2019 Horsethief Carbon Frame
2019 Horsethief Carbon Frame
You want a trail bike and you want to build it up from scratch; this is where you get off to the right start. Our Horsethief Carbon frame utilizes Split Pivot® rear suspension technology and includes the proven RockShox Deluxe RT3 shock with Counter Measure™ and Rapid Recovery™ for incredible small bump compliance and improved ground tracking. Where you go from there is up to you. Remember, the Horsethief can be built as either a 29er or 27.5-plus wheeled steed, with geometry tweaks available through its Flip Chip design. Your ultimate trail bike build begins here.
This is an archived bike model. Explore the current range of Salsa bikes here.
Warning for Residents of California
Warning for Residents of California
⚠️ WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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Product Details
Build Kit
- Frame: Horsethief Carbon
- Color: Charcoal and Raw Carbon
- Rear Shock: RockShox Deluxe RT3
- Crankset: Descendant 7K Eagle DUB 32t
- Headset: Cane Creek 40
Frame Specs
- Tire Size Range* for 622/29" Wheels: 56–66mm (2.2–2.6")
- Tire Size Range* 584/27.5" Wheels: 70–76mm (2.8–3.0")
- Tire Size Range* 559/26": Not Compatible
- Maximum Wheel/Tire Diameter**: Ø754mm (29.7")
- Minimum Wheel/Tire Diameter***: Ø728mm (28.5")
- Suspension Fork Length (Travel): 531–551mm (120–140mm)
- Fork Offset: 42–51mm
- Rear Shock Size: 190 x 45mm
- Shock Mount, Fore: Ø8 x 40mm
- Shock Mount, Aft: Ø8 x 12.5mm (included)
- Pivot Kit(s): See Split Pivot Service Kit Instructions 2019+
- Bearings: 17287 (qty 4), 6801 (qty 6)
- Headset, Upper: IS41
- Headset, Lower: IS52
- Seatpost: Ø30.9mm
- Seat Collar: Ø35.4mm
- Dropper Compatible (Routing): Yes, internal/stealth
- Bottom Bracket: 73mm BSA, threaded
- Crankset (Max Ring): Super Boost 157 55–57mm chainline only 1x: 32t max
- Rear Brake (Rotor): 74mm post (Ø160–180mm)
- Rear Spacing: 157 x 12mm thru-axle
- Rear Axle Size: Ø12 x 197mm, TP = 1.75, TL = 20
- Derailleur Hanger: FS2322
- F/T Bottle Mounts: 2
- Accessory Mounts: Top tube bag mounts
Geometry
| Size | SM - 140mm Fork | MD - 140mm Fork | LG - 140mm Fork | XL - 140mm Fork | SM - 130mm Fork | MD - 130mm Fork | LG - 130mm Fork | XL - 130mm Fork |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Effective Top Tube | 596 / 595 | 618 / 617 | 639 / 638 | 661 / 660 | 595 / 594 | 616 / 615 | 638 / 637 | 660 / 659 |
| B. Stand Over | 750 / 753 | 755 / 758 | 766 / 769 | 777 / 780 | 747 / 750 | 751 / 754 | 762 / 765 | 773 / 776 |
| C. Reach | 412 / 415 | 431 / 434 | 450 / 453 | 469 / 472 | 417 / 420 | 436 / 439 | 455 / 458 | 474 / 477 |
| D. Stack | 615 / 613 | 624 / 622 | 634 / 632 | 643 / 641 | 612 / 610 | 621 / 619 | 630 / 628 | 639 / 637 |
| E. Total Seat Tube Length | 419 | 444 | 483 | 520 | 419 | 444 | 483 | 520 |
| F. Headtube Length | 103 | 113 | 123 | 133 | 103 | 113 | 123 | 133 |
| G. Headtube Angle | 66.8 / 67.0 | 66.8 / 67.0 | 66.8 / 67.0 | 66.8 / 67.0 | 67.3 / 67.5 | 67.3 / 67.5 | 67.3 / 67.5 | 67.3 / 67.5 |
| H. Seat Tube Angle | 73.4 / 73.6 | 73.4 / 73.6 | 73.4 / 73.6 | 73.4 / 73.6 | 73.9 / 74.1 | 73.9 / 74.1 | 73.9 / 74.1 | 73.9 / 74.1 |
| I. BB Drop | 29 / 26 | 29 / 26 | 29 / 26 | 29 / 26 | 33 / 30 | 33 / 30 | 33 / 30 | 33 / 30 |
| K. Chainstay Length | 432 / 431 | 432 / 431 | 432 / 431 | 432 / 431 | 432 / 431 | 432 / 431 | 432 / 431 | 432 / 431 |
| L. Fork Length Axle to Crown | 551 | 551 | 551 | 551 | 541 | 541 | 541 | 541 |
| M. Fork Offset | 42 | 42 | 42 | 42 | 42 | 42 | 42 | 42 |
| N. Wheelbase | 1139 | 1162 | 1185 | 1208 | 1135 | 1158 | 1181 | 1204 |
| Crank Arm Length | 170 | 170 | 175 | 175 | 170 | 170 | 175 | 175 |
| Handlebar Width | 750mm | 800mm | 800mm | 800mm | 750mm | 800mm | 800mm | 800mm |
| Recommended Rider Height | 165cm–173cm | 173cm–180cm | 180cm–188cm | 188cm–UP | 165cm–173cm | 173cm–180cm | 180cm–188cm | 188cm–UP |
| Stem Length | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
Measurements based on:
- An unsprung bike (no sag)
- An average 140mm 29/27.5+ suspension fork at 25% sag
- A 29 x 2.4" tire measuring 745mm in diameter
- Standover is measured from vertically from ground to bend in top tube, subtract 2–8mm (0.1–0.3") for 27.5 x 2.8–3.0 tires
Supportive Documents
Support Document links
- Bicycle Owner's Manual
- ASTM 3 Framesheet
- 2019+ Split Pivot Suspension Setup
- Main Pivot Instructions
- Control Link Pivot Instructions
- Rear Axle Pivots and Hanger Instructions
- Gen 3 Link Bolt Type 1 Instructions
