It’s been coming for a long time. Trek have just dropped their new Slash Gen 6 and there’s so much to unpack. Buckle up and check out what’s new with the Trek Slash Gen 6.
A household name that is fit for anything the enduro circuit throws at its riders. The Trek Slash was built to rip, rally and rail through the gnarliest trails. For this comparison we’re going to focus on the Slash 8 model when referring to groupsets, wheelsets and any other parts.
Trek Slash 8 Gen 6
Starting at the bump soaking suspension, the Gen 5 models came with 170mm travel in the front and 230mm in the rear. The new Gen 6 carries on this format but with an upgrade to Fox forks as opposed to Rockshox. It also ups its max fork compatible to 190mm thanks to the revised geometry.
While there have been upgrades in the suspension department, Trek have decided to stick to their trusty and reliable Bontrager Line Comp 30’s as the wheelset choice. However, introducing a new norm. Trek have decided to run a mullet set-up on all Gen 6 bikes as the new standard. Meaning a 27.5 in the rear gives way for more gnarly descents with a sturdy 29er in the front to navigate any big rolling features.
The Slash Gen 6 still allows the option of running a full 29er set-up with the change of the lower shock mount. So to all the mullet haters, fear not you can stick to your traditional set-ups.
New rearward axle and chain stay
The answer lies in the redesign of the pivot points. By moving the main pivot higher up, the rearward axle path now follows the same direction as the force from impacts.
On the trail this frees up more momentum in rough areas while allowing for fewer hang-ups on square hits. Sounds super cool right? But you might ask yourself, what about the horrible pedal kickback?! Well, thanks to the redesign of the rearward axle paths riders can now expect virtually no pedal kickback on their legs as the chain tension can now counteract suspension movement with greater precision.
What are your thoughts on the new pulley system?
But it doesn’t stop just there. The new Slash comes with a super slack 63.5° head angle that gives you downhill stability. While a steep 77° seat angle helps put power to the pedals. Oh and thanks to all this loosey goosey geometry, most riders can run a 200mm dropper post.
But wait there’s even more. Trek have now developed their super quirky looking idler pulley layout that offers a more efficient means to pedalling than other high-pivot bikes do. In doing so, they have also developed the pedalling alchemy in the anti-squat curve which is affected by a few variables. With the main pivot position being the biggest factor.
If that doesn’t get you excited for some enduro riding, then we don’t know what else will. Maybe it’s Trek's quiet and protective guards that help deflect unwanted impacts in the sketchy rock garden sections?
Protection for days
The chainstay guard has been designed with a shape that reduces chain movement for a blissfully quiet ride. Integrated Carbon Armour provides an extra layer of downtube protection while the removable external guards protect from rock and shuttle damage.
Trek Slash 9.9 XX AXS in Argent Drizzle
The Slash Gen 6 comes in several models: two aluminium and five carbon options as well as various aluminium and carbon framesets available for some custom builds. Prices start at €4,649 and climb to €12,499 for the highest spec’d Slash 9.9 XX AXS T-Type.
Call into the shop and check out the bike in person today!
