[Closed] Is anyone riding a Trek Slash 29 yet?

Bookmarking this as looking to get one once I sell my Liteville, tempted by the 9.9 but the 9.8 does look better bar losing the SRAM Eagle drive train (though XX1 isn't a bad cheaper alternative).
The new Remedy looks like a bargain also, especially the 9.9 RSL version.

But it will fly up hills, won't it? The wheels are massive. I've been wondering similar things, the monster truck effect seems more appealing all the time. I would be concerned about manoeuverability though, especially as I only weigh 9st and don't muscle my bike around.
There's also these to consider, I really like the look of them: [img] [/img]

The Sram Eagle stuff puts me off the 9.9 to be honest. I don't want to pay over £200 every time I need a cassette. I'm still on 1x10 with and there's nothing I can't winch my way up. I don't feel like I 'need' 12 sprockets. The 1x11 will massively increase my current range anyway.

Then there's the Fox suspension. My experience may be a bit out of date but is it still a bit inconsistent? As in, no two units feel the same? Hopefully they've improved while I wasn't paying attention but I couldn't help notice that X2 recall.

There's just nothing on the 9.9 that makes me feel I'd be missing out. And the 9.8 looks like the Batmobile. The 9.9 looks like Where's Wally's jumper.

Yes, the Nukeproof Mega looks amazing. But, for the purposes of incredible discounts, I'm sticking with Trek or Spesh.

I would really like to have a go on the new Slash I think my main concern would be that the seattube length with that kink is too short to get a 150 dropper working right?

I have demoed the Mega 290 and it is a great bike. I Currently own a BMC Trailfox TF01 after riding for 3 months now it is really growing on me. It's very playful and picks up speed in a really crazy way that scared me at first I definitely had to re-adjust to what it was capable of. It's not a plush bike though it's very stiff and racy, very different to my Transition Scout which is ultra plush (until it runs out of travel).

I'm on a slacked out remedy 29 with 36s just now so yeah, I'd love a go on a slash, it looks awesome. But I can't afford it, is the sad truth. Maybe in a couple of years I'll find a used one.

The Mega 290 kicks ass too, mind- if I had to buy a new bike tomorrow it'd be in with a look, it just felt immediately right under me. (I testrode a couple as part of Project Get ChrisL On A Proper Bike). Had a trailfox too but didn't get on so well with the rear suspension even with a CCDB Air in it.

Massive honkin 29ers rule basically.

I was seriously tempted, but discussions pushed me towards the Fuel EX instead - the Slash was just going to be WAAAAY too much bike for what I need! Plus I ride on my own a lot, the idea of going as fast as that bike would encourage - and having a "moment" would be terrifying 😉

It does look seriously sexy though!

Might just be the pictures, but the top tube looks really short. No problem at all when pointed down steep stuff, but will feel a bit odd the rest of the time.

The middle sizes have 430mm and 455mm (*) of reach respectively- not massive tbh, it's no geometron, but not stubby either. The seat tube's a pretty wacky shape so the proportions are a little hard to gauge I think.

(* there's a couple of different geometry charts out there but this seems to be the right one)

TBH I'm more curious about the suspension, it's pretty brave to change that- the old setup with the drcv re:activ shock in it is kind of godly, I remember Dirt just said "without peer" (mine has a cheeky upgrade off a team bike in it but it came with the stock, bottom end shock and even with that it was excellent)

Never thought I'd be a Trek fanboi 😆

Mines awaiting collection from the bike shop. Well excited understates it. Please can someone buy my nomad frame so i can upgrade the wheels!

Like to run a 150mm dropper which looks like it may be an issue on that kinked seat stay but from what I have seen on-line so far may be that a good thing as a number of reviews have mentioned rear tire rub when leaning over the back, never owned a 29er so is that an issue?
Run SRAM 1x11 on both my bikes at the moment (SB5c/601) and would trade up to 1x12 if possible, I do live near trails that require lots of climbs to get to them so every little helps.
Plus Id like a red bike so the 9.9 has the lead and loving Fox suspension at the mo bar the recent X2 problems, cant get the Slash in HK though until February apparently 🙁

i will be riding/racing for a Trek dealer next year so did have an idle look over these, but that's as far as it got, for quite a few reasons.

The sizing, the weight, the slightly odd geometry & the fact it's massive all put me off.

