Issue #017, Review - December 13, 2015

Trek Slash 9 27.5 2015 Review

Trek have always been a powerhouse when it comes to research and development, and they know how to do things by the numbers. The Slash has always been their rock star in the lineup, the big brother to the popular Remedy. The Slash is a ‘good times’ bike, aimed at those who want to get rowdy on tough terrain without having to push back to the top of the hill.

This article is part of our Enduro Bike Group Test 2015.

The Trek Slash 9. — The Trek Slash 9 27.5 2015.

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The Slash 9 27.5 is the highest level available in the aluminium-framed series and is decked out accordingly, keeping the weight down to 13.39 kg. The SRAM X1 drivetrain performed well and the Shimano XT brakes with Ice-Tech rotors did the business if you got overconfident. The Slash is rolling on big rims too, the Bontrager Maverick Pros, with a 28mm internal width providing a huge tyre profile. Dropping the tyre pressures a little resulted in face-melting grip through tight turns in the loam. However, we did not share the same joy for the Bontrager XR4 Team Issue tyres on rocky trails, we found them lacking in grip and they seemed prone to punctures.

The Slash is certainly pleasing to the eye!

Climbing onto the Slash we were quite surprised to find a cockpit that felt a little more trail than DH sled. The 60mm Bontrager stem sits at odds with the bike’s hardcore aspirations, but the 750mm Bontrager bar was good and wide. There was no doubt in the geometry though: with its slack (65°) front end and long 1192 mm wheelbase (size 18.5” tested), on paper the bike certainly looks like it wants to party. But would it deliver on the trails?

During long days in the saddle we were thankful of the Trek’s efficient pedalling position, and there was minimal feedback from the pedals on long spins. While climbing over rough ground, the supple suspension and good power transfer made it easy to punch up technical climbs. We liked the mino link adjustable geometry, but we are not sure who would buy a bike called ‘Slash’ and put it in anything other than the lowest and slackest setting. What got us all talking was the rear suspension action.

When it comes to the descents the fully floating, ABP suspension is insanely good, very active with almost no breakaway friction. The Monarch RC3 DebonAir shock glides through its travel sublimely, and even under severe braking the rear end remains buttery smooth. The traction from the rear end is one of the best we have ridden, and no matter if you are climbing or descending the wheels track the ground with laser accuracy. The Slash rips through tight switchbacks and changes lines with agility and verve, but it did not seem as confident charging hard through burly rock gardens.

We couldn't get the fork dialed into work as well as the fantastic rear end. — We couldn’t get the fork dialed into work as well as the fantastic rear end.

The front end (RockShox Pike RC2 Dual Position) never seemed to perform as well as the exceptional rear. The fork felt too linear in its travel delivery, and we found the front end a little low until we lifted it with 3cm of spacers. A Pike Solo Air with tokens may have been a better choice to complement the superb rear suspension, and would improve performance over technical terrain.

In the end we were left surprised – the Slash is perhaps not the thinned-down Session that we expected and is more of a super-confident trail bike, well balanced and adaptable, perfect for tight and awkward trails.

Details

Dual Position: The Slash 9 comes with a Pike RC Dual Position fork offering 130 and 160mm of travel. This is a good fork, but for heavier and more aggressive riders, the Solo Air would offer more adjustability using RockShox’s useful bottomless tokens. — **Dual Position:**The Slash 9 comes with a Pike RC Dual Position fork offering 130 and 160mm of travel. This is a good fork, but for heavier and more aggressive riders, the Solo Air would offer more adjustability using RockShox’s useful bottomless tokens.

Smooth and Clean: The Slash 9 is manufactured from Trek’s Alpha Platinum aluminium, continuously extruded and butted at multiple points to keep the weight down. Clean and smoothed welds combine with the aggressive orange colour scheme to produce a frame that looks purposeful. — **Smooth and Clean:**The Slash 9 is manufactured from Trek’s Alpha Platinum aluminium, continuously extruded and butted at multiple points to keep the weight down. Clean and smoothed welds combine with the aggressive orange colour scheme to produce a frame that looks purposeful.

Endless grip: The RockShox Monarch Plus RCT3 DebonAire shock is well matched to the superb Trek ABP suspension, offering incredible traction. The addition of the mino links allows the bike geometry to be adjusted to suit the rider's home trails. — **Endless grip:**The RockShox Monarch Plus RCT3 DebonAire shock is well matched to the superb Trek ABP suspension, offering incredible traction. The addition of the mino links allows the bike geometry to be adjusted to suit the rider’s home trails.

Full Floater: The shock is held in a suspended state between the extended chainstays and the EVO link, floating on the two attachment points. This results in a suspension that is extremely supple over small bumps, but still provides ample support in the mid stroke. — **Full Floater:**The shock is held in a suspended state between the extended chainstays and the EVO link, floating on the two attachment points. This results in a suspension that is extremely supple over small bumps, but still provides ample support in the mid stroke.

Specification: Trek Slash 9 27.5 2015

Fork: RockShox Pike RC Dual Position 160 mm
Rear Shock: RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 Debonair 160 mm
Drivetrain: SRAM X1
Brakes: Shimano XT
Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth
Stem: Bontrager Rhythm Pro
Handlebar: Bontrager Elite
Tyres: Bontrager XR4 Team Issue
Wheelsize: 27.5″
Wheels: Bontrager Maverick Pro
Price: € 5,299

Strengths

ABP suspension insanely good.
Wide wheelset boosts confidence.

Weaknesses

XR4 tryes lacked bite.
Dual position fork.

Conclusion

We had to hand it to the Slash: it really is an excellent bike, efficient and predictable. We were expecting a ‘Rock and Roll’ shredder, a full-gas handful that would push us to the limit. But the Slash is more refined and good-natured, covering all the bases well but perhaps lacking in anger – a bit like a collaboration album by Iron Maiden and Mumford and Sons.

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For more information on the Trek Slash visit trekbikes.com