Every time Trek bring out a new Slash, you know it’s going to be big. Our favourite all-out enduro beast never does things quietly or with any subtlety whatsoever. And the new sixth generation is no different, featuring high pivot rear suspension with longer travel and all kinds of other stuff going on. Here’s our take on this monster new release.
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Trek Slash Gen 6 overview
What Trek have done with the Gen 6 Slash is to make it more capable of charging over rough stuff with high pivot suspension that tracks slightly rearwards so it doesn’t get hung up on rocks and other obstacles. You’ll also notice the idler pulleys next to the pivot and the crank which soak up pedal kickback. It’s all about delivering a smoother ride over gnarly terrain.
Gen 6 versus Gen 5
What are the main differences between the new Slash and its predecessor?
The Slash Gen 5 is a long-travel 29er built for wild terrain, with 160mm of rear and 170mm of front suspension, a lighter build and traditional suspension design.
1. 160 mm/170 mm travel
2. 29˝ front and rear wheels
3. Traditional suspension design
4. Lighter build
The Slash Gen 6 goes even burlier with mixed wheel sizes for ultra-steep descents, 170mm of both front and rear suspension, extra adjustability features and a high pivot suspension design.
1. 170mm/170mm travel
2. 29˝ front and 27.5˝ rear wheel
3. High-pivot suspension design
4. Extra adjustability features
High-pivot explained
Bikes with main pivots closer to the crank have a mostly vertical axle path that allows the rear wheel to move up to get out of the way of obstacles. All good, but it can cause hang-ups in gnarlier terrain. Moving the main pivot higher allows for an upward AND rearward axle path, so your back wheel can move in the same direction as the force from impacts and get over the obstacle more easily, making the ride smoother and retaining your momentum.
This video from Trek explains it well.
What do the idler pulleys do?
There’s a lot going on around the crank and main pivot but the idler pulleys are there for good reason; to prevent pedal kickback from the motion of the rear suspension. Because rearward axle path increases the distance between cranks and cogs, the chain pulls back on the pedals. That causes pedal kickback that’s harsh on your legs, and the chain tension can counteract your suspension movement. By routing the chain around the idler pulleys, Trek has eliminated this effect.
Heaps of adjustability
The new Slash is super-customisable, with loads of options for you to make it your own. Don’t like the mullet set-up? Swap the lower shock mount to run a full 29er on the rear. Adjust the head tube angle with headset cups (sold separately) to go one degree steeper or slacker. You can also easily tweak the leverage rate to be more or less progressive, according to your style or the trail you’re riding today. There’s dropper compatibility up to 200mm and plenty of room for beefier tyres, front fork up to 190mm and accessory mounts under the top tube.
At Big Bear Bikes and Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, we have the experience and expertise to ensure you have the best set up.
The Gen 6 range
Trek have launched the new range with seven models, starting with the Slash 8 at £4,250 and running to the 9.9 XX AXS, which includes SRAM’s new T-Type transmission, at £11,750. We’re pleased to say we have launch stock in place so come and visit us in store in Southgate, Pickering.