IMO the Fuel EX is probably the better bike, unless you plan on a full season of lift assisted enduro racing.

That's my concern about the Slash. I'm not into the 'too much bike' way of thinking, but it might be just the wrong bike. I currently live in Sheffield not Whistler. As much as I'd love to spend all day smashing down the roughest trails in the world, I'll spend most of the time dragging it up and over the Peaks in exchange for short descents. We do try to get to Europe in the van every summer and it would be nice to carry just two bikes instead of four.

But, my current hardtail isn't exactly lightweight. It has a low range of gears, small wheels and a punishing ride. The Slash probably feels like a rocket ship in comparison even if it's a few grammes heavier or has a bit more travel than other options.

Basically, I need to ride one! If anyone near Sheffield is taking delivery of a L or XL I'd be glad for a bounce around on it.

, I'll spend most of the time dragging it up and over the Peaks in exchange for short descents.

I would say that this isn't the bike for you then, the weapon is built for world class 2 mile long enduro stages. Look more towards a transition scout, SC 5010 etc.

Look more towards a transition scout, SC 5010 etc

Also the OP originally said he was looking for something to act as a baby DH bike for alps and uplift days.

29lbs is pretty damn good for a long-travel 29er IMO.

Sizing look good for normal people (bit short for me sadly), BB maybe a touch high though?

I'd rather have the new Fuel EX 29er myself, and that would be the perfect bike for the Peaks and a great UK enduro bike IMO (but I do have a long-travel 650b as well).

But I don't imagine the Slash would be a huge chore to ride if you favour winch and plummet kind of stuff anyway. Do you do big XC days? Gently undulating and tight-cornered woodland trails? If not, crack on!

Seen the öhlins tricked out version?

[img] [/img]

[u]OR[/u]

Use the discount to get a carbon Fuel EX to suit the majority of your riding, and pick up a cheap s/h long-travel enduro bike later if you feel the need?

29lbs is pretty damn good for a long-travel 29er IMO.

29lbs is pretty damn good for a long-travel 29er IMO.

The 'real world' weights of the 9.8 are coming in at ~31lbs without pedals.

Even as a seasoned racer, I wouldn't be wanting something that big, and that includes doing the odd big events (like EWS's), racing regional DH, trips to Whistler/Alps etc.

I'd rather have a bike suitable for 95% of my riding, than 5% (being generous).

The 'real world' weights of the 9.8 are coming in at ~31lbs without pedals.

Well that's a different story then.

32lb with pedals is what a mid-level aluminium enduro bike typically weighs in real life, IME.

So does that cast doubt on the quoted weight of the carbon Fuel EX too?

I’ve got one on order at the moment and cannot wait. Looking at the geometry, the only strange bit is the seat tube, I wish it was steeper, but then again, I expect Trek know a lot better than I do.

In terms of whether it’s too big a bike, I think it’s a great all rounder, 150mm back, 160mm front, still smaller than the new spec enduro. With the 29 wheels, probably the equivalent to a 160/170mm 650b bike, of which there are plenty around.

I’m planning on racing the fod mini dh series, as well as various enduros next year, fingers crossed it’ll be the right bike.

So does that cast doubt on the quoted weight of the carbon Fuel EX too?

Weighed a 9.9 in the shop - the large w/o pedals was 25.2lbs out of the box.

It felt like an XC bike in weight to me - it could be built lighter too, I don;t need/want Eagle, so would run my XX1 kit which is lighter. That was with the decent 2.4" Bontrager tyres on it too, so no skinny XC things.

I've got a loaner for the next month or so, which should be fun 🙂

I’ve got one on order at the moment and cannot wait. Looking at the geometry, the only strange bit is the seat tube, I wish it was steeper, but then again, I expect Trek know a lot better than I do.

In terms of whether it’s too big a bike, I think it’s a great all rounder, 150mm back, 160mm front, still smaller than the new spec enduro. With the 29 wheels, probably the equivalent to a 160/170mm 650b bike, of which there are plenty around.

I’m planning on racing the fod mini dh series, as well as various enduros next year, fingers crossed it’ll be the right bike.

Seat angle is one thing, morseo if you are tall & inbetween sizes with a reasonably short reach in the slack setting.

I would say it's going to feel like substantially more than you usual 160mm 650b enduro bike, based on experience of previous big wheels & long travel.

