2021 trek slash 9.9 full carbon 29er

Trek Slash 9.9 X01: first ride review

• Alan Muldoon
• September 3, 2020

New Trek Slash is manageable and maneuverable, without forcing you to tip-toe down the toughest trails

Product Overview

Trek slash 9.9 x01.

• Fast and easy to ride. Revised geometry and sizing bring it bang up-to-date. Suspension set-up is straightforward and the drain port in the bottom of the down tube should stop the water pooling below the shock.
• All of the cables need shortening to stop them rattling. Trek’s MinoLink is a non-feature as we never clipped a pedal even in the low setting.

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:.

First ride review of 2021 Trek Slash 9.9. Trek’s 29in enduro trail blazer returns with more travel and a progressive makeover.

>>> Best enduro mountain bikes: 150 to 170mm travel full suspension bikes

Trek Slash 9.9 need to know

• Trek ups the travel on the Slash 29 by 10mm – it 
now gets a 170mm-travel suspension fork with 160mm out back
• The sizing and geometry both move forward, making the frame longer and slacker than before
• Storage has been added to the down tube, and it isn’t exclusive to the carbon models
• Carbon frame with magnesium rocker link and a 34.9mm seat tube diameter for increased dropper post insertion
• New Knock Block design increases the steering angle from 58º to 72º
• Trek offers a five-model range, starting at £2,650 for the alloy Slash 7

The new Slash offers a razor-sharp ride and point and shoot thrills

Back in 2016, when Trek first launched the Slash 29, you could count the number of long-travel big wheelers on 
one hand. Fast forward to today, and the race to be first at any EWS is consistently contested by the likes of Sam Hill and Richie Rude, both riding 29ers. So 29in wheels dominate racing at the highest level, but what has Trek done to guarantee that the latest Slash 29 is every bit as cutting edge as the original? What it hasn’t done is burn the house to the ground and start over. At first glance, the new bike looks a lot like the old one, but even after one ride, it’s clear that it’s a very different proposition. Yes, the OCLV Mountain carbon frame casts a similar shadow, but everything about this bike is different, from the sizing to the travel; even the Knock Block headset has been updated.

ABP suspension design with tweaked kinematics uses custom Thrushaft shock

Let’s start with travel. The old Slash 29 was a 150mm bike with a 160mm fork. The new version gets 10mm more travel at both ends. I measured vertical rear-wheel travel at 157mm so it can definitely be classed as a 160mm bike. The geometry is not quite as accurate though, as I measured the head angle on the new Slash at 63° in the low setting. That’s one-degree slacker than claimed. Not that I’m complaining, because the steering response feels neutral, and at no point did the bike feel too slack. In fact, I was taken aback when I measured the geometry for the first time and discovered that it was much slacker than it felt. The reach on the size large measured a generous, but not overly long, 475mm, but to get a better picture of the sizing we need to take a closer look at the wheelbase. With 1,273mm spanning the contact patches, the new Slash delivers a footprint that’s every bit as big and as stable as the S4 Specialized Enduro.

Down tube storage compartment specced throughout the range

Trek’s signature ABP suspension has also been tweaked. The progression rate and anti-squat have both increased and the Slash now gets a custom Thrushaft RockShox SuperDeluxe shock, with a choice of three compression settings in the open position and an easy-to-reach lockout. The idea being that you can tune the amount of low-speed support you need to match the terrain. In reality, the difference between the three settings is subtle, so I think most riders will leave it in the middle position and be done with it. In playing with the compression settings I did discover that the bypass for the lockout is really effective though, and you can still ride hard even if, like me, you sometimes forget to open up the shock for the descents .

Knock Block steering range has increased to 72°

One pet peeve with the old Slash was the slack 64.6° seat tube angle. Climb anything remotely steep and your weight ended up too rearward, loading the suspension and resulting in increased pedal strikes. To address this, Trek has steepened up the actual seat angle by one degree (actual measured geometry from both bikes). It doesn’t sound like a big change, but it is enough to give an effective seat angle of 75.5°, more than steep enough to winch up anything that I wouldn’t consider getting off to push up. Trek has also boosted the climbing prowess of the Slash by reworking the chainstay to accommodate a smaller 28t chainring. The bike ships stock with a 30t ring, and if you’re looking for more top-end speed, the biggest chainring the frame will accommodate is a 34t. With the expanded 10-52t range of the latest Eagle cassette however, I can’t see many riders needing a 28t ring on the Slash 9.9 X01. Still, it’s good to have it in your back pocket for big days in big mountains if the chairlift isn’t running.

10-52t Eagle cassette offers wide spread of gears

Other tweaks to the latest Slash see Trek dispense with the Straight Shot down tube and increase the range of the Knock Block steering lock from 58° to 72°, so you can now turn on a dime. The updated frame layout also gives you the option to remove the Knock Block entirely, but if you’re racing I still think it’s a worthwhile safety mechanism, as it should stop cables getting ripped out in a crash.

160mm-travel RockShox SuperDeluxe shock with three compression settings

One of my favourite updates to the Trek Slash 9.9 is the addition of down tube storage, first introduced on the Trek Fuel EX . Best of all, it’s also on the aluminium models further down the Slash range. In an interesting move, Trek has shunned the tube-within-tube design for its internal cable routing, the door in the down tube making it pretty easy to run the cables though the frame and out to the stays. I’m not sure it’s a good move though, as there’s quite a bit of cable rattle. Stuffing an inner tube and some snacks into the down tube quietened it down a bit, but all of the cables on our test bike were really long, and constantly rattled against each other. Fingers crossed, shortening the cables will be enough to improve the acoustics on this otherwise silent ride.

How it rides

I’m always suspicious of any enduro bike that pedals as well as the new Trek Slash 9.9. Sure, they tend to feel amazing when pootling along on your local trails, then you take it somewhere fast, rough and demanding, only to discover the shortcomings in the suspension within the first few turns. Thankfully, the new Trek Slash isn’t one such bike.

Yes, you can still be as precise as a fine-tipped pen when you need to be on a specific line, but the Trek Slash 9.9 also allows you to paint in broad brush strokes, so you can ride with reckless abandon and let your creative juices flow on any canvas. It’s what makes the Slash such an easy bike to ride, and to ride fast. It also makes it very versatile. While bikes like the Specialized Enduro Elite feel a lot like downhill rigs, the Slash is more manageable and maneuverable, without forcing you to tip-toe down the toughest trails. Both bikes share similar geometry, but Trek’s shorter reach actually gives you more wiggle room, not less. And if that sounds counterintuitive, it is. I think it’s because really long front ends tend to pull you into a more fixed riding position, but with the 475mm reach on the size large Slash you can move your weight around more freely simply by bending or extending your arms. This also makes it easier to load the front tyre on flatter trails. Yes, it’s about choosing your battles, so what the Trek loses in raw, straight-line speed it more than makes up for in agility, while still managing to advance the new Slash 29 on all other fronts.

Could the BB height on the Slash 29 be a hair lower? Sure it could, as I never so much as kissed a pedal on the ground, even with 175mm crankarms and the MinoLink in the low geometry setting. Did it slow the Slash 29 down any? Not one jot.

Trek Slash Review | The all-new Slash is the iron fist in a velvet glove

The not-so-minor details.

Trek Slash 9.9 X01

Trek Bicycles Australia

https://www.trekbikes.com

$11,499 AUD

- Wickedly supple and sensitive suspension - Super stable in steep and rough terrain - The playful, agile attitude - Generous frame protection - Stealthy quiet on the trail

- Downtube storage could be more generous - We'd like to see a slightly steeper seat tube angle

Dan & Ben review the 2021 Trek Slash

Trek’s flagship enduro pinner, the Slash, is receiving a major and welcome overhaul for 2021. As the spiritual successor to the Remedy 29, the current Slash was released over four years ago. In that time the enduro racing scene has changed considerably. No longer are 29in wheels looked upon with concern and disdain. Nowadays, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an EWS team that isn’t rolling on 29in wheels. As the sport has professionalised, we’re seeing athletes train harder, race times get tighter, and courses that wouldn’t be out of place at a World Cup downhill race. Unlike DH racing though, enduro racers have to back up those race runs over multiple stages, often over multiple days, with hundreds and thousands of metres of climbing between the start and finish. Oh, and they’re regularly racing those trails blind too.

Watch our video review of the 2021 Trek Slash 9.9 here!

Trek Slash overview

Given the evolving demands of enduro racing, enduro bikes need to evolve too. Taking on board these changes, the new Trek Slash has had a 10mm lift in travel at both ends, and now features a 170mm fork matched to 160mm of rear wheel travel. Following requests from Trek’s EWS athletes, it also gets a bit slacker and longer as expected, which is to help it cope with the gnarlification of modern day enduro racing.

All of that is built around a brand new chassis that features in-built storage, a new Knock Block system, and a serious amount of battle armour. Along with the unique rear shock and adjustable geometry, Trek is making use of every tool in its disposal to produce what it says is the fastest and most technically proficient Slash yet.

For the past month we’ve been testing the top-end Slash 9.9 to see how all of those changes play out on the trail, and whether this newly refocussed enduro race bike is now more of a one-trick-pony. Before we get to our ride impressions though, let’s take a detailed look at what sets the Slash apart from its predecessors and its contemporaries.

