Although there is also a carbon model (frame 3499 euros), it is not available at the price limit we set. So be it. For around 5000 euros, the German Salsa importer puts a solid all-mountain bike with extravagant features on the tyres. In Germany, however, only the frame set is available for 2299 euros, which is equipped with a Rockshox shock. Probably also due to the availability of the parts, the Blackthorn seems somewhat oversized in this comparison. Extremely heavy Maxxis Double Down tyres with the tough MaxxGrip rubber compound have been fitted at the front and rear, and the Cane Creek Kitsuma shock, with every conceivable adjustment option, would also look better on an enduro bike.
CONCLUSION on the Salsa Blackthorn:
With the heavy downhill tyres and the long suspension fork, the Blackthorn cannot fully develop its all-round capabilities and falls short of our expectations. However, the solid frame harbours far more potential.
Technical data Salsa Blackthorn
General information
- Price: 5000 Euro (frame 2299 Euro)
- Info: www.salsacycles.com
- Frame material: aluminium
- Frame size: S / M / L / XL (tested 46 cm)
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 15.34 kg
- Suspension travel: 160/146 mm
Equipment
- Fork: Cane Creek Helm Air MKII
- Shock: Cane Creek DB Kitsuma Air
- Crank: Truvativ Descendant
- Gear system: Sram X01 Eagle 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-52 / 520 %
- Brake system / disc (front / rear): Formula Cura 4 / 203 mm / 180 mm
- Telescopic post / stroke / Ø: Crankbrothers Highline / 170 mm / 30.9 mm
- Wheels: Crankbrothers E29
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai / Dissector 3C MaxxGrip TR Double Down 29 x 2.50 / 2.40
The BIKE measured values come from the BIKE laboratory measurement.
You can download the results of the Salsa Blackthorn in the complete comparison test of the 7 all-mountain bikes from BIKE 3/2022 as a PDF below the article. The test report costs 1.99 euros.
Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in BIKE. We don't pay for them, but the opposite is the case: we charge for them, namely tens of thousands of euros every year.
