There's a New Aluminum Version of the Trek Slash

Jul 27, 2018
by Mike Kazimer  
Trek Slash alloy

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.
Trek Slash alloy
Not into the flashy yellow and green paint job? The matte black option will make it a little easier to fly under the radar.

Trek Slash alloy
Trek Slash alloy
Like its carbon sibling, the alloy Slash has 150mm of rear travel, internal cable routing, and a Knock Block headset.

Trek Slash
The Trek Slash 9.7

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.

Author Info:
mikekazimer avatar

Member since Feb 1, 2009
1,719 articles

215 Comments
  • 102 1
 Dope neon fade colors.
  • 9 0
 It's the same color scheme as my Superfly SS, looks even better in person.
  • 9 0
 Sonny Crockett wants his suit back ... nah, just kidding, looks great!
  • 11 5
 Front like a Yeti,back like a Commençal. Well played.
  • 24 2
 If there's one thing Trek seems to always nail these days, it's their paintjobs
  • 7 5
 And they made a 18.5 so I can ride one now..... @trek where is the carbon 18.5 I would have bought one if that was a thing.... Got a Remedy instead..... Wanted a Slash, test rode both 17.5 & 19.5 Carbons, to big and to small at 5'9.5" Frown
  • 4 0
 f*ckin ace colourway boys! @trek
  • 4 2
 @Lookinforit: but it's not made to last, my remedy gets scratches from just looking at it
  • 3 2
 @MrDiamondDave: 19.5 shouldnt be too big at your height! Especially not these days
  • 2 4
 @schralpknobslikecornonthecob: Thank you lord for Trek our bicycle savior.
my fuel ex is divine.
  • 4 20
flag fecalmaster (Jul 27, 2018 at 22:59) (Below Threshold)
 Liking the stealth version even though it's a Trek.
  • 8 3
 I heard they developed this bike from scratch. If you know what I'm saying.
  • 2 1
 @Chridel: You should ride it instead of looking at it...
  • 5 1
 @Foxy87: I'm the same size and an 18.5 trek fits me much better than the 19.5. Sure I can ride the larger size, but I'm spending 3.5 k I'm going to get something that fits whether it says Trek on the side or not.
  • 1 0
 @nozes: and dartmoor color scheme
  • 3 1
 @fecalmaster: u ever ridden one?
  • 2 7
flag fecalmaster (Jul 28, 2018 at 8:12) (Below Threshold)
 @bohns1: Does a whale piss in the ocean,,,, please.
  • 2 0
 @Chridel: Cant argue with you there, I love my 2017 remedy 9.8 but it scratches easier than any bike Ive ever owned.
  • 6 1
 @fecalmaster: why the Trek hate?
  • 2 7
flag fecalmaster (Jul 29, 2018 at 2:32) (Below Threshold)
 @bohns1: Who is hating, the customer is always right.
  • 4 0
 @fecalmaster:your not a customer tho..
  • 2 0
 @MrDiamondDave: same here - I was right between sizes on the carbons. Would be great if they did a 18.5 Carbon.
  • 1 5
flag fecalmaster (Jul 30, 2018 at 3:06) (Below Threshold)
 @bohns1: The guy with the money is called the customer $$$$$
  • 1 4
 @bohns1: "You're" and "though"
Sorry, my OCD got the better of me! Wink
  • 1 4
 @kennyken1015: Ya your one of those silly nanny dicktionary wankers ehhy?!!
  • 1 1
 @DTyler5: First day in the park and it looked like most bikes after a year ;-) But your right, you can just love that bike, it so versatile and fun everywhere!
  • 1 1
 @MrDiamondDave: Trek is making 18.5 for most of their carbon frames now. It's why I own a '17 Fuel 9 instead of a 9.8 or 9.7. Funny though, I rented my son a 17.5 Remedy 8 (27.5) at Copper Harbor and it fit me very well. What a great bike!
  • 1 1
 @kennyken1015: I do that shit deliberately, strictly for the grammar po-po yo!
  • 1 1
 @deadtime: Yeah, I am on a Remedy18.5 Rode many fuels in 18.5 and I really felt like the 19" Slash I demo'd was to long.
  • 1 1
 @fecalmaster: Can't honestly say that I've ever wanked over a dictionary or a nanny for that matter. I can think of better things Smile
  • 1 1
 @kennyken1015: That's a huge relief ,, thanks for the info.
  • 43 1
 On the day most people voted that $3-4k was their budget. Shenanigans!
  • 40 0
 Hey, Farva, what's the name of that restaurant you like with all the goofy shit on the walls and the mozzarella sticks?
  • 21 0
 @leifgren: The next person who says Shenanigans is getting pistol whipped!!
  • 23 1
 @nyhc00: are you guys talking about shenanigans????
  • 8 0
 @leifgren: Mother of GOD!
  • 7 0
 @leifgren:

