SALSA SPLIT PIVOT Horsethief Gen.3 Manual Download Page 1

1

196238 2/19

For additional product and safety information go to salsacycles.com/safety

SPLIT PIVOT

®

 SUSPENSION SETUP

At Salsa, we believe that a sense of adventure makes life better. 
The bicycle can be so much more than just a bike; it’s a path to 
new places, new people, and amazing experiences.
Thank you for your purchase. We hope it makes a good riding 
experience even better! 
Salsa. Adventure by bike

®

.

 

WARNING: 

Cycling can be dangerous. Bicycle products should  

be installed and serviced by a professional mechanic. Never modify 
your bicycle or accessories. Read and follow all product instructions 
and warnings including information on the manufacturer’s website. 
Inspect your bicycle before every ride. Always wear a helmet.

 

WARNING: 

Special tools and knowledge are necessary for the 

setup and service of your bicycle suspension. Consult your dealer 
if you have any questions or concerns about proper setup.

Getting Started

Proper suspension setup is important to get the most out of your 
Salsa Split Pivot suspension bike and preventing damage to the 
damper units, the frame, and/or yourself. Initial setup should  
be performed at home or at your shop prior to heading to the trail. 
This will give you adequate time to properly set and check the 
shock and fork pressure as well as dial in the base damper 
settings. After initial setup, subsequent use of the bike will only 
require a quick air pressure check, and verification of the damper 
settings in addition to your normal pre-ride inspection.

Compatibility

This setup guide is for the models shown in Table 1.

Items Required

Bike with pedals
Riding gear (including hydration pack w/water, tool kit,  
and anything else you regularly carry)
A clear space with a flat, firm floor
Friend or a sturdy wall

Tools Required

Shock pump
Measuring device (ruler, tape, or calipers)

Instructions

Step 1: Determine Target Sag

The recommended amount of sag for Salsa Split Pivot models  
is 30% of the rear shock stroke (Fig. 1) and 25% of the front fork 
travel (Fig. 2). These amounts are listed in the following table in 
millimeters. Note the sag amounts for your particular bike model 
and record them in the “Goal” column of the table in Step 4.

Step 2: Prep the Bike

Ensure tire pressure is adequate, set the saddle height to your 
normal riding position. Place any low-speed compression levers/
adjusters on the rear shock and fork to the fully open setting  
(Figs. 3, 4). If performing this setup on your own, position the bike 
on a firm level surface next to a sturdy wall so that when you are 
on the bike, you can lean your near hand or shoulder lightly 
against the wall for balance. If performing this setup with a friend 
or your mechanic, have them straddle the front tire facing the bike 
and firmly hold the handlebars between the grips and stem,  
in order to balance you as you are on the bike (Fig. 5).

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 5

REAR SHOCK

FRONT FORK

Model

Wheel 

Travel

Shock 

Stroke

30% Sag

Wheel 

Travel

25% Sag

Spearfish Gen.3

100mm

42.5mm

12.8mm

120mm

30mm

Horsethief Gen.3 120mm

45mm

13.5mm

140mm

35mm

Rustler Gen. 1

130mm

50mm

15mm

150mm

37.5mm

Table 1

Reviews: