The Trek Slash was systemically revamped in 2017 and in turn won many bike of the year awards that year. I rode the 9.8 level version of this bike in 2017 and it was fantastic. In fact, it was so good that I decided to give the top tier Slash 9.9 model a ride this past season.
The 9.9 build does not hold back in the quality of components you get, especially at a price of $7499.99. Up front it comes with the amazing new Fox Factory Kashima coated 36 Grip2 fork - a must have on any bike I ride. As opposed to other enduro bikes at this price point, you also get Bontrager Line Pro carbon fiber wheels. At a rider weight of 210 pounds I was skeptical at first, but these wheels held up and did not flinch on any of the terrain I threw at them (they even have Trek's new lifetime warranty as a bonus). Other noticeable perks of the 9.9 build are Bontrager carbon Line Pro bars, Sram XO1 carbon cranks, and the always reliable Bontrager Drop Line seat post.
The slash sits in an extremely popular and growing category of long travel 29” wheel bikes. With 150mm of rear and 160mm of front travel, it sits in the center of this group. That being said, the main feature of this bike that keeps me coming back is the remarkably snappy and playful feel compared to any other enduro bike I’ve ridden. It’s also fast, very fast. The Slash reminds me of the first time I took a run on the Trek Session downhill bike, and for how “big” the bike appears both in person and on paper, it performs and maneuvers like a bike with 20-30mm less travel. As someone that avoids climbing at all costs, I do end up moving my bikes up the hill every season. Fortunately, the Slash 9.9 comes with a Sram XO1 eagle drivetrain that climbs smoothly and feels very planted to the ground. I never felt like I lost any pedaling efficiency considering the amount of suspension. For anyone looking for a long travel one bike do-all, I would highly encourage you to consider this as an option.
- Dr. Josh Mueller
See the Slash in action...