Back to the roots? When we saw the new "Slash", we were reminded of 2008. Back then, Trek had presented the "Remedy" for the first time, a very consistent enduro bike that achieved the coveted 10-point super rating in our tests and took the FREERIDE testers' favour by storm with its freeride-oriented geometry. Unfortunately, the Americans changed the bike the following year for reasons unknown to us. "The 'Remedy' had its balls cut off," joked one tester about the 2009 model, as it was equipped with a steeper head angle and reduced suspension travel - suddenly it was an all-mountain bike. There was no longer any sign of the aggressive character of the 2008 model. Why discard a successful model with top marks straight away? We were puzzled. A new bike was to replace the "Remedy", the "Scratch Air". But we didn't like the "Scratch" nearly as much and it didn't really fulfil its intended purpose. It was too heavy and squat for effective uphill cycling, the geometry was not really balanced and the handling was inferior to the 2008 "Remedy".
Another abrupt change of course in 2012: The "Scratch" is discontinued, replaced by the "Slash" - which in turn is similar to the "Remedy 08". A step backwards? At first glance, you might think so, but a closer look reveals differences: the headset of the "Slash" looks more massive and the seat tube support has also been designed to be more massive. The frame reinforcements naturally put pressure on the scales. While the "Remedy" 08 frame only weighed 2597 grams, the "Slash" weighs 3110 grams, which is over half a kilo more.
A look at the geometry data shows that the changes here are subtle. Nevertheless, the Trek engineers trimmed the "Slash" to be more new-school. In other words: slacker head angle for smoother running, steeper seat angle for better uphill performance, the bottom bracket has been positioned further back and the reach has been extended (419 millimetres compared to 386 on the "Remedy"). However, the most serious difference only became clear on the test bench: While the "Remedy '08" only squeezed 157 millimetres out of the Fox "RP 23" shock fitted at the time, the new "Slash" shows significantly more potency with 168. In short, you could describe the "Slash" as an upgraded "Remedy 2008" with updated geometry and a more robust frame.
We tested the "Slash 9", the high-end model for an incredible € 5,499. For this record price, you get the finest parts such as the Kaschima-coated Fox suspension elements. Trek paid particular attention to the shock absorber. It was specially tuned for the "Slash". Special feature: An internal second air chamber is designed to create even more linearity in the mid-travel range. Otherwise, there's the tried and tested "Pro Pedal" lever as before. If you don't want the rear end to sag - on fast trail rides, when jumping or going uphill - you flip the blue lever. At the front, the fork (colour-coordinated) can be quickly locked out and, of course, lowered from 160 to 120 millimetres for straight-line berms or uphills. The other features also give no cause for complaint.
For the practical test, we pitted the "Slash" against a "Remedy" Trek "Slash 9" from 2008, which had been upgraded with a 180-millimetre fork from BOS. The programme included mountain tours and bike park rides with drops and jumps. And how does the "Slash" ride now? It's like a real feel-good bike. At just under 13.5 kilos (with pedals), it accelerates light-footedly, can be nimbly pushed into turns and pulled into the air with little arm pull. The suspension works harmoniously. The rear suspension in particular feels plush. It can be ridden in two settings.
We tested it in the freeride position with a lower bottom bracket and slacker steering angle. With its efficient suspension, the "Slash" is a lot of fun in the park. Particularly with the rear shock in a calmer position, it jumps agilely and is pleasant to rock through the air. That's what it's designed and approved for. Perfect for park use: the Truvativ chain guide (not yet fitted to the test bike). However, the "Slash" reaches its limits on really nasty trails and blunt drops. A 180 mm fork would suit the bike very well here.
In direct comparison, the differences to the 2008 "Remedy" are only marginally noticeable. Both bikes pedal comfortably uphill. Downhill, however, the "Slash" feels a little more modern due to its geometry (longer reach) and the shorter fork; it steers more directly and puts more pressure on the front wheel. The lightweight "Slash" is lively from one turn to the next - great! You can feel the additional suspension travel pleasantly at the rear - this creates a smooth ride. In contrast, the old "Remedy" seems almost slightly old-school.
In short: the "Remedy reloaded" mission has succeeded. With the "Slash", Trek now has a very harmonious bike in its programme (again). Only the price is a deterrent. However, the "Slash" is available in three models: "Slash 7" (€ 3499), "Slash 8" (€ 4499) and the tested "Slash 9" (€ 5499).
Conclusion: A very successful, parkable superenduro with playful handling and potent suspension - finally a worthy successor to the successful "Remedy" from 2008.
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Sizes: 15,5, 16,5, 17,5, 18,5, 20
Price: 5.499 Euro
Weight13.8 kg (without pedals)
ForkFox "36 Talas Fit RIC QR20" (120-160 mm)
DamperFox "Float DRCV RP3" (160 mm)
MEASURED DATA
Steering angle: 65,7°
Seat angle: 74°
Top tube: 581 mm
Chainstay length: 436 mm
Bottom bracket height: 357 mm
EQUIPMENT
Circuit: Sram "X0"
Crank handleTruvativ "XO"
BrakesAvid "XO"
StemBontrager "Rhythm"
Seat postRock Shox "Reverb"
SaddleBontrager "Evoke 3"
Impellers Bontrager "Rhythm Elite" system wheelset
TyresBontrager "XR4" 2.35
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
