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Trek Slash 8 review

Trek's Slash 8 wins our coveted 2021 Enduro Bike of the Year award

Andy Lloyd / Immediate Media

Robin Weaver

Easy to ride, very natural feeling geometry; great kit for the cash; easy to throw about yet still calm and stable when it needs to be; seriously impressive suspension

Tyres aren’t the best in damp mud

The Trek Slash 8 is our Enduro Bike of the Year for 2021 . After pitting it against seven of the best out there, all at a similar price, it was the Slash 8 that impressed us most in the end.

Meeting the criteria to win this category is no easy feat and the bikes at the pointy end of this test ticked just about every box going.

For a start, while an enduro bike might be designed to go downhill fast, it still needs to get to the top of the hill as efficiently as possible. It’s then got to handle all manner of trails thrown at it with composure and control, but still remain fun and playful throughout.

It took some serious time and effort back-to-back testing all eight of these bikes, which ranged in price from £3,450 to £4,198, riding them on a wide variety of trails and pummelling them relentlessly over rock and root until we found a winner.

Once the dust had settled, it was the Trek Slash 8 that had managed to edge its way into the lead. Its ability to tackle the wildest terrain without flinching yet all the while retaining that reactive, lively feel really won us over.

The Trek Slash has seen more than its fair share of glory over the years and was one of the first long travel 29ers to be properly proven on the world stage. Much of that success was thanks to the highly decorated Tracy Moseley, who always championed the big wheels and rode them to victory year after year.

More recently, the Slash has been making headlines with the likes of Katy Winton, Pedro Burns and Florian Nicolai piloting it.

Last year, the Slash received its first update in some time, all in a bid to properly freshen things up and bring some of that winning magic back into the mix.

The changes the US brand made to the 2021 Slash are substantial and are detailed here , but just how do they translate to the trail?

Trek Slash 8 frame and suspension details

Pack shot of the Trek Slash 8 full suspension mountain bike

Travel has been upped to 160mm at the rear and is now paired with a longer travel 170mm travel fork up front. It continues to be delivered via Trek’s Active Braking Pivot (ABP) suspension system which places the chainstay pivot concentric to the rear axle.

This design, in Trek’s words, enables it to “tune how the suspension reacts to acceleration and braking forces independently”. And while this might look unchanged, Trek has moved the main pivot up slightly in a bid to increase anti-squat and make the Slash pedal more efficiently.

RockShox Super Deluxe Thru Shaft rear shock on the Trek Slash 8 full suspension mountain bike

Controlling that 160mm of travel is the proprietary RockShox Super Deluxe Thru Shaft shock. This design features a shock shaft that goes through the damper body and exits out of the bottom of the shock when compressed.

This means that the shaft doesn’t displace any extra oil as it enters the damper and therefore does away with the need for a dynamic IFP (internal floating piston – which is what compensates for oil displaced by the shock shaft) – something that Trek attributes additional complexity and lag as the shock transitions between the compression and rebound phase, thanks to the reduction in friction.

The theory, at least, should make the back end of the Slash feel seamlessly smooth and incredibly active. It’s also worth noting that the Slash will work with a standard shock as well.

Where the Slash differs from almost all other aluminium frames (and the majority of carbon ones, too), is its internal frame storage. Slide the lever below the bottle cage downward, lift the cage and hatch door up and off the down tube and you’ll find a handy opening, much like the S.W.A.T storage found on some Specialized carbon frames.

You’ll be able to squirrel away a tube and tools in here, rather than carry them on your person. Trek includes a tool roll to help prevent things rattling once stashed inside, too.

Down tube on the Trek Slash 8 full suspension mountain bike

While the down tube shape has changed slightly with the latest iteration of the Slash and now offers enough room for the fork crown to clear it, thanks to the subtle curve just behind the head tube junction, Trek has stuck with its steering limiting Knock Block system.

Knock Block stops the bar from turning past a certain angle, preventing the controls on the bar from potentially impacting the top tube and breaking, or, as with the old Slash, the fork crown hitting the down tube.

The latest Knock Block 2.0 used here offers a much greater steering angle before it stops the bar from turning (72 degrees rather than 58 degrees), but if that’s still not enough for you, it can be removed.

Knock Block 2.0 limits the steering angle on the Trek Slash 8 full suspension mountain bike

Finally, Trek has moved to a wider diameter seatpost, opting to go with the less-common 34.9mm rather than the more popular 30.9mm or 31.6mm alternatives.

While you’ll find fewer aftermarket alternatives should you wish to upgrade your dropper post, it’s worth noting the benefits that this broader diameter brings. The main one is more space internally for the dropper post mechanism, which should make the post more reliable and stiffer.

TranzX, 150mm dropper post on the Trek Slash 8 full suspension mountain bike

Trek Slash 8 geometry

The Slash has been, like most other enduro-style bikes in need of a makeover, stretched out, slackened and steepened in all the relevant areas. My medium frame offers a very reasonable 450mm reach, which is a massive jump of 25mm in the low setting over the 2020 model.

Trek has relaxed the head angle for improved high-speed stability and paired it with a 42mm offset fork in a bid to create the ultimate composure through rough turns. I measured the head angle at 64.1 degrees, which is now pretty much standard for bikes like this.

The seat angle has been steepened by a staggering 2 degrees in a bid to improve climbing efficiency, putting the rider’s hips more directly over the bottom bracket.

With my saddle set at just under 700mm (measured from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the saddle), the effective seat tube angle of the Slash 8 measured just over 76 degrees in the low setting.

Mino Link allows you to switch between high and low settings on the Trek Slash 8 full suspension mountain bike

The two geometry settings (low and high) are accessed via the Mino Link ovalised chips that sit inside the EVO rocker link on the seatstay pivot. Switching between the two settings alters the head and seat angles by 0.5 degrees and the bottom bracket height by a substantial 8mm.

In the low setting, I measured the bottom bracket at 344mm off the floor with a drop of 29mm, which certainly isn’t bad for a bike with this much travel.

Effective chainstay length has increased by just 2mm (now up to 437mm) compared with the 2020 model, and this remains constant across all frame sizes.

Trek Slash 8 geometry (low setting)

Trek slash 8 specifications.

The Slash 8 is a serious looker with some great kit bolted to it. Ask anyone at the trail head how much they think it’s worth and chances are they’ll give you a price far higher than its true value.

Let’s start with the suspension. The proprietary RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate Thru Shaft rear shock – which, by the way, is impressive to see on a bike at this price – is paired with a Lyrik Select fork that pumps out 170mm of travel.

While this might not be the top-tier, all singing, all dancing Lyrik, it still gets the Charger 2.1 RC damper, which allows you to finely tune both the low-speed compression and rebound damping.

A SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain offers a decently wide spread of gears, thanks to that 10-52t cassette.

Again, it’s impressive to see a drivetrain like this on a bike at this price. That said, Trek has saved a little cash by opting to use the cheaper X1 cranks with a stamped steel chainring, rather than the sleeker finished GX equivalents.

SRAM's powerful Code R brakes are formidable stoppers and impressively consistent

Stopping duties are taken care of by a powerful set of SRAM Code R brakes that clamp around 200mm (front)/180mm (rear) rotors. At the lever, there’s tool-free reach adjust which is handy for dialling in lever set up.

The rest of the kit on the Slash 8 comes courtesy of Trek’s in-house components brand Bontrager: bar, stem, grips, dropper post and the rather firm Arvada saddle.

The Trek Slash 8 full sus mountain bike is equipped with a Bontrager Arvada saddle

Bontrager also takes care of the wheels, Line Comp 30s, as well as the tyres, speccing XR5 Team Issues upfront and the lower profile and narrower XR4 Team issue at the rear.

All in, my medium Slash 8 weighed 15.25kg.

Trek Slash 8 ride impressions

Set up on the Slash was relatively straight forward; I set the sag at the rear to 30 per cent and didn’t add any more pressure to the shock during testing.

I did find I needed to toggle the low-speed compression dial into the ‘ ’ setting on the shock to get the support I was after through high-load turns and up take-offs.

Setting the rebound took a bit of playing around with, too, but in the end, I settled on four clicks from fully closed, which left it feeling fast and active but still controlled when returning from deep in the travel.

I stuck with the single volume spacer in the Lyrik fork and added 14 clicks of low-speed compression from fully closed with 70psi in the spring. This coupled with 12 clicks of rebound damping left the fork feeling active and supple yet still composed enough when the hits came thick and fast.

I tested the Slash 8 on a mix of steep, natural trails littered with roots and rocks, but all of them were generally quite slow due to their technical nature. So I spent a decent chunk of time getting some high-speed bikepark laps under my belt, subjecting the Slash 8 to fast, flowy trails, high-load turns, jumps and long stretches of jagged rocks, just to see how well it held up when the pace really picked up.

Big thanks to Bikepark Wales for letting us come and use the facilities to test despite being closed.

Trek Slash 8 climbing performance

The Trek Slash 8 full suspension mountain bike is equipped with a SRAM X1 crankset

The Slash felt incredibly easy-going when pointed uphill, especially considering the travel on tap and its outright intentions. This is mainly due to the easy-rolling tyres and just how stable the back end of the bike is when seated and spinning a gear.

At no point did I reach down for the shock's lever to firm things up because I never felt the need to. Instead, the Slash managed to sit relatively high in its travel and remain stable, with little in the way of suspension bob while the power was being applied.

Because the shock wasn’t sinking too deeply into its travel, the Slash managed to maintain its reasonably steep seat angle, which puts you in a nicely efficient, but most importantly, comfortable position for climbing. Even on steeper pitches where I was really mashing the pedals, I never once felt the need to firm the shock up.

While the 610mm effective top tube isn’t massive, it is longer (not by much) than a number of its contemporaries. While I wasn’t overly bothered by this on shorter climbs, I really started to appreciate the space this created when seated on much longer climbs up the hill.

I also appreciated the big 52t cog on the SRAM GX Eagle cassette which, after spending a long day riding lap after lap, I spent more than my fair share of time using to help preserve energy when I was really feeling fatigued but couldn’t face getting off and walking.

Trek Slash 8 descending performance

Thanks to the frame's well-considered proportions, the Slash offers up a well-centred, confident ride position, and it doesn’t take long to adapt to.

When pointed down steeper, more natural trails, I was instantly impressed by how well balanced the bike felt front to rear and how active the back end of the bike remained while it worked tirelessly trying to eke out every ounce of traction available.

Bontrager XR5 Team Issue tyre on the front of the Trek Slash 8 full suspension mountain bike

And this was despite the lack of bite from the XR4 rear tyre, which doesn’t offer quite the same in terms of corner traction or braking grip compared to the likes of a Maxxis DHR II, for example.

The front tyre was a little better, but when properly leaned over in a soft, muddy turn, the shoulder tread doesn’t dig in quite as well as others, which can make for some dicey moments when the tyres do break traction.

Thankfully things remain quite predictable, so you know when you’ve reached their limit. Still, there’s no knocking their rapid rolling speed on smoother, harder packed terrain.

It was when riding a dedicated jump trail that I started playing around with the low-speed compression settings on the shock. In the default ‘zero’ setting, I was finding that I wasn’t getting as much support in the mid-stroke as I’d have liked when loading the bike from turn to turn or pumping up take-offs.

Switching the low-speed dial to the ‘ ’ position helped to cure this and while Trek says this setting is designed for this exact type of riding, I never found any drawbacks when riding other types of terrain while in it.

Cyclist in red shorts riding the Trek Slash 8 full suspension mountain

Throw the Slash 8 back into the technical stuff and its confident manner really starts to come to the fore as speeds pick up. Stove it head-on into a boulder field and the way this bike deals with the chaos is seriously impressive.

The Slash’s super-supple suspension recovers so rapidly hit after hit, it manages to track the trail with pin-point accuracy and without sinking too low into its travel or sacrificing any of that much-loved liveliness or pop.

The support through the suspension coupled with the taut feel through the frame ensures that you can really feel a difference in speed as you pump every bump or undulation.

That reactiveness also means that getting back up to speed after tackling a slower section or awkward obstacle doesn’t feel anywhere near as laboured as it can on some super-plush big travel rigs.

Slam on the impressively punchy Code R brakes, spot your line and commit, and the Slash will soak up whatever mess lies beneath the tyres and fire you out the other side faster than you thought possible.

Cyclist in red shorts riding the Trek Slash 8 full suspension mountain bike

It’s easy to hold onto that speed too, even when things get really ugly. Here, the calm exuded by the Slash is simply incredible. While the wheels frantically bash through bump after bump beneath you, it feels as if the chassis barely flinches, isolating the rider from the worst of the feedback and remaining steadfast with no awkward pitching back or forth.

It’s this illusion of tranquillity that the Slash manages to conjure up to give you what feels like extra time to make these split-second decisions.

The Slash’s ability to hoover up the chunder with relative ease makes riding faster a whole lot easier. And that’s the whole point of these bikes, right?

