Trek Slash 9.8 Review

The biggest innovation on the Trek Slash is hidden inconspicuously inside the shock. Trek calls it Thru Shaft, and it’s the latest addition to Trek’s suspension technology. Although the technology is not entirely new, it has never been properly implemented on a mountain bike.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The Crème de la Crème – Nine high-end enduro bikes of 2018 in comparison

Yes, it’s the most expensive complete Trek Slash you can buy right now. Trek has removed the 9.9 from their lineup, so the € 5,499 Trek Slash 9.8 is the bike that has to assert itself against the competition in this group test. If you’re into bling, you’ll be disappointed with the componentry of the Slash, as you’ll be looking for high-end parts in vain. Fortunately, most of the components are fully up to par regarding functionality. The SRAM GX Eagle works reliably, the wheels and tires did not show any weaknesses, and the affordable FOX 36 Performance suspension fork also performed well. Experienced riders will have to close the damping on the fork by at least one third; this will keep the fork in the top portion of the available travel and prevent it from wallowing while still remaining sensitive. The only real weakness of the Slash is the rattling of the Bontrager dropper seatpost. Before buying the bike, you should plan an upgrade of the seat post directly into your budget and have it installed before you even take the bike home.

  The Trek Slash doesn’t need high-end components. The ride alone was enough to convince us!

The first few meters will quickly reveal the fact that the Trek Slash was not developed for hunting uphill KOMs, but for racing down mountains instead. The seating position is comfortable, but if you have longer legs, you will find yourself sat a little too far behind the rear wheel with the dropper post extended. It is worthwhile, therefore, to push the saddle completely forward. This way you can get the most out of the Slash’s pedalling efficiency and make it comfortably to the top of every trailhead. Coming back down, the Slash reveals its full potential. The rear suspension works brilliantly and impressed us with a very sensitive response and a tremendous amount of traction. No bike succeeds in tracking the trail beneath it so well while providing such a high level of feedback. The short reach (445 mm) in combination with the short chainstays (434) gives the Slash very agile handling and makes riding it child’s play. Turns require only the slightest nudge, and it will change direction in a heartbeat. The slack head angle, paired with the plush rear suspension and the large 29″ wheels, gives the Slash the necessary composure for the most demanding lines. Even less experienced riders will find themselves pushing their limits further on this bike than they previously thought possible.

The Trek Slash 9.8 in detail

Fork FOX 36 FLOAT Performance 160 mm
Rear shock RockShox Deluxe RT3 RE:Aktiv Thru Shaft 150 mm
Brakes SRAM Code R 200/180 mm
Drivetrain SRAM GX Eagle
Seatpost Bontrager Drop Line 150 mm
Stem Bontrager Line Pro 50 mm
Handlebar Bontrager Line Pro ECLV Carbon 780 mm
Tires Bontrager SE4 Team Issue 2.4″
Wheelset Bontrager Line Elite 30
Weight 13.95 kg
Price € 5,499

The geometry of the Trek Slash

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	590 mm	605 mm	635 mm	661 mm
Head tube	100 mm	100 mm	110 mm	125 mm
Head angle	65.6°	65.6°	65.6°	65.6°
Sitzwinkel	74.1°	74.1°	74.1°	74.1°
Chainstays	433 mm	433 mm	433 mm	433 mm
BB High	352 mm	352 mm	352 mm	352 mm
Wheelbase	1171 mm	1186 mm	1219 mm	1247 mm
Reach	416 mm	431 mm	459 mm	481 mm
Stack	608 mm	608 mm	618 mm	631 mm

Conclusion

The Trek Slash 9.8 discards unnecessary bling and does just what you expect of it: it goes downhill like a bomb. The rear end works well, and in combination with the well-balanced geometry, the Slash shines in all walks of life. With this kind of handling, it secures our Best Value tip, even if you have to take into account the money you will have to spend on a new dropper seatpost.

Uphill
Downhill
Stability
Agility
Value for money

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For more info head to: trekbikes.com

The test fleet

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The Crème de la Crème – Nine high-end enduro bikes of 2018 in comparison

All bikes in test: Cannondale Jekyll 1 | Canyon Strive CF 9.0 | Evil The Wreckoning X01 | Kona Process 153 CR 27,5 | Merida ONE-SIXTY 8000 | Orbea Rallon M-Team | Santa Cruz Nomad 4 CC XX1 | Specialized Enduro 29 Pro

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Words: Photos: Christoph Bayer, Valentin Rühl