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2020 Spearfish SLX

2020 Spearfish SLX

Archived

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: 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

Geometry Diagram
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

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.