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2020 Salsa

Horsethief SX Eagle

A 29″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with upper mid-range components.
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Manufacturer Price

$2,649
FrameAluminum
SuspensionFull, 120 / 140mm
ForkRockShox Recon Silver RL
ShockRockShox Deluxe Select+
Wheels29″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetTruvativ Descendant, SX Eagle
BrakesShimano Hydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
Where to Buy
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Horsethief SX Eagle
Other Trail bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

25 mph

Horsethief SX Eagle

26 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
SM

5'4" – 5'9"

MD

5'7" – 6'0"

LG

5'10" – 6'3"

XL

6'1" +

Rider Fit Notes

None yet.

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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

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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 Aluminum

BB StandardBSA, 73mm, Threaded

ColorBlack

Fork

RockShox Recon RL 140 mm, 42 mm Offset

Travel140mm

Shock

RockShox Deluxe Select+

Travel120mm

Bottom Bracket

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

Headset

FSA Orbit IS-2

Stem

Salsa Guide 35.0

Handlebar

Salsa Guide 35.0 Aluminum

Saddle

WTB Volt Sport

Seatpost

TranzX YSI05JL, 30 mm Travel Adjustable, Travel: SM = 125 mm, MD = 150 mm, LG = 170 mm, XL = 200 mm

TypeDropper

Grips

Salsa File Tread Lock-On

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM SX Eagle

Front Derailleur

N/A

Crank

Truvativ Descendant 7k, 32t

Shifters

SRAM SX Eagle

Cassette

SRAM PG1210, 11–50t, 12-speed

Chain

SRAM SX Eagle

Brakes

Shimano MT401, 180 mm rotors

TypeShimano Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Front: WTB Serra 110 x 15 mm hub, WTB ST i29 TCS 2.0 29" rim, Tubeless-Ready, Rear: WTB Serra 157 x 12 mm hub, WTB ST i29 TCS 2.0 29" rim, Tubeless-Ready

Tires

Maxxis Minion DHF 29 x 2.5" Front, DHR II 29 x 2.4" Rear, 60 TPI, EXO, Tubeless-Ready

Disc Rotors

74mm post (Ø160–180mm)

Rider Notes
Riders Also Viewed

First added August 14

Last updated November 28

Not listed for 2,008 days