Skip to product information
1 of 5

2019 Horsethief Carbon Frame

2019 Horsethief Carbon Frame

Archived

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: 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.

View full details

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

Geometry Diagram
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

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.