Salsa Blackthorn Carbon XTR
Top Pick
Salsa

Salsa Blackthorn Carbon XTR

4.6

Best high performance trail bike for serious mountain biking enthusiasts.

This is a masterclass in versatility, using a clever suspension design to keep your pedaling efficient while still eating up the roughest descents. It sacrifices a bit of raw, lightweight minimalism for a robust, feature-rich frame that feels ready for anything from all-day epics to technical trail abuse.

$8999.00

Out of stock
Frame Material Carbon Fiber, Aluminum
Aluminum Carbon Fiber
Carbon Fiber, Aluminum
Wheel Size Inches 29
29
29
Front Suspension Travel Mm 160
140
160
Rear Suspension Travel Mm 140

Who it's for

  • Performance-oriented riders seeking the highest level of mechanical precision
  • All-mountain cyclists who demand efficiency on technical climbs and descents
  • Backcountry explorers needing a capable bike with ample gear storage

Who should skip it

  • Budget-conscious mountain bikers looking for the best value-to-performance ratio
  • Cross-country enthusiasts who prioritize agility and speed on mellow terrain
  • Low-maintenance riders who prefer simple, easy-to-service mechanical systems

Performance breakdown

Descending Stability

Progressive geometry keeps the bike planted and composed on steep, technical chutes.

Excellent

Climbing Efficiency

Split Pivot suspension minimizes pedal bob, making steep ascents feel surprisingly manageable.

Excellent

Component Spec

Top-tier XTR drivetrain and powerful brakes offer flawless, race-ready performance.

Excellent

Frame Versatility

Flip Chip adjustments and integrated mounts adapt easily to changing trail conditions.

Excellent

Suspension Sophistication

Isolates braking forces effectively, maintaining traction when you need it most.

Excellent

Maintenance Accessibility

Internal routing and integrated repair storage simplify trailside fixes and upkeep.

Excellent

Key Specs

Frame Material

Carbon fiber main triangle and seatstays, 6066-T6 aluminum chainstays

Wheel Size

29 inches

Suspension Type

Full-suspension

Front Suspension Travel

160 mm

Rear Suspension Travel

140 mm

Number of Speeds

12

Brake Type

Hydraulic disc

Fork Type

Air

Dropper Post Included

Yes

Tubeless Ready Wheels

Yes

Know before you buy

Still have a question?

Ask Metto anything about the Salsa Blackthorn Carbon XTR before you decide.

Salsa Blackthorn Carbon XTR

Ready to buy?

Epic Bike Shop
Epic Bike Shop
Out of stock
$8999.00
Buy
Pedalpowerct
Pedalpowerct
Out of stock
$8999.00
Buy
Acmebicycles
Acmebicycles
Out of stock
$8999.00
Buy