The old Trek Scratch was a bike for rough terrain that had to be shuttled up the mountain. Solid parts throughout were combined with extremely short, compact geometry. Good for the bike park, unthinkable for touring. Correspondingly few bikes were sold and the Scratch disappeared from the programme. Now comes a successor: the Slash, a classic enduro bike.
The main difference to the Scratch is the slightly longer geometry, and the Slash is also around a kilo lighter than its predecessor. However, at 13.75 kilos, it still does not belong to the group of lightweight enduro bikes. At 3100 grams, the frame without shock weighs only slightly less than that of the Scratch. A lighter Slash frame made of carbon remains a dream for the future. The weight saving therefore comes mainly from the equipment. Overall, the differences are not too great - even the suspension travel is only four millimetres. Even the price of the top model remains the same at 5499 euros. The Slash is therefore much closer to the old Scratch than to the Remedy. As a result, the Slash has a completely different character to the Remedy. The fork and geometry are worlds apart. The thick 160 mm Fox 36 in the Slash, combined with the up to 1.5 degree slacker head angle, gives a confident feeling downhill. In steep, sporty passages, the Slash feels more composed and conveys more confidence. Unfortunately, the Slash and Remedy were not available in exactly the same frame height for this comparison. In general, however, the Remedy is still significantly longer, which means that you sit noticeably sportier on the Slash.
Although the two Trek brothers are separated by a kilo, they roll wheel to wheel on the flat. No wonder: with an identical wheelset including identical tyres, the difference remains small. The tide turns on the climbs. The Remedy 9.8 with the carbon frame feels more lively and accelerates better. The riding position is also more stretched, which puts more pressure on the front wheel. When pedalling uphill, a bobbing sensation is noticeable on both bikes. The platform provides relief, but could work even more effectively.
When the going gets really steep, the Slash scores with the lowering of the Fox Talas. Trek's Dual Rate Control Valve (DRCV), which is not only in the shock of the Remedy but also in the fork, means that the 150 mm Fox fork cannot be lowered. In most cases, however, this is not a problem. The balanced geometry leaves little to be desired. The DRCV technology makes it easier to utilise the full suspension travel. During compression, a second air chamber is opened halfway through the travel. This means that the progression typical of air suspension systems is missing towards the end of the spring travel.
The price comes as a surprise. Despite the carbon frame, the Remedy with XT equipment costs 4699 euros and is therefore 800 euros cheaper than the newer Slash with X0 equipment, which is only available in aluminium. Advantage Remedy. The costs for the new tube moulds of the Slash are reflected in the price.
You can find more information in the PDF download below.
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