Trek Slash 8 bottom line

Cyclist in red shorts riding the Trek Slash 8 full suspension mountain bike

It took some back-to-back testing to really highlight just how impressive the Slash can be when tackling the rowdiest of terrain, but thanks to its impressive climbing manners, tidy frame details, good geometry and superb suspension, the new Trek Slash 8 has truly won me over.

While others like the Whyte G-180 might feel closer to a downhill bike in many ways, the Trek’s composure in the rough coupled with the fact that it still feels that bit more agile, poppy and playful is what helps to make this bike truly shine.

Yes, some better tyres would really help improve its performance when it comes to tackling steep, natural, muddy trails (and after switching tyres I can confirm this is the case) but factoring in the extra rubber cost at the point of purchase certainly isn’t a dealbreaker.

Overall, the Slash 8 impressed time and time again on a multitude of terrain and I was constantly in awe of the speed this thing carries through the nastiest of terrain.

A massive thank-you to BikePark Wales for granting us access to its trails despite the bike park being closed to the public.

Cheers also to Fox clothing for sorting the kit for the photo and video shoots and Garmin for sorting us out with bike computers to log the many miles of testing.

And not forgetting Muc-Off , for its help keeping the bikes washed and lubed throughout testing.

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trek slash 8 review

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trek slash 8 review

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Trek Slash

Carve Up the Trails with Trek’s Long Travel and Lively Slash 8

This 150/160mm aluminum 29er features trail handling and enduro travel.

The Takeaway: With less-aggressive geometry than many of its competitors, the Slash is a big-travel bike for trail riders

  • Trek's proprietary shock offers superb rear-suspension performance.
  • Shorter reach and wheelbase than many enduro 29ers
  • Great parts featuring SRAM Eagle with 10-50 cassette

Price : $3,679

Trek built the Slash to be the mountain bike for the rider who wants a bigger bike but isn’t afraid of a long climb, or an epic day of trail riding.

An efficient climber, especially with SRAM’s GX Eagle drivetrain, allows you to lay the power down all day. It’s for big mountain days, crushing rock filled descents and popping off the lips of jumps all while climbing back to the top with a smile on your face. Even when the trail is flatter, the Slash is still efficient on the pedals. In the flowy sections of trail, the Slash begs to carve corners and play on trailside features.

.css-1hhr1pq{text-align:center;font-size:1.1875rem;line-height:1.6;font-family:Charter,Charter-roboto,Charter-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;}.css-1hhr1pq em{font-style:italic;font-family:Charter,Charter-styleitalic-roboto,Charter-styleitalic-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;}.css-1hhr1pq strong{font-family:Charter,Charter-weightbold-roboto,Charter-weightbold-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:bold;} —The Slash's Five Coolest Features—

Trek Slash

Frame Saver

Trek's Knock Block system prevents the bar and fork from spinning around and damaging the frame.

Trek Slash

Smooth Shock

Trek's regressive Reaktiv thru-shaft damper is extremely supple.

Trek Slash

Up and Down

The reversible Mino Link lets the rider fine tune the Slash's geometry.

Trek Slash

Razzle Dazzle

The harlequin stickers appear to change color.

Trek Slash

Handy Guides

Sag markings on the fork and shock make setting up the suspension easier.

The Slash 8 is the base model, so it didn’t have the corner exit snap of a lighter bike, but that was more from the wheels than the frame. You can feel that it begs to be sprinted out of each corner. The RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft works faster than a normal so a little bit of setup time is required to get the balance right. One that suspension gets settled, turning the Slash loose in the rough becomes easy. It strikes a natural balance between precision and forgivness in the rough, falling naturally towards the precision side, with its efficiency, but will pull you through if you go full reckless.

Trek Slash

The Slash Aluminum Family

The Slash 8 is the only aluminum model in the lineup, and the cheapest at $3,680. The 9.7, 9.8, and 9.9 are all made of carbon, and are priced from $4,730 to $7,500. The Slash 9.7 moves to the carbon frame, but goes to NX Eagle for the shifting. The Slash 9.8 runs the SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, but moves to a Fox Performance 36 Float fork and Bontrager Line Carbon 30 to the wheelset. The top of the line Slash 9.9 features the same carbon hoops, Fox Factory 36 Float with GRIP2, X01 Eagle drivetrain, and Shimano Deore XT 4-piston brakes.

The Slash's Tech

Product,

Like many full suspension bikes, the Slash 8 has adjustable geometry to help riders fine-tune a bike's geometry to their preferences. The Mino Link allows for head angle adjustments of ½ degree and 10mm of bottom bracket height. I tried both settings before settling on the low: the Slash behaved and climbed well enough that I couldn’t justify keeping the bike in the high setting.

Trek Slash

One thing the aluminum Slash has that its more expensive carbon siblings don't is an 18.5" size between the 17.5" and 19.5". This gives medium-height riders the option to size up for a bit more reach and a longer wheelbase, or size down for a more compact, quicker-handling bike.

Text, Line, Font, Pattern, Number,

Modern bikes are always pushing longer, lower and slacker. The Slash is a bit long in the tooth these days, and so the geometry looks conservative today, even though it wasn't when it launched. The Mino Link allows for head angle adjustment from 65.1 to 65.6 degrees. With a 51mm offset and 160mm fork, the front end is a little quicker than many of its competitors. The reach for the 17.5 and the 18.5 are 431mm and 446mm respectively, which, for a 29er enduro bike, is on the short side of current trends.

The Trek's product manager didn't cut any corners on the rear suspension, equipping the Slash 8 with a RockShox Deluxe RT3, RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft. The RockShox Yari RC on the front brings value-minded performance with just compression and rebound adjustment.

Trek Slash

The SRAM GX Eagle is proven to be a reliable performer. Trek brings everything else in house with their Bontranger brand with including the dropper post. One piece to keep in mind, is the “Knock Block” headset, with restricts the fork from turning too far, or spinning backward and hitting the frame, similar to how a downhill fork with bump stops functions.

The Competition

Land vehicle, Bicycle, Bicycle wheel, Bicycle part, Vehicle, Bicycle tire, Bicycle frame, Spoke, Mountain bike, Bicycle fork,

Ride Impressions

Trek’s Slash 8 is built to be a mountain bike. This sounds obvious, but it’s well rounded enough to handle everything well, but leans towards the aggressive trail and enduro end of the spectrum, but is comfortable on normal trail riding.

The Slash's handling was intuitive, and I was able to jump right into riding my favorite trails with no adjustment period.

The Slash is efficient, although I did find myself reaching for the little blue cheater lever for climbing on occasion. Climbing steep sections, the front end did occasionally wander. That's not surprising for a 150/160mm 29er, and the Slash is easier to manage on slow and steep climbs than many of its competitors, partially because of its more-conservative geometry.

Trek Slash

Still, I had no problem getting rowdy on the Slash 8. It was ready to carve and pop off lips on the flow trails and was one of the easiest bikes I’ve been on to pull out a big whip over a hip. That efficiency combined with the lively feel of the RE:aktiv shock take away from the planted feeling out of many bikes with this amount of travel, but the Slash 8 never feels unsettled. When the rider drops their heels and sinks into attack mode, it will just eat up anything you put in its way. It does a great job balancing the fine line between precision and forgiveness when pinning it though the most technical sections.

With smooth suspension, great parts, and balanced handling, the Slash is more trail bike than enduro race bike. So if you prefer a trail bike with more travel, the Slash 8 is a great bike.

equipment Slash 8

Slash 8

.css-1t6om3g:before{width:1.75rem;height:1.75rem;margin:0 0.625rem -0.125rem 0;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-background-size:1.25rem;background-size:1.25rem;background-color:#F8D811;color:#000;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-position:center;background-position:center;}.loaded .css-1t6om3g:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/bicycling/static/images/chevron-design-element.c42d609.svg);} Bike Reviews

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2023 Trek Slash 8 Review

Are you looking for a enduro mountain bike that can tackle any terrain with ease? The 2023 Trek Slash 8 is the perfect full-suspension enduro bike for all hardcore mountain bikers!

Mountain biking has been growing in popularity, and with so many manufacturers offering various styles of bikes, it can be difficult to decide which one to buy.

Trek’s line of mountain bikes is renowned for their high performance and reliability.

2023 Trek Slash 8 Review

In this review, we are taking a closer look at the 2023 Trek Slash 8.

We will go over its design specs and performance capabilities to help you get an idea if this bike is right for your trail-riding needs.

The Trek Slash 8 has been a go-to for hardcore cyclists since its release.

2023 Trek Slash 8 Review

Now, six years later, the bike still stands among the top enduro and downhill (DH) MTBs​ on the market.

Let’s review this legendary shredder and see why it deserves to stay at the front of the pack.

The Trek Slash 8 is a performance mountain bike that is perfect for riders looking to take their riding to the next level.

2023 Trek Slash 8 Review

With an upgraded fork and geometry, this bike is ideal for aggressive enduro and all-mountain trails.

The lightweight frame, large wheels, and aggressive tires make it easy to pedal up climbs and attack downhills with confidence.

This model features a 12-speed SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain with 30t front chainring and TranzX dropper seat post.

2023 Trek Slash 8 Review

Features include a 170mm RockShox ZEB Select air fork, Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame, Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheelset, Bontrager XR5 Team Issue tires, SRAM Code R 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, tubeless ready technology, and oversized pivots for maximum stiffness.

Whether you are chasing enduro races or slaying technical trails on your own time—the Trek Slash 8 delivers reliability at an unbeatable value point.

2023 Trek Slash 8 Review

– Lightweight Alpha Platinum Aluminum Frame with internal storage, tapered head tube, Knock Block 2.0, Control Freak internal routing, and a downtube guard

– RockShox ZEB Select, DebonAir spring 170mm Air fork 

– RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ RT, 230mm x 62.5mm rear shock

– Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheelset

– Bontrager XR5 Team Issue 29″x2.50″ tires

– Powerful SRAM Code R 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes

– 1×12 SRAM GX Eagle Drivetrain

– 30t Front Chainring paired to a 10-52t cassette

– TranzX dropper seat post

2023 Trek Slash 8 Review

The Trek Slash 8 features a sturdy Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame with a magnesium rocker link to provide superior strength and rigidity while keeping weight tight.

With a total of 160 mm of travel, this bike truly means business when it comes to tackling big terrain – no matter what your style is!

2023 Trek Slash 8 Review

Onsite suspension pieces grace this bike including a RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ RT rear shock as well as an upgradeable RockShox ZEB Select, DebonAir spring fork for maximum performance out on the trails.

With both lockout capabilities and damping adjustments, you get superior adjustability for any ride you’re out for–from XC sprints all the way to DH races!

2023 Trek Slash 8 Review

A reliable SRAM GX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain provides quick shifts from gear ratios ranging from 10-52t or even bigger if you know what you’re doing.

What’s more impressive are the powerful SRAM Code R 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes that help keep your speed back right where it needs to be during even challenging descents on tight corners…no matter your skill level!!

2023 Trek Slash 8 Review

Rolling duties are taken care of by Bontrager Line Elite 30 wheels paired with 2.5″ Bontrager XR5 Team Issue tires optimized for grip regardless of conditions while providing support too so they never feel like they’re slipping away out from under you!

The 2023 Trek Slash 8 packs an amazing amount of performance into its enduro package making it both fast and reliable which is just what serious mountain bikers need from their rides year after year!

We highly recommend this bike for any level rider looking for an upgrade in their ride experience every time they show up to hit some trail sections!

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!

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trek slash 8 review

  • Rider Notes

2020 Trek Slash 8

trek slash 8 review

A 29″ aluminum frame full suspension enduro bike with high-end components. Compare the full range

For This Bike

View more similar bikes →

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

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BikeRadar

Apr 2021 · Robin Weaver

The Slash 8 strikes the perfect balance between a fun and lively feel, and ultimate chaos-calming composure

Easy to ride, very natural feeling geometry

Great kit for the cash

Easy to throw about yet still calm and stable when it needs to be

Seriously impressive suspension

Tyres aren’t the best in damp mud

Read Review

Mar 2021 · Lydia Tanner

The Trek Slash has been 29-inch-only since 2016, and the 2021 version is evidence of its head start in the big-wheel enduro category.

Superb high-speed stability

Great traction in variable terrain

Supple and generous-feeling suspension

Less maneuverable at slow speeds

A lot of bike to get back up the hill

NSMB

Riding a bike like the Slash over the winter on the North Shore is a rough test scenario, but Trek's newest long travel trail bike has proven up to the task...

Feb 2021 · Guy Kesteven

We took the Trek Slash 9.9 X01 to our toughest local trails to see how its new shape and unique shock translate to the real world

Phenomenal rear suspension

Awesome aggro geometry

Precision accuracy

High control cockpit

Internal storage

Efficient pedaling

Threaded BB

Optional steering lock

More confident with switched tires

ZEB fork requires some patience

Deserves better wheels

Short dropper on small sizes

Seriously grounded rather than playful

Loam Wolf

Dec 2020 · Mike Wirth

The new Trek Slash 9.9 X01 sees many updates making it an even more capable all-mountain, enduro mountain bike. See how it performed.

