The development of enduro mountain bikes has been clear in recent years. Most manufacturers have given the former all-rounders more suspension travel and therefore usually also a thicker suspension fork. In addition, the frame geometries have been optimised for racing. A longer wheelbase, slacker steering angle and increased reach values are intended to give enduro bikes the necessary smoothness for high-speed racing. Anyone who has been observing the market for some time will not be surprised by the most obvious changes to the new Trek Slash. You could say that the Americans are going with the trend. The new Trek Slash continues to roll on large 29er wheels. The suspension travel increases by 10 millimetres to 170 millimetres at the fork and 160 millimetres at the rear. The steering angle has been slackened by around one degree to 64.1 degrees. The wheelbase and reach (length of the main frame) have increased significantly. The old Trek Slash in our last test (BIKE 9/19) While the new model still has playful handling, it should ride much more smoothly. So much for the trend. But Trek wouldn't be Trek - one of the most innovative and influential bike manufacturers on the market - if they didn't set themselves apart from the market and the trend with unique developments.
New developments for more grip and more storage space
With the new Slash, Trek remains true to its special Thru-Shaft shock design and its rear triangle with the pivot point on the rear axle. What is new, however, is that the Rockshox shocks now have a three-stage quick adjustment for the low-speed compression damping. This means that enduro racers, for example, can adjust their setup from stage to stage with a flick of the wrist. For tracks with lots of berms and jumps, the low-speed compression can be increased. In extremely steep, technical terrain, the main load lies on the fork. To keep the rear suspension sensitive, the compression damping can be reduced with a quick adjustment. A gimmick that suspension fetishists in particular will love.
Trek have also added a hatch to the down tube of the Slash directly under the bottle cage, providing space for a spare tube or a mini tool. As with the SWAT box from Specialized, the hatch can be opened with a single movement without tools. Trek uses the same system that is already used on some road bikes. In contrast to Specialized, however, the recess in the down tube is even fitted with a rubber seal. However, the storage compartment is not completely waterproof. A small amount of water can enter via the headset.
The most important facts about the new Trek Slash at a glance
- The suspension travel increases by 10 millimetres to 170/160 millimetres.
- The geometry becomes more downhill orientated.
- The damper gets a low-speed quick adjustment.
- The down tube now has a storage compartment like Specialized.
- The carbon frame should only weigh 2450 grams without the shock (manufacturer's specification).
- The Trek Slash 8 (aluminium frame and GX equipment / 3499 euros) weighs 15.1 kilos.
- The seat post has an adjustment range of up to 200 millimetres.
- There will be two aluminium and five carbon models between 3000 and 9100 euros.
- The frameset including shock costs 2499 euros in aluminium and 3999 euros in carbon.
The new Trek Slash: Geometry
The geometry of the Trek Slash remains adjustable via a flipchip. We publish the data for the slack setting. If you turn the flip chip, the steering angle becomes 0.5 degrees steeper. (All data in millimetres)
The Trek Slash models at a glance
