2017 Pony Rustler GX1

The concentric rear axle pivot in conjunction with precise wheel link, brake link, and control link placement, results in several performance gains: Exceptional bump compliance / Maximum traction / Incredible pedaling efficiency / Predictable braking / Improved frame geometry due to the elimination of unwanted suspension movement during acceleration and braking

120mm of Split Pivot® rear wheel travel that is tuned with a progressive leverage ratio but slightly linear tail end; the end result is a very efficient pedaling frame that has very supple small bump feel off the top, a lot of mid-stroke support for corner and pumping terrain, and a subtle ramp (but not too much) in end-stroke that ensures a bottomless feel, while still maximizing the use of all 120mm of rear wheel travel. The frame is designed and balanced for a 120mm travel, 51mm offset front fork, but can also allow the use of 130mm travel, 51mm offset forks for aggressive 29er riders looking to add BB height and slacken the headtube angle, and also to compensate for the slightly smaller diameter of 27.5+ wheel and tire combos 

The Horsethief/Pony Rustler frame has the capacity to run 29 x 2.25–2.4" wheel and tires setups, but sees an upgrade to Boost-148 rear spacing and Boost-148 drivetrain component compatibility. This allows the use of 27.5+ setups (27.5 x 3.0") and gives rise to the Pony Rustler name, a Horsethief frame spec’d stock with 27.5+ wheels. Both Horsethief and Pony Rustler models are spec’d and compatible with 110mm-spaced 29/27.5+ (51mm offset) forks up to 130mm in travel, which allows the rider to toggle between 29/27.5+ wheelsets with simply a wheel change

The Horsethief/Pony Rustler is a big-wheeled (29/27.5+) bike that is surprisingly playful and aggressive thanks to a low-slung stance and short 437mm chainstays. A 67.5–68.1° head angle (depending on fork travel) was progressive for a 29er back when the design was conceived between Dave Weagle and Salsa, and has since proven to be the modern-day gold standard for most 29er and 27.5+ trail bikes. This provides a confidence-inspiring angle of attack for rough and steep terrain, and the large wheel diameter paired with a 51mm offset fork maintains a well-balanced steering feel that is nimble enough in twisty corners and techy climbs, and still stable at high speed

148 x 12mm rear spacing paired with a standard width bottom bracket results in the most tire clearance possible with the narrowest crank Q-factor, and also results in a stiffer and stronger rear wheel

Top-shelf, double and triple-butted, heat-treated 6066-T6 aluminum tubing is used throughout the frame. This 6000-series aluminum has better strength and fatigue characteristics than 6061 and 7000-series aluminums, allowing for a stronger and lighter overall frame. Additionally, the tubing is strategically shaped and formed for additional stiffness and strength optimization in key stress areas

Offers increased rear end stiffness and reduced weight over aluminum stays

Front triangle is capable of fitting a full-size (28 oz) water bottle

Compatible with all 1x and 2x BOOST mountain cranks, both GXP and 24mm spindle types. ISCG05 tabs for chainguide mounting to increase chain security

Extra sold separately, Salsa Split Pivot® Top Cap Dropout Tool included with frame for field changes without the need to carry a 22mm cone wrench

17287-2RS (Qty 4), 6801-2RS (Qty 6)

The modern standard for mountain bikes increases front-end frame and fork stiffness without adding significant weight