
Bikes up to 60% offWe monitor over 40,000 bikes daily to find the best prices
Today’s DealsHorsethief Deore
A 29″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with upper mid-range components.
Compare the full range
Manufacturer Price
$2,399| Weight | 33.6 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Suspension | Full, 140mm front |
| Fork | RockShox Recon Silver RL |
| Shock | RockShox Deluxe |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Groupset | Deore |
| Brakes | Shimano Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
5'4" – 5'9"
5'7" – 6'0"
5'10" – 6'3"
6'1" +
None yet.
Do you have this bike? Help other riders make a decision about which size will work for them by sharing your own size and fit notes.
Summary
The Salsa Horsethief is a versatile and well-rounded trail bike, praised for its efficient pedaling, progressive suspension, and modern geometry. It excels in handling a variety of terrains, from technical climbs to rocky descents, and offers a comfortable ride with reliable traction. While it may feel a bit sluggish on tight trails and has some minor component drawbacks, its overall performance and value make it a standout in its category.
Efficient pedaling and technical climbing capabilities
Progressive suspension handles big hits without bottoming out
Modern geometry enhances stability and confidence on descents
Versatile for a range of tire sizes and bikepacking
Dual water bottle mounts and top tube mount enhance comfort and convenience
Feels big and less maneuverable on tight turns
Shorter rear travel compared to some bikes
Heavy and some components feel underpowered or cheap
Salsa’s 2019 trail bikes are right on point with current geometry trends, and I’m all for it, as I think today’s bikes ride better than ever.
The Horsethief is an efficient-pedaling trail bike that can handle serious hits.Bicycling
this bike is truly a quiver killer
It's versatile and well-rounded when ridden with its limits of speed and terrain, and we feel it's a sensible entry-level and affordable option for less aggressive riders.
Feedback?
View all reviews

Mar 2020
Salsa Cycles made its debut in the early 1980s with handmade frames and custom-made stems. Today, Salsa offers a selection of 19 bikes ranging from gravel to all mountain, and the company has become known for its ultra-endurance options—bikes that go far, bikes that go fast, bikes built to obliterate long-distance race records.
Feb 2020 · VeloNews.com
Fox suspension forks, carbon wheels, and an all new aluminum frame.

Jan 2020 · Jeremy Benson
The Deore build is the entry-level model in Salsa's range of mid-travel Horsethief trail bikes. This 29er has 120mm of rear suspension paired with a 140mm...
Excellent in rolling moderate terrain
Versatile
Relatively well-rounded
Heavy
10-speed drivetrain

Jun 2019 · Dan Roe
Suspension refinements and more fork travel make this the most capable Horsethief yet.
Progressive rear suspension handles big hits
Slack geometry and a big fork give it all-mountain versatility
Barely bobs under pedaling
Slightly sluggish on tight, technical trails

Mar 2019 · Steve Fisher
The 2019 Horsethief is Salsa Cycles all-around 29er, and its solid pedalling and ample squish makes for one versatile ride.

Mar 2019 · Logan Watts
The new 2019 Salsa Horsethief and Spearfish get a Super BOOST rear end, larger frame bag space, threaded BBs, more mounts, and a few other new tricks...
Mar 2019 · Jason Sumner
Salsa is pushing hard to make a name in the traditional mountain bike space, launching a trifecta of revamped trail chargers, the 29er Spearfish and Horsethief, and 27.5 Rustler. - Mtbr.com
| Frame | Horsethief Aluminum BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Color: Tan and Charcoal |
|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox Recon RL 140mm, 51mm offset Travel: 140mm |
| Shock | RockShox Deluxe RT |
| Bottom Bracket | 73mm BSA, threaded |
| Headset | Cane Creek 10 |
| Stem | Salsa Guide Trail |
| Handlebar | Salsa Salt Flat (SM) Rustler (MD–XL) |
| Saddle | WTB Volt Sport |
| Seatpost | TranzX JD-YSP15JL, travel: SM = 100mm, MD/LG/XL = 125mm Type: Dropper |
| Grips | Salsa File Tread Lock On |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | N/A |
| Crank | Race Face Ride, direct mount 32t |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore |
| Cassette | Shimano Deore 11-42t |
| Chain | Shimano HG54 |
| Brakes | Shimano MT201, 180mm rotors Type: Shimano Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | Front: WTB Serra hub 110 x 15mm, WTB ST i29 TCS 2.0 29" tubeless ready, Rear: WTB Serra hub 157 x 12mm, WTB ST i29 TCS 2.0 29" tubeless ready |
|---|---|
| Tires | Maxxis Minion DHF 29 x 2.5" front and DHRII 29 x 2.4" rear, 60 tpi/EXO/tubeless ready |
| Disc Rotors | 74mm post (Ø160–180mm) |
First added August 14
Last updated April 1
Not listed for 2,249 days