NEW* Salsa Blackthorn 145 C X0 AXS Transmission Full Suspension All-Mountain Bike - 29", Carbon, Coffee Black / Sage, MD, GRADE A - LIKE NEW - 210000074569

NEW* Salsa Blackthorn 145 C X0 AXS Transmission Full Suspension All-Mountain Bike - 29", Carbon, Coffee Black / Sage, MD, GRADE A - LIKE NEW - 210000074569

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    

• True all-mountain weapon: The Salsa Blackthorn 145 C X0 AXS Transmission is widely regarded as a modern do-it-all enduro-leaning trail bike, built for steep climbs and aggressive descents without losing long-ride capability.
• More travel, more control: With 145mm rear / 160mm front suspension, experts highlight its ability to stay composed in rock gardens, high-speed chunk, and sustained technical descents.
• Climb efficiency surprise: Despite its aggressive geometry, reviewers note it still delivers solid climbing traction and seated efficiency, making it suitable for big mountain loops.
• Planted, confidence-first handling: The bike is consistently described as stable, composed, and predictable at speed, prioritizing control over twitchy agility.
• Enduro-ready suspension platform: Split Pivot kinematics provide strong mid-stroke support and active traction under braking, especially on loose and technical terrain.
• X0 AXS Transmission performance: SRAM’s electronic drivetrain is praised for ultra-precise shifting under load and near-zero drivetrain fuss, ideal for demanding trail conditions.
• Trade-off reality: Experts note it is not the lightest or most playful trail bike, instead favoring downhill confidence and stability over quick, flickable handling.

               
Q&A

                   
Maintenance Tips    

• AXS Transmission drivetrain (SRAM X0): Keep chain clean and properly lubricated; avoid harsh degreasers near electronic derailleur; maintain firmware updates and ensure battery stays charged for precise shifting.
• Suspension (all-mountain 145mm class): Set sag correctly for aggressive trail use; wipe stanchions after every ride; service lowers every ~50 hours and full service every 100–150 hours for consistent damping performance.
• Carbon frame & linkage (all-mountain stress): Regularly inspect pivot bearings and hardware torque; keep linkage clean, dry, and free of grit to prevent premature wear.
• 29” wheels & tires: Run correct pressure for terrain; check tubeless sealant every 2–3 months; inspect rims and sidewalls after rocky or technical rides.
• Hydraulic disc brakes: Clean rotors with isopropyl alcohol; replace pads before metal exposure; bleed annually or when lever feel decreases.
• Dropper post: Clean and lightly lubricate stanchion; avoid high-pressure washing near seals.
• General care: Wash with low-pressure water only, avoid spraying bearings/electronics directly, and fully dry after wet rides.