![]() ![]() I feel like I can go around tight switchbacks faster and with more confidence knowing that I can't overdo it and push the front wheel. I find the knock block actually helps on switchbacks. Interestingly, that’s pretty much what I said about the Specialized Enduro last year, and the two have similar reach and top tube lengths. Now, I was able to achieve a pretty comfortable climbing position by sliding the seat forward in the rails, but I wouldn't have complained if the seat tube angle was a couple degrees steeper. Yes, it also has the longest reach to go along at that, but if you look at the Norco Shore, that bike has a 480mm reach and 617mm top tube length - the seat tube angle makes a big difference in how well the longer front center is hidden while climbing. In regards to sizing, the Slash has the longest top tube length out of all five bikes being reviewed, at 649mm. Sure, you won't mistake it for an extra-nimble trail bike, but doesn't turn into a cumbersome sled on mellower terrain. Otherwise, the reasonable weight and good traction from the Super Deluxe shock make it relatively easy to get the climbing out of the way before the fun really begins. Trek bumped up the anti-squat on the Trek, and for the most part I was happy leaving the shock alone while climbing, especially when it was in the middle or firmer compression setting of the 'open' position.Īs it is, the Slash is a good climber, but you can notice that front center length when things get really tight at times I felt I was a little further back than I wanted. The total weight is 32.5 lb with our Maxxis Assegai / DHR II control tires installed, making it the second lightest bike out of the 5 on hand for this test. That's a lot of money, but you can get an alloy version starting at $3,500 for the aluminum Slash 7. #Do i need to call ahead for 4 boxes of tim bits code#Parts kit highlights include a RockShox Zeb Ultimate fork, SRAM X01 12-speed drivetrain, Code RSC brakes, and Bontrager Line Elite carbon wheels. The Slash 9.9 X01 version reviewed here retails for $8,000 USD. The chainstay length remains the same across the board for all sizes, at 437mm in the low setting. That's slightly slacker than what we're seeing from other companies, especially when combined with the bike's relatively slack actual seat tube angle. The seat angle has been steepened to 75.6-degrees. Speaking of sizes, there's now an ML option in the mix, which means there's a total of five sizes – S, M, ML, L, and XL. Along with the slacker head angle, the bike's reach has grown by 20-30mm per size – the reach on a size large now measures 486mm. It's possible to steepen that to 64.6-degrees via the flip chips in the seatstays, but I have a feeling most riders will stick to the slacker setting. The Slash's head tube angle has been slackened by 1-degree, and now sits at 64.1-degrees in the low geometry setting. Even better, the feature can be completely removed, since the downtube now has a slight curve in it that allows the forks crown to pass underneath without any issues. The previous version only allowed 58-degrees of rotation in either direction, while the new one allows 72-degrees of rotation. For those that aren't familiar, the Knock Block system uses a a small stop chip in the headtube and a special headset top cap and stem spacers to prevent the handlbar from being turned too far in either direction. Perhaps best of all, the feature is also found on the aluminum Slash frames.Īlong with the snack compartment, the Slash has a threaded bottom bracket, a 34.9mm seatpost diameter, and Knock Block 2.0. Flipping a lever underneath the water bottle cage unlatches a panel that covers the downtube, where a tube and snacks can easily be stored. Trek debuted their in-frame snack storage on the Fuel EX last year, and that's now been carried over to the Slash. ![]() There's also a numbered rebound knob, one of those “Why hasn't everyone been doing this?” features that should help speed up setup. A turn of the dial can firm up the shock for smoother, flowier trails, or turning it the other way can be useful for slippery conditions when traction is a high priority. The shock was developed specifically for Trek, but it does share some similarities with the current inline Deluxe shock, like the ability to select from three low-speed compression settings, along with an extra-firm locked out position. Weight: 32.5 lb / 14.7 kg (as pictured). ![]()
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