Pinkbike

Dec 2020 · Mike Kazimer

The Slash received multiple updates for 2021, but it's still an enduro race machine at heart.

Light and stiff frame – encourages you to go fast

Great shock tune

In-frame storage

Wide range of available frame size options

Seat tube angle could still be a bit steeper

Shorter cranks and an even longer dropper post would have been nice to see

Oct 2020 · Spencer Johnson

The venerable Trek Slash is back for 2021, armed with more suspension travel than ever before. The new Trek Slash 9.9 X01 comes equipped with the ever-capable, 170-millimeter RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork and a custom, 160-millimeter RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock, placing it squarely in the hard-charging enduro category. For me, one of the most welcome updates for the new Slash is the seat angle, which has been steepened to 75.6 degrees, putting the rider’s weight directly between the wheels—and making for a much more comfortable seated position while climbing. The relatively long reach of 486 millimeters, together with the mid-length chainstay of 437 millimeters, creates a bike that stays firmly planted while you sweat your way to the top of a mountain. But the most impressive feature of the new Slash is its impressively light weight—something I wouldn’t automatically expect from a bike in the longer-travel range, especially one with 29-inch wheels. The lightweight frame construction and ultra-light build of the 9.9 X01 version I tested was noticeable from the moment I started huffing up my first climb.

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Trek redesigns the Slash for 2021, going longer, lower and slacker to make a mean enduro machine with a few tricks up its sleeve.

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Last updated August 21 Not listed for 1,310 days

Trek Slash Review | The all-new Slash is the iron fist in a velvet glove

The not-so-minor details.

Trek Slash 9.9 X01

Trek Bicycles Australia

https://www.trekbikes.com

$11,499 AUD

- Wickedly supple and sensitive suspension - Super stable in steep and rough terrain - The playful, agile attitude - Generous frame protection - Stealthy quiet on the trail

- Downtube storage could be more generous - We'd like to see a slightly steeper seat tube angle

Dan & Ben review the 2021 Trek Slash

Trek’s flagship enduro pinner, the Slash, is receiving a major and welcome overhaul for 2021. As the spiritual successor to the Remedy 29, the current Slash was released over four years ago. In that time the enduro racing scene has changed considerably. No longer are 29in wheels looked upon with concern and disdain. Nowadays, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an EWS team that isn’t rolling on 29in wheels. As the sport has professionalised, we’re seeing athletes train harder, race times get tighter, and courses that wouldn’t be out of place at a World Cup downhill race. Unlike DH racing though, enduro racers have to back up those race runs over multiple stages, often over multiple days, with hundreds and thousands of metres of climbing between the start and finish. Oh, and they’re regularly racing those trails blind too.

Watch our video review of the 2021 Trek Slash 9.9 here!

2021 trek slash 9.9 x01

Trek Slash overview

Given the evolving demands of enduro racing, enduro bikes need to evolve too. Taking on board these changes, the new Trek Slash has had a 10mm lift in travel at both ends, and now features a 170mm fork matched to 160mm of rear wheel travel. Following requests from Trek’s EWS athletes, it also gets a bit slacker and longer as expected, which is to help it cope with the gnarlification of modern day enduro racing.

All of that is built around a brand new chassis that features in-built storage, a new Knock Block system, and a serious amount of battle armour. Along with the unique rear shock and adjustable geometry, Trek is making use of every tool in its disposal to produce what it says is the fastest and most technically proficient Slash yet.

For the past month we’ve been testing the top-end Slash 9.9 to see how all of those changes play out on the trail, and whether this newly refocussed enduro race bike is now more of a one-trick-pony. Before we get to our ride impressions though, let’s take a detailed look at what sets the Slash apart from its predecessors and its contemporaries.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01

There’s a new custom shock

At the heart of the new Slash is a unique rear shock that Trek has co-developed alongside the gurus at RockShox. This shock is currently exclusive to Trek for 2021, and it’ll come on all of the Slash models in Australia, bar the cheapest Slash 7.

On the outside, it doesn’t look dramatically different. It’s essentially a Super Deluxe Ultimate shock, which features adjustable air pressure, air volume, rebound and compression damping. On the inside you’ll find the Trek-designed Thru-Shaft damper, along with some magic sauce the two brands have cooked up together.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01 thru-shaft

Why Thru-Shaft?

Thru-Shaft itself isn’t a new technology in itself. Trek first introduced the Thru-Shaft damper design back in 2017, where it debuted on high-end Fuel EX, Remedy and Slash models.

In essence, Thru-Shaft eliminates the traditional Internal Floating Piston (IFP) that is found inside most rear shocks. The IFP is a sealed piston that sits at the base of the shock underneath the oil chamber. The job of the IFP is to separate the damper fluid on one side, from a small nitrogen-charged chamber on the other side.

trek thru-shaft shock damper

Why do we need an IFP in the first place? Firstly, that gas-charged chamber is necessary to accommodate fluid expansion as the oil heats up. Secondly, it’s there to handle the change in volume of the oil chamber as the shock is compressed. When the shock is compressed, the main damper shaft is introduced into the oil chamber, and the further it goes in, the more room it takes up. To compensate for that increase in volume, the IFP is able to slide and compress the nitrogen-charged chamber behind it. As the shock rebounds, the IFP then pushes back on the oil chamber.

But in Trek’s Thru-Shaft shocks, there is no IFP. Instead, the damper shaft runs all the way through the oil chamber. And during compression, the damper piston exits the shock completely – you can see the silver rod emerging from the base of the shock as it goes through the travel. Since the damper piston no longer impacts on the volume inside the oil chamber, there is no need for a traditional IFP.

And what about fluid expansion? That’s what the piggyback reservoir is for – it’s a big ol’ thermal compensator that handles the fluid expansion as the oil heats up in the shock.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01 thru-shaft

But in Trek’s Thru-Shaft shocks, there is no IFP. Instead, the damper piston runs all the way through the oil chamber. And during compression, the damper piston exits the shock completely – you can see the silver rod emerging from the base of the shock as it goes through the travel.

The main driver for the Thru-Shaft design is all about reducing stiction and making the shock movement as slippery as possible. A normal IFP uses seals, and those seals need to slide smoothly up and down the the inside of the shock’s stanchion. Because of the high-pressure environment the IFP lives in, it’s likely to experience stick-slip during changes of direction. By removing the IFP entirely, the Thru-Shaft damper reduces stiction and this stick-slip effect, improving the damper’s sensitivity and its willingness to change direction quickly. On the trail, it simply results in a more responsive and buttery-feeling to the rear suspension – something we’ve noted on the Remedys and Fuel EXs we’ve tested in recent years, including our most recent long-term test bike .

RE:aktiv begone

While the Slash’s new shock carries over the Thru-Shaft concept, one of the big differences is that it no longer uses the RE:aktiv valve on the main damper piston. Instead you’ll find a standard shim valve on the main piston (which differs from an off-the-shelf RockShox shock), which Trek has moved to in favour of more gluey descending-oriented damping performance. While the RE:aktiv damper piston does provide excellent pedalling support, and will continue to be used on the Fuel EX, the new Slash is placing a greater priority on traction and high-speed control, and it’s claimed that a standard shim valve arrangement is the best solution for this application.

The second key difference with the custom Super Deluxe Ultimate shock is found in its damper adjustments. The rebound dial is much smaller and located on the side of the shock, and it now features numbers to assist with tuning. There’s a two-position lever that allows the rider to toggle between open and firm settings.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01 thru-shaft

On top of the lever is a separate adjuster that allows you to tune the low-speed compression damping of the open mode. The blue cam gives you three compression settings: -1, 0 and +1. According to Trek and RockShox, this adjuster is all about fine-tuning the shock’s response to rider inputs, depending on the terrain at hand. So you can firm up the feel of the shock to provide more support for pedalling and riding smoother bikepark type trails, or soften it up for riding steep and rooty trails where you want maximum traction. Consider it as a wet/dry adjuster. Regardless of that setting though, it’s claimed that the shock’s high-speed compression circuit remains completely independent, and it’s in here where Trek and RockShox have been cooking up a little extra special sauce.

The third big difference is in the shock’s air can itself. RockShox states that stiction has been lowered for smoother performance, while the negative spring volume has been increased to create a more progressive spring curve. In fact, it’s claimed to be more progressive than the current MegNeg design, which basically eliminates any need for a MegNeg hop-up. There’s the option to tune with volume spacers too, which we’ll get onto in a bit.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01 thru-shaft

Frame features

Aside from the custom shock, there are big changes afoot in the Slash chassis too. And when we say big we mean it literally – the Slash now takes a 34.9mm diameter seat post. This allows Trek to build a fatter, stronger and shorter seat tube, which provides greater compatibility with long-stroke dropper posts.

To go with it, Bontrager is rolling out a new 34.9mm Line Elite dropper post. The bigger diameter chassis promises increased strength and stiffness, and the post gets a whopping 200mm of travel on the longest option. Internally, the MaxFlow is said to provide faster compression and rebound for slicker performance.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01

No Super Boost needed

Looking at all the other key mounting points on the Slash frameset, it’s clear that Trek has made a concerted effort to stay away from anything too edgy standards-wise.

While some other brands have adopted the newer Super Boost 157x12mm hub standard for their long travel 29ers, Trek is sticking with the Boost 148x12mm standard that it invented and launched back in 2014. However, by employing the wider 55mm chainline that’s now on offer from both Shimano and SRAM (which pushes the chainring out a further 3mm over a traditional Boost drivetrain), Trek’s engineers say they’ve been able to get all the necessary clearances without having to resort to Super Boost. And they’ve done it too – there’s room for a 34T chainring and a 29×2.5in tyre, even with the Slash’s impressively short 435mm chainstays.

Common sense has prevailed elsewhere too. No longer will you find a press-fit bottom bracket cups. Instead, the Slash gets a 73mm threaded BB shell, which is surrounded by ISCG 05 chainguide tabs.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01

The dropouts utilise a SRAM UDH derailleur hanger on one side, and 180mm post-mount brake tabs on the other. For the true gravity enthusiasts, it’s worth noting that the Slash is cleared for use with up to a huge 220mm disc rotor. And while the rear shock is a custom jobby, the size isn’t – most aftermarket metric shocks will fit in its place, including coil shocks.

Secret storage

Brought over from the latest Fuel EX, the Slash now gets integrated downtube storage. What’s impressive is that you’ll get that sane downtube trap door on the alloy frames too. For the alloy Slash, the downtube is hydroformed with a depression around the storage door, before the door is then cut out of the tube. Apparently it’s a very difficult process to achieve on an alloy frame, which is probably why we haven’t seen it on any other brand.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01

The trapdoor itself is identical between the alloy and carbon frames, and it’s the same as what you’ll find on the Fuel EX. A discreet lever opens and secures the latch, and inside the cavity is a soft tool roll that’s designed to hold a spare tube, levers and CO2. The bottle cage is included with the bike, and Trek says every frame size, including the Small, will fit a bottle without drama.

A bonus of the trapdoor design is that it provides you access to the internal gear, dropper and brake lines. The cables and hoses are zip-tied to the underside of the door, which helps to minimise vibration and noise.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01

Knock Block 2.0

Trek has also updated its headset steering limiter system, called Knock Block 2.0. Addressing our criticism of the previous design, Trek has increased the available steering radius, so you now get 144° of rotation.

What’s interesting though, is that the Knock Block system isn’t actually necessary anymore. That’s because the downtube no longer uses the StraightShot profile of the old frame – it features curves at both ends, which means the fork crown no longer contacts the downtube during a full rotation.

We’re told that the designers decided to keep the Knock Block system as it doesn’t really impact the riding experience, and it helps to protect the brake lines, shift and dropper cables in the event of a bar-spinning crash. If it still bothers you though, the Knock Block can be removed entirely.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01

The Slash’s geometry was no doubt due for an update, and Trek has willingly obliged. However, while the designers wanted to address the needs of Trek’s EWS racers, they also wanted to retain the comfort, balance and agility that made the previous version such a popular and accessible bike.

As such, the head angle kicks back a degree, and the reach has grown by 15-40mm depending on the frame size. The seat tube angle (both actual and effective) has increased by two degrees, which helps to shift the pilot further forward on the bike, without pushing them so far forward as to put excessive weight onto the wrists and arms.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01 mino link

Trek is producing five frame sizes in the Slash, from Small through to X-large. All frame sizes are now built around the same stubby 35mm stem length, which aims to keep the front-end steering consistent regardless of rider height.

Also found on every frame is the familiar Mino Link, which is located in the upper seatstay pivot. The Slash comes set from the factory in the Low position, but flipping the link into the High position will lift the BB height by 7mm and steepen the head and seat angles by 0.5°. Here are lots of numbers for those who want them;

2021 trek slash geometry

Trek Slash price & specs

If you’re digging the new Slash vibe, you’ll be pleased to know that stock is available as of right now through Trek’s dealer network. In Australia, we’ll see four models come to our shores – two with carbon frames, and two with alloy frames. Additionally, you’ll be able to get a standalone frameset too – Trek Australia will be offering a Slash frameset in both carbon and alloy variants.

