Bikes up to 60% offWe monitor over 40,000 bikes daily to find the best prices

Today’s Deals

2020 Salsa

Horsethief C Frame

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail frameset.

Manufacturer Price

$1,979$3,299
Weight6.3 lbs (frame)  
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull
ShockFox Float DPS Performance Elite
Wheels29″
BrakesHydraulic Disc
Similar Bikes
Top Comparison
Insights
Sizing
SM

5'4" – 5'9"

MD

5'8" – 5'11"

LG

5'10" – 6'3"

Rider Fit Notes

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.

Price History
Reviews

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 versatility make it a standout in its category.

Pros
  • 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

Cons
  • Feels big and less maneuverable on tight turns

  • Shorter rear travel compared to some bikes

  • Granny gear lacks enough torque for challenging moves

  • Heavy and some components feel underpowered or cheap

Key Quotes
Salsa Cycles’ 2019 Horsethief is a well-rounded trail machine.
Bikerumor logoBikerumor
The Horsethief is an efficient-pedaling trail bike that can handle serious hits.
Bicycling
this bike is truly a quiver killer
Mountain Flyer logoMountain Flyer
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.
Outdoor Gear Lab logoOutdoor Gear Lab

Feedback?

View all reviews

Mountain Flyer
Tested: Salsa Horsethief

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.

Read Review

Velo
Salsa refreshes component spec on 2020 Spearfish, Horsethief, and Rustler

Feb 2020 · VeloNews.com

Fox suspension forks, carbon wheels, and an all new aluminum frame.

Read Review

Outdoor Gear Lab
Salsa Horsethief Deore

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...

Highs
  • Excellent in rolling moderate terrain

  • Versatile

  • Relatively well-rounded

Lows
  • Heavy

  • 10-speed drivetrain

Read Review

Bicycling
Tested: Salsa’s New Horsethief Carbon GX Eagle

Jun 2019 · Dan Roe

Suspension refinements and more fork travel make this the most capable Horsethief yet.

Highs
  • Progressive rear suspension handles big hits

  • Slack geometry and a big fork give it all-mountain versatility

  • Barely bobs under pedaling

Lows
  • Slightly sluggish on tight, technical trails

Read Review

Bikerumor
First Ride Review: 2019 Salsa Horsethief trail bike is no one-trick pony

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.

Read Review

BIKEPACKING.com
2019 Salsa Horsethief and Spearfish

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...

Read Review

MTBR
Salsa launches revamped Spearfish, Horsethief, and Rustler

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

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Horsethief Carbon, 6lb 5oz - Medium (with headset, seatpost collar, rear shock, and rear thru axle)

BB StandardBSA, 73mm, Threaded

ColorCharcoal and Raw Carbon

Fork

531–551mm (120–140mm)

Shock

Fox Float DPS Performance Elite

Bottom Bracket

73mm BSA, threaded. Carbon bike requires ISCG cover ring or ISCG mounting bracket in place of 2.5mm DS BB Spacer

Headset

Cane Creek 40 (IS41/IS52)

Seatpost

Ø30.9mm

TypeRigid

Groupset
Brakes

74mm post (Ø160–180mm)

TypeHydraulic Disc

Wheels
Tires

Tire Size Range for 622/29" Wheels: 56–66mm (2.2–2.6")

Disc Rotors

74mm post (Ø160–180mm)

Rider Notes
Riders Also Viewed

First added December 3

Last updated May 30