There’s a new custom shock

At the heart of the new Slash is a unique rear shock that Trek has co-developed alongside the gurus at RockShox. This shock is currently exclusive to Trek for 2021, and it’ll come on all of the Slash models in Australia, bar the cheapest Slash 7.

On the outside, it doesn’t look dramatically different. It’s essentially a Super Deluxe Ultimate shock, which features adjustable air pressure, air volume, rebound and compression damping. On the inside you’ll find the Trek-designed Thru-Shaft damper, along with some magic sauce the two brands have cooked up together.

Why Thru-Shaft?

Thru-Shaft itself isn’t a new technology in itself. Trek first introduced the Thru-Shaft damper design back in 2017, where it debuted on high-end Fuel EX, Remedy and Slash models.

In essence, Thru-Shaft eliminates the traditional Internal Floating Piston (IFP) that is found inside most rear shocks. The IFP is a sealed piston that sits at the base of the shock underneath the oil chamber. The job of the IFP is to separate the damper fluid on one side, from a small nitrogen-charged chamber on the other side.

Why do we need an IFP in the first place? Firstly, that gas-charged chamber is necessary to accommodate fluid expansion as the oil heats up. Secondly, it’s there to handle the change in volume of the oil chamber as the shock is compressed. When the shock is compressed, the main damper shaft is introduced into the oil chamber, and the further it goes in, the more room it takes up. To compensate for that increase in volume, the IFP is able to slide and compress the nitrogen-charged chamber behind it. As the shock rebounds, the IFP then pushes back on the oil chamber.

But in Trek’s Thru-Shaft shocks, there is no IFP. Instead, the damper shaft runs all the way through the oil chamber. And during compression, the damper piston exits the shock completely – you can see the silver rod emerging from the base of the shock as it goes through the travel. Since the damper piston no longer impacts on the volume inside the oil chamber, there is no need for a traditional IFP.

And what about fluid expansion? That’s what the piggyback reservoir is for – it’s a big ol’ thermal compensator that handles the fluid expansion as the oil heats up in the shock.

But in Trek’s Thru-Shaft shocks, there is no IFP. Instead, the damper piston runs all the way through the oil chamber. And during compression, the damper piston exits the shock completely – you can see the silver rod emerging from the base of the shock as it goes through the travel.

The main driver for the Thru-Shaft design is all about reducing stiction and making the shock movement as slippery as possible. A normal IFP uses seals, and those seals need to slide smoothly up and down the the inside of the shock’s stanchion. Because of the high-pressure environment the IFP lives in, it’s likely to experience stick-slip during changes of direction. By removing the IFP entirely, the Thru-Shaft damper reduces stiction and this stick-slip effect, improving the damper’s sensitivity and its willingness to change direction quickly. On the trail, it simply results in a more responsive and buttery-feeling to the rear suspension – something we’ve noted on the Remedys and Fuel EXs we’ve tested in recent years, including our most recent long-term test bike .

RE:aktiv begone

While the Slash’s new shock carries over the Thru-Shaft concept, one of the big differences is that it no longer uses the RE:aktiv valve on the main damper piston. Instead you’ll find a standard shim valve on the main piston (which differs from an off-the-shelf RockShox shock), which Trek has moved to in favour of more gluey descending-oriented damping performance. While the RE:aktiv damper piston does provide excellent pedalling support, and will continue to be used on the Fuel EX, the new Slash is placing a greater priority on traction and high-speed control, and it’s claimed that a standard shim valve arrangement is the best solution for this application.

The second key difference with the custom Super Deluxe Ultimate shock is found in its damper adjustments. The rebound dial is much smaller and located on the side of the shock, and it now features numbers to assist with tuning. There’s a two-position lever that allows the rider to toggle between open and firm settings.

On top of the lever is a separate adjuster that allows you to tune the low-speed compression damping of the open mode. The blue cam gives you three compression settings: -1, 0 and +1. According to Trek and RockShox, this adjuster is all about fine-tuning the shock’s response to rider inputs, depending on the terrain at hand. So you can firm up the feel of the shock to provide more support for pedalling and riding smoother bikepark type trails, or soften it up for riding steep and rooty trails where you want maximum traction. Consider it as a wet/dry adjuster. Regardless of that setting though, it’s claimed that the shock’s high-speed compression circuit remains completely independent, and it’s in here where Trek and RockShox have been cooking up a little extra special sauce.

The third big difference is in the shock’s air can itself. RockShox states that stiction has been lowered for smoother performance, while the negative spring volume has been increased to create a more progressive spring curve. In fact, it’s claimed to be more progressive than the current MegNeg design, which basically eliminates any need for a MegNeg hop-up. There’s the option to tune with volume spacers too, which we’ll get onto in a bit.

Frame features

Aside from the custom shock, there are big changes afoot in the Slash chassis too. And when we say big we mean it literally – the Slash now takes a 34.9mm diameter seat post. This allows Trek to build a fatter, stronger and shorter seat tube, which provides greater compatibility with long-stroke dropper posts.

To go with it, Bontrager is rolling out a new 34.9mm Line Elite dropper post. The bigger diameter chassis promises increased strength and stiffness, and the post gets a whopping 200mm of travel on the longest option. Internally, the MaxFlow is said to provide faster compression and rebound for slicker performance.

No Super Boost needed

Looking at all the other key mounting points on the Slash frameset, it’s clear that Trek has made a concerted effort to stay away from anything too edgy standards-wise.

While some other brands have adopted the newer Super Boost 157x12mm hub standard for their long travel 29ers, Trek is sticking with the Boost 148x12mm standard that it invented and launched back in 2014. However, by employing the wider 55mm chainline that’s now on offer from both Shimano and SRAM (which pushes the chainring out a further 3mm over a traditional Boost drivetrain), Trek’s engineers say they’ve been able to get all the necessary clearances without having to resort to Super Boost. And they’ve done it too – there’s room for a 34T chainring and a 29×2.5in tyre, even with the Slash’s impressively short 435mm chainstays.

Common sense has prevailed elsewhere too. No longer will you find a press-fit bottom bracket cups. Instead, the Slash gets a 73mm threaded BB shell, which is surrounded by ISCG 05 chainguide tabs.

The dropouts utilise a SRAM UDH derailleur hanger on one side, and 180mm post-mount brake tabs on the other. For the true gravity enthusiasts, it’s worth noting that the Slash is cleared for use with up to a huge 220mm disc rotor. And while the rear shock is a custom jobby, the size isn’t – most aftermarket metric shocks will fit in its place, including coil shocks.

Secret storage

Brought over from the latest Fuel EX, the Slash now gets integrated downtube storage. What’s impressive is that you’ll get that sane downtube trap door on the alloy frames too. For the alloy Slash, the downtube is hydroformed with a depression around the storage door, before the door is then cut out of the tube. Apparently it’s a very difficult process to achieve on an alloy frame, which is probably why we haven’t seen it on any other brand.

The trapdoor itself is identical between the alloy and carbon frames, and it’s the same as what you’ll find on the Fuel EX. A discreet lever opens and secures the latch, and inside the cavity is a soft tool roll that’s designed to hold a spare tube, levers and CO2. The bottle cage is included with the bike, and Trek says every frame size, including the Small, will fit a bottle without drama.

A bonus of the trapdoor design is that it provides you access to the internal gear, dropper and brake lines. The cables and hoses are zip-tied to the underside of the door, which helps to minimise vibration and noise.

Knock Block 2.0

Trek has also updated its headset steering limiter system, called Knock Block 2.0. Addressing our criticism of the previous design, Trek has increased the available steering radius, so you now get 144° of rotation.

What’s interesting though, is that the Knock Block system isn’t actually necessary anymore. That’s because the downtube no longer uses the StraightShot profile of the old frame – it features curves at both ends, which means the fork crown no longer contacts the downtube during a full rotation.

We’re told that the designers decided to keep the Knock Block system as it doesn’t really impact the riding experience, and it helps to protect the brake lines, shift and dropper cables in the event of a bar-spinning crash. If it still bothers you though, the Knock Block can be removed entirely.

The Slash’s geometry was no doubt due for an update, and Trek has willingly obliged. However, while the designers wanted to address the needs of Trek’s EWS racers, they also wanted to retain the comfort, balance and agility that made the previous version such a popular and accessible bike.

As such, the head angle kicks back a degree, and the reach has grown by 15-40mm depending on the frame size. The seat tube angle (both actual and effective) has increased by two degrees, which helps to shift the pilot further forward on the bike, without pushing them so far forward as to put excessive weight onto the wrists and arms.

Trek is producing five frame sizes in the Slash, from Small through to X-large. All frame sizes are now built around the same stubby 35mm stem length, which aims to keep the front-end steering consistent regardless of rider height.

Also found on every frame is the familiar Mino Link, which is located in the upper seatstay pivot. The Slash comes set from the factory in the Low position, but flipping the link into the High position will lift the BB height by 7mm and steepen the head and seat angles by 0.5°. Here are lots of numbers for those who want them;

Trek Slash price & specs

If you’re digging the new Slash vibe, you’ll be pleased to know that stock is available as of right now through Trek’s dealer network. In Australia, we’ll see four models come to our shores – two with carbon frames, and two with alloy frames. Additionally, you’ll be able to get a standalone frameset too – Trek Australia will be offering a Slash frameset in both carbon and alloy variants.

Read on for a closer look at each of the four complete bike options, followed by our ride impressions from testing the top-end Slash 9.9 X01.

