ENDURO Longterm Test 2014: Introducing the Trek Slash 9

We all want to know which bikes and components can withstand the hard demands of everyday use, survive the toughest trails and keep coming back for more? In order to find out, our international team of testriders will each ride a different and exciting bike for a whole season. Aside from some late arrivals, most of the longterm testbikes have been collecting trail kilometers for a few weeks already. So it’s high time to introduce the bikes! Let’s start with Aaron, Editor & Portal Manager at ENDURO introducing himself and his Trek Slash 9 27.5″:

Das Trek Slash 9 2014 - 13,2 kg, 4.999,- Euro. — The Trek Slash 9 2014 – 13,2 kg, 4.999,- Euro.

With its potent and efficient suspension, light weight and aggressive geometry, the Trek Slash 9 can potentially become my loved companion for the races and rides I have planned for the upcoming season. 27.5″ wheels and 160 millimeters of travel should handle all the race stages and alpine adventures with ease. I chose a L-size frame (19,5″) which seemed to suit my 186cm height.

trek-slash-9-2014-longterm-test-introduction-11

The DRCV Shock, especially engineered for Trek, seamlessly adjusts its air volume based on the bump size you encounter. This way it aims to combine high pedal efficiency and maximum downhill performance in rough terrain. Using the blue lever, the rider can select between three modes: “Climb”, “Trail” or “Descent”.

A Fox 34 FIT Talas CTD at the front. Steering angle is at flat 65 degrees - flipping an insert at the seatstays you can change it to 65,6 degrees. — A Fox 34 FIT Talas CTD 160mm at the front. Steering angle is at flat 65 degrees – fliping an insert at the seatstays you can change it to 65,6 degrees.

trek-slash-9-2014-longterm-test-introduction-10

SRAM’s 1×11 drivetrains have become standard with high-end enduro bikes already. Trek builds the drivetrain from an X01 derailleur, XX1 cassette and an X1 aluminum crank. After a crash, I switched to the lighter XX1 derailleur.

The 32 teeth chainring is suitable for most of the occasions. — The 32 teeth chainring is suitable for most occasions.

Ein 750 Millimeter breiter Bontrager Carbon-Lenker und ein 50 Millimeter Vorbau - ebenfalls Bontrager - bilden das Cockpit. — The cockpit is built from a 750 millimeter wide Bontrager carbon handlebar and an 50 millimeter stem, also from Bontrager.

Brakes are Avid X.0 Trail with the classic 200/180mm disc combination. I ran the same model in last years long term-test without any problems.

Elementares Bauteil: Eine RockShox Reverb Stealth Sattelstütze mit 150mm Hub. — A dropper post is a crucial addition for smooth trail riding – in this case a RockShox Reverb Stealth with 150 millimeters of travel. The saddle is a Dirty Native Pro – not really comfy, but ultra light!

With 1910 gramm, the Bontrager Rhythm Cmp wheels have some potential for weight-tuning. — Coming in at 1910 grams, the Bontrager Rhythm Comp wheels have some potential for weight-tuning.

To get more grip, I changed the Bontrager XR4 Team on the front wheel with an Schwalbe Hans Dampf with Trailstar compound.

Rear tire is an Schwalbe Rock Razor semi-slick - who needs brake traction anyway? I switch tires quite often though, depending on the terrain. — Rear tire is a Schwalbe Rock Razor semi-slick – who needs braking traction anyway? I switch tires quite often though, depending on the terrain.

I've been riding the slash for more than 600 kilometers now - expect a full review soon! — I’ve been riding the slash for more than 600 kilometers already – expect a full review soon!

Der Pilot des Ganzen: ENDURO Redakteur Aaron Steinke — Editor & Portal Manager at ENDURO – and this year Trek pilot: Aaron Steinke

My goal for 2014 is, in addition to more than 15 races (mainly Specialized-SRAM Enduro Series & European Enduro Series), to spend as much time as possible on epic rides in the alps. However, after work rides on our local trails around Stuttgart (Germany) will play a role too. So in percentage terms, the Slash will be ridden around 40% on local trails, 30% on race-tracks and 30% on alpine terrain.

You can follow our experiences with the Trek – and all other longterm testbikes – in our interactive timeline: Including broken parts, tuning modifications and everyday-impressions, but also all the great stories we experienced with our bikes – you should swing by regularly!

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.

ENDURO Longterm Test 2014: Introducing the Trek Slash 9

You may also like

About the author

Aaron Steinke