2020 Spearfish SLX
2020 Spearfish SLX
Spearfish SLX is our aluminum XC bike designed for riders who prefer to thread the needle through rock gardens rather than barrel through them. The stiff, lightweight aluminum frame incorporates Split Pivot® suspension design to improve traction and pedaling efficiency. A RockShox Sektor RL 120 mm fork mellows trail feedback, accompanied by a RockShox Deluxe Select+ good for 100 mm of trail-smoothing travel in the rear. Shimano brakes and an SLX drivetrain round out the package with foolproof performance. Spearfish SLX makes riding at your limit—or having fun—look easy.
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: Spearfish Aluminum
- Fork: RockShox Sektor RL 120 mm, 51 mm offset
- Color: Red
- Rear Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select +
- Front Der: N/A
- Rear Der: Shimano SLX
- Cassette: Shimano SLX, 10–51t, 12-speed
- Chain: Shimano SLX
- Crankset: Race Face Ride, 32t
- Shifter: Shimano SLX
- Brakes & Rotors: Shimano MT501, 180 mm front/160 mm rear rotor
- Headset: FSA Orbit IS-2
- Stem: Salsa Guide 35.0
- Handlebar: Salsa Guide 35.0 Aluminum
- Grips: Salsa File Tread Lock On
- Seatpost: TranzX YSI05JL2, 30 mm Travel Adjustable, Travel: SM = 125 mm, MD = 150 mm, LG = 170 mm, XL = 200 mm
- Saddle: WTB Volt Sport
- Front Wheel: Shimano SLX 110 x 15 mm hub, WTB ST i25 TCS 2.0 29" rim, Tubeless-Ready
- Rear Wheel: Shimano SLX 157 x 12 mm hub, WTB ST i25 TCS 2.0 29" rim, Tubeless-Ready
- Tires: Maxxis Forekaster front, Maxxis Ikon rear, 29 x 2.35", 60 TPI, EXO, Tubeless-Ready
- Complete Bike: 31 lbs 9 oz for Medium
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**: Ø758mm (29.8")
- Minimum Wheel/Tire Diameter***: Ø728mm (28.5")
- Suspension Fork Length (Travel): 521–541mm (110–130mm)
- Fork Offset: 42–51mm
- Rear Shock Size: 190 x 42.5mm
- Shock Mount, Fore: Carbon: Ø8 x 40mm, Aluminum: Ø8 x 30mm
- Shock Mount, Aft: Ø8 x 12.5mm (included)
- Pivot Kit(s): Refer to Suspension Frame Service Instructions
- Bearings: 17287 (qty 4), 6800 (qty 4), 6801 (qty 2)
- Headset, Upper: IS41
- Headset, Lower: IS52
- Seatpost: Ø30.9mm
- Seat Collar: Carbon: Ø35.4mm, Aluminum: Ø35.0
- Dropper Compatible (Routing): Yes, internal/stealth
- Bottom Bracket: 73mm BSA, threaded
- Crankset (Max Ring): SuperBoost-157 55–57mm chainline only, 1x: 32t max
- Rear Brake (Rotor): 74mm post (Ø160–180mm)
- Rear Spacing: 157 x 12 thru-axle
- Rear Axle Size: Ø12 x 197mm, TP=1.75, TL=20
- Derailleur Hanger: FS2322
- F/T Bottle Mounts: 2
- Accessory Mounts: Toptube Bag Mounts
Geometry
| SM - 110mm Fork | MD - 110mm Fork | LG - 110mm Fork | XL - 110mm Fork | SM - 120mm Fork | MD - 120mm Fork | LG - 120mm Fork | XL - 120mm Fork | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Tube Effective Metric | 592 / 591 | 614 / 613 | 635 / 634 | 657 / 656 | 593 / 592 | 615 / 614 | 636 / 635 | 658 / 657 |
| Seat Tube Length Metric | 406 | 444 | 483 | 520 | 406 | 444 | 483 | 520 |
| Head Tube Length Metric | 103 | 113 | 123 | 133 | 103 | 113 | 123 | 133 |
| Head Tube Angle | 68.3 / 68.5 | 68.3 / 68.5 | 68.3 / 68.5 | 68.3 | 67.8 / 68.0 | 67.8 / 68.0 | 67.8 / 68.0 | 67.8 / 68.0 |
| Seat Tube Angle | 74.8 / 75.0 | 74.8 / 75.0 | 74.8 / 75.0 | 74.8 | 74.3 / 74.5 | 74.3 / 74.5 | 74.3 / 74.5 | 74.3 / 74.5 |
| BB Drop Metric | 43 / 40 | 43 / 40 | 43 / 40 | 43 / 40 | 39 / 36 | 39 / 36 | 39 / 36 | 39 / 36 |
| Chainstay Length Metric | 433 / 432 | 433 / 432 | 433 / 432 | 433 / 432 | 433 / 432 | 433 / 432 | 433 / 432 | 433 / 432 |
| Fork Length Metric | 521 | 521 | 521 | 521 | 531 | 531 | 531 | 531 |
| Fork Offset Metric | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 |
| Wheelbase Metric | 1137 | 1160 | 1182 | 1205 | 1140 | 1163 | 1186 | 1209 |
| Stack Metric | 604 / 603 | 613 / 612 | 622 / 621 | 632 / 630 | 608 / 606 | 617 / 615 | 626 / 624 | 635 / 633 |
| Reach Metric | 428 / 430 | 446 / 449 | 465 / 468 | 484 / 487 | 423 / 425 | 442 / 444 | 461 / 463 | 480 / 482 |
