NEW Salsa Blackthorn 145 All-Mountain Frame - 29", Aluminum, Black Spruce - 210000074743

NEW Salsa Blackthorn 145 All-Mountain Frame - 29", Aluminum, Black Spruce - 210000074743

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                    

• 6061-T6 aluminum frame
• Split Pivot suspension design features 145mm of efficient travel that’s fully active under braking and supportive throughout its stroke
• 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 top tube bags 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

What our Experts Think  

• A modern all-mountain trail platform, the Salsa Blackthorn 145 is built for riders who want confident descending, strong climbing efficiency, and full enduro-capable versatility.
• Lightweight, stiff aluminum frame construction delivers precise handling and efficient power transfer while maintaining durability for aggressive trail use.
• 145mm rear travel design focus (frame platform) supports long-travel trail builds, giving riders control and comfort on technical descents and rough terrain.
• 29” wheel compatibility enhances rollover ability, stability, and momentum on rocky, rooty, and high-speed trail sections.
• Progressive trail geometry is tuned for steep terrain confidence, better cornering control, and predictable handling under pressure.
• Highly capable modern suspension platform, designed to pair with long-travel forks for balanced all-mountain performance.
• Trail-focused versatility, making it suitable for aggressive trail riding, bike park laps, and technical backcountry routes.
• Black Spruce finish delivers a clean, understated aesthetic that matches its serious performance-oriented design.
• Frequently chosen by riders stepping up from cross-country or hardtail bikes into a more capable, confidence-driven full-suspension trail setup.

                 
Q&A        

Q: What is the Salsa Blackthorn 145 Frame designed for?
A: The Salsa Blackthorn 145 Frame is a modern all-mountain full-suspension frame built for technical trail riding, enduro-style descents, and aggressive backcountry adventures.

Q: What type of terrain is it best suited for?
A: It excels on steep, technical singletrack, rocky descents, and rough mountain trails where suspension performance and stability are key.

Q: What frame material is used?
A: It uses a lightweight aluminum frame from Salsa, balancing durability, stiffness, and responsive trail handling.

Q: What wheel size does it support?
A: It is designed around 29" wheels for improved rollover ability, speed, and control on technical terrain.

Q: Is it suitable for bikepacking?
A: Yes. It includes mounting options for water bottles and gear setups, making it capable of supported or light bikepacking builds.

Q: Why choose the Salsa Blackthorn 145 Frame?
A: Riders choose it for its balanced suspension travel, modern geometry, and strong all-mountain performance for aggressive trail riding.

           
Maintenance Tips  

• Clean frame and linkage area after muddy or wet trail rides to prevent grit buildup and wear.
• Inspect aluminum frame and rear triangle regularly for cracks, dents, or impact damage—especially after hard hits or crashes.
• Check suspension pivot points frequently; keep bearings clean and properly torqued per service schedule.
• Grease pivot hardware and use threadlocker where specified by manufacturer to maintain secure assembly.
• Inspect shock mounts and linkage bolts before every ride for tightness and alignment.
• Maintain correct bearing preload and service pivots periodically to avoid creaking and play.
• Keep dropouts, axle interfaces, and brake mounts clean for consistent wheel fit and braking performance.
• Service drivetrain regularly (chain, cassette, chainring) due to high torque and off-road conditions.
• Avoid high-pressure washing directly on pivots and bearings to prevent water intrusion.
• Store in a dry place and check torque values after initial rides as parts bed in.