• Salsa Rustler SLX bike black color side view
  • Salsa Rustler SLX bike black color front three-quarter view
  • Salsa Rustler SLX bike black color rear three-quarter view
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2020 Rustler SLX

2020 Rustler SLX

Archived

We designed Rustler SLX to make the most of every trail you ride. Playful geometry with 130 mm of rear suspension travel coupled with a 150 mm fork equips Rustler for big terrain, while the 6066-T6 aluminum frame features 425 mm chainstays and 27.5” wheels for a quick-handling machine. The Split Pivot® suspension system’s excellent pedaling efficiency and a flip chip for running tires from 2.3” to 2.8” wide make this more than a one-trick pony. Add Shimano’s perennial-favorite SLX drivetrain to the mix, and you’ve got a full-suspension trail bike that magically makes trails more fun.

This is an archived bike model. Explore the current range of Salsa bikes here.

Warning for Residents of California

⚠️ WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

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Product Details

Build Kit

  • Frame: Rustler Carbon
  • Fork: RockShox Pike Select 150 mm, 37 mm offset
  • Color: Pink/Black Fade
  • Rear Shock: Fox Float DPS Performance
  • Front Der: N/A
  • Rear Der: Shimano SLX
  • Cassette: Shimano SLX, 10–51t, 12-speed
  • Chain: Shimano SLX
  • Crankset: Shimano SLX, 32t
  • Shifter: Shimano SLX
  • Brakes & Rotors: Shimano SLX four-piston, 180 mm rotors
  • Headset: Cane Creek 40
  • Stem: Salsa Guide 35.0
  • Handlebar: Salsa Guide Deluxe 35.0 Aluminum
  • Grips: Salsa File Tread Lock On
  • Seatpost: TranzX YSI05 w/ Shimano Lever, 30 mm Travel Adjustable, Travel: XS/SM = 125 mm, MD = 150 mm, LG = 170 mm, XL = 200 mm
  • Saddle: WTB Volt Comp
  • Front Wheel : Shimano SLX 110 x 15 mm hub, WTB ST Light i35 TCS 2.0 27.5" rim, Tubeless-Ready
  • Rear Wheel: Shimano SLX 148 x 12 mm hub, WTB ST Light i35 TCS 2.0 27.5" rim, Tubeless-Ready
  • Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF front, Maxxis Minion DHR II rear, 27.5 x 2.6", 60 TPI, EXO, Tubeless-Ready
  • Complete Bike: 30 lbs 8 oz for Medium

Frame Specs

  • Tire Size Range for 622/700c/29" Wheels*: Not Compatible
  • Tire Size Range for 584/650b/27.5" Wheels*: 58–71mm (2.3–2.8")*
  • Tire Size Range for 559/26" Wheels*: Not Compatible
  • Maximum Wheel/Tire Diameter**: 727mm (28.6")
  • Minimum Wheel/Tire Diameter***: 684mm (26.9")
  • Suspension Fork Length (Travel): 522–542mm (130–150mm)
  • Rigid Fork Length: N/A
  • Fork Offset: 37–46mm
  • Rear Shock: 210 x 50mm
  • Shock Mount, Fore: Ø8 x 40mm (bearing mount possible)
  • Shock Mount, Aft: Ø8 x 12.5mm (included)
  • Pivot Kit: Refer to Suspension Frame Service Instructions
  • Bearings: 17287 (qty 4), 6801 (qty 6)
  • Headset, Upper: IS41
  • Headset, Lower: IS52
  • Seatpost: Ø30.9mm
  • Seat Collar: Carbon: 35.4mm, Aluminum: 35.0mm
  • Dropper Compatible (Routing): Yes, internal/stealth
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm BSA w/ ISCG-05 Mounts (Carbon frames feature removable ISCG-05 bracket)
  • Crankset (Max Ring): Boost-148 - 52mm chainline only 1x: 32t max
  • Rear Brake (Rotor): Post mount 180mm, (Ø200mm max)
  • Rear Spacing: 148 x 12mm thru-axle
  • Rear Axle Size: Ø12 x 188mm, TP = 1.75, TL = 20
  • Derailleur Hanger: FS2322
  • Bottle Mounts: 1
  • Accessory Mounts: Top tube bag mounts

