Minnesota's Finest Mountain Bike: Salsa Blackthorn Carbon 160 Trail Bike

Join us as we dive into the features of Salsa's Blackthorn, a do-it-all trail to Enduro full-suspension mountain bike packed with innovative design and components. From its 160mm RockShox Lyrik front fork to its unique Dave Weigel Split Pivot rear suspension, discover what makes this bike a versatile choice for trail and Enduro enthusiasts. Don't forget to stick around until the end to find out its actual weight and consider subscribing for more in-depth bike reviews!
Let me know what you think in the comments below & Don't forget to subscribe!!!
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Let me know what you think in the comments below & Don't forget to subscribe!!!
- Visit my Website: www.jamesthebikeguy.com
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- Check it out at my favorite shop: bit.ly/3pVF6lS
---
- JBG Merch and Support the Channel: teespring.com/stores/jamesthe...
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00:00 - New Enduro Trail Bike
00:54 - Salsa Blackthorn Carbon SLX
01:24 - EPS Molded Carbon Frame
02:25 - DW Split Pivot Suspension
03:22 - 160mm Rockshox Lyrik
03:51 - Frame Geometry & Wheel Options
04:59 - Shimano Deore SLX Build Kit
05:17 - Cockpit Components
05:52 - Blackthorn C Weight
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DISCLAIMER: This video description contains affiliate links, meaning I'll receive a small commission if you click on one of the product links. I work within the cycling industry, and the views are not representative of the views of my employer. Jamesthebikeguy videos are produced outside of employment obligations and are made of my own volition unless otherwise stated.

[@dtj9923]

I just built up one of these bikes in aluminum and managed to shave 4-5 pounds off the factory SLX build. (4-5 depending on which set of wheels and tires I'm running) The thing is an absolute beast of a bike for XC, DH, enduro, dirt jumping, park rides, whatever you want to throw at it. I spend 3-4 nights a week at Ray's indoor bike park running a 27.5 x 2.8 wheel tire combo and it's an absolute blast. Unbelievably nimble. I run a 29 x 2.6 wheel tire combo for XC. The wheel choice makes a big impact on how this bike behaves and provides a lot of versatility. This is a great platform, and it's proving to be indestructible.

[@snokefilmmedia]

Nice to see a bike design with features that make a ton of sense. Love the rubber protection on the lower linkage, what a nice touch. Even seeing a _normal_ stem for once (without nonsensical proprietary spacers or headsets) is a nice change. Would love to try one, but looks like these will be hard to find across the pond.

[@harrygrimley4352]

Nice. Way more bike than I need.

[@kyleericson9777]

Would improve the reviews if you could mention the price (just my opinion). Also, as I have a much older bike (before you could alter any of the specs), can you really tell the difference in a .3* change?🤔

[@Busby7744]

Great bike! I own one and currently have it in Cassidy mode. I wouldn’t call the blackthorn a 160 bike tho, it’s a 140 bike, usually hear bikes classified by the rear travel (IMHO). Interestingly you can also long shock this bike for 146mm rear travel. Thanks for posting!

[@notpablo8369]

Salsa Spearfish 2023-24 please

[@daddyduck833]

Funny they ran a fox in the rear and a rockshox in the front

[@ellerybice3787]

I would expect that a bicycle coming straight out of Minestrone soup swamps, would look more like , not less than an 6/8 wheeled Argo swamp tub. 🚴🏼🚴🏼🚴🏼

[@Sangram-IND]

❤❤❤

[@MikeinCC]

Salsa bikes used to be good value for the money. Not any more, and their bikes are *heavy*. Even the carbon ones. There’s better value with boutique brands ( yes really) with much better resale.

[@MikeinCC]

You can get a Yeti for almost the same price/weight