NEW* Salsa Blackthorn 125 C GX AXS Transmission Full Suspension Trail Mountain Bike - 29", Carbon, Slate / Citrus, XL, GRADE A - LIKE NEW - 210000074561

NEW* Salsa Blackthorn 125 C GX AXS Transmission Full Suspension Trail Mountain Bike - 29", Carbon, Slate / Citrus, XL, GRADE A - LIKE NEW  - 210000074561

Blackthorn 125 is Salsa’s trail bike. It’s a well-balanced machine for riders who want the speed and agility to handle anything the trail may bring; it’s fluid in the tight sections and precise when navigating techy descents. Designed to bring everything you need for long rides without weighing you down, Blackthorn 125 excels at going farther without compromising the joy of the ride.

Features                    

• Carbon fiber frame, seatstays, and chainstays with 6061-T6 aluminum links for durability
• Split Pivot suspension design features 125mm of efficient travel that’s fully active under braking and supportive throughout its stroke, paired with a 140mm suspension fork
• Split Pivot + design philosophy lets riders switch travel class to the 145mm rear/160mm front travel found on Blackthorn 145 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 125 Carbon
• FORK: Fox 34 Performance Elite, 140mm
• REAR SHOCK: Fox Float X Performance Elite
• COLOR: Dark Pine/Citrus
• CRANKSET: SRAM GX Eagle Transmission, 30t w/ MRP 1x iO SL ISCG-05 aluminum bashguard
• FRONT DERAILLEUR: N/A
• REAR DERAILLEUR: SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission
• CASSETTE: SRAM GX Eagle Transmission, 10–52t, 12-speed
• CHAIN: SRAM GX Eagle Transmission Flattop
• GRIPS / BAR TAPE: WTB Wavelength Lock-On
• HANDLEBAR: Race Face Turbine
• STEM: Salsa 35.0 Guide Trail, 40mm
• HEADSET: FSA Orbit 1.5E ZS NO.57E
• SHIFTER: SRAM AXS Pod controller, Right, w/ MatchMaker X Clamp
• BRAKES & ROTORS: SRAM Code Bronze Stealth, SRAM CenterLine 2.0 (6-bolt, 200mm front, 180mm 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 ASYM i30 TCS, 28h rim
• REAR WHEEL: WTB Frequency 12 x 148mm hub, WTB ASYM i30 TCS, 28h rim
• TIRES: Teravail Clifty, 29 x 2.5", Durable casing front, Teravail Drawpoint, 29 x 2.5", Durable casing rear
• ACCESSORIES: WTB TCS Sealant Included
• PEDALS: not included

What our Experts Think  

• True do-it-all trail platform: The Salsa Blackthorn 125 C GX AXS Transmission is consistently rated as a highly capable all-rounder, balancing climbing efficiency with confident, stable descending for mixed terrain riding.
• Efficient climber, strong pedaler: Experts highlight its steep seat tube angle and supportive suspension kinematics, making long climbs and technical ascents feel controlled and efficient.
• Confident downhill control: The slack geometry and 125mm Split Pivot rear suspension provide excellent traction and braking stability, inspiring confidence on rough, rocky descents.
• Balanced travel feel: Designed to be supportive in the mid-stroke with progressive bottom-out resistance, it favors control and composure over plush enduro-style softness.
• Modern GX AXS Transmission advantage: The drivetrain delivers precise, load-shifting electronic performance and near-zero drivetrain fuss, ideal for aggressive trail riding and endurance days.
• Long-ride capability: Frame integration for bottles, tools, and accessories makes it a bikepacking-friendly trail platform, reducing the need for extra packs on big rides.
• Real-world trade-off: Riders note it can feel less plush than longer-travel enduro bikes, especially on repeated big hits, but rewards riders with efficiency and agility.

                 
Q&A      

             
Maintenance Tips        

• AXS Transmission drivetrain: Keep chain clean and lightly lubed; avoid heavy degreasers near electronic derailleur; keep firmware updated and battery charged for precise shifting.
• Suspension (140mm fork / 125mm rear): Set sag for your weight, clean stanchions after every ride, and service lowers ~every 50 hours / full service ~100–150 hours for smooth performance.
• Carbon frame & linkage: Regularly inspect pivot points and hardware torque; keep linkage clean and dry to prevent bearing wear, especially on long XL frame stress loads.
• 29” wheels & tires: Maintain correct pressure for terrain; check tubeless sealant every 2–3 months; inspect for sidewall cuts after rocky rides.
• Hydraulic disc brakes: Clean rotors with isopropyl alcohol; replace pads when thin; bleed annually or if lever feel soft.
• Dropper post: Clean and lightly service the stanchion to prevent stickiness; avoid pressure washing seals.
• General care: Wash with low-pressure water only, avoid spraying bearings/AXS unit directly, and dry fully after wet or muddy rides.