With Split Pivot suspension: Salsa Spearfish gets frameset upgrade & 3 new colours

The Spearfish C DLX frameset combines lightweight construction with customisable suspension. The XC frame relies on Split Pivot technology, which processes pedalling and braking forces separately. The deluxe carbon layup uses high-modulus carbon fibres in the main triangle and on the seat and chain stays. The construction reduces the weight by more than 250 g compared to standard carbon without compromising stiffness or riding characteristics. The shock and linkage are also made of carbon. The new frameset costs 3499 US dollars.

Split pivot for variable suspension travel

The Split Pivot suspension separates pedalling and braking forces through a concentric rear axle point. Wheel Link, Brake Link and Control Link work together to ensure traction when braking and efficiency when pedalling. The Split Pivot + concept allows the rear suspension travel to be adjusted between 100 and 120 mm. Riders can fit forks with 100 to 130 mm travel. Salsa recommends adapting the fork travel to the rear or selecting 10 mm more.

Endurance XC geometry with flip chip

The steering angle is 66.3 degrees in the high flip-chip position and 66.0 degrees in the low setting. The chainstays measure 430 mm in the high position and 431.2 mm in the low position. The seat angle is 77.3 degrees high and 77.0 degrees low. These values remain constant across all five frame sizes from XS to XL.

The flip chip changes the bottom bracket height by 5 mm and the steering angle by 0.3 degrees. In the high position, the bottom bracket is 342 mm above the ground, in the low position 337.5 mm. The BB drop is 31 mm high and 35.5 mm low. Riders can adjust the setting to suit the terrain, tyre diameter or personal preferences.

The reach increases from 435 mm in XS to 450 mm in S, 470 mm in M and 490 mm in L up to 510 mm in XL. These values apply to the high chip position; in the low setting, the reach is reduced by 3.6 mm. The stack increases from 589.3 mm in XS to 625.9 mm in XL. The effective top tube length ranges from 567.8 mm to 651.1 mm. The wheelbase measures between 1157 mm in XS and 1248.1 mm in XL.

Fox Factory shock and FSA headset

The frameset includes a Fox Float SL Factory shock with EVOL LV air chamber. The headset is from FSA, model Orbit 1.5E ZS NO.57E with ZS44/28.6 at the top and ZS56/40 at the bottom. The bearing cup measures 59 mm. An MRP 1x SL TR2 chain guide is included in the scope of delivery. The Salsa Deadbolt Ultra Light thru axle M12 x 188 L with TP=1.0 and TL=20 secures the rear wheel.

The frame uses a BB92 press-fit bottom bracket. The maximum chainring size is 34 teeth with a 55 mm chainline. The derailleur mount uses the SRAM UDH standard with Ø30 mm washer. The seat post measures 30.9 mm in diameter, the clamp 35.4 mm. Internal routing for Vario seatposts is available. The maximum insertion depth is 215 mm in S, 240 mm in M, 265 mm in L and 290 mm in XL.

Wheels and brakes

The rear triangle accepts 12 x 148 mm thru axles. The axle itself measures 12 x 188 mm with TP=1.0 and TL=13 mm. The brake mount follows the 74 mm post-mount standard for 180 to 200 mm discs. The frame is designed for 29-inch wheels with tyre widths between 2.0 and 2.4 inches. The maximum outer tyre diameter is 746 mm, measured on a 29 x 2.4 inch tyre.

The fork should offer 120 mm travel with 44 mm offset and 530 mm installation height from axle to fork crown. The maximum tyre width on the fork is 66 mm and the diameter is 758 mm. Salsa does not recommend 27.5-inch wheels on the rear wheel. All geometry values are based on an unsprung bike without sag.

Salsa Spearfish Frameset 2026: Key features at a glance

• Split Pivot suspension separates pedalling and braking forces for independent tuning
• Split Pivot + enables 100 to 120 mm rear suspension travel in one frame
• Deluxe carbon layup saves 250 g compared to standard carbon
• Flip chip adjusts bottom bracket height by 5 mm and steering angle by 0.3 degrees
• 66.3 degree steering angle combined with 430 mm chainstays
• 77.3 degree seat angle for long rides
• Space for up to three bottles in sizes M to XL
• Accessory mounts on the main triangle and top tube
• Moulded frame protection at critical points
• Compatible with internal Vario seatposts
• SRAM UDH rear derailleur mount
• BB92 Press-Fit bottom bracket