NEW Salsa Blackthorn 125 C GX Transmission Trail Mountain Bike - 29", Carbon, Black/Pearl Orchid - 210000074781

NEW Salsa Blackthorn 125 C GX Transmission Trail Mountain Bike - 29", Carbon, Black/Pearl Orchid - 210000074781

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: RockShox Pike Select+, 44mm offset, 140mm
• Rear Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select+, 2P, 190 x 45mm
• Color: Pearl Orchid
• Crankset: SRAM GX Eagle Transmission, 30t, single guard
• Front Derailleur: N/A
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM GX Eagle Transmission
• Cassette: SRAM XS-1275 Eagle Transmission, 10-52t, 12-speed
• Chain: SRAM GX Eagle Transmission Flattop
• Grips / Bar Tape: WTB Wavelength Lock-On
• Handlebar: Salsa Guide 35.0 Carbon
• Stem: Salsa Guide 35.0
• Headset: FSA Orbit 1.5E ZS NO.57E
• Shifter: SRAM AXS Pod Controller
• Brakes & Rotors: SRAM Levers/SRAM 4-Piston Calipers, SRAM CenterLine 2.0 Rotors (6-bolt, 200mm front, 180mm rear)
• Saddle: WTB Solano Cromoly Fusion Form, medium
• Seatpost: TranzX REVERSE YSI35 w/ GL MMX lever
• Front Wheel: WTB Frequency 15 x 110mm hub, WTB CZR Trail Carbon i30, 28h, 29"
• Rear Wheel: WTB Frequency 12 x 148mm hub, WTB CZR Trail Carbon i30, 28h, 29"
• Tires: Front: Teravail Kessel 29 x 2.5", 60 TPI Durable casing, Grip compound / Rear: Teravail Clifty 29 x 2.5", 60 TPI Durable casing, Grip compound
• Tubeless Accessories: WTB TCS valve and sealant included
• Pedals: not included

What our Experts Think

• Lightweight carbon trail bike designed for fast, playful singletrack and all-day mountain riding.
• 125mm rear travel delivers an efficient, responsive feel that favors climbing speed and nimble handling.
• 29" wheels improve rollover capability, stability, and momentum on technical trail sections.
• SRAM GX Transmission drivetrain provides precise, durable shifting under load for demanding trail conditions.
• Carbon frame construction reduces weight while maintaining stiffness for efficient power transfer.
• Progressive trail geometry balances agility on tight terrain with control on descents.
• Built for modern trail riders who want a fast, capable bike without excessive suspension weight or complexity.
• “Black/Pearl Orchid” finish adds a premium, distinctive aesthetic with a modern trail identity.

                   
Q&A  

Q: What is the Salsa Blackthorn 125 C GX Transmission designed for?
A: The Salsa Cycles Blackthorn 125 C GX Transmission is a lightweight carbon trail bike built for fast, efficient trail riding, technical singletrack, and long-distance backcountry adventures.

Q: What type of suspension does it have?
A: It features approximately 125mm of rear travel paired with a trail-focused front fork, prioritizing pedaling efficiency while still handling technical descents confidently.

Q: What drivetrain does it use?
A: It is equipped with a SRAM GX Transmission system, delivering precise, durable, and low-maintenance shifting under load across wide-range gearing.

Q: What material is the frame made from?
A: The frame is built from carbon fiber, offering a lightweight, stiff, and responsive platform optimized for climbing and sustained trail performance.

Q: What wheel size does it use?
A: It uses 29” wheels for improved rollover ability, speed, and stability on technical and varied terrain.

Q: How does it differ from the Blackthorn 145?
A: The 125 version is more cross-country and trail efficient, with less suspension travel and a lighter, faster feel compared to the more aggressive, downhill-capable 145 model.

Q: Is it suitable for bikepacking?
A: Yes. It includes mounting points for gear and bottles, making it suitable for lightweight bikepacking and endurance off-road trips.

Q: What terrain is it best for?
A: It excels on flowing singletrack, cross-country trails, forest routes, and long-distance technical climbs.

Q: Who is this bike best for?
A: Riders who want a fast, lightweight carbon trail bike with modern drivetrain tech for efficient climbing and all-day trail performance.

                 
Maintenance Tips

• Clean carbon frame, linkage, and drivetrain after trail or muddy rides to prevent grit buildup and wear.

• Inspect carbon frame and swingarm regularly for cracks, chips, or impact damage.

• Avoid over-tightening clamps and mounts—always use correct torque settings to protect carbon structure.

• Service suspension fork and rear shock at recommended intervals for consistent trail performance.

• Check pivot hardware and linkage bolts for tightness and smooth operation.

• Clean and maintain SRAM GX Transmission drivetrain for precise shifting and reduced wear.

• Inspect chain, cassette, and chainring regularly and replace when worn under trail load.

• Check hydraulic brakes for pad wear, rotor cleanliness, and strong stopping performance.

• Ensure axles, cockpit bolts, and mounts are secure before every ride.

• Store indoors in a dry, stable environment away from heat and direct sunlight.

• Perform routine pre-ride checks of suspension, brakes, tires, and drivetrain before e