2025 Salsa Rustler C Frame - Black

Given the choice between clearing challenging lines and taking them on with gusto, you prefer the latter. If this sounds like you, the Rustler Carbon frame is the perfect platform for your ultimate trail bike build. The Split Pivot® rear suspension system with a Fox Float DPS Performance shock, flip chip geometry adjustment, and 27.5 x 2.3-2.8" tire clearance let you build the bike that suits your playful style. Get excited for a trail-roosting rig with impeccable pedaling efficiency-a surefire recipe for fun on many trails.

WARNING:

This product can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Headset:

Cane Creek 40

Frame:

Rustler Carbon

Color:

Black

Rear Shock:

Fox Float DPS Performance Elite

KEY FEATURES:

Split Pivot Suspension System

• Allows us to tune the pedaling and braking forces independently
• Maximizes pedaling and braking performance without compromising either
• Results in optimal pedaling efficiency and traction when braking

On-Bike Storage

• Adventures require gear and riders should get to choose whether they carry it on their bike or on their body

Frame Protection

• Our products are built from experience - we've been there enough to know that a carbon fork can benefit from added protection just as much as the downtube on a suspension bike.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

Split Pivot® Rear Suspension System

Split Pivot provides a host of impressive suspension characteristics because the system isolates pedaling forces and braking forces from each other, allowing us to tune and optimize the bike for both independently. The concentric rear axle pivot, in conjunction with precise wheel link, brake link, and control link placement, results in: Excellent bump compliance / Incredible pedaling efficiency / Smooth and predictable braking throughout travel / Maximum traction

Progressive Leverage Rate

The leverage rate is progressive and offers plenty of bottom out performance at the end of the stroke, promoting more confidence and control on bigger hits and a deeper feel to the travel. The beginning and mid-stroke remain relatively unchanged, providing extremely supple small bump compliance off the top for a smooth ride and consistent mid-travel support to help combat rider fatigue and maintain bike geometry. A slightly lower overall rate yields lower shock pressures making for easier and quicker initial setup

Consistent Braking Traction

The Split Pivot® suspension design allows us to isolate braking forces from the rest of the system. Braking effect on suspension is minimal and consistent throughout the suspension travel

Efficient Pedaling

Our anti-squat design leads to better pedaling performance. This is partly the result of designing the bike to be 1x specific and optimized around a 32-tooth chainring. The riding result is incredibly efficient pedaling without the need to over dampen the rear shock (thereby hindering small bump compliance) or necessitating the use of a lockout

Metric Shock Standard

This shock standard brings a host of benefits: Increased stiffness in rear triangle/rear suspension frame members / Able to be fine-tuned for improved ride quality and personal preference

Flip Chip

Integrated into the shock link mount, the Flip Chip allows simple, quick adjustments to bottom bracket height/headtube angle to account for wheel size, tire diameter, terrain, or rider preference

EPS Carbon Main Triangle with Carbon Seatstay

EPS construction allows for greater manufacturing control, smooth surfacing, a simplified bottom bracket junction, and an integrated shock mount. Carbon fiber material offers improved stiffness, better vibration damping, excellent toughness and weight savings compared to other materials. 6066-T6 aluminum heat-treated chainstays add durability

Rustler Geometry

Rustler is designed to be a playful, responsive trail bike. It features nimble but capable geometry. The sub-66-degree head tube angle provides stability and confidence at speed but retains low-speed handling and keeps overall wheelbase in check. 425 mm chainstays and dedicated 27.5" wheels make Rustler the liveliest full-suspension bike in our lineup. The compact suspension layout and low top tube facilitate on-trail body language and provide stellar standover clearance on all sizes. The flip chip can be used to adjust head tube angle and bottom bracket height based on tire size, terrain, or personal preference

Modern Trail Bike Fit

Rustler is designed for a modern trail bike fit. This means a short stem, wide bar, and longer effective top tube are used to place the rider in the same position they are familiar with on their older trail bike. This results in a more precise steering motion due to the shorter stem, a lot of front wheel control with the wide bar, and plenty of front-center length and cockpit room for fore-aft body movement when things get rowdy. We've also done our best to provide a low top tube for on-trail body language shifts. Each frame size is designed around a 50 mm stem and wide bar. To maintain the correct hand position relative to the pedals and saddle, Rustler has a longer horizontal top tube. No need to size up when selecting a frame size with the intent of running 40 to 60 mm stems. We built it in for you

Top Tube Accessory Mounts

Bolt on your Salsa EXP Series Top Tube Bag for a secure connection and elimination of strap wear

Accommodates Full-Size Bottle

All Rustler sizes accept a full-sized (26 oz) water bottle within the front triangle

Internal Sleeved Cable Routing

Internal tubes guide housing through the frame, simplifying setup and maintenance, and creating a clean bike profile

Dropper Post Stealth Routing Compatible

Compatible with 30.9mm dropper seatposts for true trail bike performance.

Molded Frame Protection

Protects your investment from impacts.

Click for Geometrical Chart

SUPPORTIVE DOCUMENTS:

Click for Bicycle Owner's Manual

Click for ASTM 3 Framesheet

Click for Gen 4 Split Pivot Suspension Setup

Click for Main Pivot Instructions

Click for Control Link Pivot Instructions

Click for Rear Axle Pivots and Hanger Instructions

Click for Shock Mount Hardware Instructions

Click for Flip Chip Shock Mount Hardware

Click for Cable Port Frame Plug Instructions

Click for ASTM Riding Conditions Classifications

Click for Gen 3 Link Bolt Type 1 Instructions