2021 Trek Slash 9.9 X01

• Frame | OCLV Mountain Carbon Fibre, ABP Suspension Design, 160mm Travel
• Fork | RockShox ZEB Ultimate, Charger 2.1 RC2 Damper, 44mm Offset, 170mm Travel
• Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate, Thru-Shaft 3-Position Damper, 230×62.5mm
• Wheels | Bontrager Line Elite 30, OCLV Carbon Rims, 30mm Inner Rim Width
• Tyres | Bontrager SE5 29×2.6in Front & SE4 2.4in Rear
• Drivetrain | SRAM X01 Eagle 1×12 w/X01 30T Carbon Crankset & 10-52T GX Eagle Cassette
• Brakes | SRAM Code RSC 4-Piston w/200mm Rotors
• Bar | Bontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35mm Diameter, 27.5mm Rise, 820mm Wide
• Stem | Bontrager Line Pro, Knock Block, 35mm Length
• Seatpost | Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 34.9mm Diameter, Travel: 100mm (S), 150mm (M/ML), 170mm (L), 200mm (XL)
• Available Sizes | S, M, ML, L, XL
• RRP | $11,499 AUD

2021 Trek Slash 9.8 XT

• Fork | RockShox ZEB Select+, Charger 2.1 RC Damper, 44mm Offset, 170mm Travel
• Drivetrain | Shimano Deore XT 1×12 w/XT 30T Crankset & 10-51T Cassette
• Brakes | Shimano Deore XT 4-Piston w/203mm Rotors
• RRP | $8,999 AUD

2021 Trek Slash 8

• Frame | Alpha Platinum Alloy, ABP Suspension Design, 160mm Travel
• Fork | RockShox Lyrik RC, Charger 2 Damper, 42mm Offset, 170mm Travel
• Wheels | Bontrager Line Comp 30, Alloy Rims, 30mm Inner Rim Width
• Tyres | Bontrager XR5 29×2.6in Front & XR4 2.4in Rear
• Drivetrain | SRAM GX Eagle 1×12 w/Descendent 6K Eagle 30T Crankset & 10-52T Cassette
• Brakes | SRAM Code R 4-Piston w/200mm Rotors
• Bar | Bontrager Line, Alloy, 35mm Diameter, 27.5mm Rise, 820mm Wide
• Stem | Bontrager Line, Knock Block, 35mm Length
• Seatpost | TranzX Dropper, 34.9mm Diameter, Travel: 100mm (S), 150mm (M/ML), 170mm (L), 200mm (XL)
• RRP | $6,299 AUD

2021 Trek Slash 7

• Fork | RockShox Yari RC, Motion Control RC Damper, 42mm Offset, 170mm Travel
• Shock | RockShox Deluxe Select+, 230×62.5mm
• Drivetrain | SRAM NX Eagle 1×12 w/Descendent 6K Eagle 30T Crankset & 11-50T Cassette
• Brakes | SRAM Guide T 4-Piston w/200mm Rotors
• RRP | $5,299 AUD

Testing the 2021 Trek Slash 9.9 X01

With its metallic orange paint job, the Slash 9.9 X01 bares a resemblance to the distinctive Tiger Mica colour of Holden’s VU Commodore SS ute. We’d say the finish is just a tad classier here though, and indeed the Slash impressed as soon as it was pulled out of the box. It wasn’t too much of a strain to do so either – this big travel 29er tips the scales at a respectable 14.56kg.

That’s with the tyres setup tubeless, and we’ve gotta give props to Trek for the fact that the bike arrives genuinely tubeless ready – TLR strips and valves are pre-installed, and two bottles of sealant are included. Just remove the valve cores, squirt in the sealant, inflate and away you go. Nice!

Being the poshest model that comes to Australia, the Slash 9.9 X01 comes decked out with plenty of high-end toys including the new RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork, SRAM X01 Eagle shifting, powerful Code RSC disc brakes, and a 170mm travel dropper post on our Large test bike. There’s plenty of carbon to be found too – the crank arms, handlebars and rims are all made of plastic-fantastic.

Speaking of, both the front triangle and back end are crafted from Trek’s OCLV Mountain carbon fibre, with a magnesium rocker link being the only main metal component of the frame. It leads to an impressively low weight – including the rear shock and hardware, Trek says you’re looking at just 3.12kg for a carbon Slash frame. It’s quite a bit lighter than the alloy version, which is claimed to weigh 4.32kg.

Fit & sizing

We chose a Large size Slash to suit our 181-183cm tall testers. Dan; an accomplished enduro racer who currently rides a Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Carbon in the S3 size. And Ben; a downhiller reborn as an XC/trail pinner who rides a Large-size Trek Top Fuel.

Two different perspectives from two different testers. Dan; an accomplished enduro racer who currently rides a Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Carbon in the S3 size, and Ben; a downhiller reborn as an XC/trail pinner who rides a Large-size Trek Top Fuel.

Both riders were quickly at home with the Slash and its healthy 486mm reach, despite the very short 35mm stem. However, the huge 820mm ape-hangers didn’t last long and were soon chopped down to a more tree-friendly 780mm.

The saddle was also slid as far forward on the rails as it could go. With the saddle height set at 770mm, the seat angle measures out pretty close to the claimed 75.7° (in the Low geometry position). Sliding the saddle forward for our long-legged testers helped steepen it closer to 78°.

There were few complaints in the fit department – the Bontrager Arvada saddle is excellent, and the lock-on grips are nice and tactile, without being offensively so. They do use dual locking clamps, and while the outer collar is smoothly tapered, you can still feel it underneath your gloves if you run your hands wide on the bars. That said, the metal ends have proven to be much more durable than single-locking grips that have rubber ends.

Setting up the Slash

Kudos to Trek for its brilliant suspension setup calculator, which provides a reliable baseline for getting the fork and shock setup for your weight. Combined with the anodised sag gradients on the ZEB fork and Super Deluxe shock, setting up the Slash is made that much easier. We followed the recommendations for our 80kg testers, and both the pressures and rebound settings were pretty much spot on. For reference, Trek recommends 30% sag on the shock and 15% for the fork when sitting stationary on the bike.

There is further tuneability to be had with volume spacers. The ZEB comes with a single Bottomless Token inside, and that suited us fine. The rear shock comes with zero tokens inside, and that also worked well. However, you can add one volume spacer to the shock’s negative spring to make it more linear. Conversely, you can add up to three volume spacers in the shock’s positive spring if you want more progression. That’s probably something only the heaviest of riders will investigate, since the Slash has quite a progressive spring rate to begin with – we never experienced a harsh bottom-out with the stock settings.

Does it get any smoother than this?

Easily the standout attribute of the new Slash is just how plush and controlled the suspension is. We were expecting that from the ZEB Ultimate, as we’ve already tested it separately . It’s a banging fork, with superb suppleness, huge torsional rigidity and steering accuracy that makes it an excellent match for the Slash’s capabilities. It’s the rear suspension that really blew us away though, with a level of off-the-top sensitivity that sees the shock ease into its travel the moment you push down on the saddle.

That activity plays out all the way through the travel too. Trek says the Thru-Shaft damper design eliminates the ‘nose’ of a standard IFP design, and we can believe them. So little force is required to get the shock moving, and it changes direction seamlessly, offering faster reactivity under both compression and extension. Whether it’s copping a square-edge rock at speed, cornering over off-camber washboard bumps on a fast fireroad descent, or skimming across more granular terrain on a loose traverse, the back end maintains a high level of contact with the terrain, boosting grip and confidence levels.

Previous Thru-Shaft shocks have proven to be slippery performers, but now that Trek has ditched the RE:aktiv valve in favour of a more conventional shim stack valve, it’s taken that damping performance to a new level. It’s bloody impressive stuff.

Thanks to the extremely active and supple suspension performance, the Slash is hugely stable in rough terrain. Sure the geometry is dialled, but it’s the suspension on this bike that really encourages you to push hard in technical terrain, knowing the bike will stay composed and stable. It’s a fine example of a bike that rides well beyond the numbers in a geometry chart.

It’s not just a monster truck

From first impressions, our testers initially thought the Slash would be more of a point-and-plow kind of bike. Sure, you can totally ride this way with confidence and let it steamroll down the trail. But where it surprised most was its inherently playful nature. The short chainstays definitely contribute in this regard, and while the shock is extremely sensitive, your feet don’t get lost in a gooey pile of over-damped syrup. That’s the new air spring at play, which delivers fantastically usable mid-stroke support. That responsive attitude encourages you to get creative, try different lines and gap sections of trail.

It’s also a really fun bike to slide around and let the rear hang out when things get loose, giving it a character that is often lost in long travel enduro race bikes. We found the Slash very composed in the air, with the generous travel and progressive end-stroke providing a cosseting return to earth. You can get away with a lot of mistakes while riding this bike, and have an absolute riot doing so.

But where it surprised most was its inherently playful nature. The short chainstays definitely contribute in this regard, and while the shock is extremely sensitive, your feet don’t get lost in a gooey pile of over-damped syrup. That’s the new air spring at play, which delivers fantastically usable mid-stroke support. That responsive attitude encourages you to get creative, try different lines and gap sections of trail.