Geometry

Geometry Diagram
Metric XS - 150mm Fork SM - 150mm Fork MD - 150mm Fork LG - 150mm Fork XL - 150mm Fork XS - 140mm Fork SM - 140mm Fork MD - 140mm Fork LG - 140mm Fork XL - 140mm Fork
Top Tube Effective Metric 563 / 562 595 / 594 616 / 615 638 / 637 659 / 658 562 / 561 593 / 592 615 / 614 636 / 635 658 / 657
Seat Tube Length Metric 368 406 432 470 508 368 406 432 470 508
Head Tube Length Metric 100 110 120 130 140 100 110 120 130 140
Head Tube Angle 65.8 / 66.1 65.8 / 66.1 65.8 / 66.1 65.8 / 66.1 65.8 / 66.1 66.3 / 66.5 66.3 / 66.5 66.3 / 66.5 66.3 / 66.5 66.3 / 66.5
Seat Tube Angle 73.6 / 74.0 73.6 / 74.0 73.6 / 74.0 73.6 / 74.0 73.6 / 74.0 74.1 / 74.3 74.1 / 74.3 74.1 / 74.3 74.1 / 74.3 74.1 / 74.3
BB Drop Metric 12.6 / 10 12.6 / 10 12.6 / 10 12.6 / 10 12.6 / 10 16 / 12.8 16 / 12.8 16 / 12.8 16 / 12.8 16 / 12.8
Chainstay Length Metric 426 / 425 426 / 425 426 / 425 426 / 425 426 / 425 426 / 425 426 / 425 426 / 425 426 / 425 426 / 425
Fork Length Metric 542 542 542 542 542 532 532 532 532 532
Fork Offset Metric 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37
Wheelbase Metric 1114 / 1113 1147 / 1146 1170 / 1169 1193 / 1192 1216 / 1215 1110 / 1109 1143 / 1142 1166 / 1165 1189 / 1188 1212 / 1211
Stack Metric 584 / 582 593 / 591 602 / 600 611 / 610 621 / 619 580 / 579 590 / 588 599 / 597 608 / 606 617 / 615
Reach Metric 391 / 393 420 / 423 439 / 441 458 / 460 476 / 479 396 / 398 424 / 427 443 / 446 462 / 465 481 / 484
Standover Metric 704 / 706 7012 / 714 7012 / 714 712 / 714 713 / 716 700 / 702 708 / 711 708 / 711 708 / 711 708 / 711
Rider Height Metric 155cm–168cm 168cm–175cm 175cm–183cm 183cm–190cm 190cm–UP 155cm–168cm 168cm–175cm 175cm–183cm 183cm–190cm 190cm–UP
Stem Length 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50
Crank Length 165 170 170 175 175 165 170 170 175 175
Handlebar Width 760mm 760mm 800mm 800mm 800mm 760mm 760mm 800mm 800mm 800mm
Seatpost Offset Metric 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
  • An unsprung bike (no sag)
  • 150mm chart reflects measurement with an average 150mm 27.5 suspension fork; 140mm chart reflects measurement with an average 140mm 27.5 suspension fork
  • A 27.5 x 2.6" tire measuring 717mm in diameter
  • Standover is measured 50mm in front of bottom bracket
  • Note: Where two measurements are listed, the first number is with Flip Chip in Low position; the second number is with Flip Chip in High position

Supportive Documents

Support Document links

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

6066-T6 Aluminum Tubeset

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

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

Full-Length Internal Housing Cable Routing

Full-length housing improves shifting performance in poor conditions and increases use time between maintenance intervals

Dropper Post Stealth Routing Compatible

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

Molded Frame Protection

Protects your investment from impacts.

FAQ

Do you offer touch-up paint?

No, we do not offer touch up paint. Hobby shops or automotive stores are excellent places to find paint. We suggest you test the paint on a scrap piece of metal before using it on your frame.

I crashed and dented (or cracked) my frame. Is it safe to ride?

Stop riding your frame immediately and take it to the nearest Salsa authorized dealer for inspection. A dented or cracked tube represents a structural weakening of the frame, and is a safety risk.

What is the warranty for this bike?

View <a href="http://salsacycles.com/support/warranty" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warranty</a>

Warranty Information

All Salsa products are warranted against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship from the date of retail purchase of the product, subject to the limitations detailed below.

Review Warranty Info