I could see that Hob Nob - the Whyte T129 felt a much bigger bike than the 120mm travel would have you believe.

Can't wait to get the new Fuel EX out on the trails... damn knackered back! 130 rear 140 front should be perfect for pretty much everything I will need.

I had a 2016 Slash and thought it was great, but it is a 'big bike'. Swapped to a 2017 Fuel EX about 2 months ago and love the flexibility of it, not as efficient as a Top Fuel but it's pretty close and comes down nearly as well as the Slash.
If you only have one bike, get a Fuel EX 29 or even the plus ones look fun.

Seat angle is one thing, morseo if you are tall & inbetween sizes with a reasonably short reach in the slack setting.

I would say it's going to feel like substantially more than you usual 160mm 650b enduro bike, based on experience of previous big wheels & long travel.

Very true, just looking at one element of the geometry will never give the full story. Measuring it up, it's similar to my last bike, albeit slightly longer, which I am after anyway. At 5"11 on the 19.5, it should fit fine, and stem length offers slight adjustment. In reality, I'm just really looking forward to it, having sold my last full sus in May.

My previous experience of 29ers suggests this will feel more aggressive, but in terms of size, it only has 15mm extra rear travel than a hightower, with around 1.5 slacker head angle.

Sharkattack, if you're in the lakes before making a decision, you can have a go on mine

Sharkattack, if you're in the lakes before making a decision, you can have a go on mine

Finally, an owner speaks!

Tell us please, is your bike way too big and heavy as some people suggest?
If it is a bit on the slack and baggy side of things, how much difference does the Mino link make in real life?
How is it for winching up those rocky Lakeland climbs?

Honestly, I can't see myself on a Fuel. I think if I decide against the Slash I'll be trying a Stumpjumper 29.

32lbs for a bike you can ride anywhere isn't heavy. Shows just how spoilt we are regarding bikes i suppose. If you can't manage to ride up and down hills all day on a bike that [i]only[/i] weighs 32lbs you may have chosen the wrong sport.

You may have guessed from my post that my bike is around 32lbs 😆

Does look like a nice bike that btw, but personally i'd not have a carbon frame anywhere near me (unless i was sponsored).

I'm picking it up tomorrow but from my expierences so far it is big and it's lighter than my nomad so happy days.

Honestly, I can't see myself on a Fuel. I think if I decide against the Slash I'll be trying a Stumpjumper 29.

Strange, everything you have said suggests the Slash is probably totally the wrong bike for what you want. You might as well be looking at other stuff along the same lines too (Mega 29, Enduro 29, etc).

Yet you seem wary of the new Fuel, which actually sits somewhere between the bigger bike you are interested in, and the smaller one. It's longer, lower and slacker than the Stumpjumper.

Don't get me wrong though, the Stumpy is a really, really good bike - bikes in that sort of genre (and I include the Fuel in that too, along with the Jeffsy & some others) are pretty much the ideal solution for nearly all.

Having ridden the Slash, the new Enduro 29 and some other long travel 29" options, I can safely say for me, as I guess as an above average rider, but by no means a hardcore racer, they are way too much bike for the UK. If I lived in the Alps, i'd have one in a heartbeat, but i'm at peace with my riding and can say these light weight mid travel 29" trail bikes are spot on for Mr Average.

You need to be absolutely pinned on these bigger bikes to make stuff fun.

You need to be absolutely pinned on these bigger bikes to make stuff fun.

Id disagree with that, i had a go on an enduro 29 and it was great fun. Each to their own though. Like the look of that slash, too much money for me though.

Sorry for discounting the Fuel. I told you I'd never looked at Trek's before!

I thought it was their XC/marathon bike and it looks like that is the Top Fuel and the Fuel EX looks very nice indeed. It's got some pretty excellent reviews as well. I'll definitely consider it.

Having ridden the Slash, the new Enduro 29 and some other long travel 29" options, I can safely say for me, as I guess as an above average rider, but by no means a hardcore racer, they are way too much bike for the UK...

You need to be absolutely pinned on these bigger bikes to make stuff fun.

I've been riding downhill for 15 years so I'm not shy about "pinning it". All this pedalling around stuff is a recent development.

Yes, if I lived in the mountains it would be a no brainer but sadly I don't.

