Trek offers two longer travel bikes designed for hard-hitting trail, enduro or bike park action – the 27.5” wheel Remedy and the 29” wheel Slash. Both are great picks for UK riding but it’s the Slash that seems to be getting all the media’s attention – it took first place on the podium in MBUK magazine’s recent ‘Enduro bike of the year’ test. This long-travel 29er is built to be fast, smooth and fun in the wildest terrain.
The 2021 Slash is the latest evolution of Trek’s 29” wheel trail and enduro bike range. Trek was a pioneer of this wheel size and has been fully committed to it over the years - the Rumblefish, Fuel EX and Remedy have all rolled on 29” wheels at some point, with a consistency in frame design too. Trek’s EVO Link suspension layout and APB rear axle system show that this brand got it right first time and has not seen the need to experiment with alternatives. It’s reassuring to see consistency in thinking, year on year, and we see this with Bontrager (Trek’s component, apparel and helmet brand) on wheels and tyres too.
Bay Cycles may well be based in south Devon but we have a growing number of customers who are road tripping to Bike Park Wales, Black Mountains Cycle Centre and Windhill Bike Park to hit up more challenging terrain. It’s here that the big wheels and long travel of the latest Slash gives it the edge...
It was the aluminium framed Trek Slash 8 that took the win in MBUK’s review but the design cues and frame travel are consistent throughout the range. Here we’ll run through the tech and spec highlights that make it the winning bike.
We’re into long travel territory here with 160mm of rear travel with 170mm up front. Trek's design team have gone with RockShox on the Slash, with either the benchmark Lyrik or all-new Zeb (with its 38mm diameter stanchions) fork sucking up the roughest trail conditions.
The Slash's frame uses Trek’s fully evolved suspension platform with exclusive Thru-Shaft tech in the rear shock. Trek’s Proven Evo-Link and ABP axle pivot are core elements to this proven frame design too.
To accommodate more travel, the Slash’s enduro-focused geometry is now longer in the wheelbase, has a slacker (sub 65 degree) head tube angle and sits lower to the ground. This gives more high-speed stability in the steepest, loosest terrain, while the steeper seat tube angle keeps your pedalling efficient and weight balanced – especially on loose, twisty climbs. The user friendly Mino-Link allows for further geometry tuning to tweak this bike’s performance even more.
Every Slash model – whether carbon or aluminium - is now built with a full-length downtube guard that’s great for tailgate shuttling, along with ISCG chain guide mounts if you need further transmission security. An internal frame storage compartment lets you stash your trail repair kit and snacks cleanly and securely.
Where this bike is going you don’t need compromises when it come to wheels and rubber. It’s Bontrager all the way here, with reliable cartridge bearing hubs, 30mm wide rims and full tubeless compatibility – remember Bontrager was in very early with this tech.
Tyres need to be tough, reliable and of the correct rubber compound for the job in hand. Bontrager’s XR and SE models are standard spec, with reinforced Inner-Strength sidewalls. You’ll see 2.4”, 2.5” and 2.6” rubber depending on models. Naturally, we’ll set them up tubeless for you when we build and check your new bike.
From a wide full open track one minute to dropping deep into the tight, twisty and steep forest the next, you need the bike to fit you like a glove and be totally at one with it when you’re at the edge of your comfort zone. A wide 820mm stock handlebar (which can be cut to suit you), a short 35-40mm stem and long stroke dropper seatpost ensure control and balance regardless of the terrain beneath you.
Naturally, the Slash is built for a single chainring (1x) transmission and across the range you'll see 12 speed gearing from both Shimano and SRAM. Controlling the speed are 4 piston hydraulic brakes with 180mm and 200mm rotors giving plenty of stopping power and smooth modulation.
It's done it again... the 2022 Slash 9.8 cleans up in the April '22 issue of MBR magazine beating both Specialized and Focus.
"For an enduro bike with progressive geometry the Trek Slash 9.8 XT is incredibly versatile"
"Cool and composed in every situation..."
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