"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
  • 4 0
 @leifgren: "License and registration you chicken f*cker!"
  • 1 3
 I thought that poll was what is the most someone would spend, not their budget.
  • 5 0
 @pav4: it says "in your CURRENT SITUATION" how much are you willing to spend. Not "if you had an infinite amount of money" because then everyone would get 10k bikes
  • 2 0
 @Ryan2949: And some people would get a 10 million dollar car.
  • 26 2
 the looks like a session gets a lot of crap but lets be honest everyone copies that style because it looks so nice and rides so well, these bikes are sick and im happy to see trek taking care of the people who need a great MTB without the huge price tag! also that black with the word trek in an oil slick color is super rad! (all the color ways are sick)

props to TREK!!!!!
  • 17 0
 I have been on mine for 2 weeks and it is an amazing value ride.. Steeper seat tube than the csrbon version and builds to a 32lbs with pedals and burly tires.. This thing rips, up or down.. A charger 2 damper going in the Fork next week but the shock is flawless..
  • 2 1
 thanks for the beta. Respect to Trek for the price point. 32 ain’t no lightweight but it’s also not 34 like the alu Sentinel.
  • 6 1
 @WasatchEnduro:
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..
  • 1 0
 @denomerdano:

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.
  • 4 0
 I'm exactly the same, picked mine up last Thursday. I weighed a 19.5" 8 at 31.04 lbs with no pedals against a 17.5" 9.7 at 30.05 lbs. So 1lb for $1k and lower spec (nx vs gx). The steeper seat tube angle puts it almost the same as a Fuel EX. Mine is sitting at 32 lbs even with a carbon bar, chester pedals, and Maxxis 2.5" W/T DHF/Aggressor. I've also got an RC2 damper conversion coming, but its back ordered till August 10th.

I love it so much, I can't wait for Angel Fire in the morning.
  • 2 0
 I really enjoyed the RSL Slash 9.9 I demo'ed in WBP a few CWorx back. Had I went back and tried the larger frame size out I likely would own one now.
  • 2 0
 @denomerdano: I've never put one of my bikes on a scale. I don't know if I would be able to say if my alloy "Enduro" 29er bike weighed less or more than my carbon DH 26er bike. I'd guess the two of them are similar within a pound...
  • 2 0
 @luckyguy19: Yes Rockshox is taking their sweet time with the RC2 dampers. Yari is OK for majority of stuff, but fails to recover quick enough on rough trails..
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!!
  • 2 2
 A lot of people upgrading damper! ...consider the acs3 coil thing guys.. wont help shave some grams but you wouldnt regret, coil is the real deal.. sorry for hijacking , enjou your treks !
  • 2 0
 Bonus: these are marked down to $3300 on the Trek site at the moment.
  • 2 0
 @Lagr1980: Having ran coil on some of my bikes in the past, i don't disagree.
  • 1 0
 @WasatchEnduro: Trek always keeps their bikes light for their said categories.. I'm still on the 16 fuel ex 9.9 with a 140 pike and it's still in the 26lb range with burly maxxis! Awesome bikes!
  • 1 0
 @bohns1: The Fuel Ex gained a whole bunch of weight the year after yours.
  • 1 0
 @bohns1: Well.. My 18 Remedy is at 35 lbs.
  • 1 0
 @j-t-g: What is the 9.9 at now?
  • 1 0
 @cdmbmw: Well I was sort of talking the 9.7 to 9.9 models.
  • 1 0
 @bohns1: You said they always keep bikes light for their category. I feel like their more, average and acceptable for their categories.
  • 2 0
 @denomerdano: I have a FULLY loaded custom Instinct XL siz that I built, 2.5 DHF tires, Fox 36, DPX2, Carbon Bars, 170mm dropper, diety pedals, TI rails saddle, i29 rims. Etc. I'm nearly under 29lbs. The frame is super light. Guys pushing 38lbs are doing something dumb. The X2 I throw on it is only another 200g. I could go coil and get up to 30+ lbs but FAR from 38. My other alum bike is 33lbs and feels like a tank after the new Instinct.
  • 1 0
 @WasatchEnduro: where did you guys find the weight the only weight I could find was 34lbs which is two pounds heavier than the 2015 year how did this bike gain so much weight?
  • 1 0
 @cdmbmw: I guess if you're keeping it factory then Ya... I got lucky with my 16 9.9 even after a more burlier build.. Its like an aggressive xc bike than can handle mini dh...
  • 1 0
 @loganflores:

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.
  • 1 0
 @WasatchEnduro: no I was talking about the slash. Seems odd for a bike to gain so much weight in three years.
  • 1 0
 sounds great, ive ordered a frame and hopefully built it this week!
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.
  • 1 0
 @denomerdano: What else did you like about the Newtons? I've been eyeing those for awhile for my DH bike
  • 2 0
 @LoganKM1982: Same. Can't see them being any heavier or slower rolling than the Michelin Wild Rock'R2 Magic-X front tyre.
  • 2 0
 @LoganKM1982:
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..
  • 1 0
 @weaknesseightyeight:
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
  • 1 0
 @gonecoastal: Yeah, at this point I just want a tubeless ready downhill tire with good enough tread and casing. The new Goodyear tires have some interesting features.
  • 1 0
 @denomerdano: So close, all I ride on is loose over hard or moondust it seems. Good to know about the casing though. The Newton DH has "240" TPI so I figured with 4 layers of 60 TPI it should be pretty solid.
  • 12 4
 "We made a thru-shaft shock so we don't need no IFP, but it turns out we still kinda' need an IFP so we put just a little one on the side of the shock"
  • 5 0
 I had this thought too! Hilarious... but my understanding is that the IFP is there to compensate to pressure changes due to temperature and has no effect on the ThruShaft damping function.
  • 2 5
 You don't really understand it then, That is not how it works
  • 3 0
 Isnt it there to pressurise the oil ?
  • 2 1
 @zyoungson: Yes, there's a schrader valve under the cover.

The shock's not bad if they can make it reliable, but it's not as good as the X2 imo.
  • 11 1
 Both of those paint jobs are fucking ace
  • 1 22
flag Joelukens00 (Jul 28, 2018 at 13:58) (Below Threshold)
 WOW! YOU USED COOL LINGO!
  • 6 2
 What I like about "bigger" bike brands is how they smooth the welds. My old Trek Remedy and even 10-year old Cannondale entry-level hardtail have so smooth joints on the frame that they almost look like they're made of carbon fiber.

