THE TREK SLASH LINEUP HAS BEEN RAVAMPED FOR 2014. These 27.5-inch-wheel equipped bikes are taking aim at everyone’s favorite buzz category: enduro. Our Slash 9 test bike is the pedigree of the new line, and at first glance it looks to be no-excuses trail weapon.
That first glance impression is notable on the Slash for the simple fact that I didn’t want to change anything on it before I rode it. That never happens. All the little details that can make or break my first ride impressions were accounted for. The Bontrager Rhythm Pro, zero rise, 60-millimeter stem in combination with the Rhythm Pro Carbon bars felt spot on. Adding to the dialed cockpit are internally routed cables for the SRAM XX1 drivetrain, Avid XO Trail brakes and the RockShox Reverb Stealth seatpost. It’s a clean-looking, smart package that matches the bike’s intended purpose. Perhaps the most impressive and surprising part of the build was the Bontrager XR4 tires. Fast-rolling with incredible cornering characteristics and great traction on climbs made these tires a new favorite. I had a blast seeing just how far I was able to push them.
The component spec complements what the bike is capable of on the trail. Trek’s Mino link allows you to fine tune the geometry between a High and Low setting, although I found the Low setting to be a perfect match for what I wanted the bike to do. With a 65-degree head angle, 13.8-inch bottom bracket height, and 17 and one-eighth-inch chainstay length the Slash felt right at home on steep, technical terrain.
With the Fox DRCV rear shock wide open, Trek’s ABP rear suspension felt bottomless on big hits while still offering mid-travel support for a poppy, playful feel. Trail mode was my go-to setting for climbing as it was efficient and the rear wheel still stayed planted on the trial over tough, technical climbs. For a bike that descends as confidently as the Slash it has very impressive climbing performance.
Trek has done a great job putting value where the rider needs it on the Slash 9. Its no-compromise parts package on a proven suspension platform makes you want to push yourself and the bike to the limit.
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