TREK SLASH 9.8 XT
Trek doesn’t make a 150mm travel 29er trail bike. So the options for our down-tube storage test were the 130mm travel Fuel EX or the 160mm travel Slash. Now, given that the Slash only has a finger-width extra travel over the Specialized Stumpy Evo (170/160mm Vs 160/150mm) and is actually lighter than the Focus Jam 8.9, we figured it was the best option. Also, having ridden the Slash 9.9 X01 for a
First Ride when it launched last year, we knew that it could easily serve double duty as a long-legged trail bike.
In fact the 2022 bike looks remarkably similar, right down to the frame colour, of the bike we featured last time. There are some differences though. The main
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bike. So if the low geometry setting is really the default mode, what’s the high setting on the Mino Link for? It should provide just enough clearance to run a 27.5in rear wheel if needed, especially with the 170mm cranks.
And while we’re on the subject of wheels, the Rapid Drive 108 freehub on the Bontrager Line 30 wheelset offers a 3.33° engagement angle, that’s almost seven times faster than the rear hub on the Specialized Stumpy Evo. Trek has missed a trick with its removable 6mm Switch lever on the rear axle though. Yes, it also fits the fork axle, but if Trek used a stepped design like Scott has, it could probably add a 5mm Allen key and a T25 to the same tool. Why is this important? Well, Trek has the smallest cutaway in the down tube for storage so you can’t pack as much stuff into the frame.
PERFORMANCE
The Trek Slash is a deceptive bike. And if it weren’t for the burly Rockshox Zeb fork, you’d never guess by looking at the compact carbon frame that it’s a big travel rig designed to tackle the toughest enduro race stages. However, the numbers don’t lie. With the size L Slash sporting a 63.5° head angle and a 1,272mm wheelbase, it has a footprint that guarantees a stable grounding even on unstable terrain.
And while the 29in wheels can certainly truck over rough terrain with the best of them, make no mistake, the Slash is no monster truck. If anything, it’s tight, reactive ride belies its generous travel. And nowhere is that more apparent than when you stomp on the pedals. This bike simply motors. It feels more solid than the Stumpy or Jam too, something that will definitely favour heavier riders. And at a hair over 15kg with our Maxxis control tyres fitted, you don’t even pay a weight penalty for the extra travel or solidity. The balanced geometry and low standover allows you to get into all sorts of shapes on the Slash, which makes it easy to stay on top of the bike. Basically you always feel like you’re piloting the Slash, never a passenger. Yes, the down tube storage isn’t as generous as on the Stumpy, but with an extra tool pouch you could easily cram more stuff into the undercarriage.
Our only real criticism of the Slash then, is that there’s quite a bit of chain noise. So if you have the legs to push a 32t chainring this would provide some extra clearance between the upper run of the chain and the chainstay. Failing that, you could stick with the stock 30t chainring and add additional rubber protection to key areas of the stays.