while still staying efficient on long climbs. Its 145mm rear / 160mm front travel balance is widely praised for versatility across mixed trail conditions.
• Experts consistently highlight its planted, confidence-inspiring ride quality, with geometry tuned for steep descents, rock gardens, and high-speed stability without feeling overly sluggish on technical climbs.
• The SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission drivetrain is a standout feature, delivering ultra-precise electronic shifting under load with exceptional durability for rough trail use and minimal maintenance demands.
• The premium suspension package (RockShox Lyrik Ultimate + Super Deluxe Ultimate) is tuned for active traction and bottom-out resistance, giving the bike strong control in repeated impacts and high-consequence terrain.
• Riders and testers note the bike’s “big-mountain capability with all-day rideability”, making it ideal for riders who want one carbon bike that can comfortably handle long backcountry climbs and aggressive descents in equal measure.
• Overall consensus: this is a high-end, modern all-mountain bike that prioritizes stability, traction, and descending confidence, while still maintaining enough pedaling efficiency to avoid feeling like a full downhill rig.

                 
Q&A  

Q: What type of riding is the Salsa Blackthorn 145 designed for?
A: It’s an all-mountain/enduro-leaning trail bike built for aggressive descents, technical terrain, and long mountain rides while still climbing efficiently.

Q: What frame and wheel setup does it use?
A: Carbon full-suspension frame with 29” wheels, designed for stability, traction, and speed on rough terrain.

Q: What suspension travel does it have?
A: Around 145mm rear travel paired with a 160mm front fork, giving it a balanced “climb + descend” capability.

Q: What drivetrain does this model use?
A: SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission wireless electronic 1x12 drivetrain for ultra-smooth shifting under load and high durability.

Q: How does it differ from the GX version?
A: The X0 build upgrades to lighter, higher-end components (including X0 Transmission, premium brakes, and carbon-focused spec), making it lighter and more performance-oriented than GX builds.

Q: Is it good for climbing?
A: Yes. Despite its aggressive travel, it maintains efficient pedaling and stable climbing geometry typical of modern trail/all-mountain bikes.

Q: How does it perform on descents?
A: Very capable—designed for steep, technical terrain with strong suspension support and a stable long-wheelbase feel for confidence at speed.

                 
Maintenance Tips  

• Wipe fork, shock, and dropper post after every ride to protect seals and smooth travel
• Clean frame and SRAM GX/X0 AXS Transmission drivetrain regularly; avoid high-pressure water
• Lubricate chain after cleaning to maintain precise electronic shifting performance
• Check tire pressure before rides for optimal grip and rolling efficiency on 29" wheels
• Inspect brake pads, rotors, and hydraulic lines for wear and contamination
• Keep suspension pivots clean; check bolts and linkage tightness periodically
• Service fork and rear shock every 40–50 riding hours for peak all-mountain performance
• Update and charge AXS electronic components (derailleur/shifter battery) regularly
• Inspect bearings and pivot points for play or noise and re-grease when needed
• Store bike in a dry, shaded place to prevent carbon frame and component corrosion
• Refresh tubeless sealant every 3–6 months for reliable puncture protection