Raw welds have certain appeal, but I appreciate clean look more.
  • 10 1
 Anybody can grind their welds smooth to hide the quality. I'd prefer to see an even stack of dimes so I know the welds are strong and uniform.
  • 4 8
flag clarky78 (Jul 28, 2018 at 11:40) (Below Threshold)
 You know they donthat to hide poor welding and cheap Taiwanese build quality right? Yeah, it looks like carbon, but they also don't want you to see the poor ass quality weld on your frame.
  • 5 3
 @clarky78: Some brands do that to hide poor welding and some brands grind those perfect welds to make those joints look as smooth as baby's bottom Wink
  • 4 9
flag clarky78 (Jul 28, 2018 at 12:23) (Below Threshold)
 @hseagle2015: yep.. to hide poor welds.
  • 6 0
 Unless I'm missing something the 9.7 does not have "the same workhorse drivetrain" as the 8. The 8 is full GX Eagle where the 9.7 is a mix of GX and NX.
  • 9 2
 THRUUUUUUUUUUUUUSHAFTTTTT
  • 2 0
 Awesome Colors! I have a Trek Fuel ex 8 2017 and i like it! the 130mm is enough travel and the bike is very agile and responsive. I know Trek gets alot of hate but they make a damn good bike. I like my Fuel Ex 8 and i plan to ride it for years to come.
  • 2 0
 I'm trying to decide between the 2019 Remedy or the 2019 alloy Slash. My last bike was a Commencal Meta V4.2 and i want a bike that i equally (or nearly) as capable as the Meta. INow I cant decide between remedy and slash, surely the slash is going to be the faster bike but how much will it hold me back, compared to the remedy, when smashing turns and going off big jumps? And how much slower is the the remedy over big chunky sections? The Slash would also be my first 29er so im not sure how big of a change that is.
  • 3 1
 When I changed from 27.5 to 29 it was quite some difference in the feel of steering and timing, but now I got used to it I would not want to go back to the small wheels.
  • 2 0
 Just picked the new 2019 Slash 9.9. The bike rips so hard. It's my first 29er and I totally notice the monster truck like confidence that comes from the bigger wheels. Also, the matte black 9.9 is actually just a raw carbon finish which looks sick. Overall awesome bike would recommend.
  • 4 0
 Man that's a BIG kink in the seat tube. Can you even get a 170mm dropper to insert all the way??
  • 5 1
 No. Frown Don't ask me how I know, but I do
  • 1 0
 @thebighorn: huh.. I got a 16 fuel ex with a big ass kink.. No issue with a 170mm dropper! 21.5 frame tho..
  • 1 0
 I've got the 2018 Slash (same bike) in an XL and I get the Revive 185 dropper to fit. But the 200mm dropper from Nine point eight is too long and to fit it makes my seat far too high.
  • 2 0
 I’m 5’ 8” and ride a 17.5” Slash with 170mm Oneup dropper. With other droppers, the most was 150 for me
  • 3 1
 Took my 2019 9.8 slash out for its first ride today... My god this bike rips!!! And I must say this alloy model makes me happy. Giving the people a more affordable option to ride a sick bike is always a good thing!
  • 4 1
 I love my 2018 trek slash! It’s probably the best bike I’ve ever ridden!! And that re:aktiv shock feeeeeeelsssss sooooooo goooooooood !
  • 1 16
flag Joelukens00 (Jul 28, 2018 at 13:58) (Below Threshold)
 ok?
  • 4 0
 @Joelukens00: Great comment, totally worth posting
  • 1 0
 can you describe your setup? spacer, sag, open/Trail mode?
  • 4 1
 Still to slack off a seat angle...with most riders running 150 droppers why not steepen the seat angle to make the bike more pedal friendly.
  • 3 0
 For real. Slack seat angles are fine until you ride a proper one... Or are a smaller dude. At 6-4 these slack seat angles SUCK to pedal uphill. The front wheel starts going everywhere if you arent really on it.
  • 1 0
 The shock on my Slash 9.8 is gash. 2 rides in and it blew. It took Sram/Trek 6 weeks to replace the shock. Installed that one and spotted that it was weeping on the first ride. Hit lockout and it squeaked it’s cock off on every climb. Now on a 3rd shock since May 2018, see how this one goes.
On the plus side though, these bikes are bastard fast!
  • 4 0
 That paint job makes me think I've gotten old.
  • 2 11
flag Joelukens00 (Jul 28, 2018 at 13:59) (Below Threshold)
 you are...
  • 1 0
 Relieved to see the Comp 30 wheels here in place of the plain ol’ 30s. Also kudos for going 12-speed across the lineup. I’m on an ‘18 Slash 9.7 and just missed the NX Eagle group.
  • 3 0
 All we want to know: what is the weight difference between the carbon and alu frame?
  • 1 0
 Not enough to justify the price.
  • 4 4
 Trek actually cares about a non-motorized bike? The local shop here owed Trek a ton of money so they took it over and turned it in to an ebike emporium. They have a fuel, a couple hard tails and ebikes galore. The have zero understanding of local trail access.

