FIRST LOOK - The All-New High-Pivot Trek Slash 2

The sixth generation Slash focuses on enduro racers, park riders, and all-mountain rippers who want to ride aggressive terrain with the ability to pedal back to the top. The bike sees many changes from its predecessor, most notably a high-pivot suspension design that increases rear wheel travel up to 170mm. The Slash now rolls on mixed wheels in the stock configuration with full 29-inch compatibility on sizes Medium-XL. Size small frames feature 27.5-inch wheels front and rear only with a curved top tube for lower standover height. All frame sizes have size-specific chainstay lengths and seat tube angles to maintain a consistent fit across all sizes.

Highlights

• All-new frame with high-pivot suspension
• Updated, slacker geometry with optional angle adjust headset cups
• Increased rear travel from 160mm to 170mm
• Leverage rate adjust chip
• Stock mixed-wheel builds on all sizes except size small (27.5” front and rear)
• Updated frame protection with Integrated Carbon Amor and a noise-reducing chainstay guard
• Room for longer dropper posts
• ISCG 05, 3-bolt tabs
• 2.5-inch maximum tire width
• BSA 73mm, threaded bottom bracket
• 200mm post mount rear, 220mm max rotor size
• MSRP: $4,399 - $11,499 USD

Still centered around Trek's ABP (Active Braking Pivot), the high pivot suspension design includes a large upper idler pulley and a new lower idler pulley. Similar to what would typically be found on a chain guide for chain retention, this lower idler pulley helps mitigate chain growth. Trek claims this prevents the suspension from fighting the derailleur clutch and allows for smoother drivetrain performance by preventing the derailleur cage from being pulled throughout the travel of the rear wheel. 

While aggressive descents are where the Slash is meant to shine, Trek wanted to ensure the bike still pedals well. All frame sizes utilize a 77-degree effective seat tube angle to put riders in a relaxed and upright position. By strategically placing the 19t upper idler pulley, Trek increased anti-squat values exponentially over the previous generation Slash to create the best pedaling platform possible from the new design. 

Regarding frame protection, the chainstay protector has a unique cupped shape to prevent any side-to-side movement and, from a side profile, creates the illusion that the chain is sitting directly on top of the chainstay. Downtube protection is handled by replaceable, dual-density guards that bolt into place. Beneath that, Trek has gone a step further and utilized a layer of thermoplastic beneath the paint to help prevent permanent frame damage from rock strikes to the downtube. All frames feature an integrated rear fender that mimics those on suspension forks, downtube storage with a larger opening for easier access, and an updated latch that is now easier to reach beneath a bottle cage. 

In terms of adjustability, the new Slash incorporates an angle-adjust headset to allow for +/- 1 degree of head tube angle adjustment independent of bottom bracket height. This also means the infamous KnockBlock headset is no longer used and allows full rotation of the steer tube. Bolt-on lower shock mounts allow for either 27.5" or 29" rear wheels to keep geometry in check and feature a flip chip to adjust the progressivity of the leverage ratio, similar to what is found on the Session. Max allowable fork travel is 190mm up front with no dual crown compatibility from Trek officially. 

The Slash is available as an aluminum or carbon frameset and in seven different build kit options for complete bikes. Top-of-the-line kits are spec'd at the 9.9 level with either SRAM XX and X0 T-Type options or full Shimano XTR, all with RockShox Ultimate level suspension. Build kits for 9.8 models are available with a GX AXS T-Type option or Shimano XT and RockShox Select+ level suspension. Aluminum Slash options include the Slash 9 spec'd with SRAM GX AXS (non-T-Type), a RockShox Zeb, and Vivid Select+, and the Slash 8 with Shimano XT drivetrain, a Fox Performance 38 fork, and Float X shock. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information, please visit trekbikes.com

View key specs, compare bikes, and rate the new Trek Slash in the Vital MTB Product Guide.

Stay tuned for our full review and comparison in our upcoming Enduro Bike Test Sessions!

Trek FAQ's

• How does the adjustable headset work?

You can swap out your headset cups to get a full degree of head angle adjustment. The bikes come with neutral/zero-degree cups; consult the service manual to find part numbers to order the angle-adjust headset cups. The upper cup is a drop-in part, but the lower cup needs to be pressed in with a standard shop headset press. The cups have notches and laser-engraved guides to help you install them straight. For more detailed installation instructions, watch the Slash Service Tips video on Trek U.

• That oversized lower idler pulley is sick. Can I use it on the high pivot Session?

Yes! Consult the Slash service manual for part numbers.

• What is the maximum fork axle-to-crown and travel?

Carbon and Alloy: 190mm max travel (all sizes), 587mm A2C (size S), 606mm A2C (size M-XL)

• Is it compatible with dual crown forks?

They will fit, but we haven’t tested them, so we cannot recommend a dual crown fork on Slash at this time. However, you can put a 190mm single-crown fork on there, and that’s pretty close, and has a better turning radius.

• How much dropper post-insertion does the frame have?

Carbon frame max insertion (mm): S (290), M (305), ML (325), L (340), XL (370)

Alloy frame max insertion (mm): S (295), M (305), ML (325), L (340), XL (370) 

• Which aftermarket shocks are compatible?

We know that the following shocks will fit. Other shocks may fit but should be checked for frame clearance at full suspension compression.

• RockShox Super Deluxe coil RockShox Super Deluxe AXS RockShox Next Gen Air (Vivid 2) Fox Live Valve NEO
• Fox X2 (MY21+)
   
• What size hardware is needed for aftermarket shocks?

Slash takes a 230mm x 65mm shock with an industry standard 54mm x 10mm upper and 20mm x 8mm lower standard pin mount.

• What is the maximum chainring size? Minimum chainring size?

Min: 28T, Max: 34T round, 32T oval

• What is the chain line?

55mm

• Does the new high-pivot layout require a longer chain?

Most sizes require a 126-link chain, which is a standard un-cut chain. XL requires 128 links.