ROB’S TREK SLASH £4,050 (frame only)

Big rides are no problem for Rob’s high-tech Trek

I think I’ve worked out what the creak was that I mentioned last month. After a careful boltcheck, I whipped out the rear wheel and discovered the cassette wasn’t quite as tight as it needed to be. Hopefully that should sort it and get the Slash back to being the stealthy operator it’s been up until this point.

Creak aside, I’ve been enjoying getting some miles in on the Trek. Which is lucky, because last month I headed out to the Stone King Rally – an enduro stage race that runs over six days and includes more than 8,000m of climbing and 20,000m of descending. You can read all about it next issue.

It was the biggest event of this kind I’ve ever done and getting myself in shape for it wasn’t easy. Family, work and COVID meant my riding time had been somewhat limited since January, but I was fortunate enough to be able to get out for some hefty sessions when I could. The Slash really came into its own on those lengthy slogs.

Yes, it’s a long-travel enduro bike (and I’d be riding one of those for the event, albeit from a different brand), but it feels really efficient compared to many. That’s partly down to how well Trek have designed the suspension, but also the effect of the RockShox Flight Attendant electronic suspension adjustment system. It’s like you’re pedalling a shorter-travel trail bike up the hills or along the flat, but then, without having to even remember to flick a switch or turn a dial, you’ve got all the travel you could possibly need to razz back down the hill on. I’m also now in the rhythm of keeping an eye on battery power and carrying a spare with me just in case. I haven’t needed it yet, which is always a good sign!