2019 Horsethief Carbon NX Eagle
2019 Horsethief Carbon NX Eagle
While we can’t fully endorse the “one-bike-to-rule-them-all” concept, the Horsethief is probably about as close as we can suggest. The “just right” amounts of 120mm rear and 140mm front suspension match up well with the 29er wheel setup (though you could always choose to run 27.5 wheels if you’d like). The NX Eagle drivetrain provides a massive gear range for the ups and downs of trail life, while RockShox takes care of the bump absorption duties on both ends. 35mm uppers on the Revelation RC 140 fork provide excellent stiffness for on-trail stability, with reduced friction for excellent small bump compliance and mid-stroke support. In the rear, 120mm of Split Pivot® travel is managed by the proven RockShox Deluxe RT3 shock, with Solo Air™ and Sag Gradients™ for foolproof setup. One-bike-to-rule-them-all? With Horsethief, maybe…just maybe.
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
- Fork: RockShox Revelation RC 140mm, 42mm offset
- Color: Charcoal and Raw Carbon
- Rear Shock: RockShox Deluxe RT3
- Front Der: N/A
- Rear Der: SRAM NX Eagle
- Cassette: SRAM PG1230 Eagle 11-50t
- Chain: SRAM NX Eagle
- Crankset: SRAM Descendant 7K Eagle DUB 32t
- Shifter: SRAM NX Eagle
- Brakes & Rotors: SRAM Guide T, 180mm rotors
- Headset: Cane Creek 40
- Stem: Salsa Guide Trail
- Handlebar: Salsa Salt Flat (SM) Rustler (MD–XL)
- Grips: Salsa File Tread Lock On
- Seatpost: TranzX JD-YSP12JL, travel: SM = 100mm, MD = 125mm, LG/XL = 150mm
- Saddle: WTB Volt Sport
- Front Wheel: WTB Speedterra hub 110 x 15mm, WTB ST i29 TCS 2.0 29" tubeless ready
- Rear Wheel: WTB Speedterra hub 157 x 12mm, WTB ST i29 TCS 2.0 29" tubeless ready
- Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF 29 x 2.5" front and DHRII 29 x 2.4" rear, 60 tpi/EXO/tubeless ready
- Complete Bike Weight: 31 lb 5 oz, size MD
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
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
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.
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.
29er Trail Bike Suspension Travel
120mm rear Split Pivot® travel 140mm front travel
RockShox Revelation RC 140mm Fork
35mm uppers for stiffness and on-trail stability. Reduced friction for excellent small bump compliance and solid mid-stroke support result in reduced rider fatigue.
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.
Horsethief Geometry
Horsethief is designed as an incredibly versatile 29er trail bike with the capabilities to take on a wide range of trails. A highly adaptable machine, Horsethief sports the geometry and suspension travel to suit everything from weeknight hot laps to weekend XC racing to extended destination trail riding vacations. The 67-degree headtube angle, 432mm chainstays, and overall wheelbase length combine to promote confident descending while retaining slow speed maneuverability. Spec’d as a 29er, Horsethief is also capable of running 27.5 x 2.8–3.0" wheels/tires. The built-in Flip Chip can be used to adjust headtube angle/bottom bracket height based on tire/wheel size, terrain, or personal preference. The low top tube and dropper post contribute to the bike’s descending prowess, and amazingly all sizes of Horsethief can fit two full-size water bottles inside the front triangle.
Modern Trail Bike Fit
Horsethief is designed for a modern trail bike fit. This means a short stem, wide bar, and longer effective top tube are used to place the rider in the same position they are familiar with on their older trail bike. This results in a more precise steering motion due to the shorter stem, a lot of front wheel control with the wide bar, and plenty of front-center length and cockpit room for fore-aft body movement when things get rowdy. We’ve also done our best to provide a low top tube for on-trail body language shifts. Each frame size is designed around a 50mm stem and wide bar. To maintain the correct hand position relative to the pedals and saddle, the Horsethief has a longer horizontal top tube. No need to size up when selecting a frame size with the intent of running 40 to 60mm stems. We built it in for you.
Versatile Tire Fit
Horsethief is spec’d with a 29 x 2.5" front wheel/tire and 29 x 2.4" rear wheel/tires, but also fits: 29 x 2.2" to 2.6" / 27.5 x 2.8" to 3.0"
Slung Low Top Tube Design
Horsethief features a low top tube for fantastic standover, emergency dabbing, and more confident descending.
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.