Given how big and slack it is, we were also really impressed with the Slash’s climbing ability, particularly when things got rough and technical. The buttery shock performance keeps the rear tyre digging for traction, and the low-slung top tube gives you room to manoeuvre. Add in the low gearing from the 30T chainring and 52T sprocket out back, and there’s some serious grunt on offer for muscling your way up choppy ledges, roots and blown-out moto ruts.

The active suspension does mean you’re best to stay in a seated position on smoother climbs though. Stand up to mash the pedals, and Bob will join the party. There’s always the lockout lever, but our testers only ever used it on the road or the smoothest of fireroad climbs – it’s too firm for actual trail riding, and it’s low down enough that it’s a pain to regularly switch back and fourth between smooth and rough sections.

You can tighten things up by flipping the low-speed compression dial into the firmer +1 position though. And because the shock is so supple, it’s possible to run slightly higher pressures to lift the ride height, without sacrificing that much small-bump sensitivity. Flipping the Mino Link into the High position will also help with climbing performance by steepening the effective seat tube angle, while getting you a bit more pedal clearance too.

So stealthy, so quiet!

Modern bikes are getting very good at dampening out noise, but there’s always something that ruins the serenity. Rattly brake pads, a flappy cable, a creaky bearing. Not the Slash though – our test bike developed no play, and no noise all throughout the test period. Just blissful, quiet performance with the sound of tyres rumbling through the forest.

On that note, we love how well thought out the protection on this bike is. The gear cable is shielded underneath a thick chainstay guard, which is textured to dampen chain slap. There’s another strip of rubber on the inside of the drive-side seatstay to eliminate chain contact, and Trek has even put a metal plate below the disc calliper to prevent the rotor from scratching the paint. Brilliant!

This bike is seriously quiet, thanks to carefully managed cabling and a plethora of body armour designed to dampen chain slap and rock strikes.

Those who ride on trails with lots of loose rock will know the importance of downtube protection. It only takes one rock kicked up by the front wheel to lay a crack in a lovingly engineered carbon downtube – we know, it’s happened to us enough times on other bikes. On the Slash, the underside of the downtube is almost entirely covered by two thick, rubber-lined armour plates. As well as giving greater rock strike protection, the extended coverage is also useful for hoisting your bike over the back of a tailgate on shuttle day. The big plastic armour plates are screwed into the frame, so it’s possible to replace them, or remove them if you desperately want to show off more of the Commodore SS paint job.

As well as giving greater rock strike protection, the extended coverage is also useful for hoisting your bike over the back of a tailgate on shuttle day.

The MRP chainguide with its lower bash plate is another handy addition, and the scratches and dings it’s collected from many trail missions attest to its worth. As for the Knock Block? Our testers never noticed it was there, so we’d be happy to leave it in place. It does mean you could trim the cables and brake line to be quite short to neaten up the cockpit, without fear of them being ripped out in the event of a crash.

What could be improved?

Despite Trek’s talk of keeping things balanced and approachable on the Slash, we do think the designers could have gone a lick steeper on the seat tube angle. We’re also not talking about going vertical – an extra degree would do nicely. The Slash is slightly steeper than the Fuel EX (75.6° vs 75°), but because the Slash has more travel and a more active suspension design, the dynamic seat angle is more affected on the climbs as the shock sinks into its travel.

Yes, a steeper seat angle pushes more weight onto your hands. And yes, it’s generally less comfortable for rolling along on more intermediate terrain. But a bike of this travel is generally going to be ridden on bigger and steeper terrain, where horizontal bimbling is less of a consideration.

That being said, the Bontrager Arvada saddle has a usefully long clamping area on its rails, and our testers were able to get into a comfortable position with the saddle slammed all the way forward. The top tube length is quite long on this bike, so the cockpit never felt too cramped even with the saddle in that position.

The takeaway point? The seat angle ain’t a dealbreaker – there’s adjustment there, so use it if you want to get your hips further the cranks. And if you really want to prioritise climbing performance, then you can always flip the Mino Link into the High geometry position.

The Slash is the third Trek we’ve tested with downtube storage, and thankfully this one didn’t have the rattling issues of the last bike . It’s fundamentally a great idea, and the included tool roll is a nice touch – just make sure you use a lightweight inner tube, as a standard tube won’t leave you any room to fit tyre levers or CO2.

On that note, the width of the trapdoor is quite a bit narrower than a Specialized SWAT door (40mm vs 52mm). That 12mm difference makes it quite a bit trickier to fit bulkier items and XL burritos, so it takes a bit more thought and creativity for packing your haul.

While we’re throwing ideas into the wishing well, it’d be great to see the Slash 9.9 come with Bontrager’s new BITS tool system inside the fork steerer tube. That way you could more easily ditch the backpack, knowing that you’ve got all the basic tools and spares with you, hidden in the bike.

Component highs & lows

Overall the Slash 9.9 X01 has impressed us with a great overall package. The suspension, brakes, drivetrain, wheel and tyre combo all support its nature of being a hard-charging bike.

The rear shock is super impressive, being really smooth and supple with no discernible stiction. This translates to amazing small bump response. Coupled with the equally smooth new RockShox ZEB, once set up the bike feels stupendously plush and balanced. When air-sprung forks and shocks are this good, we’re not sure why you would choose heavier, and less adjustable coil suspension.

The Bontrager Line Elite 30 wheels were also a standout. These have recently been redesigned with a new carbon rim profile that’s said to be almost twice as strong as its predecessor. And we’re happy to report that they’ve withstood many jarring interactions with square edge rocks, and are still in one piece. Weighing in at 2,071g, they’re a couple hundred grams more than the Line Pro 30 wheels we have on test separately , but they do get more readily available J-bend spokes, and they still feature the super buzzy Rapid Drive 108 hubs. They also get that 2-year crash replacement deal , if you do manage to toast a rim.

The Bontrager Line Elite 30 wheels are a standout, and the SE5/SE4 tyre combo have been equally impressive, with great grip and decent rolling resistance.

The Bontrager SE5/SE4 tyre combo was equally impressive, with great grip and decent rolling resistance. The rear tyre does look a bit minimal and comes in quite light on the scales at just 919g (the front tyre is 1,059g), but it held up really well in some chunky terrain, suffering a single tiny cut in the sidewall that was easily sealed with a plug. If this were our bike, we’d be putting an insert into the rear tyre anyway.

The Line Elite dropper post seems marginally quicker in action compared to Bontrager’s previous droppers, but it’s still a ways off the light and smooth action of a Fox Transfer or BikeYoke Divine. The lever shape is good though, and overall it’s performed without hassle. We’ll be interested to see how it fares after a full season of abuse.

Flow’s Verdict

The new Trek Slash is one mighty impressive bike. It packs a load of punch, with the big chassis, newly slackened geometry and burly parts spec working up a thirst for high-speed drama. Its punch is delivered inside a velvety smooth glove though, thanks to the outrageously plush suspension that brings comfort, poise and control to the most chundery of trails. Paired to the superb ZEB up front, this bike just oozes confidence.

As descending really steep and gnarly shit has become the raison d’être for the modern enduro bike though, we were worried that Trek would turn the Slash into a pro-only machine. Our doubts proved unfounded though, and that is indeed the biggest surprise of this bike.

Yes it’s a 29er with 170/160mm of travel and a 64° head angle, and it’ll absolutely steamroll the trail if you let it. But it isn’t a tank. It’s comfortable, reasonably efficient, and it actually climbs technical stuff well. We’d have no qualms taking it on bigger all-day missions.

It’s also playful, chuckable and willing to get airborne. And it’s this all-round competence makes the Slash much more versatile than we expected. We had a blast riding this bike, even when the many of our rides might not have warranted such a big travel bike. But when there are so few downsides, we kept asking ourselves; why wouldn’t you want that extra travel?

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2021 Trek Slash 9.9 X01

2021 Trek Slash 9.9 X01 Bike Review

Words by Spencer Astra | Photos by Chris Grundberg

The venerable Trek Slash is back for 2021, armed with more suspension travel than ever before.

The new Trek Slash 9.9 X01 comes equipped with the ever-capable, 170-millimeter RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork and a custom, 160-millimeter RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock, placing it squarely in the hard-charging enduro category.

For me, one of the most welcome updates for the new Slash is the seat angle, which has been steepened to 75.6 degrees, putting the rider’s weight directly between the wheels—and making for a much more comfortable seated position while climbing. The relatively long reach of 486 millimeters, together with the mid-length chainstay of 437 millimeters, creates a bike that stays firmly planted while you sweat your way to the top of a mountain.

But the most impressive feature of the new Slash is its impressively light weight—something I wouldn’t automatically expect from a bike in the longer-travel range, especially one with 29-inch wheels. The lightweight frame construction and ultra-light build of the 9.9 X01 version I tested was noticeable from the moment I started huffing up my first climb.

Geometry & Specs:

Wheel size: 29" Rear travel: 160mm Fork: 170mm Wheelbase: 1263mm Chainstay: 437mm Reach: 486mm Head tube angle: 64.1°

What’s more, this featherweight construction also gave the bike an unmistakable agility on descents, when I was constantly urged to push and pull the Slash around like a shorter-travel machine. On descents, the bike maneuvers like something with 20 millimeters less travel, while simultaneously feeling as plush as an all-out downhill rig through meaty sections. The wheelbase is long and stable at higher speeds, while the relatively short chainstay allows for spontaneous direction changes with a minimum of fuss.