Read on for a closer look at each of the four complete bike options, followed by our ride impressions from testing the top-end Slash 9.9 X01.

2021 trek slask 9.9 x01

2021 Trek Slash 9.9 X01

  • Frame | OCLV Mountain Carbon Fibre, ABP Suspension Design, 160mm Travel
  • Fork | RockShox ZEB Ultimate, Charger 2.1 RC2 Damper, 44mm Offset, 170mm Travel
  • Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate, Thru-Shaft 3-Position Damper, 230×62.5mm
  • Wheels | Bontrager Line Elite 30, OCLV Carbon Rims, 30mm Inner Rim Width
  • Tyres | Bontrager SE5 29×2.6in Front & SE4 2.4in Rear
  • Drivetrain | SRAM X01 Eagle 1×12 w/X01 30T Carbon Crankset & 10-52T GX Eagle Cassette
  • Brakes | SRAM Code RSC 4-Piston w/200mm Rotors
  • Bar | Bontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35mm Diameter, 27.5mm Rise, 820mm Wide
  • Stem | Bontrager Line Pro, Knock Block, 35mm Length
  • Seatpost | Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 34.9mm Diameter, Travel: 100mm (S), 150mm (M/ML), 170mm (L), 200mm (XL)
  • Available Sizes | S, M, ML, L, XL
  • RRP | $11,499 AUD

2021 trek slash 9.8 xt

2021 Trek Slash 9.8 XT

  • Fork | RockShox ZEB Select+, Charger 2.1 RC Damper, 44mm Offset, 170mm Travel
  • Drivetrain | Shimano Deore XT 1×12 w/XT 30T Crankset & 10-51T Cassette
  • Brakes | Shimano Deore XT 4-Piston w/203mm Rotors
  • RRP | $8,999 AUD

2021 trek slash 8 gx

2021 Trek Slash 8

  • Frame | Alpha Platinum Alloy, ABP Suspension Design, 160mm Travel
  • Fork | RockShox Lyrik RC, Charger 2 Damper, 42mm Offset, 170mm Travel
  • Wheels | Bontrager Line Comp 30, Alloy Rims, 30mm Inner Rim Width
  • Tyres | Bontrager XR5 29×2.6in Front & XR4 2.4in Rear
  • Drivetrain | SRAM GX Eagle 1×12 w/Descendent 6K Eagle 30T Crankset & 10-52T Cassette
  • Brakes | SRAM Code R 4-Piston w/200mm Rotors
  • Bar | Bontrager Line, Alloy, 35mm Diameter, 27.5mm Rise, 820mm Wide
  • Stem | Bontrager Line, Knock Block, 35mm Length
  • Seatpost | TranzX Dropper, 34.9mm Diameter, Travel: 100mm (S), 150mm (M/ML), 170mm (L), 200mm (XL)
  • RRP | $6,299 AUD

2021 trek slash 7 nx

2021 Trek Slash 7

  • Fork | RockShox Yari RC, Motion Control RC Damper, 42mm Offset, 170mm Travel
  • Shock | RockShox Deluxe Select+, 230×62.5mm
  • Drivetrain | SRAM NX Eagle 1×12 w/Descendent 6K Eagle 30T Crankset & 11-50T Cassette
  • Brakes | SRAM Guide T 4-Piston w/200mm Rotors
  • RRP | $5,299 AUD

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01

Testing the 2021 Trek Slash 9.9 X01

With its metallic orange paint job, the Slash 9.9 X01 bares a resemblance to the distinctive Tiger Mica colour of Holden’s VU Commodore SS ute. We’d say the finish is just a tad classier here though, and indeed the Slash impressed as soon as it was pulled out of the box. It wasn’t too much of a strain to do so either – this big travel 29er tips the scales at a respectable 14.56kg.

That’s with the tyres setup tubeless, and we’ve gotta give props to Trek for the fact that the bike arrives genuinely tubeless ready – TLR strips and valves are pre-installed, and two bottles of sealant are included. Just remove the valve cores, squirt in the sealant, inflate and away you go. Nice!

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01 holden commodore ss ute

Being the poshest model that comes to Australia, the Slash 9.9 X01 comes decked out with plenty of high-end toys including the new RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork, SRAM X01 Eagle shifting, powerful Code RSC disc brakes, and a 170mm travel dropper post on our Large test bike. There’s plenty of carbon to be found too – the crank arms, handlebars and rims are all made of plastic-fantastic.

Speaking of, both the front triangle and back end are crafted from Trek’s OCLV Mountain carbon fibre, with a magnesium rocker link being the only main metal component of the frame. It leads to an impressively low weight – including the rear shock and hardware, Trek says you’re looking at just 3.12kg for a carbon Slash frame. It’s quite a bit lighter than the alloy version, which is claimed to weigh 4.32kg.

Fit & sizing

We chose a Large size Slash to suit our 181-183cm tall testers. Dan; an accomplished enduro racer who currently rides a Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Carbon in the S3 size. And Ben; a downhiller reborn as an XC/trail pinner who rides a Large-size Trek Top Fuel.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01

Two different perspectives from two different testers. Dan; an accomplished enduro racer who currently rides a Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Carbon in the S3 size, and Ben; a downhiller reborn as an XC/trail pinner who rides a Large-size Trek Top Fuel.

Both riders were quickly at home with the Slash and its healthy 486mm reach, despite the very short 35mm stem. However, the huge 820mm ape-hangers didn’t last long and were soon chopped down to a more tree-friendly 780mm.

The saddle was also slid as far forward on the rails as it could go. With the saddle height set at 770mm, the seat angle measures out pretty close to the claimed 75.7° (in the Low geometry position). Sliding the saddle forward for our long-legged testers helped steepen it closer to 78°.

There were few complaints in the fit department – the Bontrager Arvada saddle is excellent, and the lock-on grips are nice and tactile, without being offensively so. They do use dual locking clamps, and while the outer collar is smoothly tapered, you can still feel it underneath your gloves if you run your hands wide on the bars. That said, the metal ends have proven to be much more durable than single-locking grips that have rubber ends.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01

Setting up the Slash

Kudos to Trek for its brilliant suspension setup calculator, which provides a reliable baseline for getting the fork and shock setup for your weight. Combined with the anodised sag gradients on the ZEB fork and Super Deluxe shock, setting up the Slash is made that much easier. We followed the recommendations for our 80kg testers, and both the pressures and rebound settings were pretty much spot on. For reference, Trek recommends 30% sag on the shock and 15% for the fork when sitting stationary on the bike.

There is further tuneability to be had with volume spacers. The ZEB comes with a single Bottomless Token inside, and that suited us fine. The rear shock comes with zero tokens inside, and that also worked well. However, you can add one volume spacer to the shock’s negative spring to make it more linear. Conversely, you can add up to three volume spacers in the shock’s positive spring if you want more progression. That’s probably something only the heaviest of riders will investigate, since the Slash has quite a progressive spring rate to begin with – we never experienced a harsh bottom-out with the stock settings.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01 zeb ultimate fork

Does it get any smoother than this?

Easily the standout attribute of the new Slash is just how plush and controlled the suspension is. We were expecting that from the ZEB Ultimate, as we’ve already tested it separately . It’s a banging fork, with superb suppleness, huge torsional rigidity and steering accuracy that makes it an excellent match for the Slash’s capabilities. It’s the rear suspension that really blew us away though, with a level of off-the-top sensitivity that sees the shock ease into its travel the moment you push down on the saddle.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01

That activity plays out all the way through the travel too. Trek says the Thru-Shaft damper design eliminates the ‘nose’ of a standard IFP design, and we can believe them. So little force is required to get the shock moving, and it changes direction seamlessly, offering faster reactivity under both compression and extension. Whether it’s copping a square-edge rock at speed, cornering over off-camber washboard bumps on a fast fireroad descent, or skimming across more granular terrain on a loose traverse, the back end maintains a high level of contact with the terrain, boosting grip and confidence levels.

Previous Thru-Shaft shocks have proven to be slippery performers, but now that Trek has ditched the RE:aktiv valve in favour of a more conventional shim stack valve, it’s taken that damping performance to a new level. It’s bloody impressive stuff.

Thanks to the extremely active and supple suspension performance, the Slash is hugely stable in rough terrain. Sure the geometry is dialled, but it’s the suspension on this bike that really encourages you to push hard in technical terrain, knowing the bike will stay composed and stable. It’s a fine example of a bike that rides well beyond the numbers in a geometry chart.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01

It’s not just a monster truck

From first impressions, our testers initially thought the Slash would be more of a point-and-plow kind of bike. Sure, you can totally ride this way with confidence and let it steamroll down the trail. But where it surprised most was its inherently playful nature. The short chainstays definitely contribute in this regard, and while the shock is extremely sensitive, your feet don’t get lost in a gooey pile of over-damped syrup. That’s the new air spring at play, which delivers fantastically usable mid-stroke support. That responsive attitude encourages you to get creative, try different lines and gap sections of trail.

It’s also a really fun bike to slide around and let the rear hang out when things get loose, giving it a character that is often lost in long travel enduro race bikes. We found the Slash very composed in the air, with the generous travel and progressive end-stroke providing a cosseting return to earth. You can get away with a lot of mistakes while riding this bike, and have an absolute riot doing so.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01

But where it surprised most was its inherently playful nature. The short chainstays definitely contribute in this regard, and while the shock is extremely sensitive, your feet don’t get lost in a gooey pile of over-damped syrup. That’s the new air spring at play, which delivers fantastically usable mid-stroke support. That responsive attitude encourages you to get creative, try different lines and gap sections of trail.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01

Given how big and slack it is, we were also really impressed with the Slash’s climbing ability, particularly when things got rough and technical. The buttery shock performance keeps the rear tyre digging for traction, and the low-slung top tube gives you room to manoeuvre. Add in the low gearing from the 30T chainring and 52T sprocket out back, and there’s some serious grunt on offer for muscling your way up choppy ledges, roots and blown-out moto ruts.

The active suspension does mean you’re best to stay in a seated position on smoother climbs though. Stand up to mash the pedals, and Bob will join the party. There’s always the lockout lever, but our testers only ever used it on the road or the smoothest of fireroad climbs – it’s too firm for actual trail riding, and it’s low down enough that it’s a pain to regularly switch back and fourth between smooth and rough sections.

You can tighten things up by flipping the low-speed compression dial into the firmer +1 position though. And because the shock is so supple, it’s possible to run slightly higher pressures to lift the ride height, without sacrificing that much small-bump sensitivity. Flipping the Mino Link into the High position will also help with climbing performance by steepening the effective seat tube angle, while getting you a bit more pedal clearance too.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01

So stealthy, so quiet!

Modern bikes are getting very good at dampening out noise, but there’s always something that ruins the serenity. Rattly brake pads, a flappy cable, a creaky bearing. Not the Slash though – our test bike developed no play, and no noise all throughout the test period. Just blissful, quiet performance with the sound of tyres rumbling through the forest.

On that note, we love how well thought out the protection on this bike is. The gear cable is shielded underneath a thick chainstay guard, which is textured to dampen chain slap. There’s another strip of rubber on the inside of the drive-side seatstay to eliminate chain contact, and Trek has even put a metal plate below the disc calliper to prevent the rotor from scratching the paint. Brilliant!

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01

This bike is seriously quiet, thanks to carefully managed cabling and a plethora of body armour designed to dampen chain slap and rock strikes.

Those who ride on trails with lots of loose rock will know the importance of downtube protection. It only takes one rock kicked up by the front wheel to lay a crack in a lovingly engineered carbon downtube – we know, it’s happened to us enough times on other bikes. On the Slash, the underside of the downtube is almost entirely covered by two thick, rubber-lined armour plates. As well as giving greater rock strike protection, the extended coverage is also useful for hoisting your bike over the back of a tailgate on shuttle day. The big plastic armour plates are screwed into the frame, so it’s possible to replace them, or remove them if you desperately want to show off more of the Commodore SS paint job.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01

As well as giving greater rock strike protection, the extended coverage is also useful for hoisting your bike over the back of a tailgate on shuttle day.

The MRP chainguide with its lower bash plate is another handy addition, and the scratches and dings it’s collected from many trail missions attest to its worth. As for the Knock Block? Our testers never noticed it was there, so we’d be happy to leave it in place. It does mean you could trim the cables and brake line to be quite short to neaten up the cockpit, without fear of them being ripped out in the event of a crash.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01

What could be improved?

Despite Trek’s talk of keeping things balanced and approachable on the Slash, we do think the designers could have gone a lick steeper on the seat tube angle. We’re also not talking about going vertical – an extra degree would do nicely. The Slash is slightly steeper than the Fuel EX (75.6° vs 75°), but because the Slash has more travel and a more active suspension design, the dynamic seat angle is more affected on the climbs as the shock sinks into its travel.

Yes, a steeper seat angle pushes more weight onto your hands. And yes, it’s generally less comfortable for rolling along on more intermediate terrain. But a bike of this travel is generally going to be ridden on bigger and steeper terrain, where horizontal bimbling is less of a consideration.