I think that red Slash is about the nicest looking bike I've seen in ages.

Too much money though, and the possibility of not running a longer dropper would be a deal breaker too.

32lbs for a bike you can ride anywhere isn't heavy

True, but they're very expensive and there are cheaper 32lb bikes on offer.

I have the Fuel EX8 sitting downstairs right now... not that I can ride it until my torn back muscles rebuild themselves - so it is brand new and unmuddied at the moment. From my brief tests and just looking at it... capable is the word that springs to mind! I was torn between the aluminium 8 and carbon 9.8 (which is so sexy it hurts) but went with good old aluminium in the end for a mix of cost savings and perceived abuse proofness (my bike tends to live on the back seat of the van!)

Just uprating a few bits on it today whilst I am healing... pair of 29" wheels should be sorted later today, Hope Tech3 E4 brakes going on and rotors upping from 180/160 to 200/180 🙂 It is going to be fun!!!!

But just look at the 9.8.....

[img] http://trek.scene7.com/is/image/TrekBicycleProducts/2145600_2017_A_1_Fuel_EX_98_29?wid=3000&hei=2454&fmt=jpg&qlt=50,1&op_usm=0,0,0,0&iccEmbed=0&cache=on,on&bgc=247,247,247 [/img]

Tres sexy no?

light weight mid travel 29" trail bikes are spot on for Mr Average

Sadly these are about as common as unicorns unless you've ~£5k to spend on top of the range. IMO manufacturers are still making miniature enduro bikes where what Mr Average really needs is a slacker XC bike.
Until then, i'd find it pretty hard to recommend a 130-140mm bike as they carry all the disadvantages of a full enduro bike and none of the advantages of an XC bike.

Nobeerinthefridge - Member

Too much money though, and the possibility of not running a longer dropper would be a deal breaker too.

I'd want to measure to be sure but the seat tube kink seems pretty similar to the Remedy- I think it'll probably be OK, just because the bikes are designed to have more exposed seatpost than the "sky high seatmast and short seatpost" crowd. Even going up a size there's still plenty of room in my large Remedy for a 170mm Reverb, I can drop it almost to the top cap (and I have about 3 inches of post exposed)

Thanks for that Northwind!
Ive actually got a 170 reverb on order and i checked it was long enough to clear the frame but didnt spot the kink might be an issue. I'll try it when i pick it up but if not it'll be a uptimizer 155

I had until recently a Remedy 29er which was in fact my first trek. It was flippin quick, like seriously seriously fast compared to other stuff I've had (including an SB95c, an Ariel 15x, Orange 5). As a trail bike it was perfect so I can only see the Slash improving on that. Climbed well, descends well...mine was an XL which did feel huge at 6ft2, but once you're on it it you don't notice it. Getting on it however was a bit of a mission, the first bike I've had to put the dropper down on to be able to throw a leg over it.

Only sold it as I wasn't using it.

If it's tight, you can win back a wee bit of extra room by removing the stupid connectamajig and fitting a plain hose instead, I had to do that in the trailfox. TBH it'll be a massive black mark if it doesn't fit, it's something all enduro bikes should be planning for now

Sadly these are about as common as unicorns unless you've ~£5k to spend on top of the range. IMO manufacturers are still making miniature enduro bikes where what Mr Average really needs is a slacker XC bike.
Until then, i'd find it pretty hard to recommend a 130-140mm bike as they carry all the disadvantages of a full enduro bike and none of the advantages of an XC bike.

Whilst I agree, it's not just about the weight, it's a combination of all the elements. I have a 160mm bike, which weighs 28/29lbs & is bang on trend & 'enduro approved' (joke), it rides very differently to a 28lb short travel bike like a 5010/Scout blah.

Most people are probably overbiked in reality, me included. I have often said if I didn't race I wouldn't be riding a 160mm bike, I guess i'll put my money where my mouth is next year as i'm going race a shorter travel 29" bike.

The other benefit is it should make all of my other riding a bit more entertaining too. 🙂

If it's tight, you can win back a wee bit of extra room by removing the stupid connectamajig and fitting a plain hose instead, I had to do that in the trailfox.

I had to do the same on my Spitfire. The post fitted fine but the stealth port was too high up otherwise.

Until then, i'd find it pretty hard to recommend a 130-140mm bike as they carry all the disadvantages of a full enduro bike and none of the advantages of an XC bike.

