Just thought of this one. We love this Santa Maria Tri Tip rub recipe and use it on all cuts of beef:
Santa Maria Rub
1 tablespoon black pepper, fresh-ground
2 teaspoons granulated garlic
1 teaspoon granulated onion
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
It's very distinctive, low in salt. Cut the salt in half or eliminate it. I don't notice the salt and think it would work well without it.