| Standover Metric | 737 / 739 | 737 / 739 | 737 / 739 | 737 / 739 | 742 / 744 | 742 / 744 | 742 / 744 | 743 / 744 |
| Rider Height Metric | 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 |
| Crank Length | 170 | 170 | 175 | 175 | 170 | 170 | 175 | 175 |
| Handlebar Width | 760mm | 800mm | 800mm | 800mm | 760mm | 800mm | 800mm | 800mm |
| Seatpost Offset Metric | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
- An unsprung bike (no sag)
- An average 120mm 29/27.5+ suspension fork at 25% sag
- a 29 x 2.35" tire measuring 744mm 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
Progressive Leverage Rate
The leverage rate is progressive and offers plenty of bottom out performance at the end of the stroke, promoting more confidence and control on bigger hits and a deeper feel to the 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
Consistent Braking Traction
The Split Pivot® suspension design allows us to isolate braking forces from the rest of the system. Braking effect on suspension is minimal and consistent throughout the suspension travel
Efficient Pedaling
Spearfish’s 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
6066-T6 Aluminum Tubeset
Top-shelf, double and triple-butted, heat-treated 6066-T6 aluminum tubing is used throughout the frame. This 6000-series aluminum has better strength and fatigue characteristics than 6061 and 7000-series aluminums, allowing for a stronger and lighter overall frame. Additionally, the tubing is strategically shaped and formed for additional stiffness and strength optimization in key stress areas
Spearfish Geometry
Spearfish is designed as a progressive XC bike for the rider focused on both climbing and descending with speed. It is based on the premise that precision and efficiency equal speed. While Spearfish has a renowned pedigree in ultra-endurance racing, those same attributes make it a great choice for weeknight laps at the local trail system or toeing the start line at the weekend XC race. The sub 68-degree headtube angle combines with 432 mm chainstays to provide confidence at speed without sacrificing agility. Spec’d with 29" wheels, Spearfish is also capable of running 27.5+ wheels. The built-in Flip Chip can be used to adjust headtube angle and bottom bracket height based on wheel and tire size, terrain, or personal preference. The low top tube and dropper post contribute to the bike’s descending prowess
Modern XC Bike Fit
Spearfish is designed for a modern XC fit. A short stem, wide bar, and long effective top tube are used to place the rider in a position that balances between aggressive for racing and comfortable for long rides. Our frame design delivers 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 thanks to the long, low top tube for fore-aft body movement when negotiating trail obstacles. Each frame size is designed around a 50 mm stem and wide bar with a long effective top tube to maintain the correct hand position relative to the pedals and saddle. There's no need to size up when selecting a frame size with the intent of running 40 to 60 mm stems—we built it in for you
Versatile Tire Fit
Spearfish is spec'd with 29 x 2.35" wheels and tires, but also fits: 29 x 2.2" to 2.6" / 27.5 x 2.8" to 3.0"
Toptube Accessory Mounts
Bolt on your Salsa EXP Series Toptube Bag for secure connection and elimination of strap wear.
Accommodates Full-Size Bottle
All Spearfish sizes accept two full-sized (26 oz) water bottle within the front triangle
Full-Length Internal Housing Cable Routing
Full-length housing improves shifting performance in poor conditions and increases use time between maintenance intervals
Dropper Post Stealth Routing Compatible
Compatible with 30.9mm dropper seatposts for true trail bike performance
Molded Frame Protection
Protects your investment from impacts.
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.


