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Build Overview
This Salsa Spearfish custom build is a dialed-in, modern XC bike with 120 mm travel front and rear, progressive geometry, and the latest SRAM XX Transmission drivetrain. Built for a customer, this one is already sold — but we’re sharing it to show what’s possible as we plan more Spearfish builds for next season.
The new Spearfish is exactly what many riders have been waiting for: 120 mm travel, modern geometry, standard 148 boost spacing, and no more super-boost limitations. It pedals extremely well, offers much more forgiveness than old-school World Cup XC setups, and lets riders push harder without finding the bike’s limits.
This particular build hits all the high points: Fox Factory 120 mm suspension front and rear, Reserve XC 28 carbon wheels, Barzo/Mezcal tires, XX Transmission with power meter, Motive Ultimate brakes, and a RockShox Reverb AXS dropper. If we were personally buying a bike today, this would be at the top of the list.
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Full Build Specs
- Frame: Salsa Spearfish C, DLX finish (translucent carbon weave)
- Rear Travel: 120 mm
- Fork: Fox 34 Step-Cast Factory, 120 mm, SL damper
- Wheels: Reserve XC 28 (takeoffs from Cervelo ZFS-5 / ZFS-120)
- Tires: Vittoria Barzo (front) / Mezcal (rear)
- Drivetrain: SRAM XX Eagle Transmission 1×12
- Crankset: XX Transmission w/ Power Meter (120 mm crank)
- Derailleur: XX Transmission AXS
- Cassette: XX Eagle T-Type
- Dropper Post: RockShox Reverb AXS (new-generation with battery at the base)
- Saddle: Ergon MTB saddle
- Handlebar: Era 40 mm rise bar (spec’d for rider fit)
- Brakes: SRAM Motive Ultimate (stealth routing)
- Bottle Mounts: Three internal bottle mounts + top tube bag mount
Build Notes
Why the Spearfish Works
The older Spearfish had potential, but it was heavy and relied on super-boost rear spacing, which made wheel upgrades expensive. The new model fixes everything: lighter chassis, standard boost rear spacing, modern geometry, and exactly the travel most XC riders actually need.
The 120/120 platform with the Fox Factory setup offers a blend of speed and forgiveness. For many riders — including us — it’s easier to go faster on a slightly more forgiving bike than on an ultra-steep World Cup race machine. This build reflects that philosophy.
XX Transmission With Power Meter
Originally planned as an XO build, the buyer stepped up to the XX Transmission group after we compared the price difference. For a premium build like this, the upgrade made sense — especially with the integrated power meter option and the durability of T-Type drivetrains.
Reserve XC Wheels
The Reserve XC 28 wheels were takeoffs from a new Cervelo ZFS 120 we sold to another customer who already had wheels. These have been proven on ZFS race bikes and Niner hardtails in our shop. Fast, tough, and perfectly matched to the Spearfish’s intentions.
SRAM Motive Ultimate Brakes
These new Motive braking systems feel incredible — arguably the nicest upgrade SRAM has put out since the G2 Ultimate in the DOT-brake era. Great modulation, plenty of power, and a perfect match for this bike’s purpose.
This specific build is sold, and our own demo review bike is already here. We’ll put real miles (and probably a race) on it soon and follow up with a riding review.
See more builds in the Maklin Custom Build Library.
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Work With Us On a Custom Build
If you’re thinking about a custom Spearfish or XC build for next season, we can spec it, order it, and build it just like this.