Ever since it debuted back in 2016, Trek's Slash 29 has been a popular option for riders looking for a burly enduro race bike or all-mountain mischief maker, but even the entry level model was on the higher end of the price scale. The introduction of an aluminum-framed model changes that, and the new Slash 8 retails for a more attainable $3,500 USD. There's also a frame only option for $1,999, which includes a RE:aktiv / ThruShaft equipped RockShox Deluxe RT3.
The Slash's aluminum frame keeps almost all of the features found on the carbon models – it still has 150mm of rear travel, and a flip chip allows the head angle to be adjusted between 65.1 or 65.6-degrees. There's internal cable routing, along with the Knock Block integrated headset that keeps the fork and handlebar from turning too far and smacking into the frame.
Slash 8 Details• Intended use: all-mountain / enduro
• Wheel size: 29"
• Rear wheel travel: 150mm
• Aluminum frame
• 65.1° or 65.6° head angle
• 434mm chainstays
• 12 x 148mm rear spacing
• Sizes: 15.5, 17.5, 18.5, 18.5, 21.5
• Price: $3,500 USD
• Frame only: $1,999 USD
• Colors: matte black, Miami to volt fade
•
www.trekbikes.com,
@trek The Slash 8's component package includes a 160mm RockShox Yari RC fork, SRAM Guide R brakes, and a 12-speed SRAM GX drivetrain. The recently-updated Bontrager Line dropper post is also in place, along with Bontrager's Line 30 Comp wheels and 2.4” XR4 tires.
Like its carbon sibling, the alloy Slash has 150mm of rear travel, internal cable routing, and a Knock Block headset.
Along with the new aluminum model, Trek have also expanded the number of carbon models – after a brief absence, the top-tier, 9.9 model returns, equipped with a full carbon frame, carbon wheels, a Fox Factory 36 GRIP2 fork, and Shimano's 4-piston XT brakes for $7,200. There's also a new 9.7 model, which has a carbon front triangle, alloy swingarm, a similar build kit to what's found on the alloy Slash 8, and a price tag of $4,500.
my fuel ex is divine.
Sorry, my OCD got the better of me!
"If you were my son Mac, I would've smothered you by now.
Smothered me in gravy you big dirty man."
Much love to anyone who responded to leifgren, freaking love Broken Lizard
props to TREK!!!!!
It could be under 30 with a little work.
Chainring is 32t and is Steel. An alloy one shaves weight, carbon bars, lighter pedals would put the bike around 30lbs..
But here in BC, 34lbs enduro bikes are not too out of place..ive seen 38lbs fully loaded carbon Rocky Mountain Insticts..
Im more concerned with pedalling position these days..
Interesting point. Even tho the Sentinel I demoed was heavy as hell, the pedaling position was noticeably better than my stumpjumper, to the point that the slack AF hta didn’t feel a hindrance at all whilst climbing. Cool bike. I’ll have to arrange a spin in the Slash.
I love it so much, I can't wait for Angel Fire in the morning.
I've had the 2.6 Goodyear Newton ST on the front which made the bike a pig on the ups but massively more capable on the downs.. With the DHF 2.5WT It is almost as capable without the weight penalty..
Other unkown feature of all SLASHes are you can run 27.5X2.8 Wheels in them no problem.. also plenty of room with 29x2.6 rubber too.. something for every trail!!
Are u talking Slash or Sentinel?
denomerdano owns this bike so he knows.
I weighed a large alu gx Smuggler at the shop at 34 lbs with tubes. The Sentinel’s frame is 1/2 pound heavier and a few parts are a little heavier than the smug so I’m guessing 35-ish with tubes. The alu gx Sentinel I demoed was set up tubeless so closer to 34 lbs.
I loved the Sent and the weight didn’t put me off it just confirmed that if I go with that bike next that it would be worth the carbon version for the 2.5 lb weight savings.
Liking this Slash tho too.
can you describe your shock setup? (open, trail mode, sag and token) i was running my fuel ex with the biggest spacer in the dps damper. lovin the progressive style on the back.
I liked how i can run 17psi in them and not squirm. The casing. Is solid.
Skatey on loose over hard but solid on everything else. Weigh 1110grams with EN casing..
Trek recomenddd settings are good.
My weight in pressure in the shock, and fast rebound cause poppy if fun and makes the bike feel lighter with flat pedals.
Experimenting with fork pressure still. Added another token, 3 total. At 70psi
The shock's not bad if they can make it reliable, but it's not as good as the X2 imo.
Raw welds have certain appeal, but I appreciate clean look more.
On the plus side though, these bikes are bastard fast!
So yeah, I’ll never be buying a Trek
I understand Trek's marketing about having the latest and greatest tech, but it seems they often rush things to market just to abandon it in a few years anyways.
Actually, the newer Devinci's are also using those type of shocks, it'll probably bring in more shock manufacturers and more reliability.
Well, I had really bad luck when I tried my new monster barspin on one of these. At least now I have a lot of new shiney golden teeth in my mouth...
I actually find it easier to be able to lean my bike against something and not have the handlebars swing around making the bike fall.
The only time I ever hit the knockblock is when I crash or when hitting jumps doing tables and whips, and even then it's not a terrible feeling.
Well those are just like...your opinions, men. ; )
It's just because at that price point
"you can get a _______with a ______for _______"
I thought a charger 2 damper was $300.... not that that’s cheap. And the chassis is burly AF.... same as the Lyrik?
Giant's frames are cheaper, but their geo is still not where i want it to be, so that was a hard pass, unfortunately