Issue #039, Review -

Trek Slash 8 29 in review

When Trek unveiled the new Slash 8 29, the American brand kept quiet about the fact that the geometry of the aluminium version had been updated and tweaked slightly compared to the carbon model, making the bike even more interesting for a lot of riders.

Trek Slash 8 | € 2,999 | 160/150 mm (f/r) | 14.18 kg | 29″

The Trek Slash 8 29 is the bike many Trek fans have been waiting for. While the carbon model has become a true classic among 29er Enduro bikes, there wasn’t an affordable aluminium version available. All that changed with the € 2,999 Slash 8 29. The best part: Trek adjusted the reach and the seat tube angle on the aluminium Slash, addressing two issues we had with the carbon version. The reach is 8 mm longer, the seat tube angle is 0.8° steeper and another frame size has been added. The Slash’s geometry is still on the more compact side of the spectrum, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Trek are known for their specially designed shock, and the Slash 8 also features a RockShox Deluxe RT3 with Thru Shaft technology. The piston rod extends through the whole shock body. That means that the damping oil doesn’t get pressurised, removing the need for an internal floating piston and resulting in a shock that can respond more sensitively, according to Trek. The remaining spec consists of proven components: the drivetrain, wheels, dropper post and cockpit suit the bike well and give no reason for complaint. The same can’t be said for the Bontrager XR4 tires and the SRAM Guide brakes. Neither do the bike justice and should ideally be replaced before you leave the shop.

The one to rule them all – the Slash is at home on every terrain!

Helmet Troy Lee Designs D3 | Jersey Troy Lee Designs Ruckus | Shorts Troy Lee Designs Ruckus Solid Shorts | Knee pads Endura MT500 knee protector | Shoes Five Ten Freerider Pro

The Trek Slash 8 29 in detail

Fork RockShox Yari R 160 mm
Shock RockShox Deluxe RT3 RE:aktiv Thru Shaft 150 mm
Brakes SRAM Guide R 200/180
Drivetrain SRAM GX Eagle
Seatpost Bontrager Line 150 mm
Stem Bontrager Line Knock Block 50 mm
Handlebar Bontrager XR Elite 780 mm
Wheels Bontrager Line Comp
Tires Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 2.4″

Beautiful
The frame of the Trek Slash 8 has a lot of beautiful details and a harmonious design.
High-end for everyone
Trek spec the same shock on their most affordable Slash as on their flagship models to give every rider the best possible rear-end performance.
Something’s missing here!
Unfortunately, the chainstay protector is too short and the paint got damaged after only a few rides. We recommend sticking on some Slapper Tape before your first ride.
Superfluous
We never used the geometry adjustment in our test and found the slack setting to be ideal for every trail we rode.
Size S M ML L XL
Seat tube 394 mm 419 mm 445 mm 468 mm 522 mm
Top tube 581 mm 597 mm 613 mm 627 mm 653 mm
Head tube 100 mm 100 mm 105 mm 110 mm 125 mm
Head angle 65.1° 65.1° 65.1° 65.1° 65.1°
Seat angle 74.4° 74.4° 74.4° 74.4° 74.4°
Chainstays 434 mm 434 mm 434 mm 434 mm 434 mm
BB Drop 28 mm 28 mm 28 mm 28 mm 28 mm
Wheelbase 1,172 mm 1,187 mm 1,204 mm 1,219 mm 1,248 mm
Reach 410 mm 425 mm 440 mm 453 mm 475 mm
Stack 612 mm 612 mm 617 mm 621 mm 635 mm

The Trek Slash 8 29 in review

You’ll quickly feel at home aboard the Trek Slash 8 29 and thanks to its moderate geometry, it doesn’t take long to get used to the bike. Weighing 14.18 kg, it climbs very willingly. If you push the saddle forward, your weight will be nicely centred. The rear suspension performs sensitively without any bob and generates a lot of traction on technical climbs. However, it is worth reaching for the climb switch on fire road climbs. Going downhill, the handling is impressively versatile. It’s agile, but not nervous, composed, but not cumbersome. No matter which trail you’re on, with the Trek you’re on the right bike. The rear suspension is sensitive, yet very defined. However, if you want super plush suspension, this isn’t the bike for you. We also recommend leaving the rebound setting almost completely open.

Tuning tip: swap tires | upgrade brakes with larger rotors and Trickstuff Power pads or replace if necessary |optimise chainstay protector | possibly upgrade the Yari fork (expensive)

The Slash 8 29 is happy to catch air off anything that resembles a lip and will generate a lot of speed if you pump it through compressions. However, on fast, successive hits, the RockShox Yari can’t quite keep up with the performance of the rear end. Where the Trek really shines, is with quick direction changes: the handling is very precise and requires only a little input from the rider. Change your mind at the last minute and feel like taking the high line? Easy! The weight distribution is excellent and the handling is extremely balanced.

The suspension is firm but not uncomfortable and it rewards an active riding style!

Conclusion

The Trek Slash 8 29 is a super versatile bike. It climbs well and will make beginners, advanced racers and bike park shredders happy on the descents. Yes, the build does have a few small flaws, but your friendly Trek dealer will surely help you out. If you’re looking for the perfect do-it-all Enduro bike, this is it, our Best Value Tip!

Tops

  • super versatile handling
  • suitable for every skill level
  • excellent rear suspension

Flops

  • tires and brakes at the limit
  • Knock Block is more of a bug than a feature
  • chainstay protector is too short

Riding Characteristics

12

Uphill

1
  1. sluggish
  2. efficient

Agility

2
  1. cumbersome
  2. playful

Stability

3
  1. nervous
  2. confident

Handling

4
  1. unbalanced
  2. balanced

Suspension

5
  1. harsh
  2. plush

Fun Factor

6
  1. planted
  2. poppy

Value for money

7
  1. terrible
  2. very good

Technical Data

Trek
Slash 8

Size: S M ML L XL
Weight: 14,18 kg
Travel (f/r): 160/150 mm
Wheel Size: 29"
Price: € 2,999

Intended Use

XC 8
Trail 9
Enduro 10
Downhill 11

For more info head to: trekbikes.com

The test field

For an overview of the test fleet head to: Pedal up, Hammer down – 8 affordable Enduro bikes go head to head

All the bikes in test: Canyon Strive CF 5.0 | FOCUS SAM 8.9 | Propain Spindrift Performance | RADON Swoop 9.0 | SCOTT Ransom 920Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp Alloy 29 | YT Capra 29 AL Comp


This article is from ENDURO issue #039

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