TESTED - All-NEW 2021 Trek SLASH Long-Travel 29er MTB

We're having to re-think what it means to ride a long-travel 29er thanks to the new 2021 Trek Slash. With 160mm of rear travel and 170mm up front, the Slash handles descents like a race-ready Enduro World Series mountain bike but climbs like a bike with 40mm less travel. Our $8,000 Trek Slash 9.9 X01 was stocked with solid parts, but we have to critique the GX-level cassette and we managed to crack a Bontrager Line 30 carbon rim. It is covered by Bontrager's warranty. The integrated downtube storage was great, while the BITS tool in the steer tube was a bit finicky. The RockShox suspension delivered as promised with a great ride and effective 3-position damping control on the custom Super Deluxe shock. While the seat angle may be slack for some, never did it impact climb performance or position for our test riders.

Vital MTB rates the 2021 Trek Slash 4.5 out of 5 stars.

#MTB #mountainbike #biketest

[rstrakovsky]

"Easily remedied"- I see what you did there.

[radagascar]

Can't lie, that looks amazing. Color is sick.

[johncast]

Now I have a excuse to get those burnt orange Hydra Hubs.

[amargarit]

I've had a 2021 Slash 9.8XT since early December, I love it! Coming off of a Pivot Mach 5.5, I find the Slash climbs as well as the Pivot did. The stiffness in the frame is noticeable, the bike holds a line so well, once your used to it, it's easy to trust. The rear shock is as good as all of the reviews say it is, set it at 30% sag, dial in your preferred rebound and go shred, the 3 compression settings do just as they're described to. All in all, I love it, don't regret the decision, and wouldn't change my decision. Only things I changed were the tires, stem, bars, and grips + OneUp EDC tool in the stem. Get one if you can find one!

[camwells]

Good to see they have made the reach longer, I used to be a trek fan, then started finding their bikes just too short,

Like the look of this

[joeschmoe]

I’ve got a 2017 slash 9.8 and totally love it. Never once have I thought I need it slacker.... Steeper seat tube, sure I’ll take that. Trek please bring back the fire engine red color, easily best color I’ve ever seen on any bike.

[johnvmtb]

I been watching some other reviews on the Trek SLASH but yours is more direct and honest. thanks and looking forward to some other reviews.

[KurtisPape]

Wow, a few years ago I mated a 28t chainring with 50t cassette and it was so overkill and got lots of comments on the trail. Back then everyone was on 42t cassette and 32t chainrings, now what? My extreme gearing is now coming speced on large endro bikes! 52t with 30t chainring is next level!

[dalentheobald]

I just got a 2021 Trek Slash 9.7. The bike is amazing, it is easy to throw around but when you need it to stay on the ground it will. I love it, and would definitely recommend it.

[kayvanmirza]

Proud owner of a Trek Slash 8 2021. Great bang for the buck for this version in terms of kit and the bike is a blast to ride. Never feels like you're overbiked or hauling a pig uphill or on flat stuff and smooths out rough stuff like its not even there. This slash is glued to the ground like as if by suction cups and its as if the bike has a mind of its own when it rights itself on botched landings. It strikes the right balance between fun and poppy yet stable and composed. A few minor issues though:
1. Glued downtube protection on the alloy frame make you wonder about Trek's design choices. Its an unpleasant surprise to find out that only carbon versions have it screwed on. There are very few in depth reviews on the allow versions which are the most popular/affordable to the masses.
2. The thru-shaft shock leaking a bit of oil
3. A few clicks/creaks here and there while riding (origins yet to be identified)
4. Some alloy versions have a large gap between the headset and head tube due to either machining or wrong bearings (as reported on some forums)
These things do detract from the overall positive experience. Hopefully Trek will get this sorted out for owners.

[spybotd]

Running 28-51T shimano 12 speed. Pretty practical in the mountains. 32T in the city.

[FreemanBR]

One the best reviewes I've found thanks a lot for this. Love the brutal honesty and straightforwardness. Also the fella with the green goggles rips so hard holy crap!

[averymahon]

This bike is gorgeous, but I would like to see a review on the new commencal meta, and see how it compares to this bike.

[KZN-KAIZEN]

Just purchased the slash 9.8 and got my first ride on it. And I am blown away. Bike climbs tough steep technical terrain and descends like a dream

[FlyEaglesFly]

I think it looks great and it's cool that trek listened and got rid of the reactiv damping. I'm excited to see other colorways.

[lucienlalachance]

I subbed after the intro but nom nom nom had me hooked. Best review ever, I really want a slash now!

[haydenbrown]

Just picked up my 2021 Slash 9.9 and WOW I can’t believe how good it rides when compared to my 2020 Slash 9.8! The 2020 was awesome UNTIL you take your first ride on the 2021 👌

[Adventure_Lives]

I’ve been riding a 2021 Trek Slash 8 since summer 2021. Overall I really enjoy riding the bike. I did get a bend in my rear rim, however I was able to get a tube in it and continue my day with no issues. Suspension works great in my opinion. As a 6’2” 195lb rider who loves fast flowing trails, some climbing and small to mid size chunky terrain and jumps, this bike is perfect for me! 👍🏼

[leccy]

Got mine, I went for the trek slash 8 though. And your correct with this review, its an unreal bike. The m/l size for me is perfect. I've gone from uderbiked to overbiked for my local trails. And I love it.

[kohlbo]

I have the 2021 9.8 XT. Got it in September this year. Put about 400 miles on it and climbed close to 60, 000 ft in elevation. Took a while to get use to this big girl but now I am hitting bigger jumps with ease at my local trails. Came from a 2015 trek remedy 9 29 er and have recently PR’d some of the climbs on this new slash. Live the bike and would recommend it to others.