So yeah, I’ll never be buying a Trek
  • 7 1
 Trek supported all the shuttle days, races, and other fundraiser events where I used to live in Oregon. Both financially and by sending reps/mechanics/demos.
  • 2 0
 Trek did a great job on the price point and the components!the black one looks sick!
  • 3 0
 Trek, I can’t believe you’ve done this. I just bought a new bike. Frown
  • 3 1
 Imagine how many more of these bikes they'd have sold If they'd released the alloy version sooner?
  • 3 1
 Tastes. Like. TOOTHPASTE.
  • 3 1
 Why a Yari when the Remedy ships with the Lyrik?
  • 1 0
 Wow I'm definitely interested in getting one, sounds like a really nice bike for riding around on????
  • 1 0
 Even their showbikes show that they recognize the head tubes are too short.
  • 2 1
 Another 29er in the news... Just like how 27.5 started popping up before 26's started disappearing...
  • 1 0
 So cool this has happened. I ride a 9.7 and it's near perfect I'm glad one is available at affordable price point
  • 2 0
 Looks like a session? Bahahahaha
  • 1 0
 How long of a dropper can one run with that bend in the seat tube so high up?
  • 1 0
 Bravo!!! A beautiful bike with a good build at a decent price. Thank you Trek.
  • 4 2
 looks like a Process
  • 1 0
 bring back a 27.5" slash, alu with shimano/fox parts!
  • 2 1
 Still a lot of money, IMHO.
  • 1 2
 Lets just hope the new slash alloy doesn't break all the time like the old one did... Really like the feel of the split pivot suspension design though.
  • 1 0
 Trek still doesnt do it for me.
  • 1 0
 Nice to I see some ok colors on an entry level bike for once.
  • 2 2
 I'd wouldn't call a $3500 bike entry level.
  • 1 2
 Taste is like ass - everybody has its own but what the f*ck is that flashy yellow and green paint job?! What kind of monstrosity is that??!!
  • 1 0
 I dont know why the knock block thing exists..
  • 1 0
 sexxxy
  • 1 0
 Neat!
  • 1 0
 Nice
  • 4 4
 2k for alloy frame? Hmmmm...What u smokin Trek?
  • 7 0
 Just means 1800 at the shop...1500 year end sale..1200 1-2 year old pb classifieds.
  • 8 0
 @jrocksdh: 50$ and a used kenda is the best I can do
  • 3 0
 $2k for a frame, shock, headset, seat clamp, axle, and I think a stem.
  • 4 0
 SC is asking similar for their alloy frames. Minus the extras
  • 6 1
 That's what alloy frames cost now. Get over it.
  • 2 0
 Almost the same build as a 5000k 2018 trek fuel ex 9.8! 20mm more travel adding only 3 lbs sans carbon. awesome deal, but I think the fuel ex is probably more than enough for anyone not racing enduro and will climb better. the reactive shock adds virtual travel. super plush.
  • 1 0
 @DDoc: Plus with Fuel EX can go 29 or plus size wheels.
  • 1 0
 @gonecoastal: The slash fits plus wheels too. Did it just as an experiment. Muahahaha
  • 1 0
 ..
  • 2 0
 @jrocksdh: ya but in 1-2 years that pb classifieds washed up geometry will be unrideable... We all know that! Lol
  • 1 0
 @gonecoastal: Pay to play!
  • 1 0
 Really? 29+ or 27.5+? @thebighorn:
  • 2 0
 @Kinsey: 27.5+ just need to make sure you have you seat set high enough so at the bottom out you don’t catch the seat with the tire.
  • 1 0
 @jrocksdh: 1200 in a year? LOL. good one.
  • 1 0
 @raditude: used bike market is so soft(for seller) good luck getting any resale from a used aluminum big travel bike when u can get carbon for same.
  • 5 1
 Proprietary shock is still a big turn off.
  • 3 0
 @False: true actually
  • 1 0
 @False: You can replace it with a metric one eventually if you don't like it.
  • 1 0
 @Archimonde: Most people's complaints are about reliability. Plus it would be tough to sell to offset the costs of a new shock.

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.
  • 1 0
 @bulletbassman:
Actually, the newer Devinci's are also using those type of shocks, it'll probably bring in more shock manufacturers and more reliability.
  • 1 0
 @Archimonde: I hate proprietary shocks (I have one) but it's great that you can upgrade to something metric if you want. Suspension tech just improves too quickly to saddle up to something proprietary
  • 2 2
 Friends don't let friends ride neon.
  • 3 4
 observe - copy - modify.. Good job Trek..
  • 8 4
 I have been waiting for someone to say this. I saw a specialized that ALSO had 2 wheels and disk brakes. I am sick and tired of this copy cat bullshit
  • 1 0
 @Joelukens00: and the best commentator goes to Joelukens00!!!
  • 1 4
 Probably made in China.
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