- Shock Mount Hardware Instructions
- 584823 SAL ISCG Bracket Ring INST VF EN FR Web
- ASTM Riding Conditions Classifications
- Suspension Frame Service Gen 3 - Flip Chip 1593 Shock Mount Hardware
Additional Features
EPS Carbon Main Triangle w/ Carbon Seatstay
EPS construction allows for greater manufacturing control, smooth surfacing, a simplified bottom bracket junction, and an integrated shock mount. Carbon fiber material offers improved stiffness, better vibration damping, excellent toughness, and weight savings compared to other materials. 6066-T6 aluminum heat-treated chainstays are paired for durability.
Split Pivot® Rear Suspension System
Split Pivot® provides a host of impressive suspension characteristics because the system isolates pedaling forces and braking forces from each other, allowing us to tune and optimize the bike for both independently. The concentric rear axle pivot, in conjunction with precise wheel link, brake link, and control link placement, results in: Excellent bump compliance / Incredible pedaling efficiency / Smooth and predictable braking throughout travel / Maximum traction
Split Pivot® Design Improvements
This iteration of Split Pivot® brings with it a host of refinements and improvements: Redesigned leverage rates / Improved braking performance / Improved pedaling performance / Metric shocks standard / Flip Chip adjustability
Redesigned Leverage Rates
The leverage rate has been revised to offer more progression and improved bottom out performance at the end of the stroke, promoting more confidence and control on bigger hits and a deeper feel to the total travel. The beginning and mid-stroke remain relatively unchanged, providing extremely supple small bump compliance off the top for a smooth ride and consistent mid-travel support to help combat rider fatigue and maintain bike geometry. A slightly lower overall rate yields lower shock pressures making for easier and quicker initial setup.
Improved Braking Performance
The Split Pivot® suspension design allows us to isolate braking forces from the rest of the system. Braking effect on suspension is minimal and is now more consistent throughout the suspension travel.
Improved Pedaling Performance
Revised anti-squat design leads to better pedaling performance. This improved anti squat is partly the result of designing the bike to be 1x specific and optimized around a 32-tooth chainring. The riding result is incredibly efficient pedaling without the need to over dampen the rear shock (thereby hindering small bump compliance) or necessitating the use of a lockout.
Metric Shock Standard
This shock standard brings a host of benefits: Increased stiffness in rear triangle/rear suspension frame members / Able to be fine-tuned for improved ride quality and personal preference / Increased stiffness in rear triangle/rear suspension frame members / Able to be fine-tuned for improved ride quality and personal preference
Flip Chip
Integrated into the shock link mount, the Flip Chip allows simple, quick adjustments to bottom bracket height/headtube angle to account for wheel size, tire diameter, terrain, or the rider’s personal preference.
RockShox Deluxe RT3 Shock
Proven damping and improved ground tracking. Counter Measure™ technology for incredible small bump performance. Rapid Recovery™ so the shock is ready for the next hit. Printed-on Sag Gradients™ and single valve Solo Air™ simplify setup.
SUPER BOOST-157 Technology
157 x 12mm rear spacing paired with a standard width bottom bracket results in: 432mm chainstays with 29 x 2.6" OR 27.5 X 3.0" max tire fit / Increased wheel stiffness (over 148mm and narrower spaced wheels)
73mm Threaded Bottom Bracket w/ ISCG Tabs
Modular plate cover included if not using ISCG tabs.
Internal Sleeved Cable Routing
Internal tubes guide housing through the frame, simplifying setup and maintenance, and presenting a clean bike profile.
Dropper Post Stealth Routing Compatible
Compatible with 30.9mm dropper seatposts for true trail bike performance.
Molded Frame Protection
Protects your investment from impacts.
Replaceable Derailleur Hanger
Extra hanger sold separately, Salsa Split Pivot® Top Cap Dropout Tool included with frame for field changes without the need to carry a 22mm cone wrench.
Warranty Information
All Salsa products are warranted against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship from the date of retail purchase of the product, subject to the limitations detailed below.