I was particularly impressed with the performance of the thru-shaft shock technology, which felt like it was keeping the suspension open to react to every rock and root I encountered. This, coupled with the 2.6-inch Bontrager tires, made for a magic carpet ride through the chunkiest of terrain.

The new Slash is an excellent option for riders who are looking for big-bike capability but are afraid that a bike with too much suspension will keep them glued to the ground. While it can devour steep, technical singletrack without breaking a sweat, what made it really special for me was how agile and lively it was through flatter tech sections.

Trek Slash 9.9 X01 - $7,999

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2021 Trek Slash 9.9 X01 Bike (discontinued)

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Look here Trek Slash, it's not me, it's you. I just don't have a place in my life for a 160/170mm-travel 29er. Who does? A 469mm reach on an M/L size? That's a bit much for my 5'9" frame, and how is that really a size? Wait, you're saying there's more to you than reach and travel numbers? Ok, I'll listen. After all, a mind is like a parachute. Steeper seat angle, slacker head angle, integrated tools, and storage, I like all these features. Do go on...

• OCLV Carbon frame (alloy options available)
• 29-inch wheels only
• 160mm (6.2-inches) of rear wheel travel // 170mm (6.7-inches) fork travel
• ABP suspension design
• Removable Knock Block provides 72-degrees of turning in either direction
• Internal cable routing
• Proprietary RockShox Super Deluxe - 3-position compression
• Integrated tool storage in head tube
• In-frame storage system
• 34.9 Seat tube
• BSA 73mm threaded bottom bracket with ISCG mounts
• Boost 148 rear spacing with 12mm through axle
• Measured weight (size M/L, no pedals): 32 pounds 5 ounces (14.65 kg)
• MSRP $7,999 USD

The all-new Trek Slash has been leaked on the Vital forums for some time and received a few lackluster replies from our community. The Meh-sayer crowd may want to take a second look. Our first glance at the Slash's stats had Vital testers feeling like this big-rig may need a spinner knob on the handlebars to handle switchbacks and only the biggest of descents would be worth riding. After all, isn't under-biking all the craze these days? With so many good bikes out there that can do so much, what's the point of the Trek Slash outside the EWS tape? This is where things took a hard left turn, the new Slash isn't a good bike. It's a great bike.

The new Trek slash access all of the current trends in an aggressive design and even pushes things with five size offerings. Within the standard Small to Large range is an ML size for riders on the cusp of the medium and large or those who just want a longer bike. With the Slash being ridden by multiple testers, this is where we landed. By the numbers, here's the breakdown of our M/L Slash: seat angle: 75.6, head angle: 64.1, reach: 469mm, chainstay: 435mm, seat tube length: 435mm. A 35mm stem and 150mm Bontrager dropper rounded out the fit department. As suspected, in every respect, the Trek goes longer, lower, and slacker where it matters.

Seat Angle Update

On paper, the Slash's seat angle is not on par with other enduro bikes today. In practice, we did not notice the seat angle or even feel hindered by it. On perhaps only the most questionably steep portions of the trail, did we feel the need to get over the front of the seat to keep the front end in check. Riders with longer legs may find themselves sliding the seat forward on the rails to push their weight forward.

APPROXIMATE actual seat tube angle values with 150mm Bontrager Line Dropper at different insertion depths

In testing the latest Remedy and Rail , Vital testers have had a tumultuous relationship with the ReActive Thrushaft system spec'd. Quite honestly, in both cases, a production shock would have been preferred. The Slash does still have a Thrushaft but gone is the ReActive valving and the curiously small piggyback is now full-sized. The shock itself is still custom and exclusive to the Slash, featuring a numeric compression adjustment and relocated climb switch.

The compression adjuster has three settings: +, 0, and -. The + setting increases damping and is designed for smoother trails. The - setting is for steeper, rougher terrain while the 0 setting is a more neutral compression setting. We set the dial for 0 with 30% sag.

Only slightly less-leaked than the Slash was the RockShox ZEB, which graces this bike with its muscly presence. Setup was just under 70-pounds for our 170-pound testers. High-speed compression was wide open with 6-clicks of low speed.

A quick trim of the bars and we were off to the trails!

On The Trail

The Slash was shuttled to Trail 4, the same rowdy descent used in our e-bike tests, for a proper flogging. Next was the bike park for laps on laps. In both scenarios, both testers immediately loved the Slash. For such a large bike, it was fast on its feet and eager to maneuver and pop down the trail. Throwing the Slash into corners is great fun, just lean harder and it seemingly never loses composure. Smaller tables and jumps are easily popped with much better feedback than any bike this size should deliver.

At the end of the test, the Slash had us reassessing what a long-travel 29er should be.

What's The Bottom Line?

Alright, Trek Slash, where does this leave us? You aren't perfect but your flaws are fleeting and easily remedied. When it comes down to what matters, the bones that make you what you are, therein lies the magic. The details are sound, the climbs easily tackled and at the bottom of the hill it is all smiles. At the end of the test, the Slash had us reassessing what a long-travel 29er should be. As we said, the Trek Slash isn't a good bike, it's a great bike.

Visit trekbikes.com for more details.

Vital MTB Rating

• Climbing : 4 stars - Excellent
• Descending : 5 stars - Spectacular
• Fun Factor : 5 stars - Spectacular
• Value : 3 stars - Good
• Overall Impression : 4.5 stars - Outstanding

About the Tester

Brad Howell - Age: 41 // Years Riding: 26 // Height: 5'9" (1.75m) // Weight: 170-pounds (77.1kg)

Brad started mountain biking when a 2.25-inch tire was large, and despite having threads, bottom brackets sucked. Riding in the woods with friends eventually lead way to racing, trying to send it at the local gravel pits, and working in bike shops as a wrench to fix those bikes. Fortunate enough to have dug at six Rampages and become friends with some of the sport’s biggest talents, Brad has a broad perspective of what bikes can do and what it means to be a good rider. For several years Brad worked in the bike industry and got to see the man behind the curtain. These days, though, he just likes riding his bike in the woods with friends.

Video and Photos by gordo

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TGR Tested: 2021 Trek Slash 9.9

There are few things that can bomb down a trail like a long-travel 29er. When Trek described the new Slash as “monster truck meets magic carpet,” it sounded like their marketing team had gone a little COVID-crazy, but I’ll admit it was seriously intriguing. I mean, if anything’s going to inspire confidence on a steep, scary trail, a monster truck seems to be a pretty safe bet. When I hopped on the 2021 Slash 9.9 last fall, I was ready to try some extra speed on for size. But I had no idea just how much it would change my riding.

To be perfectly honest, watching Casey Brown throw massive whips on her Slash made me wonder whether I could step up to the challenge of a bike like this. As an advanced (not expert) rider, I thought it might be too much bike for me. It’s built to go fast, like really fast. But despite the fact that this beefy 29er accelerates like a bat out of hell, the stable feel, easy handling, and ability to smoothly sail through technical terrain make high trail speeds alarmingly comfortable.

This bike, like most enduro bikes, is definitively marketed as a Bro Bike. There’s a whole separate issue within the bike industry to unpack there, but I think one of the most remarkable parts of the Slash is that despite its intimidating stature, it’s a friendly, manageable bike that can turn any good rider into a great one. Sure it’s a bike for racing to the EWS podium and it’s certainly proven its worth in that realm, but it’s also a versatile tool that can nudge an advanced rider onto terrain that might otherwise seem impossible.

Over the last few years, the Slash had remained pretty unchanged, but the 2021 Slash 9.9 has a few significant updates that boost the downhill-charging prowess as well as climbing capabilities. This year, following the greater trends of the industry, Trek updated the geometry with a slacker head tube angle (64.1°), steeper seat tube angle (75.6°), and a longer reach (469mm). Trek’s Mino Link technology allows you to adjust the geometry by 0.5° to put it in the “high” setting, but I did most of the riding in the “low” setting which comes stock, so these numbers reflect that. Trek also upped the fork travel by 10mm with a 170mm RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork, and the decently long 1243mm wheel base (on the M/L) provides a super stable feel at high speeds. Extra cushion and the slacked out geometry give the Slash that extra edge for a monster truck feel on the descents, while the steepened seat tube angle makes pedaling uphill feel remarkably efficient for a bike this big. Compared to previous Slashes, which fell a little more into the “trail” category than the “enduro” category, Trek is now fully embracing the trend of bikes designed for all-out speed.

I tested a medium/large Slash 9.9 XO1, which was a welcome addition to the size run; at 5’8” a medium is often a little small and a large feels colossal for me, so the medium/large was ideal for a more precise fit. The 9.9 XO1 comes with a race-ready SRAM Eagle X01 drivetrain and SRAM Code RSC brakes, with an updated Knock Block 2.0 integrated headset that prevents the bars from spinning and ripping out your cables if you wreck. The new Knock Block 2.0 technology allows for 72° of clearance instead of the previous 58° for less impeded steering—in short, you probably won’t really notice it. I ended up cutting down the Bontrager Line Pro handlebar since 820mm felt pretty wide, especially considering the fact that the über-wide bar it’s specced on the small bike. Ultra-fast acceleration is thanks to the 29-inch Bontrager Line Elite 30 carbon wheels with a 54-tooth Rapid Drive hub, a lightweight and not-too-stiff wheelset that contributed to the overall smooth and responsive feel of the Slash.