That being said, the Bontrager Arvada saddle has a usefully long clamping area on its rails, and our testers were able to get into a comfortable position with the saddle slammed all the way forward. The top tube length is quite long on this bike, so the cockpit never felt too cramped even with the saddle in that position.

The takeaway point? The seat angle ain’t a dealbreaker – there’s adjustment there, so use it if you want to get your hips further the cranks. And if you really want to prioritise climbing performance, then you can always flip the Mino Link into the High geometry position.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01

The Slash is the third Trek we’ve tested with downtube storage, and thankfully this one didn’t have the rattling issues of the last bike . It’s fundamentally a great idea, and the included tool roll is a nice touch – just make sure you use a lightweight inner tube, as a standard tube won’t leave you any room to fit tyre levers or CO2.

On that note, the width of the trapdoor is quite a bit narrower than a Specialized SWAT door (40mm vs 52mm). That 12mm difference makes it quite a bit trickier to fit bulkier items and XL burritos, so it takes a bit more thought and creativity for packing your haul.

While we’re throwing ideas into the wishing well, it’d be great to see the Slash 9.9 come with Bontrager’s new BITS tool system inside the fork steerer tube. That way you could more easily ditch the backpack, knowing that you’ve got all the basic tools and spares with you, hidden in the bike.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01

Component highs & lows

Overall the Slash 9.9 X01 has impressed us with a great overall package. The suspension, brakes, drivetrain, wheel and tyre combo all support its nature of being a hard-charging bike.

The rear shock is super impressive, being really smooth and supple with no discernible stiction. This translates to amazing small bump response. Coupled with the equally smooth new RockShox ZEB, once set up the bike feels stupendously plush and balanced. When air-sprung forks and shocks are this good, we’re not sure why you would choose heavier, and less adjustable coil suspension.

The Bontrager Line Elite 30 wheels were also a standout. These have recently been redesigned with a new carbon rim profile that’s said to be almost twice as strong as its predecessor. And we’re happy to report that they’ve withstood many jarring interactions with square edge rocks, and are still in one piece. Weighing in at 2,071g, they’re a couple hundred grams more than the Line Pro 30 wheels we have on test separately , but they do get more readily available J-bend spokes, and they still feature the super buzzy Rapid Drive 108 hubs. They also get that 2-year crash replacement deal , if you do manage to toast a rim.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01

The Bontrager Line Elite 30 wheels are a standout, and the SE5/SE4 tyre combo have been equally impressive, with great grip and decent rolling resistance.

The Bontrager SE5/SE4 tyre combo was equally impressive, with great grip and decent rolling resistance. The rear tyre does look a bit minimal and comes in quite light on the scales at just 919g (the front tyre is 1,059g), but it held up really well in some chunky terrain, suffering a single tiny cut in the sidewall that was easily sealed with a plug. If this were our bike, we’d be putting an insert into the rear tyre anyway.

The Line Elite dropper post seems marginally quicker in action compared to Bontrager’s previous droppers, but it’s still a ways off the light and smooth action of a Fox Transfer or BikeYoke Divine. The lever shape is good though, and overall it’s performed without hassle. We’ll be interested to see how it fares after a full season of abuse.

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01

Flow’s Verdict

The new Trek Slash is one mighty impressive bike. It packs a load of punch, with the big chassis, newly slackened geometry and burly parts spec working up a thirst for high-speed drama. Its punch is delivered inside a velvety smooth glove though, thanks to the outrageously plush suspension that brings comfort, poise and control to the most chundery of trails. Paired to the superb ZEB up front, this bike just oozes confidence.

As descending really steep and gnarly shit has become the raison d’être for the modern enduro bike though, we were worried that Trek would turn the Slash into a pro-only machine. Our doubts proved unfounded though, and that is indeed the biggest surprise of this bike.

Yes it’s a 29er with 170/160mm of travel and a 64° head angle, and it’ll absolutely steamroll the trail if you let it. But it isn’t a tank. It’s comfortable, reasonably efficient, and it actually climbs technical stuff well. We’d have no qualms taking it on bigger all-day missions.

It’s also playful, chuckable and willing to get airborne. And it’s this all-round competence makes the Slash much more versatile than we expected. We had a blast riding this bike, even when the many of our rides might not have warranted such a big travel bike. But when there are so few downsides, we kept asking ourselves; why wouldn’t you want that extra travel?

2021 trek slash 9.8 x01

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trek slash 8 review

Trek Slash 8 Bike Review

Curious about the Trek Slash 8? Check out this review to learn about the bike’s features, advantages, disadvantages, cost, where to buy it, and more.

Introduction

Looking for a bike that can do it all? Check out the Trek Slash 8. This bike is perfect for mountain biking enthusiasts who want a durable and versatile bike that can handle any trail. The Slash 8 comes with a number of high-quality components, including SRAM Code R brakes and a RockShox Super Deluxe Thru Shaft damper. In this Trek Slash 8 review, we’ll take a closer look at the features that make this bike a great choice for anyone looking for an enduro bike. So, if you’re in the market for a new bike, read on!

What kind of bike is a Trek Slash 8?

A Trek Slash 8 is an Enduro Bike. This means that it is designed for downhill riding , racing, and speeding. It has a suspension system that can handle rough terrain and a frame that is built to be durable. The Trek Slash 8 also has a nice selection of components, such as an SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, RockShox Super Deluxe Thru Shaft shock, SRAM Code R brakes, a set of 200mm/180mm rotors, and a tool-free reach adjust feature that makes it easy to dial in the perfect fit. Overall, the Trek Slash 8 is a great choice for anyone who wants a bike that can handle tough riding conditions.

trek slash 8

How heavy is it?

The Trek Slash 8 is a very heavy bike. It weighs in at about 15.04kgs/33.15lbs with TLR sealant but without tubes. This makes it one of the heaviest bikes on the market. However, it is also one of the most durable bikes . So, if you are looking for a bike that can handle a lot of abuse, then the Trek Slash 8 is a great choice.

“Slash 8 is an enduro mountain bike that rolls on fast 29er wheels and floats on plush RockShox suspension with SRAM’s newest GX Eagle handling drivetrain duties. An aluminum frame with fresh new tech and tough alloy wheels push this bike into the sweet spot for all-around rippers.” trekbikes.com

trek slash 8

Can the Trek Slash 8 climb?

The Trek Slash 8 is designed for big mountain riding and Enduro racing. The rear travel has been increased from 160mm and is now matched with a longer travel 170mm fork up front. This makes it the perfect bike for climbing mountains and riding downhill. The Slash is easy to pedal uphill, and the suspension remains stable when seated and spinning gear. The bike is also easy to control on downhill sections. The Trek Slash 8 is the perfect choice for riders who want a bike that can do it all.

Is the Trek Slash 8 an enduro bike?

Yes, the Trek Slash 8 is, indeed, an enduro mountain bike. It is intended for downhill racing and riding. It boasts a durable frame and a suspension system that can tackle tough terrain. The Trek Slash 8 also comes with a good range of components, including an SRAM drivetrain. Overall, the Trek Slash 8 is an excellent pick for anybody looking for a bike that can withstand challenging riding conditions.

trek slash 8

What are the main features of the Trek Slash 8 bike?

The Trek Slash 8 bike is a great choice for mountain biking enthusiasts . It has a number of features that make it an ideal choice for the sport, including a sleek internal storage compartment, aluminium frame, a RockShox Super Deluxe Thru Shaft damper, an active braking pivot, sealed cartridge bearing, complete frame protection and tough alloy wheels push this bike to the next level. Additionally, the Rapid Drive 108 rear hub makes it easy to get up and down the trails quickly.

Advantages of the Trek Slash 8

The Trek Slash 8 has many advantages that make it a great choice for anyone looking for an Enduro Bike:

●    It’s a big bike and built to be durable. It has a suspension system that can handle rough terrain and a frame that is built to last.

●    It is also very versatile. It can be ridden on a variety of gnarly trail rides and in a variety of conditions including enduro races.

●    The bike is equipped with several high-quality components, including SRAM Code R brakes and a set of 200mm/180mm rotors, as well as Bontrager line comp 30 tubeless ready wheels.

●    Finally, it has a tool-free reach adjustment feature that makes it easy to dial in the perfect fit. 

trek slash 8

Disadvantages of the Trek Slash 8

The Trek Slash 8 also has a few disadvantages that potential buyers should be aware of:

●    Trek Slash 8 is very heavy. It weighs in at about 33.9lbs, which makes it one of the heaviest bikes on the market.

●    The bike is not cheap. It has a retail price of USD $4,299 which is definitely on the high end.

●    It might be too much for some riders. It is designed for big mountain riding and Enduro races, and might not be the best choice for someone who is just starting.

●    Its tires don’t perform well in damp mud.

How much is the Trek Slash 8?

The Trek Slash 8 has a retail price of USD$4,299.99. It is available in four sizes: S, M, L, and XL. It is also available in two colors: matte metallic gunmetal and lithium grey Dnister black. However, it’s worth noting that the bike’s price may vary depending on where you purchase it.

Where can you buy it?

The Trek Slash 8 is available at a variety of retailers, both online and in-store. Some of the online places you can buy the bike include the Trek website, Amazon, Bikeexchange, Bicycleexpress, Driftbikes and more. You can also find the bike in-store at many Trek bike retailers . However, it’s always best to check the price and availability before you buy to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

“It’s right for you if… you want a big bike with big wheels to roll over big things and send big hits. You might enter some enduro races, but you mostly just want to rail sketchy descents faster than anyone else in your crew.” trekbikes.com

trek slash 8

To sum up, the Trek Slash 8 is a great choice for anyone looking for a durable and versatile enduro bike with serious enduro performance. It has a number of features that make it an ideal choice for the sport, including internal storage, plush RockShox suspension, an active braking pivot, and complete frame protection. Additionally, the Rapid Drive 108 rear hub makes it easy to get up and down the trails quickly. However, the bike is not without its flaws. It is very heavy and it doesn’t perform well in damp mud. Additionally, the bike is quite expensive, retailing at $4,299.99. But, overall, the Trek Slash 8 is a great choice for anyone looking for an enduro bike that can withstand harsh riding conditions.

Have you had a chance to ride the Trek Slash 8, or any other Trek bikes? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!

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Trek Slash 8 – Review  

  May 12, 2022

By   m bhatia

Trek Slash 8 Review 2022

Trek Bicycle Corporation was set up in 1975 by two personalities, Richard Burke and Bevil Hogg, with the determination to create the best bicycles in the world. Headquartered in Waterloo, Wisconsin, USA, Trek owns 1700 independent bicycle shops across North America, Europe, Asia, and South Africa. They have come a long way since their first bonded aluminum bike in1985 with the help of the aerospace industry. As a brand, they keep striving for the betterment of their beloved community of bikers. Hence, they have even focused on designing and building bicycles catering to the needs of both their male and female customers. Today, Trek has a vast community of satisfied cycling enthusiasts and is building the best quality bikes and their accessories.

In this review, we will discuss about Trek Slash 8, an enduro mountain bike built for adventure and enduro racing. This bike model by Trek is packed with the best in class tech and good quality materials. Let us find in detail what Slash 8 has to offer.

Technical Specifications:

Frameset :- Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminum, internal storage, tapered head tube, Knock Block 2.0, Control Freak internal routing Fork: RockShox Lyrik Select+, DebonAir spring, Charger 2.1 RC damper, tapered steerer Wheels :- Wheels: Wheel front-Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready Tires: Bontrager XR5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, aramid bead Drivetrain :- Shifters : SRAM GX Eagle, 12 speed Rear derailleur : SRAM GX Eagle Crank : SRAM X1 Eagle, DUB MTB Wide, 30T steel ring, 55mm chain line Bottom bracket : SRAM DUB MTB Wide, 73mm, BSA threaded Cassette : SRAM Eagle XG-1275, 10-52, 12 speed Pedals : N/A Components :- Saddle : Bontrager Arvada, hollow Chromoly rails, 138mm width Seatpost : Size: M, ML - TranzX JD-YSP39, 150mm travel, internal routing Handlebar : Bontrager Line, alloy, 35mm, 27.5mm rise, 820mm width Stem : Bontrager Elite, 35mm, 0 degree, 35mm length Headset : Knock Block 2.0 Integrated Brakes : SRAM Code R 4-piston hydraulic disc

Slash 8 frame design and size:

Trek Slash 8 frame

The frame designs of the slash series were built for riders who wanted the adventure of a long climb and also wanted a big bike, and the Slash 8 complies with it.

The 12 speed SRAM's GX Eagle drivetrain gives the bike needed power and allows the rider to crush rock-filled descents efficiently.

Slash 8 is an improved version, and Trek has done an excellent job putting the features and design into one build. The Knock Block system in the Slash 8 saves the frame from getting damaged with the spinning of the bar and fork. Reaktiv thru-shaft damper is extremely supple and absorbs the big hits. You can even tune the geometry of the Slash 8 with the reversible Mino Link.

