• Salsa Blackthorn 125 Carbon GX AXS Transmission - Dark Pine/Citrus - Side view
  • Salsa Blackthorn 125 Carbon GX AXS Transmission - Dark Pine/Citrus - Front three quarter view
  • Salsa Blackthorn 125 Carbon GX AXS Transmission - Dark Pine/Citrus - Rear three quarter view
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Blackthorn 125 C GX Transmission

Blackthorn 125 C GX Transmission

$5,999.00 USD
$5,999.00 USD $5,999.00 USD
Coming Soon
Size

Blackthorn 125 C GX Transmission is part playful, part precision. Its stiff carbon frame keeps you on-track through techy sections, and our trail geometry strikes a balance of composure on descents and pedaling comfort on climbs.

125mm of Split Pivot rear suspension pushes you to push your limits, with excellent pedaling efficiency, a supportive ride, and active performance even while braking so you don’t lose your line on a choppy descent. Paired with a 140mm Fox 34 Performance Elite fork, it has the travel to progress to some stouter lines.

Blackthorn also puts bigger trail days in reach with dedicated space for two bottles, your repair kit, and a top tube bag or computer mount — leave the hip pack at home. Topping it all off is SRAM’s GX Transmission drivetrain, a stalwart selection for its dead-accurate electronic shifting and bring-it-on durability.

Blackthorn’s ability to both thread the needle and cut loose make it one of the best all-around mountain bike options out there — riding is believing.

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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Bike Key Features

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Product Details

Build Kit

Frameset

Frame

Blackthorn 125 Carbon

Color

Slate/Citrus

Suspension Fork

Fox 34 Performance Elite, 140mm

Rear Shock

Fox Float X Performance Elite

Components

Headset

FSA Orbit 1.5E ZS NO.57E

Seatpost

TranzX REVERSE w/ GL Stealth MMX Lever, SM: 160mm travel; MD: 180mm travel; LG–XL: 210mm travel

Stem

Salsa 35.0 Guide Trail, 40mm

Grips/Bar Tape

WTB Wavelength Lock-On

Saddle

WTB Solano, Medium, Steel SL, Fusion Form

Handlebar

Race Face Turbine

Drivetrain

Front Derailleur

N/A

Rear Derailleur

SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission

Cassette

SRAM GX Eagle Transmission, 10–52t, 12-speed

Chain

SRAM GX Eagle Transmission Flattop

Crankset

SRAM GX Eagle Transmission, 30t w/ MRP 1x iO SL ISCG-05 aluminum bashguard

Shifter

SRAM AXS Pod controller, Right, w/ MatchMaker X Clamp

Brake Levers

SRAM Code Bronze Stealth

Brake Calipers

SRAM Code Bronze Stealth

Bottom Bracket

SRAM DUB BSA 73mm MTB Wide

Rotors

SRAM CenterLine 2.0 (6-bolt, 200mm front, 180mm rear)

Wheels

Front Tire

Teravail Clifty, 29 x 2.5", Durable casing, WTB TCS Sealant Included

Rear Tire

Teravail Drawpoint, 29 x 2.5", Durable casing, WTB TCS Sealant Included

Front Hub

WTB Frequency 15 x 110mm

Rear Hub

WTB Frequency 12 x 148mm

Spoke

Butted steel, black

Rim

WTB ASYM i30 TCS, 28h

*Specifications are subject to change without notice

Geometry

Geometry Diagram
SizeSmallMediumLargeX-Large
A. Effective Top Tube 587.0- 588.0 609.0- 610.0 631.0- 632.0 653.0- 654.0
B. Stand Over 736.0- 733.0 736.0- 733.0 737.0- 733.0 737.0- 733.0
C. Reach 462.0- 458.0 482.0- 478.0 502.0- 498.0 521.0- 518.0
D. Stack 605.0- 609.0 614.0- 617.0 623.0- 626.0 632.0- 635.0
E. Total Seat Tube Length 405.0 430.0 455.0 480.0
F. Headtube Length 100.0 110.0 120.0 130.0
G. Headtube Angle
64.7
-
64.4
64.7
-
64.4
64.7
-
64.4
64.7
-
64.4
H. Seat Tube Angle
78.3
-
77.9
78.3
-
77.9
78.3
-
77.9
78.2
-
77.9
I. BB Drop 32.0- 36.0 31.0- 36.0 31.0- 36.0 31.0- 36.0
J. BB Height 344.0- 340.0 345.0- 340.0 345.0- 340.0 345.0- 340.0
K. Chainstay Length 432.0- 433.0 432.0- 433.0 432.0- 433.0 432.0- 433.0
L. Fork Length Axle to Crown 571.0 571.0 571.0 571.0
M. Fork Offset 43.0 43.0 43.0 43.0
N. Wheelbase 1211.0- 1211.0 1236.0- 1235.0 1260.0- 1260.0 1283.0- 1284.0
Crank Arm Length 165.0 165.0 170.0 170.0
Handlebar Width 760.0 800.0 800.0 800.0
Recommended Rider Height 157.0 - 170.0 168.0 - 180.0 178.0 - 191.0 188.0 - 201.0
Stem Length 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0