This is cobblers mate.

Have you ridden a 130mm 29er? Much more versatile than a 160mm enduro bike and more fun on the majority of trails.

Have you ridden a 130mm 29er?

Not a 29er, but yes I own a 140mm trail bike.
I don't regret buying it at all, but with couple more years of riding/experience under my belt, I wouldn't buy again without it being significantly lighter and with remote locking rear sus.
Tyres are of course up to personal preference, but like with suspension travel, Mr Average is prone to having way more tyre than needed.

130-140mm bikes are supposed to be all day up/down versatile bikes, but as they stand currently, they make very hard work of going up - which given the nature of average speeds, is what we find ourselves doing for the majority of each ride.

I reckon the thing that sets a good bike apart from a great bike is mostly how well they tackle varied jobs- it's not that hard to make a bike that'll batter down a hill but harder to make one that's also a good climber and fun on a blue trail. Remains to be seen which the Slash is but it can be done. Not all about travel basically.

(the Slash seems mostly an evolution of the Remedy tbh and mine makes for a very good allroundy trailbike- if I wanted a trailcentre/gentler use bike exclusively it'd be built lighter, but that's not so much the bike as just me making it do 2 jobs. But I'm not sure you can really make this call without riding... The Five 29, Mega 290, Remedy and others show you can be a longer travel 29er and not just become a rockplough.

But just look at the 9.8.....

Too many chainrings and shifters and stuff. Definitely looks useable but there's much more stuff I'd like to change. It's been very well reviewed by the handful of websites that have ridden it.

Trek's just have zero sex appeal! Which maybe why that Slash is the first one I've ever seriously looked at.

I know a shop that has a Slash AND an Ex29 demo bikes (both large) with some great riding from the door.And for haribo I'll tell you which one.

BPW?

know a shop that has a Slash AND an Ex29 demo bikes (both large) with some great riding from the door.And for haribo I'll tell you which one

[img] [/img]

My mate picked up his 2017 slash 29 9.9 today, looks nice from the pics I've seen, he's getting it in invisiframed this weekend and a fairly gruesome injury means he won't be riding it in earnest until next year

My mate picked up his slash 9.9 today, looks nice from the pics I've seen, he's getting it in case invisiframed this weekend and a fairly gruesome injury means he won't be riding it in earnest until next year

Bummer. That happened to me when I worked in a Trek dealer and bought a half price Session 9.9 when carbon DH bikes were strange and exciting.
Before it arrived I dislocated my elbow and had a useless arm for about 18 months.

Still...get some pictures of it up!

It would be great if someone who has or owns a large slash can see what the distance between the collar and the BB is when a 150 or 170 post is inserted as far as it can go.

Wonder if that is why they come with a bontraegar 125mm post.

I'm checking tomorrow if a 170mm reverb will fit, I'll let you know.

Wonder if that is why they come with a bontraegar 125mm post.

The 2017 Fuel EX's I've seen in 2 different shops have Reverbs, not sure what length though sorry.

my mates large came with the 125 post hes getting a 150 for it

with the 125 in its got a lot of outer post showing on the pic ive seen

large bikes really should come with at least a 150 drop post (ive got one on my medium process and id even consider a 170!)

do bonty do a 150 drop post tho?

So popped to wheelbase to check if my 170mm reverb would go far enough into the frame to get it right for me. Answer is only just. With the connectamajig on and no hose attached to it, it sit at exactly the right height for me, so going to do Northwinds trick of removing the connectamajig to give myself some leeway in the frame. Photo of the seatpost at max insertion below

[url= https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5592/30918462932_2bebc000ab_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5592/30918462932_2bebc000ab_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/P7acR7 ]Untitled[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/55286028@N03/ ]IanPriddle[/url], on Flickr

Thanks for the image ian, do you think you could drop the post as low into the seat tube as possible and raise the post and measure the distance from the bb to the frame rails?

I'm interested in using a similar post (9point8) but im not sure about the sizing. What frame size do you have?

With the post all the way into the frame and the post fully extended it measures 797mm to the top of the saddle from the centre of the BB, as that the measurement i do. Bike is still at the shop so cant measure anything else til i pick it up on Sunday

thanks for the reply, you've got me optimistic now.

Pridds, what size frame was it?

