• Salsa Cassidy SLX bike side view red color
  • Salsa Cassidy SLX bike front three-quarter view red color
  • Salsa Cassidy SLX bike rear three-quarter view red color
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2021 Cassidy SLX

2021 Cassidy SLX

Archived

Cassidy is the natural evolution of our Split Pivot lineup. The aluminum frame is engineered for hard-charging on huge terrain, and its progressive geometry with 165 mm of rear travel and a 180 mm RockShox ZEB fork takes the edge off of burly rock gardens, daunting drops, and steep and sketchy trails. The Split Pivot suspension system adds pedaling efficiency and offers smooth, consistent braking throughout the travel for maximum traction. Shimano’s SLX components round out the package for precise shifting and four-piston braking to bail you out of any situation. Cassidy SLX is made for pulling off smooth moves when the terrain is anything but.

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: Cassidy Aluminum
  • Fork: RockShox ZEB, 180 mm, 44 mm offset
  • Color: Red
  • Rear Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select+
  • Front Derailleur: 1x chain guide
  • Rear Derailleur: Shimano SLX
  • Cassette: Shimano Deore, 10–51t, 12-speed
  • Chain: Shimano Deore M6100
  • Crankset: Race Face Ride, 32t
  • Shifter: Shimano SLX
  • Brakes & Rotors: Shimano SLX four-piston (203 mm rotors)
  • Headset (Upper/Lower): FSA Orbit 1.5E
  • Stem: Salsa Guide 35.0
  • Handlebar: Race Face Chester 35.0, 780mm
  • Grips/Bar Tape: Salsa File Tread Lock-On
  • Seatpost: TranzX YSI05 w/ Shimano lever, 30 mm travel height adjustable, travel: SM = 125 mm, MD = 150 mm, LG = 170 mm, XL = 200 mm
  • Saddle: WTB Volt 250 Sport
  • Front Wheel: Shimano SLX 15 x 110 mm hub, WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 29" Tubeless-Ready rim
  • Rear Wheel: Shimano SLX 12 x 157 mm hub, WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 29" Tubeless-Ready rim
  • Tires: Maxxis Assegai 29 x 2.5" front, Maxxis Dissector 29 x 2.4" rear, 120 TPI, 3CG, DoubleDown, Tubeless-Ready
  • Complete Bike Weight: 35 lbs for Large

Frame Specs

  • Design Wheel/Tire Sizes: 29 x 1.9–2.6"
  • Alternate Wheel/Tire Sizes: 27.5 x 2.8–3.0"
  • Suspension Fork Length (Travel): 170–180 mm
  • Fork Offset: 42–51 mm
  • Rear Shock Size: 230 x 62.5 mm
  • Shock Mount, Fore: Ø8 x 30mm
  • Shock Mount, Aft: No Bushing, Ø15
  • Pivot Kit(s): 1215, 1585, 1587, 1589, 1590, 1592, 1594
  • Bearings: 17287 (Qty 4), 6801 (Qty 6)
  • Headset, Upper: ZS44
  • Headset, Lower: ZS56
  • Seatpost: 30.9 mm
  • Max Post Insertion: SM = 195 mm, MD = 220 mm, LG = 245 mm, XL = 270 mm
  • Seatpost Collar: 35.4 mm
  • Dropper Compatible (Routing): Yes (internal)
  • Front Derailleur Clamp: N/A
  • Front Derailleur Type: N/A
  • Bottom Bracket: 73 mm BSA, threaded
  • Crankset (Max Ring): Super Boost 157, 55–57 mm chainline (34t)
  • Rear Brake (Rotor): 74 mm post mount (180–203 mm)
  • Rear Spacing: 157 x 12 mm TA
  • Rear Axle Size: 12 x 197 mm, TP = 1.75, TL = 20 mm
  • Derailleur Hanger: FS2322
  • Front Triangle Bottle Mounts: 1
  • Top Tube Mounts: Yes, compatible with Salsa EXP Series Direct Mount Top Tube Bag.

Geometry

Geometry Diagram
SM - 180mm Fork MD - 180mm Fork LG - 180mm Fork XL - 180mm Fork SM - 170mm Fork MD - 170mm Fork LG - 170mm Fork XL - 170mm Fork
Top Tube Effective Metric 596 / 595 619 / 618 642 / 641 665 / 664 595 / 594 617 / 616 641 / 640 664 / 663
Seat Tube Length Metric 405 430 455 480 405 430 455 480
Head Tube Length Metric 95 100 110 120 95 100 110 120
Head Tube Angle 63.8 / 64.1 63.8 / 64.1 63.8 / 64.1 63.8 / 64.1 64.2 / 64.5 64.2 / 64.5 64.2 / 64.5 64.2 / 64.5
Seat Tube Angle 75.7 / 76.0 75.7 / 76.0 75.7 / 76.0 75.7 / 76.0 76.1 / 76.4 76.1 / 76.4 76.1 / 76.4 76.1 / 76.4
BB Drop Metric 19 / 15 19 / 15 19 / 15 19 / 15 22 / 18 22 / 18 22 / 18 22 / 18
Chainstay Length Metric 432 / 431 432 / 431 432 / 431 432 / 431 432 / 431 432 / 431 432 / 431 432 / 431
Fork Length Metric 589 589 589 589 579 579 579 579
Fork Offset Metric 43 43 43 43 43 43 43 43
Wheelbase Metric 1213 / 1212 1236 / 1235 1262 / 1261 1287 / 1286 1209 / 1208 1232 / 1231 1257 / 1257 1283 / 1282
Stack Metric 617 / 615 622 / 619 631 / 628 640 / 637 614 / 612 618 / 616 627/ 625 636 / 634
Reach Metric 439/ 443 460 / 463 481 / 484 502 / 505 444/ 447 465 / 468 486 / 489 507 / 510
Standover Metric 737 / 740 740 / 743 741 / 744 741 / 744 732 / 734 735 / 738 735 / 738 736 / 739
Rider Height Metric 165cm–173cm 173cm–180cm 180cm–188cm 188cm–UP 165cm–173cm 173cm–180cm 180cm–188cm 188cm–UP
BB Center to Center Metric
Stem Length 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50
Crank Length 170 170 170 170 170 170 170 170
Handlebar Width see build kit see build kit see build kit see build kit see build kit see build kit see build kit see build kit
Seatpost Offset Metric 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
  • an unsprung bike (no sag)
  • a 29 x 2.4" tire measuring 746mm in diameter
  • Standover is measured from vertically from ground to top of top tube 50mm forward of bottom bracket, subtract 9mm (0.3") for 27.5 x 2.8” tires
  • Note: Where two measurements are listed, the first number is with Flip Chip in Low position; the second number is with Flip Chip in High position

