SALSA SPLIT PIVOT Horsethief Gen.3 User manual

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196238 2/19 For additional product and safety information go to salsacycles.com/safety
MY2019+ 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

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196238 2/19 For additional product and safety information go to salsacycles.com/safety
MY2019+ SPLIT PIVOT®SUSPENSION SETUP
Step 3: Set Initial Pressures
To start, inflate the rear shock to a psi that is equal to your body
weight in pounds. This pressure will not be accurate but is a good
starting point. Adjusting the air pressure in the rear shock should
always be done in the following way:
A. Attach the shock pump. Make sure the pump is fully engaged
by checking that the dial has a reading.
B. Add air by pumping, or remove air by depressing the bleed
button opposite the gauge. Do so until the desired setting is
reached. Do NOT remove the pump yet.
C. Equalize the negative air chamber by placing your elbow on the
saddle and applying your body weight slowly to the bike and
then release it, such that the rear shock cycles through at least
25% of it’s stroke. Repeat this process 5–6 times until the “hitch”
you feel and “whoosh” you hear about 10% into the stroke is
almost imperceptible. (This is the negative air equalizing).
D. Check the gauge, it will likely read differently than it did prior
to step C. Repeat Steps B and C until the gauge stays at your
desired pressure through step C. This usually takes 3 to 4
cycles with each subsequent cycle requiring only small
adjustment (one or two pumps).
Once your desired starting pressure is reached, record this
pressure as “Press. 1” in the Table #2 in Step 4.
Step 4: Check Rear Shock Sag
Climb on the bike, clip-in if needed, and bounce the rear
suspension a couple times. Settle into a normal seated position.
While remaining seated and still, push the o-ring on the shaft of
the rear shock firmly against the wiper seal (Fig. 6). Then carefully
dismount the bike without further compressing the rear
suspension. If the shock features sag gradient markings, check
the reading. If not, using your measuring device, measure the
distance between the seal and o-ring and record it below.
Step 5: Adjust Rear Shock Pressure
Compare the measured sag amount to the goal amount. If the
measured amount is less than the goal amount, lower the
pressure in the shock (Figs. 7, 8). If the measured amount is more,
increase the pressure in the shock (Figs. 9, 10). REMEMBER to
cycle through Steps B, C, and D of Step 2 when making air
adjustments. Then repeat Steps 4 and 5 until the measured
amount is the same as the goal amount. Note your final rear
shock pressure. You can now use this pressure as your stock rear
shock pressure before each ride without having to work through
this process again.
Step 6: Check Front Fork Sag
With the rear shock pressure now dialed in, climb back on the bike
and settle into a neutral standing position (Fig. 11). Bounce the
front fork a few times and remain in that neutral standing position.
Slide the o-ring on the fork stanchion tube down flush against the
wiper seal without further compressing the fork. Then dismount
the bike towards the rear end to ensure the fork does not
compress further. Note: It helps to lower or remove the seat
for this step, as you don’t need it.
Figure 6
Figure 7 Figure 8
Figure 10Figure 9
Figure 11
SAG GOAL Press. 1/
Sag 1
Press. 2/
Sag 2
Press. 3/
Sag 3
Press. 4/
Sag 4
REAR SHOCK / / / /
FRONT FORK / / / /
Table 2

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MY2019+ SPLIT PIVOT®SUSPENSION SETUP
Step 7: Adjust Front Fork Pressure
Compare the measured sag amount of the fork to the goal
amount. Like the rear shock, adjust the fork pressure up or down
and repeat Steps 6 and 7 until the goal amount is reached
(Figs. 12, 13).
REMEMBER to follow Steps B,C, and D when making adjustments
to the fork’s air pressure. Just like the rear shock, there is a
negative air chamber about 10% of the way through the fork
travel. Although with the larger volume of air the fork has
compared to a rear shock, the equalization process does not make
a very noticeable impact on the positive air reading. Note your
final front fork pressure. You can now use this pressure as your
stock fork pressure before each ride without having to work
through this process again.
Lastly, please note that these pressure settings apply to you and
the amount of gear you were wearing when you performed the
setup. Riding with more or less gear/water will require you
to adjust your rear shock and front fork pressures accordingly.
Rebound Settings for Rear Shock & Front Fork
Rebound settings will vary between riders. Rider weight, riding
style, ability level, and terrain all dictate what setting will be
appropriate. Heavier riders run more air pressure in the rear
shock unit and the front fork than lighter riders and therefore need
to use more rebound damping (+). Lighter riders will use less (-).
The best way to hone in on your preferred rebound setting is to
repeat a short section of choppy trail several times, adjusting the
rebound in large chunks at first to find a zone that feels better
than the others, and then make small adjustments to further hone
in (Figs. 14, 15). Be sure to do this with any pedal or climb settings
in the full open position. You want feel for the point where the bike
feels “glued” to the ground, but doesn’t feel like the suspension
is getting stiffer with each successive hit (packing up). If the bike
feels loose and skittish, slow the rebound (+) if the bike feels great
initially but then gets harsh after multiple bumps, open the
rebound up 1 or 2 clicks (-). Be sure to always note the rebound
setting as clicks from the full slow (+) position.
Lockout, Pedal, & LSC
All Salsa Split Pivot models feature rear shocks and front forks
with some type of 2- or 3-position lever. In either case, the open
setting can be used 90% of the time. Even on steep technical
climbs, the anti-squat built into the Split Pivot chassis provides
enough support to climb efficiently and leaving the shock open
allows it to absorb bumps and maintain traction better than if the
pedal platform is engaged. The second setting (Fig. 16) is a pedal
platform that adds support and firmness to the suspension to
further enhance pedaling efficiency. When medium sized bumps
are encountered, the platform gives way and the suspension can
absorb the rest of the bump. This setting is best used on long,
gradual, extended smooth climbs like fire roads, but some heavier
riders (220 lb+) might find is useful on technical climbs as well.
If the shock or fork has a third position (Fig. 17), this will be the
“lock-out”. It’s actually not a true lock-out, just a stronger version
of the pedal platform. This setting will add even more support and
firmness to the rear suspension and it will only become active
when hard/heavy bumps are encountered. We recommend using
this setting primarily for commuting to and from the trailhead,
or in flat-out sprint situations on finish-line straights.
Figure 14
Figure 17Figure 16
Figure 15
Figure 12 Figure 13

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196238 2/19 For additional product and safety information go to salsacycles.com/safety
MY2019+ SPLIT PIVOT®SUSPENSION SETUP
Most fork models feature some type of low-speed compression
adjustment (LSC) in addition to the platform settings (Fig. 18).
Often, this LSC adjustment is found as steps between the open and
lock position, occasionally it is on a separate dial. LSC can be used
to combat fork dive (from braking), but will sacrifice slightly on how
supple the fork feels. Usually just a few clicks of LSC(+) is adequate
for all but the heaviest riders. Very light riders may use none.
Some rear shock models also feature a LSC adjustment separate
of the pedal/lockout adjustment. For rear shocks, LSC can be used
to help further stabilize the rear suspension under pedaling in a
more subtle fashion than the pedal platform does. Generally most
riders can use little to no LSC, but heavier riders might find added
LSC(+) helps stabilize the bike under pedaling.
Figure 18
SALSA CYCLES
6400 West 105th Street, Bloomington, MN 55438
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