Measurements based on:

  • an unsprung bike (no sag)
  • a 29 x 2.5" tire measuring 752mm in diameter
  • Standover is measured from vertically from ground to top of top tube 50mm forward of bottom bracket center
  • Note: Where two measurements are listed, the first number is with Flip Chip in default High position; the second number is with Flip Chip in Low position

Frame Specs

  • Design Wheel/Tire Sizes 55–63.5mm (2.2–2.5")
  • Alternate Wheel/Tire Sizes 63–70mm (2.5–27.75")
  • Max Tire Outer Diameter Frame: 29 x 2.5"
    Fork: Max Tire Diameter: 732 mm / Max Tire Width: 81mm
  • Frame Construction Blackthorn 125 Carbon
  • Suspension Fork Length (Travel) 160mmm
  • Fork Offset 44mm
  • Axle to Crown 573mm
  • Rear Spacing 12 x 148mm
  • Rear Axle Size 12 x 188mm, TP=1.0, TL=20
  • Front Brake (Rotor) 74mm Postmount (180-220mm rotor)
  • Headset - Upper ZS44/28.6
  • Headset - Lower ZS56/40
  • Rear Shock Size 190 x 45mm
  • Shock Mount, Fore Ø10 x 30mm
  • Front Spacing 15 x 110mm
  • Front Axle Size Fox Kabolt: 15 x 155mm, TP=M14 x 1.5, TL=12mm
  • Steerer Tube 1.125–1.5" Tapered
  • Crown Race 59mm
  • Seatpost Ø30.9mm
  • Dropper Post Compatible Yes (internal)
  • Seatpost Clamp Ø35.4mm
  • Max Post Insertion SM: 215mm; MD: 240mm; LG: 265mm; XL: 290mm
  • Derailluer Hanger SRAM UDH
  • Bottom Bracket 73mm BSA
  • Crankset (Max Ring) 34t (55mm)
  • Accessory Mounts Top Tube (top side) Accessory Mounts: One
  • Bottle Mounts One full size bottle
  • Fork Mounts None
  • Front Fender Mounts None
  • Rear Fender Mounts None

Supportive Documents

Support Document links

Additional Features

Split Pivot rear suspension design

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 Blackthorn 125 riders can swap control and shock links, in addition to the rear shock and fork, to switch travel to Blackthorn 145's 145mm rear and 160 mm front capability. One frame, multiple bikes.

Purpose-tuned suspension

Blackthorn-specific control link and shock links optimize the frame geometry and kinematics for its suspension travel, delivering a well-rounded, balanced trail feel

Progressive leverage rate

Blackthorn is designed with a progressive leverage rate that 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 provide 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.

Trail Geometry

Blackthorn 125 balances descending confidence with pedaling performance for all-around riding. A 64.7-degree head tube angle makes for a long front center, translating to stability when descending loose, steep trails or railing through rock gardens. Blackthorn’s steep 78.3-degree seat tube angle puts you in a comfortable pedaling position for flats and climbs. Short 432–433mm chainstays keep Blackthorn 125 feeling nimble.

Flip chip

A flip chip allows a simple and quick 5mm adjustment to bottom bracket height and 0.3-degree adjustment to head tube angle to account for your personal preference, terrain, or wheel size and tire diameter

Carbon fiber frame

High-modulus carbon fiber frame, seatstays, and chainstays with 6061-T6 aluminum links for durability

Top tube accessory mounts

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

Fits two bottles on all sizes

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

Integrated repair kit location

Bring your multitool and tube without scuffing your frame or hauling around a hip pack

Versatile wheel and tire fit

Blackthorn features clearance for up to 29 x 2.5" tires and is compatible with mixed wheel sizes

Coil shock compatibility

Blackthorn is compatible with most coil shocks

Molded frame protection

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

Internally guided cable routing

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

FAQ

How do I convert my Blackthorn between 125mm & 145mm rear travel?

To convert from 125mm of travel to 145mm of travel you will need a 210x55mm stroke shock, the 3056 Shock Link, and a fork or airshaft of your desired travel between 140-160mm. To convert from 145mm of travel to 125mm of travel you will need a 190x45mm stroke shock, the 3046 Shock Link, and a fork or airshaft of your desired travel between 130-140mm. Please see the Travel Conversion Instructions for Blackthorn 2.0 for more details.

Can I run a coil shock?

Yes, Blackthorn 2.0 uses a progressive leverage rate that is compatible with Air and Coil shocks. Please see the attached PDF with starting coild weight recommendations based on rider + gear weight.

Can I run a mixed-wheel setup on this bike?

Yes, we recommend running 165mm or shorter crank arms, the max fork lengths of 160mm for 145 or 140mm for 125, and leaving the flip hip in the default(high) position.

What length dropper post can I fit?

Coming soon

How does the geometry change if I use a suspension fork with 150mm or 140mm of travel?

Coming soon

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