19.5 frame

Thanks, I'd also want to run a 170, so would be right on the limit (distance from the BB to centre line of the saddle is 30")

Once i've got it set up with a normal reverb barb ill let you know what differnce it makes to the length

ummm. It is tempting and does look nice. But I already have a now old spec enduro 29er that is probably too similar. As for weight If it was over 30lbs in the real world then I would be a no. My enduro weighs 29lbs with pedals and proper tyres ready to go.

For folks that are unsure whether to go for Slash or Fuel EX - doesn't the Remedy sit right in the middle of the two?

doesn't the Remedy sit right in the middle of the two?

For folks that are unsure whether to go for Slash or Fuel EX - doesn't the Remedy sit right in the middle of the two?

The Remedy 29 no longer exists.

Basically the Fuel EX in 29" form has essentially replaced it, but dropped 10mm travel on the rear, I guess to make the difference between it & the slash more apparent.

That said the new Fuel is longer, lower & slacker than the Remedy 29" anyway.

Pridds - Member
With the post all the way into the frame and the post fully extended it measures 797mm to the top of the saddle from the centre of the BB, as that the measurement i do. Bike is still at the shop so cant measure anything else til i pick it up on Sunday

Thanks for that! Think I would run 150 reverb which would definitely fit me. Please give us a ride report when you have tested it in action.

As it's semi on topic, I picked up the Fuel EX 29 i've got for a trial to help me decide what I want to ride - I also have now at least rolled around on a Slash 29 (large). Firstly at 6'1" i'd need an XL for sure, it felt like my old Nomad, but with bigger wheels (basically a point & shoot bruiser).

I've pretty much discounted it. For me it will be between the Remedy 27.5 or the Fuel EX 29.

The Fuel I have at the moment started life as a 9.8 + bike, so has a 140 fork on it. The rest is gone. It has a mix of SRAM 1x11 stuff, the OE Fox 34 Grip fork, stock shock etc. It does have a nice Bontrager carbon wheelset which is mega light, but we do have some 1kg SE5 tyres on there.

As it stands, with my spare Vaults it comes in at 27.3lbs.

I took a load of measurements off my Patrol for reference points to start with a setup. Bar height with the 140mm fork is easily adjustable to +/- 10mm where I currently have mine set at. Reach is slightly longer than the Patrol. Seat angle in real life, is comparable (no silly slack angles here). In the low setting, this bike is seriously low. Real world 325mm BB height low. The head angle with my angle finder is bang on 66 degrees (nice surprise).

How does it ride then? Well trails at home are trashed now, and will be for winter. But it's a whole lot more fun than the last 29" I rode (Enduro29). It still carries speed like they do, but it was super lively, changed direction quickly, absolutely smashes corners with huge amounts of grip & when it does go it just drifts in a surprisingly controlled manner. That's where the low BB comes in to play. Hit up some of the jump trails, doubles it deals with fine, nice & balanced in the air, stepdowns the same - it feels very stable when hitting stuff like that.

Climbing wise it's efficient. goes uphill very well, noticably better than my Patrol here. Flat singletrack stuff has become more interesting & faster. I'm fairly convinced it's as fast as my Patrol on the downward pointing stuff too.

Given the spec of the bike I have, i'm sure a 9.9 (lighter frame) can be built to ~25lbs. I'm going to give it a few more rides, but it's a big thumbs up from me for it. I would have no issue with trail riding, racing enduro & still racing local DH on it at all. Hell at 25lbs I could probably go & race XC on it. A seriously impressive bike.

As a sidenote, the bike has a 150 drop Magura Vyron wireless post. What an impressive bit of kit that is! Amazing. Only one problem. The remote is total garbage. Once someone designs/redesigns that so it's properly functional (trying to hit a button the size of a pea on a flimsy remote wobbling around whilst riding hard is almost impossible) I'll be first in the queue.

[img][URL= http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w587/supremehobnob/E3017B03-AE39-47C4-A9EC-C712B231EEB0_zpsme4djlj6.jp g" target="_blank">http://i1331.photobucket.com/albums/w587/supremehobnob/E3017B03-AE39-47C4-A9EC-C712B231EEB0_zpsme4djlj6.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL][/img]

Thanks for that. I have to admit the Fuel EX is looking more and more tempting. The 9.9 is stunning. Also not out of the question price wise given that I've been sucked back into the bike trade.

