Salsa Horsethief SLX 29 2020 [Review]

OVERVIEW

Salsa Horsethief SLX 29 Trail Bike 2020 Review

The Salsa Horsethief SLX 29 Bike is a bike designed particularly for people who have a huge passion for trail or mountain biking. This trail bike is capable of withstanding the impacts and shocks encountered on tricky, rough mountain trails. This is courtesy of its light aluminum structure, shock-absorbing suspension fork, quality Shimano shift lever system, and high-grade tires that provide great grip and stability on any type of terrain.

Features 

Lightweight aluminum frameset 

The frameset of this road bike is forged from high-performance Aluminum that has passed a number of refined heating procedures. The T6 aluminum 6000 series is the industry-grade quality, noted for its high tensile strength and durability. It is also lighter, enabling a biker to travel over tough surfaces at optimal speed levels without feeling road shocks. The lightweight frame gives the rider critical stiffness and stress points to make swift turns in tight corners. 

All-terrain tires 

Salsa Horsethief SLX 29 Bike is furnished with all-terrain tires designed to cope with rigors of biking on any surfaces of the biking route. The tires are large and very thick to deliver outstanding ground traction on wet or dusty paths—the density and great grip a rider balance and stability. The Shimano shift levers promote smooth pedaling and lessen the effects of shocks from route bumps.  

Horsethief Geometry

The geometry of this bike provides riders with a lot of endurance features to go from a normal cruise around the neighborhood to go for mountain biking. It even goes as far as top performance biking for cycling competitions. A rider is able to make smooth descents at reasonable speed courtesy of the 67 degrees head tube angle and the long chainstay, measuring 432mm. The geometry can be easily adjusted to the personal setting of a biker by means of an integrated flip-chip.

SPECIFICATIONS

Sizes: small, medium, large and extra-large

Body frame: High-performance Aluminum, rack and fender mounts, water bottle racks, split pivot geometry, deluxe RockShox 

Fork set: split pivot full suspension, RockShox 35 gold rl, travel 140mm

Tires: 29er, 2.5 inches wide, Maxxis minion, 29 x 2.4inches

Rim: TCS 2.0, WTB, st i29

Front-wheel: 29-inches, Maxxis minion DHF, Shimano, SLX, 110 x 15mm

Back wheel: Maxxis minion, dhr II, 29-inches, Shimano, SLX, 157 x 12mm

Crankset: 32-T, ride race face

Chainset: 12-speed levels

Bike Cassette: Shimano, 12-speed levels, 11/34T

Rear shocks: Deluxe Rockshox, select plus

Back Cog: Shimano, SLX, 105t 

Back derailleur: Shimano, SLX

Shift lever: Shimano, 12-speed levels, SLX 

Braking system: Shimano, mt 520, hydraulic disc brakes, 4 piston

Brake rotor: 180mm 

Bike stem: Salsa, 35.0 Guide

Headset: FSA integration, is-2 orbit

Handlebar: Salsa, 35.0, Riser

Hand grips: Lock-on system, MTB

Seat post: tranzX, adjustable, ysio5jl2, travel 30mm

Seat saddle: Volt Sport, WTB 

Pros

• Versatile bike geometry 
• Quality aluminum frameset
• Great bike handling 
• Shock absorbing fork set
• Great ground-gripping tires 

Cons

• Uphill climbing is a bit difficult

FAQs

What makes the Salsa Horsethief SLX 29 Bike absorb road shocks? 

The Split Pivot suspension fork absorbs all shocks by isolating pedaling and braking forces. 

How many speed levels does the shift lever have?

The shift lever is furnished with 12-speed levels

Conclusion

Looking for a trail bike that is well-tailored to cope with the demands of intense trail biking? The Salsa Horsethief SLX 29 Bike bike fits the bill perfectly. It is designed to make for an enjoyable ride around your favorite off-trail routes with its durable aluminum body frame; top-notch Shimano drivetrain for smooth gear changing when employed, and excellent all-terrain tires that give adequate ground grip.