The perfect bike size for you is subjective to your height. Here are some recommended sizes for different rider heights.

Trek Slash 8 Sizing

What are the different parts included in Trek Slash 8?

Trek Slash 8 is backed up with a Bontrager Arvada saddle, with Chromoly rails and 138mm in width. It is designed to provide the rider with a good balance between comfort and performance.

Trek Slash 8 saddle

The Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheels are tubeless-ready and are constructed for the off-roading trails; but they additionally give you the option to race. It has a 15mm thru-axle in the front and a 12mm thru-axle in the rear. 

The tyres are built to survive all-weather and make sure the bike runs smoothly when in the ups and downs of your riding adventures.

Trek Slash 8

Slash 8 has an XR trail pro grip by Bontrager and provides ample grip and comfort. It also has an alloy lock-on for better grip on harsh roads.

Itt has an SRAM GX Eagle 12 speed chain gea for top-notch speed and performancer. Be it a steep up or dangerous down; you can manage the speed and control your moments precisely; at the same time, you don't miss any agility.

Trek Slash 8 grip

How does it feel to ride a Slash 8?

The bike weighs around 14.4kg and is a fast-rolling playful bike. The bike gets a lot of traction when used uphill, and the compact dimensions ensure that the bike is tracking precisely on the terrains.

Downhills are pleasantly poised and balanced in this bike, and the response on the bar is quite good. The braking system in slash 8 gives you confidence, and the suspension ensures you don't get hurt in hard hits.

The bike is very agile and refined, the handling is balanced, and riders find it very playful when riding it on the mountains and different roads. The suspension is on the plush side and is good as the bike's character is poppy, and it demands plushy suspension.

What We Like

  • Agile and sporty
  • It's easy to handle
  • The ABP suspension works great when braking hard
  • Lightweight and good response over handles

What We Don't Like

  • The brakes are not good enough.
  • The bike fork gets indulged too much in rough trails.

Why should you buy a Slash 8 mountain bike?

The slash series is built for adventure and endurance racing now and then. It has impressed its buyers and has delivered the promised performance and agility.

The bike has very impressive climbing behavior, and the suspension is superb. The body is filled with good frame details, and the geometry makes it an efficient poppy and fun bike to ride.

If you like jaunting around with your bike in the woods and also love taking it to high speed at times, this bike might be a good suit for you. The ergonomics and balanced control make it an easy choice over other bikes.

Is the Slash 8 Trek bike value for money? 

The slash 8 comes at a price of  $4229, which is on the higher side. The mountain bike is packed with features and is built solidly. Thus, if you are someone who loves mountain biking and wants a good mountain bike , this is a good option to consider.

Although the bike might seem priced higher, it is a value for money product if compared with other Enduro bikes. The bike is feature-packed and does not require very costly maintenance. Thus, it is a good investment for your passion or your sport.

Is the Trek slash an Enduro bike?

Yes, the Trek Slash is an enduro bike and is awarded for being the enduro bike of the year 2021.

What type of bike is the Trek Slash?

This bike is designed for big all-mountain rides, racing the clock on rugged enduro lines and having a blast on rough terrain.

What's the difference between Trek Slash and Remedy?

As compared to other bikes of a similar size and Weight, the Remedy fits pretty spot-on. The Slash falls between the Remedy and the Session but a little less than the Scratch.

Are enduro bikes good for jumps?

Enduro bikes are a good option to go downhill, i.e. for jumps. Their suspension can take heavy hits and can hold it pretty well.

What is an Enduro bike?

Enduro bikes have a long travel and are designed to go downhill as fast as possible on the most difficult trails. Their geometry is optimized for speed but also for racing back uphill.

The Endnote: 

The Slash 8 by Trek has been an excellent performer and has more pros than cons when it comes to the experience it gives to fellow riders.

The tyres are a little disappointing at times in damp soil or terrains, but other than that, the suspension, the 12-speed gearbox and the comfortable saddle make up for it.

Overall, the Slash 8 is a constant poppy and fun-loving bike; the speeds are good, and the geometry and ergonomics make it a blissful ride on the bad terrains.

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Winner - Mountain Bike category

"The combination of high-end performance with individuality and user-friendliness in the thought-through package delighted the entire jury."

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"Feels exactly right"

"The Slash has a big-bike feel that makes it easier to charge into an unfamiliar trail, while retaining enough maneuverability to prevent it from feeling like overkill on mellower trails."

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Enduro Bike of the Year

Once the dust had settled, it was the Slash that managed to edge its way into the lead. Its ability to tackle the wildest terrain without flinching yet all the while retaining that reactive, lively feel really won us over.

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"A hell of a bike"

"Slash is great on rough, bermed corners and it has been an absolute monster riding steeps. This is an easy bike to ride and everything felt very natural from the first drop in and I haven't looked back since."

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ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine

2021 Trek Slash 9.8 XT review – A great all-rounder and a well-deserved Best Buy

trek slash 8 review

The brand new Trek Slash has big shoes to fill, its predecessor being one of the most popular 29er enduro bikes on the market. We were all the more excited to find out if the new bike can hold its own against the increasingly tough competition. Spoiler alert: yes, it can – we even awarded it the Best Buy. But it isn’t without its faults.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best enduro bike 2021 – 13 models in review

trek slash 8 review

We could go on forever about the brand new Trek Slash. The bike is full of smart details and special solutions, be it the storage compartment in the frame, which is also available on the aluminium models, or the Knock Block in the head tube, which stops the handlebars from damaging the beautiful frame. Or the proprietary RockShox thru-shaft shock which allows the damping piston rod to pass through the shock, which is claimed to make the rear end respond more sensitively and deliver more traction. The new Slash offers 170 mm travel up front in combination with 160 mm at the rear and, as you’d expect, rolls on 29″ wheels. Trek have also improved on many other details, giving the bike an extra-large downtube protector, a threaded BSA bottom bracket and integrating the Mino-Link flip chip more cleanly into the seat stay.

The components of the Trek Slash 9.8 XT – A great overall package with minor weaknesses

In times when bikes are becoming more and more expensive, it’s nice to see the € 5,848 Slash 9.8 XT bucking this trend. This reasonably priced package gives you excellent components on a frame bursting with smart features. This includes Shimano’s XT 12-speed drivetrain and reliable SLX brakes, whose performance is in no way inferior to the more expensive counterpart. There’s nothing wrong with the RockShox ZEB Select+ either and the in-house Bontrager Line dropper post provides 170 mm of travel. However, we found the 35 mm stem to be too short and the 820 mm handlebar to be far too wide. You should also budget to replace the puncture-prone Bontrager tires. However, since Trek bikes are sold through local bike shops, these components and the small rear brake rotor can be swapped out on site. Ideally, you will only be charged the difference – provided you’ve got a good dealer.

trek slash 8 review

Trek Slash 9.8 XT

Specifications.

Fork RockShox ZEB Select+ 170 mm Rear Shock RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate 160 mm Seatpost Bontrager Line Elite Dropper 170 mm Brakes Shimano SLX 4-piston 200/180 mm Drivetrain Shimano XT 30/10-51 Stem Bontrager Line Pro 35 mm Handlebar Bontrager Line Pro OCLV Carbon 820 mm Wheelset Bontrager Line Elite 30 OCLV Mountain Carbon Tires Bontrager SE5 Team Issue/Bontrager SE4 Team Issue 2.6"/2.4"

Technical Data

Size S M ML L XL Weight 14.84 kg Wheelsize 29"

trek slash 8 review

The geometry of the Trek Slash – An additional size for a hallelujah

A particular highlight of the Slash is that Trek have spared no expense and effort, adding an intermediate ML size to the range. This will be music to the ears of riders for whom the M is too small and L is often too big. It turned out to be the ideal size for our 180 cm tall test riders. The reach is 469 mm while chainstay length is a short 435 mm on all sizes. The head tube angle is 64.1° in the slack setting and the seat tube angle is 75.6°. This is significantly steeper than on the predecessor, though it’s still rather slack, and the kink in the seat tube makes it effectively slacker as the saddle is extended.

trek slash 8 review

Important tuning tip for the Slash – Push the saddle forward for the climbs!

As the geometry table suggests, the seat tube angle on the Slash is rather slack. In practice, this means that you should immediately slide the saddle forward so as not to sit too far over the rear wheel on steep climbs. With that done, the Slash climbs fairly efficiently. The suspension stays nice and firm, though as you pedal it still provides enough traction. You can spare yourself the effort of activating the climb switch – great!

While we found the new Slash to be unbalanced and cumbersome in our first review where we rode the size L, that impression changes with the smaller ML. Thanks to the shorter reach, your position on the bike is more central, distributing your weight evenly between the wheels and allowing for quicker, more precise direction changes.

trek slash 8 review

Fun, direct and capable – The Slash is a very versatile descender.

You can choose between three compression settings on the shock, which differ significantly. Even in the neutral position, the Slash offers a lot of support and begs you to pump it. Fast corners are an absolute pleasure and you can easily pull it up into a manual. Those who like to play with the trail will love this bike. The Slash also offers a lot of pop as you launch it off trail features, catching air with minimal effort. As a result, the Slash is amazingly fun even on simple trails! When things get more demanding, the Trek remains surprisingly composed and smooths out even the roughest terrain. However, it doesn’t isolate the rider from the ground and gives lots of feedback. The only thing slowing it down are the minor shortfalls in the components. Speaking of slowing down: we recommend upgrading the rear brake rotor to a 200 mm model if you predominantly ride steep trails.

trek slash 8 review

How does the Trek Slash 9.8 XT compare to the competition?

The Trek Slash and the Rocky Mountain Altitude are the champions of this test, but they couldn’t be more different. The Altitude is all about traction and speed, doing an incredible job of absorbing bumps. On the other hand, the Slash is more light-footed and playful. On the uphills, the more efficient Trek pulls away. If you want to ride hard, the Best in Test Altitude is the bike you need, but if you’re looking for the better all-rounder, you’ll be happy with the Slash, our Best Buy!

Tuning tips: if in doubt, downsize | bigger rotor at the rear | swap tires for grippier, more robust models | mount a longer stem and cut down the handlebar

trek slash 8 review

Riding Characteristics

Value for money, intended use.

The brand new Trek Slash 9.8 XT succeeds in filling the shoes of its predecessor and, thanks to its enormous versatility, secures the coveted Best Buy! It’s agile, playful and direct enough to have loads of fun on flowing trails. At the same time, it doesn’t shy away from even the roughest terrain. The price for the beautiful carbon bike is reasonable, but you should budget for a few small upgrades.

trek slash 8 review

  • agile and balanced handling
  • cleverly designed frame at a fair price
  • versatile bike with a wide range of uses

trek slash 8 review

  • slack seat tube angle
  • puncture-prone tires with moderate grip
  • cockpit ergonomics

trek slash 8 review

You can find out more about at trekbikes.com

The test field

All bikes in test: Canyon Strive CFR (Click for review) | COMMENCAL Meta AM 29 Öhlins (Click for review) | GIANT Reign Advanced Pro 0 (Click for review) | Ibis Ripmo V2 (Click for review) | Nukeproof Mega 290 Alloy Pro (Click for review) | Propain Spindrift CF Mix Custom (Click for review) | Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon 90 Rally Edition (Click for review) | Santa Cruz Megatower CC X01 Coil RSV (Click for review) | Santa Cruz Nomad CC X01 RSV (Click for review) | Specialized Enduro Expert (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper EVO (Click for review) | Transition Sentinel XT (Click for review) | Trek Slash 9.8 XT

trek slash 8 review

This scale indicates how efficiently the bike climbs. It refers to both simple and technical climbs. Along with the suspension, the riding position and the weight of the bike all play a crucial role. ↩

How does the bike ride and descend? How spritely is the bike, how agile is it through corners, how much fun is it in tight sections and how quickly can it change direction? ↩

Is the bike stable at high speeds? Is it easy to stay in control in demanding terrain? How composed is it on rough trails? Stability is a combination of balanced geometry, good suspension and the right spec. ↩

This is all about how balanced the bike is and particularly about how well it corners. Balanced bikes require little physical effort from the rider and are very predictable. If a bike is unbalanced, the rider has to work hard to weight the front wheel to generate enough grip. However, experienced riders can have a lot of fun even with unbalanced bikes. ↩

How sensitive is the suspension over small bumps? Can it absorb hard impacts and does it soak up repeated hits? Plush suspension not only provides comfort and makes a bike more capable, but it also generates traction. The rating includes the fork and the rear suspension. ↩

This aspect mainly comes down to the suspension. How much pop does it have, does it suck up the rider’s input or is it supportive, and how agile and direct is the bike? ↩

We don’t calculate value for money in an excel spreadsheet or based on how high-end a bike is specced. We are more concerned with how a bike performs on the trail and how the bike benefits the rider. What good are the best components if the bike doesn’t perform well on the trail? Expensive bikes with a lower-end spec can offer very good value for money – provided they excel where it matters. Just as supposedly cheap bikes with good components can get a bad rating if they don’t deliver on the trail. ↩

No, it’s not about racing, it’s about efficiency. Fast, fleet-footed and efficient – those who want to speed along flowy singletrack and gravel roads need a defined and spritely bike that accelerates with ease and efficiency. Nevertheless, reliable components are important too. We interpret XC more like the Americans do: big back-country rides instead of a marathon or XC World Cup with the ultimate in lightweight construction! Uphill-downhill ratio: 80:30 (not everything has to be 100%!) ↩

...also known as mountain biking. Classic singletrack with roots, rocks and ledges – sometimes flowy, sometimes rough. For this, you need a bike with good all-round qualities, whether climbing or descending. Uphill-downhill ratio: 50:50 ↩

Even more extreme and challenging compared to Trail riding, riddled with every kind of obstacle: jumps, gaps, nasty rock gardens, ruts and roots. For this, you need (race)proven equipment that forgives mistakes and wouldn’t look out of place on a stage of the Enduro World Series. Climbing is just a means to an end. Uphill-downhill ratio: 30:70 ↩

Strictly speaking, a 200 mm travel downhill bike is the best choice for merciless tracks with big jumps, drops and the roughest terrain. Those would be the black or double-black-diamond tracks in a bike park. But as some of the EWS pros (including Sam Hill) have proven, it’s the riding skills and not the bike that define what you can ride with it. Climbing? On foot or with a shuttle, please! Uphill-downhill ratio: 10:90 ↩

You can find more info about our rating system in this article: Click here! ↩

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more .