The Slash 9.9 XO1 comes with a carbon frame, as does the 9.8 and 9.7, but the bike also comes in an aluminum option (Slash 7 and 8) with identical geometry (the previous Slash differed slightly in geometry between the carbon and alloy frame). The 9.8, 9.9, and 8 models all come with the new RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock with the Thru Shaft damper, a proprietary model that Trek and RockShox crafted for a smooth and supple feel - a feeling more akin to a coil shock with the light weight of an air shock. The high speed compression lever has two modes—open or closed—which I use quite a bit for fire road climbs and smooth climbing trails. The position of the shock is just far enough away that it’s tough for me to reach the lever while pedaling, but someone with longer arms could probably get away with doing it along the trail. The low speed compression dial features a plus, zero, and minus setting, for versatility on different types of trails. Zero is a happy medium that most riders will run day in and day out, while Plus increases the stiffness for pedaling efficiency and response while pushing through berms and jump trails. The Minus setting lets the shock compress more freely, which I’ve opted for in steep, rough terrain where I want every bit of cushion I can get. After spending the better part of the season on the bike, I do think a lighter shock tune would be appropriate for riders like me, that weigh under 130 lbs. 

Trek’s Active Braking Pivot (ABP) technology is on all their full-suspension mountain bikes, but is worth mentioning since it contributes to the smooth feel over rough, gnarly descents. Instead of letting the rear end get locked up while braking, ABP separates the braking forces from suspension forces so the shock can move freely even while braking. It was super noticeable for me while plowing down relentlessly rough terrain in Idaho’s Silver Mountain Bike Park this spring, and kept my back tire grounded even when I felt like I was holding on for dear life.

Internal storage doesn’t have anything to do with how it rides, but it deserves a call out since it’s one of those features you don't know you need until you have it. It’s incredibly convenient for short pedals and shuttle rides where I don’t want to carry a pack, and fits a surprising amount of snacks if you take the flat kit out. The beefed up down tube guard adds a little extra protection for the frame while shuttle riding, which is another nice touch if you plan on beating the crap out of your bike.

The medium/large Slash 9.9 XO1 weighs in at 31 lbs, not the lightest you’ll find, but decently svelte for the incredible downhill performance you’re getting out of it.

The Slash wants to go fast, whether you want to or not. 30mph seems to be the Slash’s happy place, which isn’t usually my happy place, but this bike has gradually warmed me up to it.

When I hopped on the bike last fall and took it for a spin at Washington’s Tiger Mountain I was impressed by how immediately friendly it felt. It wasn’t the bucking bronco I’d hyped it up to be, but instead allowed me to glide over steep root sections I’d been stuck on for months and plow through rock gardens I’d been slowly picking my way through just a few weeks prior. Although it craves speed, the Slash does a remarkable job disguising it; almost every ride I’m alarmed to discover how fast I’ve truly been riding. If it were up to the Slash (and not my survival instincts), this bike would come without brakes entirely. You know when people say they’ve found their bike’s speed limit? I'm happy to report that I'm pretty sure the Slash has none.

It’s responsive at high speeds, and although it feels super planted and stable when maching down gnarly tech, it’s got a springy and energetic feel that’s a blast to ride flow trails. Riding Phillips Canyon, one of my favorite fast tech trails on Teton Pass, I was impressed at just how smooth so many of the rock gardens felt while riding the Slash. It handled speed with so much composure that I was shocked to have dropped 30 seconds off my last ride time. Later that week, I hopped on lifts at Jackson Hole’s Bike Park and enjoyed the bike’s lively character when boosting off jumps and whooshing through the impeccably maintained berms - proving that the Slash isn’t just a one-trick pony.

For a bike that can rip bike park laps like a downhill bike, climbing is surprisingly easy. The 29-inch wheels chew up technical climbs, and the steeper seat tube angle kept my body position centered which made it easy and comfortable to settle into longer climbs. I love big adventure rides, and I was nervous about climbing 3 - 4,000 feet at a time on such a burly machine, so I’m psyched about the efficiency of climbing on this thing. During a big pedal day at I-90’s Raging River area, I never felt the bike working against me during back to back 2,000-foot climbs, and it was a treat to drop into rooty downhill trails like Canyon Creek DH and No Service on this beast. Even during the occasional bike push or downed tree maneuver that’s conducive with spring riding in the Tetons or the Colorado High Country, it never felt too bulky to get it where I needed to go.

When riding steeps, the quick acceleration took a bit to get used to. On steep, rutted trails like those found in the PNW where I felt like I needed to precisely control my speed, the Slash’s hunger for more worked against me a bit, and forced me to be a bit more strategic with my braking. Despite the relatively long rear end, the only real drawback I noticed was that it was easy to get thrown back a bit in tight corners if I got a little lazy and didn’t stay centered. In tight terrain where I was looking to be precise, it sometimes felt difficult to maneuver the bike due to the long wheelbase and quick acceleration, but the forgiving nature of the Slash’s geometry made it so that if I missed a move, I’d just keep plowing through without consequences. The only time it really feels clunky is on mellow rolling terrain that’s not quite as generous with its gravity, but that’s not the kind of terrain you’d buy this bike for anyway.

One thing to note: as with any bike, make sure your bolts are tight and threadlocked if necessary. On a weeklong trip through Colorado, the Mino Link geometry-adjust bolt and nut rattled itself loose, causing the flip chip to fall out and disappear forever. Luckily, it’s only a $6 part from a Trek dealer and a one-minute fix, but it was a bit of a headache to source the part.

The Bottom Line:

In short, the Slash is a friendly beast, one that I think any freeride or enduro racing-oriented rider will quickly fall in love with. For the areas I’ve been riding in (Tetons, Utah desert, Colorado high country, and Pacific Northwest) which feature big climbs, gnarly descents, and frequent bike park laps, the Slash is my ideal daily driver.

The caveat? You’ve probably been waiting for this: the Slash is a pricey machine. The 9.9 XO1 I tested rings in at $7,999 (ouch), and that’s not even the highest tier model—if you’ve got $10k to burn and want the best of the best, check out the 9.9 XTR, which features Shimano XTR brakes and drivetrain. We think the XO1 is still a better deal, because while Shimano’s XTR package is certainly superior, it’s not $2,000 superior, and it’s actually slightly heavier than the XO1. Obligatory sticker shock complaints aside, there are plenty of high-end enduro bikes that ring in at a similar price point to the XO1, without the high-end components—$7,999 is a huge chunk of change, but at least the components reflect that.

The aluminum options are significantly less expensive, and the Slash 8 ($4,199) is probably the best value since you’ve still got a fancy RockShox suspension package as the higher end models just without the carbon frame. The 7 is the lowest tier option, but it only costs $500 less than the 8, and has significantly more basic components.

Money talk aside, I credit a huge part of my progression over the last year to this bike. A lot of people say “It’s not the bike it’s the rider,” but choosing a bike that’s built to chew up terrain like the Slash is a no-brainer if you’re looking to push your own limits. I’m not saying this should be anyone’s first mountain bike, but you don’t have to have your sights set on the podium to enjoy flying downhill on the Slash. I loved the Slash so much I convinced my 57-year-old mom to buy one (yes, she hucks to flat), so if you’re not a bro rocking a Fasthouse kit, don’t think this bike isn’t for you. 

Get one at your local Trek Dealer, or check out options at trekbikes.com . Custom paint and builds are available through  Trek's Project One .

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stash member Lily Krass

October 10 th , 2021

Love the simplicity of this design. Keep the great reviews coming TGR, we have copies of your articles in our clinic at Hair Transplants Birmingham

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October 23 rd , 2021

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2021 Trek Slash 9.9 on test – Is this the new enduro bike benchmark?

The Trek Slash caused quite a stir when it was launched in 2016 and played a key role in shaping the 29er enduro bike category. Now, Trek have finally presented its successor, the 2021 Trek Slash 9.9 – with more travel, updated geometry and a practical storage compartment. Will this be the new benchmark?

The most important updates of the 2021 Trek Slash in a nutshell

The new Trek Slash has big shoes to fill! Hardly any bike was as popular in the scene as the 29er preceding it, but it was getting on in years. Trek have increased the travel of the new Slash by 10 mm to 170 mm up front and 160 mm at the rear. The geometry has also been fundamentally revised: the reach is longer, the seat tube angle is almost 2° steeper and the head angle is slacker (now 64.1°). The bottom bracket was lowered by a further 6 mm, despite having more travel, bringing the BB drop to 29 mm. As with the Fuel EX , the American brand have equipped the Slash with a storage compartment in the down tube of both the carbon and aluminium frames.

Looks like a … Trek! There’s no denying the new Slash’s heritage.

Trek have also improved many details of the Slash, giving the bike a new Thru Shaft Super Deluxe shock specially made by RockShox, a revised Knock Block that doesn’t limit the steering quite as much, a threaded bottom bracket and bigger frame protectors. On top of that, the new Trek Slash comes with a 34.9 mm dropper post offering up to 200 mm of travel.