Supportive Documents

Support Document links

Additional Features

Split Pivot Rear Suspension

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 and pedaling efficiency, smooth and predictable braking throughout travel, and maximum traction

Split Pivot+ Design Methodology

The Split Pivot+ design methodology allows our engineers to optimize a frame for more than one travel class. This means that Cassidy riders can swap control and shock links, in addition to the rear shock and fork, to switch travel to Blackthorn’s 140 mm rear and 160 mm front capability. One frame, multiple bikes

Progressive Leverage Rate

Progressive from start to finish, Cassidy’s leverage rate is tuned for speed. It delivers supple small-bump action early for a smooth ride at high speed; a consistent and supportive feel through the mid-stroke for popping, pumping, and holding up to high-G corners; and continued progression through the end-stroke to provide plenty of support for big hits and recovering from poor line choices

Flip Chip 2.0

Integrated into the shock link mount, Flip Chip 2.0 allows simple, quick adjustments to bottom bracket height and head tube angle to account for the rider’s personal preference, terrain, or wheel size and tire diameter

EPS Carbon Main Triangle with Carbon Seatstays and Aluminum Chainstays

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 add durability

Top Tube Accessory Mounts

Top tube mounts accommodate K-Edge Top Tube Mount for bike computers or the Salsa EXP Series Direct Mount Top Tube Bag

Down Tube Three-Pack Mounts

Three-Pack mounts on down tube accommodate a large water bottle on the lower pair and a frame-mounted pump bracket on the upper pair

Integrated Repair Kit Location

Located in front of the rear shock in the front triangle, we provide a dedicated place for a small repair kit, tube, or bag of gummies. No more loading up your pockets or strapping the essentials to random spots on the frame and damaging the frame finish. Carbon frames feature an integrated reinforced slot and frame protection. Aluminum frames feature a machined strap slot. The slot is sized to accommodate most ¾"- to 1"-wide straps. A Salsa Tube Strap is included with each frame (the Salsa Tube Strap is for use with tubes only)

Accommodates a 26 oz Bottle

All Cassidy sizes accept a standard 26 oz water bottle within the front triangle

Internal Sleeved Cable Routing

Internal tubes guide housing through the frame, simplifying setup and maintenance, and creating a clean bike profile

Stealth Dropper Post Routing

Compatible with 30.9mm dropper posts for true trail bike performance

Molded Frame Protection

Molded rubber down tube, seat tube, chainstay, and seatstay guards protect your frame from impacts and abrasion

Versatile Tire Fit

Spec’d with a 29 x 2.5" tire up front and a 29 x 2.4" in the rear, Cassidy is also capable of running up to 29 x 2.6" or 27.5 x 2.8-3.0" wheels and tires

Chain Guide-Compatible

Cassidy frames features ISCG-05 mounts for chain guides (removable on carbon frames)

Remote Lockout Ready

Cassidy comes equipped for remote lockout, with cable routing to the rear shock via a cable port on the drive side of the downtube that exits between the forward shock mounting plates.

FAQ

How do I convert my Cassidy to a Blackthorn?

Follow these instructions

Can I run a coil shock?

No, the leverage rate of the Cassidy is optimized for the natural progressivity of air spring shocks. A coil shock will not produce enough end-stroke support at the rear wheel, leading to frequent and harsh bottom-outs that will likely result in frame damage. Fitting a coil shock to this frame voids the warranty.

Can I run a mullet setup on this bike?

Yes, for Cassidy mullet setup requirements:

  • Minimum fork travel: 180 mm; minimum fork axle to crown: 596 mm
  • Minimum front tire size: 29 x 2.4"
  • Minimum rear size: 27.5 x 2.5"
  • Maximum crank arm length: 170 mm
  • Flip chip position must be set to high

Do you offer touch-up paint?

No, we do not offer touch up paint. Hobby shops or automotive stores are excellent places to find paint. We suggest you test the paint on a scrap piece of metal before using it on your frame.

I crashed and dented (or cracked) my frame. Is it safe to ride?

Stop riding your frame immediately and take it to the nearest Salsa authorized dealer for inspection. A dented or cracked tube represents a structural weakening of the frame, and is a safety risk.

What is the warranty for this bike?

View Warranty

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.

Review Warranty Info