Words: Photos: Christoph Bayer, Valentin Rühl, Markus Frühmann

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Trek Slash 9.8 XT review

Alan Muldoon

  • Alan Muldoon
  • April 22, 2022

Yes, the Trek Slash 9.8 XT is a great choice for enduro, but its capable, lively ride makes it a great do-it-all choice for the one bike quiver

Trek Slash test winner

Trek Slash test winner Credit: Roo Fowler

Product Overview

Overall rating:, trek slash 9.8.

  • Fast, fun and efficient. Tight, reactive ride. Progressive geometry. Versatile, composed. A do-it-all bike
  • XL would benefit from a steeper seat angle

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:.

The Trek Slash 9.8 XT is an enduro bike with progressive geometry and 29er wheels and 170/160mm of travel, and offers a performance that seriously impressive. Good enough to make it on our list of the best enduro mountain bikes ? Absolutely. It’s good enough to score a  10 out of 10; a rare feat.

Trek Slash 9.8 XT need to know:

  • Mino Link geometry adjustment allows for a 27.5in Mullet setup
  • KnockBlock 2.0 offers an increases the steering angle from 58º to 72º and can be removed if needed
  • A bash guard on the MRP chain guide helps protects the 30t XT chainring
  • RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock sports ThruShaft technology to control the 160mm travel

Man riding Trek Slash 9.8 mountain bike in a forest

mbr bike test editor putting the Trek Slash 9.8 through its paces

We took the Trek Slash 9.9 XO1 for a first ride when it launched last year, and while the 2022 bike looks remarkably similar, right down to the frame colour of the bike we featured last time, there are several differences. The main one being that the XT equipped bike is £1,500 cheaper and there are changes to the specification that reflect its lower price.

You get a full Shimano XT drivetrain and 4-piston XT brakes, rather than SRAM XO1. You also get a RockShox Zeb Select+ fork rather than the Ultimate, while the Bontrager Line Carbon 30 wheels switch to the alloy version. Downgrades? Yes, but none that should detract from the underlying ride quality of the Slash.

trek slash 8 review

A full Shimano XT drivetrain including cranks

The most important thing is that the OCLV carbon frame remains unchanged, so you still benefit from all of the advances in the frame geometry and suspension that Trek introduced last year. Updates that saw the addition of downtube storage, the head tube angle getting slacker, the seat tube steeper and the reach longer. Trek also made the suspension more progressive, and increased rear travel by 10mm to 160mm. All positive changes then.

Trek Slash 9.8 suspension

Trek has always been a big proponent of proprietary suspension components. As such, the RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock on the Slash 9.8 XT features Trek’s ThruShaft technology and it’s the exact same shock that comes on the flagship model. This design eliminates the need for a high pressure IFP (internal floating piston) and in simple terms, this allows for lower breakaway resistance and improved sensitivity. And because the damper shaft passes straight through the shock body, it needs an extender mount and a small hole in the frame to accept the ThruShaft at bottom out.

trek slash 8 review

This might be a cheaper bike but the RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock is the exact same shock that comes on the flagship model

Sounds complex? Well it is, but thankfully setting up the suspension on the Slash is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Sag gradients make it simple to dial in the correct air pressure, and in the open setting the shock has three low-compression settings for fine tuning the response to pedal inputs or the style of terrain you’re riding. Also if you ever want to fit an aftermarket shock, that’s still possible as the Slash uses a 230×62.5mm metric shock size, you’ll just need different lower mounting hardware.

Setting up the suspension on the Slash is as easy as 1, 2, 3

Up front the 170mm travel RockShox Zeb Select+ lacks the high speed compression adjuster found on the Ultimate, but you still have the low-speed compression and rebound to fine tune the ride. The burly 38mm chassis definitely adds stiffness and a real sense of security, something that heavier or harder charging riders will really appreciate.

Trek Slash 9.8 components

Sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference. Like Trek swapping one of the 10mm headset spacers for two 5mm spacers so you can fine tune the height of the handlebar. It also fitted 170mm crankarms to improve pedal clearance, not that the Slash needs them as we had no issues with pedal strikes with the 175mm cranks on last year’s bike.

trek slash 8 review

The Mino link

So if the low geometry setting is really the default mode, what’s the high setting on the Mino Link for? It should provide just enough clearance to run a 27.5in rear wheel if needed, especially with the 170mm cranks.

trek slash 8 review

Rapid Drive 108 freehub on the Bontrager Line 30 wheelset

And while we’re on the subject of wheels, the Rapid Drive 108 freehub on the Bontrager Line 30 wheelset offers a 3.33º engagement angle, which is almost 7 times faster than the rear hub on the Specialized Stumpy Evo.

trek slash 8 review

The removable Switch lever on the rear axle

Trek has missed a trick with it’s removable 6mm Switch lever on the rear axle though. Yes, it also fits the fork axle but if Trek used a stepped design like Scott has, it could probably add a 5mm allen key and a T25 to the same tool. Why is this important? Well, Trek has the smallest cutaway in the downtube for storage so you can’t pack as much stuff into the frame.

Trek Slash 9.8 performance

The Trek Slash is a deceptive bike. And if it weren’t for the burly RockShox Zeb fork, you’d never guess by looking at the compact carbon frame that it’s a big travel rig designed to tackle the toughest enduro race stages. However, the numbers don’t lie. With the size L Slash sporting a 63.5º head angle and a 1,272mm wheelbase, it has a footprint that guarantees a stable grounding even on unstable terrain.

Man riding Trek Slash 9.8 mountain bike in a forest

Don’t let the number fool you, this bike is incredibly capable

And while the 29in wheels can certainly truck over rough terrain with the best of them, make no mistake, the Slash is no monster truck. If anything, it’s tight, reactive ride belies its generous travel. And nowhere is that more apparent than when you stomp on the pedals. This bike simply motors.

It feels more solid than the Stumpy or Jam too, something that will definitely favour heavier riders. At a hair over 15kg with our Maxxis control tyres fitted, you don’t even pay a weight penalty for the extra travel or solidity.

The balanced geometry and low standover allows you to get into all sorts of shapes on the Slash, which makes it easy to stay on top of the bike. Basically you always feel like you’re piloting the Slash, never a passenger. Yes, the downtube storage isn’t as generous as on the Stumpy, but with an extra tool pouch you could easily crame more stuff into the undercarriage.

trek slash 8 review

Downtube storage includes two small bags for organising and stowing essentials

Our only real criticism of the Slash then, is that there’s quite a bit of chain noise. So if you have the legs to push a 32t chainring this would provide some extra clearance between the upper run of the chain and the chainstay. Failing that, you could stick with the stock 30t chainring as add additional rubber protection to key areas of the stays.

  • Best enduro mountain bikes ridden and rated
  • Best mountain bike: The ultimate trail, XC and enduro bikes tried and tested

For an enduro bike with progressive geometry, the Trek Slash 9.8 XT is incredibly versatile. Get on the gas and it responds with a sense of urgency that’s usually reserved for shorter travel bikes. Land deep of a drop, or jump, however, and the rear suspension graces you with a featherlight landing. Cool and composed in every situation the Trek Slash is not the outright plushed bike we’ve ever tested, but the suspension response is always proportional and measured, so you never feel under or over-biked. It’s what makes the Slash the ideal choice for anyone looking for that one do-it-all ride.

Stellantis announces mass layoffs in US and Europe

Avatar for Jennifer Mossalgue

It’s not a good week to be working at Stellantis. As it (finally) moves to try to sell EVs in the US, the automaker just laid off 400 US salaried tech workers and software engineers on Friday. Today the company announced that it was slashing more than 1,500 jobs in Turin, Italy, due to what it says are slow sales of its all-electric Fiat 500e city car. [ Updated: Stellantis announced later after publication that the total number of layoffs in Italy would be 2,500.]

Last Friday, some 400 salaried, nonunion workers in the US were told to work from home for a “mandatory remote work day,” and then all fired during a remote group video meeting, reported the Wall Street Journal . So much for the personal touch.

One mechanical engineer told Fox2 Detroit that “it was a mass firing of everybody that was on the call.” He added that he believes the rationale for the layoffs was to move jobs to “low-cost countries,” with Stellantis outsourcing jobs to India, Mexico, and Brazil. Stellantis says that the layoffs would affect about 2% of employees in those units “after rigorous organizational reviews.” In total, Stellantis had 11,800 salaried US employees as of the end of last year.

Today, Stellantis added to the pile by announcing that it has now signed a deal with unions to slash some 1,500 jobs in Turin, Italy – but being that all of the employees are unionized, they will presumably have a softer landing than their US-based counterparts.

The historic home of Italy’s own Fiat, owned by Stellantis, is Turin, and that is where up to 1,520 employees, including 300 at the Miafiori factory and 744 staff, can take the option of voluntary leave with financial incentives, according to the UILM union, reports Automotive News Europe .

In January, Stellantis decided to temporarily lay off some 2,250 workers at its Mirafiori plant, with more than half of the affected workers handling the production of its all-electric Fiat 500e, Stellantis’s first all-electric vehicle to launch in the US.

A statement from an Italian union indicated that buyers in Italy at least were postponing the purchase of electric vehicles , anticipating government incentives to stimulate adoption .

Top comment by ZekeStone

"Stellantis’s first EV available in the US is the Fiat 500e , priced at $32,500 plus a $1,595 destination fee (being made in Italy, it’s not eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit)."

No surprises that the 500e isn't selling well. It's overpriced for what you get compared to other vehicles like the Model 3, the Chevy Bolt and BEVs offered by Hyundai/Kia.

As for the US workers, Stellantis told the Wall Street Journa l that laid-off employees would be given a “comprehensive separation package and transition assistance.”

Electrek’s Take

Stellantis aims to spend over $50 billion through the end of the decade in its delayed shift to electric cars. The automaker says it will offer eight new EV models in the US by year’s end, and more than two dozen by 2030.

And as the company has been shifting gears, it hasn’t shied from shedding workers to save money. Last December announced that it planned to cut thousands of jobs from its Jeep plants in Detroit and Toledo , Ohio, blaming California’s emissions regulations for putting the company at a competitive disadvantage. It has recently signed on to a deal with California saying that it will comply with the state’s stricter emissions policy requiring two-thirds of new cars to be zero-emissions or all-electric by 2030 – and will commit to the deal even if former President Donald Trump makes a return to office and tries to dismantle the policy .

Stellantis’s first EV available in the US is the Fiat 500e , priced at $32,500 plus a $1,595 destination fee (being made in Italy, it’s not eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit). The two-door hatchback comes powered by a 118-hp electric motor for a 149-mile range – not amazing, but enough to get around town, and Fiat is targeting the upmarket urban consumer who apparently has money to burn, good city parking, and isn’t concerned about range. But of course, so far, this strategy hasn’t been working that well.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Stellantis

Jennifer is a writer and editor for Electrek. Based in France, she has worked previously at Wired, Fast Company, and Agence France-Presse. Send comments, suggestions, or tips her way via X (@JMossalgue) or at [email protected].

Why Star Trek's Trill Mysteriously Sprouted Spots When It Came Time For Deep Space Nine

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Dax

The Trill were first introduced in the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" episode "The Host" (May 11, 1991). In that episode, Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) engaged in an intense love affair with a Trill super-diplomat named Odan (Franc Luz), a man whom she later discovered had a very unusual biology. It seems some members of the Trill species are joined with incredibly long-lived worm-like symbionts that are surgically implanted in their stomachs. The symbionts possess the memories and experiences of all their hosts and take over the personalities of the people they are implanted inside of. Symbionts can live through dozens of hosts in their lives.