The changes made to the 2021 Trek Slash at a glance:

• longer and slacker geometry with a steeper seat tube angle
• more travel – 170 mm at the front, 160 mm at the rear
• convenient storage compartment in the down tube (aluminium and carbon frames)
• revised Knock Block offering a wider steering angle (72° instead of 58°)
• Specially developed Super Deluxe shock with Thru Shaft technology
• bigger frame protectors
• 34.9 mm dropper post with up to 200 mm travel

The frame of the 2021 Trek Slash in detail

Like its predecessor, the new Trek Slash is available as an aluminium or carbon version. The kinematics and geometry of both versions are identical. Trek are also the first company to integrate the practical storage compartment in the down tube on an aluminium frame – awesome! Like its predecessor, the rear linkage of the new Slash also pivots on the rear axle. As such, the rear suspension should remain active while braking. Trek also continue to rely on their so-called Mino-Link on the new model, allowing you to adjust the geometry by around 0.5° and the bottom bracket height by 6 mm – but we don’t know of anyone who actually uses it. We only ever rode the old and the new Slash in the slack setting.

The Thru Shaft technology on the shock already proved itself on the predecessor, which creates less internal friction thanks to the continuous shaft and the lack of IFP and its seals. For the new model, Trek worked with RockShox to improve on this technology. Instead of using a specially manufactured body, it is now based on the Super Deluxe which allows you to adjust low-speed compression in three stages and thus tune the bike to suit different trails. Flow trails = more compression; steep natural trails = less compression. Another update is that the rebound clicks are now numbered, making it much easier to play with the setup. If you’d prefer using a different shock on the Slash, you can do so without any problems. Most 230 x 62.5 mm Trunnion mount shocks should fit into the rear triangle (e.g. FOX DHX2, FOX X2, RockShox Super Deluxe Coil, FOX DPX2 and MRP Hazard). According to Trek, the Slash is also compatible with coil shocks. The only shock that won’t fit is the classic Super Deluxe air shock because of the position of the lockout lever. Despite having longer travel, Trek have managed to retain the kinematics of the previous Slash, only increasing the overall progression by 2%.

Trek have reworked the details too, equipping the Slash with a threaded BSA bottom bracket, which is much easier to replace than a press-fit version. The down tube protector has been lengthened, but it can also be split in two to save weight, though we wouldn’t know who would want to do that. The cables are routed internally and are secured in place at two positions in the storage compartment, negating the need for foam sleeves or dedicated cable channels inside the frame. Trek have also designed the new Slash to accommodate longer dropper posts, speccing a 200 mm travel Bontrager model on the XL bike. Size L comes with a 170 mm version, while sizes ML and M are fitted with 150 mm travel posts. The smallest size S gets a 125 mm model. The travel of the dropper post can be reduced with spacers if need be.

For the rear end, Trek continue to rely on the established 148 mm Boost standard that they introduced. To increase the clearance around the chainring, they choose to fit the latest SRAM or Shimano cranks with a 55 mm chain line. We wrote a separate article explaining why we think the new Super Boost Plus standard makes little sense, so we’re glad that Trek didn’t go down that route.

An analysis of the Slash’s geometry

You can tell the age of the previous Slash by its short reach and the very slack seat tube angle. Trek have updated both of these aspects on the new model. In size L, the new bike has a reach of 486 mm, 33 mm longer than previously. The chainstays have only increased by 2 mm to 437 mm. The seat tube angle has been made 1.9° steeper, but at 75.6° it’s still pretty slack by today’s standards, especially as the effective angle slackens the further the dropper post is extended. The bottom bracket is lower than its predecessor too, but the 29 mm drop isn’t extreme. The intermediate ML size, on the other hand, is an excellent addition as it will make things much easier for all those riders who find themselves between two frame sizes. In general, we like that Trek is offering the Slash in five sizes, thus making an optimal fit available to as many riders as possible.

The geometry at a glance:

An overview of the various slash models.

Trek are offering the new Slash in two aluminium models and three carbon versions. The 9.8 and 9.9 carbon models are further split between versions with a SRAM or a Shimano drivetrain and different colours, including a completely customised paint job thanks to Trek’s Project One concept. Pricing for the new range starts at € 2,999 for the Slash 7. However, the most attractive model for most riders will be the € 3,499 aluminium Slash 8, which leaves little to be desired in terms of its components. The most affordable carbon Slash is the 9.7, retailing for € 4,499. Topping the range is the 9.9 XTR Project One bike for € 9,099. Both the carbon and aluminium frames are available separately for € 3,999 and € 2,499, respectively. Compared to the complete bikes, this doesn’t seem like a very sensible option for most buyers.

A brief introduction of the different models

Trek Slash 7 – your entry into the range – € 2,999

At € 2,999, the Trek Slash 7 is the most affordable model. It comes with a RockShox Yari fork, a Deluxe Select+ shock without a reservoir, an NX Eagle drivetrain, and weak Guide T brakes. Both the suspension and the brakes are compromised and we would recommend paying € 500 more for the Slash 8.

Trek Slash 8 – great value for money – € 3,499

It sounds almost too good to be true – for just € 500 more, the Slash 8 comes with a RockShox Lyrik RC fork, a Super Deluxe Ultimate shock, a GX-Eagle drivetrain and the powerful SRAM CODE R brakes! Functionally, there is nothing to complain about on this bike. Anyone looking for an attractively priced enduro bike to hit the trails at full speed should take a closer look at this model.

Trek Slash 9.7 – your entry into the world of carbon – € 4,499

The Slash 9.7 is the only model in the lineup equipped with FOX suspension. It comes with a 36 Rhythm fork and a DPX2 shock. Shifting is taken care of by SRAM NX and GX components and a pair of SRAM CODE R brakes provide the stopping power. There is nothing to complain about on the bike, but we would personally save ourselves the additional € 1,000 for the carbon frame and spend the money on slight upgrades for the Slash 8 instead.

Trek Slash 9.8 XT or GX – available in Project One on request – from € 5,999

The Slash 9.8 is the most affordable model available in Trek’s Project One range. For a surcharge of € 500 or more, you can get a completely custom paint job. It comes either with a SRAM GX or Shimano XT drivetrain. The SRAM variant is paired with G2 brakes while the Shimano model is specced with a pair of SLX four-piston brakes. We would choose the Shimano option for the brakes. Both models feature Bontrager Line Elite carbon wheels. The suspension is taken care of by a RockShox ZEB Select+ fork and the specially developed Super Deluxe Ultimate shock. In our opinion, if you must have a carbon frame, this is the model to go for.

Trek Slash 9.9 X01 or XTR – also available in Project One on request – from € 8,499

You only want the best? Then you should choose the Trek Slash 9.9. The bike is optionally available with a SRAM X01 or Shimano XTR drivetrain and can be completely customised as part of the Project One concept. The bike’s handlebars, as well as the Bontrager Line Elite wheels, are made of carbon. The suspension consists of a ZEB Ultimate fork and a Super Deluxe Ultimate shock. From a rational point of view, the extra charge compared to the Slash 9.8 simply isn’t worth it – but who of us is rational when buying a bike?

Our review of the new 2021 Trek Slash 9.9 X01 enduro bike

More than six weeks before the official launch of the new 2021 Trek Slash, we were lucky enough to do an in-depth review of the flagship 9.9 X01 model in size L. Besides riding the bike on our home trails, as usual, we also took it to the bike park in Innsbruck. As if that wasn’t enough, we included it in our enduro bike group test, which will be published in the next issue, comparing it to the hottest enduro bikes of the year. In total, the new Slash 9.9 XO1 was ridden by five experienced ENDURO test pilots.

At first glance, the new Slash looks a lot like its predecessor. However, the frame is generally beefier. As soon as you climb aboard, you’ll immediately notice a few differences. The bike is longer, the seat tube angle is steeper and the suspension feels plusher. The riding position is comfortable, neither too stretched nor too upright. However, the seat tube angle remains on the slacker side of the spectrum. Long-legged riders or anyone who regularly attempts very steep climbs will have to push the saddle as far forward as possible. By doing so, we were able to find a suitable climbing position. Riding uphill, the rear suspension is as pleasantly efficient as before, as long as you stay seated and pedal in even strokes. If that’s the case, you can leave the shock open without any problems. However, if you have to get up out of the saddle to pedal, we recommend locking out the shock first. Overall, the Slash is a capable climber and will easily get you to the top of every trailhead.

Let’s be honest – who would buy a Trek Slash for its climbing prowess? If climbing is your thing, you should perhaps take a closer look at the Fuel EX instead. Where the Slash has to deliver is on the descents and once you drop the saddle, you’ll immediately feel that you’re dealing with a completely different beast. While the previous Slash was more reminiscent of a modern, long-travel trail bike with its rather firm suspension and compact geometry, there’s no denying what the new bike was designed for. The suspension responds a lot more sensitively and literally sticks to the ground. The added reach gives you lots of freedom of movement and you’ll feel much more integrated into the 2021 Slash than on the predecessor. When the descents get steep and technical, the bike’s length keeps it very composed, holding its line and generating a lot of traction. Provided that you replace the SE4 rear tire, because it doesn’t do justice to the new Slash in any situation except for its low rolling resistance. On demanding terrain, there is room for improvement with the small 180 mm rear rotor as the SRAM CODE RSC brakes tend to fade quickly. This bike requires at least a 200 mm rotor and is even approved for up to 220 mm versions – excellent!

Just pull up – the Slash easily copes with botched landings!

