Endurance test performance: 3,128 km | 48,240 altitude metres
All right, Mr Slash? You may not have rocked out with Guns N' Roses like your namesake, but you've rattled down Alpine trails in Switzerland, France, Italy and Germany with me. Thanks to your proud weight, I had to really push myself uphill to keep up with the others. But technical downhills with you always sent my body into ecstasy, like headbanging over roots and through berms. Trek's Slash is a modern super enduro bike that can't deny its proximity to its brother Remedy. However, the Remedy is the better choice for climbers hungry for metres in altitude because it climbs much better.
The chain guide caused me a little stress, breaking off after a few kilometres under pedal pressure. You don't need an IQ like Einstein to adjust the DRCV fork and shock. Even rock guitarist Slash would probably have managed that after a night of drinking. Due to my downhill-orientated use on shuttle tours and in the bike park, I rode the Slash almost exclusively in the setting with the 0.5 degree slacker head angle. This can be adjusted with a screw on the rocker. The slack setting gives the Slash a modern enduro geometry with its 65.7 degree head angle. However, the top tube is too short for long tours. Towards the end of the endurance test, I was very impressed with the Bontrager wheelset: the bearings and freehub didn't let me down. An impressive dress rehearsal, Mr Slash!
ConclusionThe Slash has rocked! The Trek-tuned DRCV suspension from Fox gets everything out of the harmonious chassis. A tyre swap gives the aluminium enduro bike more grip and makes it even faster. The price is proud, but the bike is durable.
Functionality *****
Shelf life *****
(max. 6 stars)
DEFECTS
- 60 km: Chain guide knocked out.
When pedalling, the large chainring touched the chain guide and tore off. Replaced and filed.
- 500 km: No pressure point
The pressure point on the Elixir CR brakes became increasingly spongy. Brakes bled
- 1100 km: First service
Chain and both brake pads worn. New chain and pads fitted front and rear.
- 1860 km: Tyre change
Bontrager tyres worn at the rear. Changed to Schwalbe Fat Albert tyres in 2.4 inch width.
- 2800 km: Second service
Chain and front and rear brake pads replaced again.