In "The Host," Odan sported inverted v-shaped forehead ridges above his eyes and a larger, extended septum. The makeup was designed by Michael Westmore, a longtime "Next Generation" makeup artist.

It wouldn't be until "Emissary" (January 3, 1993), the pilot episode of "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," that Trekkies would encounter another Trill. "DS9" featured a Trill character named Jadzia Dax (Terry Farrell), who served as Deep Space Nine's science officer. In the lore of the series, Jadzia had recently been given the Dax symbiote after it spent many decades inside the body of a party-loving old man named Curzon. Jadzia had to reconnect with several old friends who knew her from her previous life.

Dax, one might immediately note, doesn't have the same forehead ridges that Odan did. It seems that the makers of "Deep Space Nine," after trying out similar ridges on Farrell, elected to do something less obtrusive. According to Paula M. Block's and Terry J. Erdmann's book "Star Trek: The Next Generation 365,"  Dax's makeup artists modeled her new "spots" after Westmore saw how good they looked on Famke Janssen in the "Next Generation" episode "The Perfect Mate" (April 27, 1992).

Famke Janssen, the perfect mate

Resourceful Trekkies can likely find the early makeup tests that Terry Farrell went through for "Deep Space Nine." It seems that the original Dax makeup design was to give her Odan's forehead ridges  but to make them less pronounced . The reason for a more "subtle" version of the makeup was likely twofold. For one, the series already featured numerous alien characters that required hours-long makeup jobs, and having one fewer was cheaper. It's also likely that someone didn't want the actor's face covered. According to the "365" book, the studio in particular didn't want an attractive actor like Farrell to sport a weird alien forehead. A redesign of the Trill makeup was required.

Westmore recalled doing makeup for "The Perfect Mate" and was inspired. In that episode, a woman named Kamala (Famke Janssen) is being transported in stasis to a diplomatic summit where she will offered as a bartered bride. Kamala's arranged marriage with a distant politician will, it is hoped, end a generations-long war. Naturally, Kamala — having been released from stasis early by accident — accidentally bonds with Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart). Kamala was depicted as being romantically and sexually irresistible, and her makeup was meant to reflect that. Westmore was fond of her look, which incorporated a series of small red spots on Kamala's temples.

That look was recreated for Dax and even expanded. Dax had a complex series of spots that ran down her temples and down her neck. A flirtatious alien once asked Dax how far down the spots go, and she winkingly replied, "All the way."

The new Trill look worked well. It denoted that she was an alien, but more subtly than the show's Changeling or Ferengi characters.

The continuity headache

Sadly, the new makeup design caused no small amount of headaches for Trekkies obsessed with continuity (which is to say, most Trekkies). In "The Host," both Odan and the eventual second host of his symbiont (played by actor Nicole Orth-Pallavicini) had the ridged forehead and pronounced septums. After that, all Trill had the temple spots, even into the days of "Star Trek: Discovery." There has never been a canonical reason for the change, and no characters have ever commented that Trill used to look different.

It is, frustratingly, just another changed "Star Trek" premise that fans merely have to accept. For many years, for example, Klingons looked like humans, only sporting Fu-Manchu-style mustaches. In "Star Trek: The Motion Picture," they suddenly had outsize forehead ridges. In "Next Generation," their foreheads were enormous, and in "Discovery," they sported either jet-black or pearl-white skin, elongated skulls, new eyeballs, and even extra nostrils. These kinds of changes are done for the benefit of the showrunners' creativity and typically serve to make fans squirm uncomfortably. Something similar happened with the Romulans as they moved from the original "Star Trek" to the days of "Next Generation."

Of course, with the Klingons, their change was eventually addressed . A multi-part episode of "Star Trek: Enterprise" explained that the "Original Series" Klingons were infused with enhanced human DNA. That DNA would eventually be bred out of Klingons in a few generations, hence they looked the way they did in "Next Generation."

Given the attention to detail some "Trek" writers pay, it's likely a future episode will explain away the Trill foreheads in earnest.

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Je steiler der Winkel des Sitzrohrs ist, desto effizienter können Sie in die Pedale treten.

  • Frame Slash Alu
  • Frame Material Aluminium
  • Fork RockShox ZEB Select, DebonAir-Feder, Charger 2.1 RC-Dämpfung, konischer Gabelschaft, 44 mm Vorbiegung, Boost110, Maxle Stealth-Achse, 170 mm Federweg
  • Spring Unit air
  • Remote-Lockout yes
  • Damper RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ RT, 230 x 62,5 mm
  • Gearrange 520%
  • Drivetrain 1x12
  • Gear Lever SRAM GX Eagle, 12fach
  • Rear Derailleur SRAM GX Eagle
  • Crank SRAM X1 Eagle, DUB MTB Wide, Stahlkettenblatt (30 Z.), 55 mm Kettenlinie, 170 mm Kurbelarmlänge
  • Cassette SRAM Eagle XG-1275, 10-52 Z., 12fach
  • Chain Max.: 34 Zähne, min. 28 Zähne
  • Brake Set Größe: S , M , ML , L , XL SRAM Code R, hydraulische 4-Kolben-Scheibenbremse
  • Brake Rotors 200/180
  • Wheel Set Bontrager, Aluminium, gedichtetes Lager, Aluminiumachse, 6-Loch-Scheibenaufnahme
  • Rims Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 28-Loch, Presta-Ventil
  • Tires Front Bontrager XR5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Aramidwulstkern, 120 TPI, 29 x 2.50
  • Tires Rear Bontrager XR5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Aramidwulstkern, 120 TPI, 29 x 2.50
  • Saddle Bontrager Arvada, Streben aus CrMo-Rohr, 138 mm Breite
  • Seat Post Größe: M , ML TranzX JD-YSP39, 150 mm Hub, interne Zugführung, 34,9 mm
  • Handle Bar Bontrager Line, Aluminium, 35 mm, 27,5 mm Rise, 820 mm Breite
  • Handle Bar Width 820

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IMAGES

  1. 2021 Trek Slash 8 Bike

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  3. First Look: 2021 Trek Slash 8 in for Review

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  4. Trek Slash 8 review

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  5. A No-Compromise Ripper Without the Sticker Shock: 2021 Trek Slash 8

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  6. Trek Slash 8 review

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VIDEO

  1. Breaking in my NEW Trek Slash 8 on INSANE Rock Features!

  2. Trek Slash vs Trek Rail 9.8 XT: E-bike VS Mountain Bike

  3. 2020 Trek Slash 8

  4. 2023 Slash 8 Full Bike Review

  5. The New Trek Slash Gen 6 climbing ability will blow your mind!

  6. Trek Slash Gen 6 High-Pivot MTB

COMMENTS

  1. Trek Slash 8 review

    The Trek Slash 8 is a versatile full-suspension mountain bike that can handle rough trails and fast descents. Find out how it performs in our detailed review, where we test its features, geometry ...

  2. 2021 Trek Slash 8 Review: A No-Compromise Ripper Without the Sticker

    The Trek Slash 8 is specced with a RockShox Lyrik Select+ fork, RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate rear shock, SRAM GX 12-speed drivetrain with a 10-52 tooth cassette, SRAM Code 4-piston brakes, a 150mm Bontrager TranzX dropper post, Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheels, a 200mm rotor up front, a 180mm rotor in the rear, a Bontrager XR5 29×2.6″ tire up front, and a Bontrager XR4 29×2.4″ tire in the ...

  3. Review: Trek Slash 8

    A budget-friendly enduro bike with a premium feel and performance. The Slash 8 features a lightweight aluminum frame, a RE:aktiv shock, and a playful geometry that makes it easy to ride fast and confident.

  4. Trek Slash 8 review

    The SRAM Guide R brakes look and feel out of place on this bike, lacking the power needed to match the performance of the bike. The suspension leverage curve of the Trek Slash 8 is perfectly balanced to the bike. Not so progressive that it feels harsh at low speeds, but ramping up enough to help pop you into the air.

  5. Trek Slash 8 Review

    The Slash Aluminum Family. The Slash 8 is the only aluminum model in the lineup, and the cheapest at $3,680. The 9.7, 9.8, and 9.9 are all made of carbon, and are priced from $4,730 to $7,500. The ...

  6. Trek Slash Review

    The bike we tested prior to the official launch was the top-end Slash 9.9 X01. However, Trek offers three other models beneath it, with the Slash 7 being the cheapest option at $4,999 AUD. For those who want to build something a little different, there's also the option to buy the Slash frameset.

  7. Review: Trek Slash 8 27.5

    The Slash 8 feels burly in a good way. While the Trek boasts a hair more rear suspension travel than the other rigs in this review, it feels like boatloads more. Small trail chatter vanishes beneath the bike and when it came to dispatching those big, wrist-breaker hits, the Slash 8 simply trounces most bikes in its category.

  8. 2023 Trek Slash 8 Review

    In this review, we are taking a closer look at the 2023 Trek Slash 8. We will go over its design specs and performance capabilities to help you get an idea if this bike is right for your trail-riding needs. The Trek Slash 8 has been a go-to for hardcore cyclists since its release. Now, six years later, the bike still stands among the top enduro ...

  9. 2021 Trek Slash 8 Review

    The 2021 Trek Slash 8 has been crowned the best enduro bike in 2021! Bike of the Year is our industry-leading mega-test, delivering verdicts on the year's be...

  10. 2020 Trek Slash 8

    Trek Slash 8 review. Apr 2021 · Robin Weaver. The Slash 8 strikes the perfect balance between a fun and lively feel, and ultimate chaos-calming composure. ... The new Trek Slash 9.9 X01 comes equipped with the ever-capable, 170-millimeter RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork and a custom, 160-millimeter RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock, placing it ...

  11. Trek Slash 8 29 in review

    The Trek Slash 8 29 in review. You'll quickly feel at home aboard the Trek Slash 8 29 and thanks to its moderate geometry, it doesn't take long to get used to the bike. Weighing 14.18 kg, it climbs very willingly. If you push the saddle forward, your weight will be nicely centred. The rear suspension performs sensitively without any bob and ...

  12. Trek Slash Review

    Trek Slash Review | The all-new Slash is the iron fist in a velvet glove 04 Sep 2020 Trek is ready to unleash the new Slash, which gets more travel, a more practical frame design, and a very special rear shock ... 2021 Trek Slash 9.8 XT. Frame | OCLV Mountain Carbon Fibre, ABP Suspension Design, 160mm Travel;

  13. Trek Slash 8 Bike Review

    What kind of bike is a Trek Slash 8? A Trek Slash 8 is an Enduro Bike. This means that it is designed for downhill riding, racing, and speeding. It has a suspension system that can handle rough terrain and a frame that is built to be durable. The Trek Slash 8 also has a nice selection of components, such as an SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, RockShox Super Deluxe Thru Shaft shock, SRAM Code R brakes ...

  14. Field Test: 2021 Trek Slash

    The Slash was updated for 2021 with 10mm more travel, along with the expected longer, slacker geometry changes, and a few bonus frame features. It's still rolling on 29" wheels, with 160mm of ...

  15. Field Test Review: 2024 Trek Slash

    1. rjmogul (Oct 30, 2023 at 13:23) not surprising because the others are far from conventional, the Slash is much more closer to conventional than any of the other in this test. 15 10. alexsin ...

  16. Trek Slash 8 2022 Review

    The view of the geometry data clearly reveals: the Trek Slash 8 has a sporty seating position. With the frame, Trek supplies a very high quality Fully-chassis. Considering that in the 3899 Euro_de range, hardly any other manufacturer makes a better bike for the same specs of wheels. Nice!

  17. Trek Slash 8 Gen 6 2024 Review

    When entering the saddle, the Slash 8 conveys a balanced seating position. With 16,5 kg, the Enduro von Trek tends to be one of the heavier bikes on the market. Despite this criticism, the coherent overall concept makes the Trek Fully to on very demanding single trails a buying recommendation in the price range 4499 Euro range.

  18. Slash 8 Gen 6

    Why you'll love it. Its high-pivot suspension gives you insane control for hairy descents, while carefully tuned anti-squat and oversized pulleys make pedaling astonishingly efficient. The long, 170mm/170mm front and rear travel is more than enough for stomping big jumps and cleaning rock gardens.

  19. Trek Slash 8

    Slash 8 is an improved version, and Trek has done an excellent job putting the features and design into one build. The Knock Block system in the Slash 8 saves the frame from getting damaged with the spinning of the bar and fork. Reaktiv thru-shaft damper is extremely supple and absorbs the big hits. You can even tune the geometry of the Slash 8 ...

  20. Slash 8 Gen 5

    Slash 8 Gen 5. 26 Reviews / Write a Review. $3,649.99 $4,299.99. Model 5274494. Retailer prices may vary. Slash 8 is an enduro mountain bike that rolls on fast 29er wheels and floats on plush RockShox suspension with SRAM's 12-speed GX Eagle handling drivetrain duties. An aluminum frame with fresh new tech and tough alloy wheels push this bike ...

  21. 2021 Trek Slash 9.8 XT review

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