Feature

Pro Bike Check: Alex Lupato’s Trek Slash 9.9

08.11.2016
by Manne Schmitt

Competing for Trek-Bikes this season, Italian enduro racer Alex Lupato headed to Finale Ligure for his first enduro race on the bars of a 29er. With its distinguished spec and some major variations to the series spec on the Trek Slash 9.9, we thought a bike check was in order!

Alex rode his first enduro on a 29er down in Ligure. The outcome: those 29″ wheels teamed with a 160 mm fork left him pretty stoked.
Alex rode his first enduro on a 29er down in Ligure. The outcome: those 29″ wheels teamed with a 160 mm fork left him pretty stoked.
The most prominent diversion to the series build is his choice of an Öhlins TTX 22M rear shock and the new Öhlins RXF 36. An interesting choice: its little brother, the Öhlins RXF 34, claimed test victory in our group test of the best enduro forks.
The most prominent diversion to the series build is his choice of an Öhlins TTX 22M rear shock and the new Öhlins RXF 36. An interesting choice: its little brother, the Öhlins RXF 34, claimed test victory in our group test of the best enduro forks.
The yellow spring on the Öhlins TTX 22 M rear shock was an immediate giveaway of the non-series spec.
The yellow spring on the Öhlins TTX 22 M rear shock was an immediate giveaway of the non-series spec.
The SRAM X1 groupset with a 10x42 cassette and 34-tooth chainring mean that Alex picks up speed. Side note: the SRAM XO 1 Eagle cassette was too expensive for the Italian rider.
The SRAM X1 groupset with a 10×42 cassette and 34-tooth chainring mean that Alex picks up speed. Side note: the SRAM XO 1 Eagle cassette was too expensive for the Italian rider.
The stock wheels on the Trek Slash 9.9 were swapped for DT Swiss XM 1501 SPLINE ONE 29 with a 25 mm rim width.
The stock wheels on the Trek Slash 9.9 were swapped for DT Swiss XM 1501 SPLINE ONE 29 with a 25 mm rim width.
Alex swears by his Mallet E pedals from Crankbrothers.
Alex swears by his Mallet E pedals from Crankbrothers.
Alex has never ridden with the stock FOX fork on the Trek Slash 9.9, but is stoked with his choice of an Öhlins RXF 36. Both the front and rear DT Swiss wheels feature the MAXXIS Minion DHF 2.5 tires. Alex rides with 22 psi at the front and 25 at the rear.
Alex has never ridden with the stock FOX fork on the Trek Slash 9.9, but is stoked with his choice of an Öhlins RXF 36. Both the front and rear DT Swiss wheels feature the MAXXIS Minion DHF 2.5 tires. Alex rides with 22 psi at the front and 25 at the rear.
The Lupato Brothers consist of brothers Alex and Denny Lupato and their mate Andrea Pirazzoli. The Gravity mudguard from LMP Design is branded with a portrait of the three buddies.
The Lupato Brothers consist of brothers Alex and Denny Lupato and their mate Andrea Pirazzoli. The Gravity mudguard from LMP Design is branded with a portrait of the three buddies.
The Bearclaw grips from Lizard Skiz feature Alex Lupato’s name on the ends.
The Bearclaw grips from Lizard Skiz feature Alex Lupato’s name on the ends.
Alex has fitted the Mud saddle from the Italian brand Astute Italia on his Trek Slash 9.9.
Alex has fitted the Mud saddle from the Italian brand Astute Italia on his Trek Slash 9.9.
The Lupato Brothers’ team socks are produced by Maglianera Cycling.
The Lupato Brothers’ team socks are produced by Maglianera Cycling.
The Limar helmets ridden by the Lupato Brothers are pretty distinctive.
The Limar helmets ridden by the Lupato Brothers are pretty distinctive.

Head to their website to keep up with the Lupato Brothers.

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Words & Photos: Manne Schmitt

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About the author

Manne Schmitt

As the proud father of Robin and Max-Philip, Manne has been there from the start and is the wise elder of the editorial team. He won his first cycling race in elementary school at a school sports day. After less successful attempts at football, he found his passion for cycling via endurance racing in 1989! The world of racing still consumes him and no one in the team knows the EWS pros better than Manne. As a former head analyst of a state agency, he knows how to do proper research and finds exclusive news that no one else has. He supports his sons in day-to-day business dealings as the authorised signatory for 41 Publishing – viva la familia!

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