Blackthorn 125 C Eagle 90 Mountain Bike

What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:

"The Blackthorn 125 C runs SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission on a high-modulus carbon Split Pivot frame with a RockShox Pike Select 140mm fork and Deluxe Select+ rear shock for 125mm of rear travel. The 64.7-degree head tube angle and 78.3-degree seat tube angle sit noticeably upright for a more trail-focused geometry that rewards efficient pedaling and technical climbing without giving up descending confidence."

Who It's For

Trail riders who want a carbon platform that prioritizes both climbing efficiency and descending capability.

The Blackthorn 125 C targets riders with solid trail experience who spend most of their time on technical singletrack and want a bike that feels efficient and responsive across a full day of riding. It suits those who want the weight and compliance advantages of carbon construction with a trail-focused geometry that works as well on sustained climbs as it does on technical descents.

What It's For

Technical rides and routes where pedaling efficiency and trail versatility lead.

The Blackthorn 125 C's 64.7-degree head tube angle creates a long front center for stability on loose and steep terrain, while the 78.3-degree seat tube angle puts riders in a comfortable, efficient pedaling position on sustained climbs. Short chainstays keep the rear end nimble and responsive on tight technical sections. The 140mm Pike Select fork and 125mm rear travel keep the bike efficient on climbs while delivering real descending capability when the trail pitches down. Two bottle mounts and top tube accessory mounts support longer days and bikepacking setups.

Why We Like It

High-modulus carbon construction, Split Pivot suspension, and trail-tuned geometry.

Salsa's high-modulus carbon frame uses carbon fiber seatstays and chainstays with 6061-T6 aluminum links at the pivots for a chassis that balances light weight and compliance with long-term durability. Internally guided cable routing simplifies setup and maintenance while keeping the frame profile clean for mechanical and dropper post builds. Molded rubber frame protection on the downtube, seat tube, chainstays, and seatstays guards against trail impacts and abrasion on demanding terrain.

Split Pivot suspension isolates pedaling and braking forces independently, delivering supple small-bump compliance, efficient pedaling on sustained climbs, and smooth predictable braking throughout the travel. The progressive leverage rate adds bottom-out resistance at the end of the stroke for confidence on bigger hits without compromising the supple feel at the top. The flip chip provides a 5mm BB height and 0.3-degree head tube angle adjustment for riders who want to fine-tune handling, and the Split Pivot+ design allows full conversion to 145mm rear and 160mm front travel by swapping control and shock links for riders who want more range from the same chassis.

SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission with a 10-52 cassette and 30T chainring covers every gradient on long trail days and loaded bikepacking routes. SRAM DB6 four-piston brakes with a 200mm front and 180mm rear rotor provide strong, progressive stopping power well matched to the travel and terrain. WTB KOM Trail i30 TCS rims ship tubeless-ready with TCS valves and sealant included, and the Teravail Kessel front and Clifty rear 29x2.5 tire pairing handles loose, rocky, and technical trail surfaces with grip and durability.

Heads up! We do our best to keep bike specs and images current, but occasional component changes can happen without warning, and sometimes the photos might not show the exact build you'll receive. If you want to double-check the details, our Gearheads are always here to help.