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Trek Slash 9.8 on test

Dimitri Lehner

 · 09.11.2016

Trek Slash 9.8 on testPhoto: Wolfgang Watzke
Trek Slash 9.8 on test
In 2008, the US label was ahead of its time with its enduro bike and won test victories. Back then it was called Remedy, but had almost identical dimensions to the new Slash created in 2012.
Trek Slash 9.8: Inexpensive is different: If you want to ride a Trek Slash, you have to spend at least 5500 euros (aluminium version). The top model Slash 9.9 made of carbon costs a whopping 9000 euros.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke Trek Slash 9.8: Inexpensive is different: If you want to ride a Trek Slash, you have to spend at least 5500 euros (aluminium version). The top model Slash 9.9 made of carbon costs a whopping 9000 euros.

Its attributes: manoeuvrable, playful, light, yet powerful enough to let rip - an ideal enduro bike. Nothing has changed in 2016. New, however: the 27.5-inch wheels. The carbon frame saves weight: 13 kilos! The 9.8 Slash relies on RockShox for the suspension: Pike fork with lowering function and the equally easy-to-operate
Monarch Plus shock with 3-phase compression damping. This gives the Slash an active and sporty, firm suspension. Matching this: the low front. It generates a lot of pressure on the front wheel. The slack steering angle brings calm to the bike. We liked how lively the lightweight bike was on the trails. You look forward to every bend and cheer when the trail hits a hook. This is where the Slash shines, impressing with its direct handling and high steering precision. This puts it right at the front of the test field. However, when the topography shows its nasty side, the Slash reaches its limits. At high speeds on rough terrain, there are bikes that are more stable and secure. On the other hand, the Trek impresses with its low weight, lively acceleration and bob-free kinematics on the constant ups and downs of undulating trails or tours. Super: the quickly switchable compression damping. Flip the lever for trail rides and jumps and the rear suspension is already nice and solid in its travel.


ConclusionThe Slash is a racy enduro bike with a sexy look. It needs to be ridden with vigour on rough terrain and doesn't have the reserves of some of its competitors.


STRENGTHS All-round use, light, manoeuvrable
WEAKNESSES High speed in rough terrain, cockpit


Manufacturer information
Distribution Trek Germany, www.trekbikes.com
Material/sizes Carbon/XS, S, M, L, XL
Price/weight without pedals 6499 €/13 kg


Measurement data
Front/rear suspension travel 130-160 mm/160 mm
Rear suspension system Floatlink


Equipment
Fork/damper RockShox Pike RC Dual Position Air/RockShox Monarch Plus RC3
Cranks/gears SRAM X1/ SRAM X1
Brake system Shimano XT
Impellers Bontrager Maverick Pro TLR system wheelset,
Tyres Bontrager SE5 Team Issue 2.3

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Performance
Uphill 6 out of 6 points
Downhill 4 out of 6 points


FREERIDE judgement 9 out of 10 points

The short head tube on the Trek Slash makes for a low front end. We therefore left the spacers in and still had plenty of pressure on the front wheel. The 74 mm handlebar was too narrow for us, the stem too long.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke The short head tube on the Trek Slash makes for a low front end. We therefore left the spacers in and still had plenty of pressure on the front wheel. The 74 mm handlebar was too narrow for us, the stem too long. Trek Slash - RockShox does it right: well-labelled, easy to adjust suspension elements. The 3-stage compression damping (DH, Trail, Uphill) is tried and tested. The competition can take inspiration from this.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke Trek Slash - RockShox does it right: well-labelled, easy to adjust suspension elements. The 3-stage compression damping (DH, Trail, Uphill) is tried and tested. The competition can take inspiration from this. Trek Slash 9.8Photo: FREERIDE Magazin Trek Slash 9.8


FREERIDE RANKING: The number (maximum 10 points) reflects the overall impression of the testers and is not an addition of downhill and uphill points. 10 = Test winner, it couldn't be better. 9 = Very good. Recommended purchase. 8 = Solid performance. 7 = Below average. The product has weaknesses. 1 to 6 = We can only warn against this!

You can find this article in FREERIDE 1/2016 - you can order the magazine here > FREERIDE IOS App (iPad) FREERIDE Android AppPhoto: Stéphane Candé You can find this article in FREERIDE 1/2016 - you can order the magazine here > FREERIDE IOS App (iPad) FREERIDE Android App
Dimitri Lehner

Dimitri Lehner is a qualified sports scientist. He studied at the German Sport University Cologne. He is fascinated by almost every discipline of fun sports - besides biking, his favourites are windsurfing, skiing and skydiving. His latest passion: the gravel bike. He recently rode it from Munich to the Baltic Sea - and found it marvellous. And exhausting. Wonderfully exhausting!

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