Salsa Blackthorn 145
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Facts
Summary of Reviews
We have read all expert and user reviews on the Salsa Blackthorn 145. In summary, this is what cyclists think.
9 reasons to buy
- The Blackthorn 145 is a 29er trail MTB available in three builds.
- Experts praise the Blackthorn's pedaling efficiency, especially for this travel category.
- The frame has a seat tube bottle cage mount, a 3-pack down tube mount, a top tube bag mount, and a built-in tube strap.
- Reviewers appreciate the comfortable seated riding position on long rides.
- The Blackthorn 145 is compatible with coil shocks and mullet wheels, and testers say it comes alive with mixed wheels and more aggressive tires.
- Reviewers enjoy the maneuverable and responsive handling.
- Two reviewers like how easy it is to lift the front wheel.
- Testers say the Blackthorn 145 is a good climber thanks to the geometry and supportive suspension.
- Testers of both SRAM-equipped builds praise the flawless shifting and braking performance.
7 reasons not to buy
- The shock has to be removed to change the fip-chip, and experts say it doesn’t compensate enough for the geometry change when switching to mixed wheels.
- Salsa says that owners who switch to mixed wheels must swap to shorter cranks.
- Testers say the Blackthorn 145 isn't as planted or composed as trail bikes with similar travel.
- Reviewers say the 29” x 2.5" Teravail Clifty tires offer poor grip, and they limit the bike’s overall performance.
- Testers say the firm rear suspension tune reduces traction on descents.
- A test bike arrives with a loose rear axle pivot.
- A tester of the Blackthorn 145 C GX is disappointed by the noisy chain slap on descents.
Bottom line
The Blackthorn 145 is Salsa’s long-travel trail mountain bike, billed as an all-mountain ride. Testing is limited, but the Blackthorn 145 is highlighted as a bikepacker’s trail bike, with frame mounts, an efficient pedaling platform, and comfortable geometry for long rides. It comes as a 29er, but testers prefer it with mixed wheels, though burlier tires and shorter cranks are needed. In the mullet configuration, it gains descending capabilities, playfulness, and traction. Overall, the Blackthorn 145 is deemed a decent all-rounder, but reviewers feel there are better trail bikes that descend more confidently.Expert Reviews
81/100 based on 2 rated expert reviewsSalsa Blackthorn 145 Bike Review
Salsa Blackthorn 125 C & Blackthorn 145 C
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