The rear end of the Slash performs sensitively with just the right amount of progression towards the end-stroke, but we got the impression that it gives up its travel to readily in the medium compression setting, making it wallow slightly in the mid-stroke. The shock offers enough support through compressions, but it’s a little wallowy in general. Installing three volume spacers didn’t do anything to help. We tried different sag settings between 25 and 30%, finding the sweet spot at around 28%. In combination with the long 485 mm reach and the compact 437 mm rear end, the Slash demands a very committed riding style through corners and for quick direction changes. If you don’t get actively involved, you’ll find yourself hanging off the back of the bike and lacking grip on the front wheel. If you set the compression lever on the shock to the plus, the bike offers more support. However, we would only recommend this setting for flow trails as it comes at the expense of small bump sensitivity as soon as you take on more natural trails. We would have liked to be able to fine-tune the shock more. If you’re not sure about the frame size, we recommend sizing down. Looking back, the ML Slash would have been a better option than the L for a rider height of around 180 cm.

What else did we notice while testing?

The handling of a bike is key, but there are a few other factors that are important to consider before buying a new bike. One feature that makes the Slash so attractive for many enduro riders is the additional storage compartment in the down tube. You can use it to store a tube, an energy bar, a pump or simply a packet of gummy bears. Specialized were the first brand to offer this feature on their carbon bikes. Compared to the opening on the current Specialized Enduro, that of the Slash is smaller, but the latch is easier and quicker to open.

Tuning-Tipps: choose a smaller frame if necessary | larger brake rotor at the rear | Swap tires for a grippier, more robust model

There are a few other things we noticed during our test. Unfortunately, the rubber stopper that allows the thru shaft shock to fully compress came loose. It to be fumbled out of the frame. The shaft had also slightly damaged the housing of the shifter cable – no drama, but annoying. Last but not least, the Bontrager Line Elite carbon rims didn’t survive the test unscathed. While riding, we couldn’t remember encountering any hard impacts and the tires were always inflated to the correct pressure, but the rim wall delaminated from the bed. As a result, the tubeless tire would no longer stay inflated.

Our conclusion on the new 2021 Trek Slash

With a series of updates, Trek aim to put the Slash back on the podium. Thanks to its plush suspension and capable geometry, it’s ready to take on the most demanding trails. The integration of the storage compartment, the comeback of the threaded BSA BB and the longer dropper post are great. However, there’s little innovation and the unsuitable tires, the small brake rotor, the still slack seat tube angle and the lack of adjustability on the rear shock cloud the otherwise positive impression of the 2021 Trek Slash 9.9 X01.

• plush suspension
• practical storage compartment in the down tube (also on the aluminium frame)
• composed handling in rough terrain
• beautiful paint job
• additional ML frame size for the perfect fit

• unbalanced in flat and open corners
• minimal adjustment options on the rear shock
• tires and small rear brake rotor don't do the bike justice

More infos on trekbikes.com

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Trek Slash 9.9

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Weight / M - 13.08 kg / 28.84 lbs (with TLR sealant no tubes)

At a glance

Slash 9.9 is the fastest enduro mountain bike in the lineup, so it’s no surprise it’s the go-to ride for the pros of Trek Factory Racing Enduro. A full OCLV Mountain Carbon frame, RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork, Trek’s exclusive RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft shock, fast-rolling carbon 29er wheels, and a SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain make this top-of-the-line ride the undisputed king of enduro.

Where To Buy

Specifications

• Frame OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame & stays, tapered head tube, Knock Block, Control Freak internal routing, Carbon Armor, ISCG 05, magnesium rocker link, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 150mm travel
• Fork RockShox Lyrik Ultimate, DebonAir spring, Charger 2 RC2 damper, tapered steerer, 42mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Maxle Stealth, 160mm travel
• Shock RockShox Deluxe RT3, DebonAir spring, RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft 3-position damper, tuned by Trek Suspension Lab, 230x57.5mm
• Wheels Front: Bontrager Line Carbon 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle Rear: Bontrager Line Carbon 30, Tubeless Ready, 54T Rapid Drive, 6-bolt, SRAM XD driver, Boost148, 12mm thru axle
• Wheel Size 29"
• Tires Size: S, M, L, XL Bontrager SE4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewall, aramid bead, 60 tpi, 29x2.40'' Size: S, M, L, XL Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewall, aramid bead, 60 tpi, 29x2.60''
• Chain SRAM GX Eagle, 12 speed
• Crank Size: S SRAM X01 Eagle Carbon, DUB, 32T alloy ring, Boost, 170mm length Size: M, L, XL SRAM X01 Eagle Carbon, DUB, 32T alloy ring, Boost, 175mm length
• Bottom Bracket SRAM DUB, 92mm, PressFit
• Rear Derailleur SRAM X01 Eagle
• Shifters SRAM X01 Eagle, 12 speed
• Brakeset Shimano XT M8120 4-piston hydraulic disc
• Saddle Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails, 138mm width
• Seatpost Size: S Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 100mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 340mm length Size: M Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 130mm travel, internal routing, 31.6mm, 400mm length
• Headset Knock Block Integrated, cartridge bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom

Q: How much is a 2020 Trek Slash 9.9?

A 2020 Trek Slash 9.9 is typically priced around $8,000 USD when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2020 Trek Slash 9.9?

The 2020 Trek Slash 9.9 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: How much does a 2020 Trek Slash 9.9 weigh?

A 2020 Trek Slash 9.9 weights M - 13.08 kg / 28.84 lbs (with TLR sealant no tubes).

Q: What size wheels does the 2020 Trek Slash 9.9 have?

The 2020 Trek Slash 9.9 has 29" wheels.

Q: What size 2020 Trek Slash 9.9 should I get?

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2021 Trek SuperCaliber 9.9 XX1 Carbon 29er XC Medium/Large

Cool Features

• Slash 9.8 XT Gen 5

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Winner - Mountain Bike category

"The combination of high-end performance with individuality and user-friendliness in the thought-through package delighted the entire jury."

"Feels exactly right"

"The Slash has a big-bike feel that makes it easier to charge into an unfamiliar trail, while retaining enough maneuverability to prevent it from feeling like overkill on mellower trails."

Enduro Bike of the Year

Once the dust had settled, it was the Slash that managed to edge its way into the lead. Its ability to tackle the wildest terrain without flinching yet all the while retaining that reactive, lively feel really won us over.

"A hell of a bike"

"Slash is great on rough, bermed corners and it has been an absolute monster riding steeps. This is an easy bike to ride and everything felt very natural from the first drop in and I haven't looked back since."

More options

• Rider Notes

2020 Trek Slash 9.7 29

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension enduro bike with high-end components. Compare the full range

For This Bike

View more similar bikes →

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Slash 9.7 29

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Add custom gearing

Mar 2021 · Lydia Tanner

The Trek Slash has been 29-inch-only since 2016, and the 2021 version is evidence of its head start in the big-wheel enduro category.

Superb high-speed stability

Great traction in variable terrain

Supple and generous-feeling suspension

Less maneuverable at slow speeds

A lot of bike to get back up the hill

Read Review

Riding a bike like the Slash over the winter on the North Shore is a rough test scenario, but Trek's newest long travel trail bike has proven up to the task...

Feb 2021 · Guy Kesteven

We took the Trek Slash 9.9 X01 to our toughest local trails to see how its new shape and unique shock translate to the real world

Phenomenal rear suspension

Awesome aggro geometry

Precision accuracy

High control cockpit

Internal storage

Efficient pedaling

Threaded BB

Optional steering lock

More confident with switched tires

ZEB fork requires some patience

Deserves better wheels

Short dropper on small sizes

Seriously grounded rather than playful

Dec 2020 · Mike Wirth

The new Trek Slash 9.9 X01 sees many updates making it an even more capable all-mountain, enduro mountain bike. See how it performed.

Dec 2020 · Mike Kazimer

The Slash received multiple updates for 2021, but it's still an enduro race machine at heart.

Light and stiff frame – encourages you to go fast

Great shock tune

In-frame storage

Wide range of available frame size options

Seat tube angle could still be a bit steeper

Shorter cranks and an even longer dropper post would have been nice to see

Oct 2020 · Spencer Johnson

The venerable Trek Slash is back for 2021, armed with more suspension travel than ever before. The new Trek Slash 9.9 X01 comes equipped with the ever-capable, 170-millimeter RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork and a custom, 160-millimeter RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock, placing it squarely in the hard-charging enduro category. For me, one of the most welcome updates for the new Slash is the seat angle, which has been steepened to 75.6 degrees, putting the rider’s weight directly between the wheels—and making for a much more comfortable seated position while climbing. The relatively long reach of 486 millimeters, together with the mid-length chainstay of 437 millimeters, creates a bike that stays firmly planted while you sweat your way to the top of a mountain. But the most impressive feature of the new Slash is its impressively light weight—something I wouldn’t automatically expect from a bike in the longer-travel range, especially one with 29-inch wheels. The lightweight frame construction and ultra-light build of the 9.9 X01 version I tested was noticeable from the moment I started huffing up my first climb.

Trek redesigns the Slash for 2021, going longer, lower and slacker to make a mean enduro machine with a few tricks up its sleeve.

After making an unofficial appearance last weekend at the Enduro World Series event in Zermatt, Switzerland, the latest incarnation of the Trek Slash was officially unveiled Wednesday. On paper, the new 29er rock smasher looks to be more capable than its predecessor, boasting a bump in rear suspension travel from 150 mm rear/160 mm front to 160 mm/170 mm.

Last updated 16 April Not listed for 1,086 days