There's some very high praise [url= http://www.pinkbike.com/news/2016-pinkbike-awards-mountain-bike-of-the-year-nominees.html ]HERE[/url], but still no in depth reviews.

I think the Fuel would be the best choice for where I live and the kind of riding I'll be doing. I remember years ago when I thought I needed a Specialized Enduro so rode it back to back with a Stumpjumper and ended up very happy with a Stumpy Evo. As sexy as the Slash is I think it's probably like taking a machine gun to a knife fight.

[img] [/img]

Does anyone have any idea on sizing for the new slash? I've ordered a 17.5 - I'm about 5'7" and a bit it my height comes from my legs mostly. I ride a medium in Santa Cruz and ibis. I sat on a 17.5 and 18.5 2017 remedy today and the 18.5 was definitely the best fit however the slash only comes in a 17.5 and 19.5.

If I change my order I won't get one as next years stock is apparently all sold for the U.K.

I'm 178cm and ride the 19.5 slash and its perfect for me. Could go a touch lower on the post but not a lot.

Bringing this thread back from the dead. Why? Because I'm still badly turned on by the Slash! And I still haven't seen one out in the wild. So I thought there might be some owners with new bikes by now with pictures and opinions.

Oh, and it didn't help when this appeared on the front page of my Youtubes

There's also this...
[url= http://enduro-mtb.com/en/battle-royale-trek-slash-9-9-29-race-shop-limited-vs-specialized-s-works-enduro-29/ ]LINK[/url]
[img] [/img]

I've got some demo bikes lined up but don't know where I could find one of these to ride. I can't get a cycleshceme voucher until April anyway by which time they'll probably be sold out.

One of my mates has got his now - bit of a delay with the shock issue on them with Fox.

He was a little bit disappointed with the weights, it's over 30lbs when it should be 28 apparently. Also the Bontrager post lasted about 2 rides before it died...

I think he likes it for going down, it's a brute of a bike that's just smashes everything. I would say he climbs noticeably slower on it though - it is not a good climber.

He has mentioned a few times now he wonders if he bought the right bike compared to the Fuel. Having had a spin on it, it's a bit on the small side for me, but I wouldn't want something as big as the XL.

I don't know though - it seems an awful lot of bike still. For me, it's too much, and I race DH and Enduro - I don't want a bike that big, cumbersome & heavy for my non racing riding. As an only bike, I'd end up getting hacked off with it for my local riding.

Again, for me, the Fuel made more sense. It turned out better as well as Trek seemed to be a bit conservative with the numbers - with a 140 fork my bike is substantially slacker than they state. I'm really enjoying it as a bike.

Picture of the pair of them last week!

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Thanks for that Hob Nob, that's exactly what I needed to hear. The Fuel is clearly the more versatile bike for those of us stuck in the UK.

It's hard to get opinions from DH riders on STW. As a DH rider myself I thought the Slash could possibly replace both my Bfe and YT Tues. I love the idea of smashing it down the Alps but that's only 2 or 3 weeks a year.

I can imagine me cursing it when I'm in the Lakes or the Peaks trying to tag along with a group of fit riders.

So, if anyone near Sheffield has a Fuel EX 29 that I can have a play on that would be great 😉

I loved the idea of the Slash 29er when I first heard about it, but unsurprisingly it seems I’m not alone in thinking it might be too much for me most of the time! I mainly ride a 140f/127r 29er (SB95 with Pikes) and it’s (almost) all the bike I need. It runs my Enduro 29 (160f/155r) very close in descending while being less effort on anything else. But I wouldn’t be without my Enduro: on the right stuff it beats the Yeti for fun hands-down – and that’s not just in the Alps. Part of me wants to take my Yeti to Les Arcs but the Enduro just gives me a bigger safety net when I cock things up.

Don’t know why I’m even looking as I’m happy with both my bikes and have been for a while now.

My mates had his slash29 a while now

looking at his strava he seems to be hitting PRs on the climbs as much as the descents

even if he was overbiked hed never admit it

(endurofactory are you reading this 🙂 )

Trek's are so boring and conservative looking that I'm actually drawn to this one,
[img] [/img]

Just because it has [i]some[/i] character, rather than zero.

Undoubtably a mint bike to ride though. That one up there next to the Slash looks every bit as nice as the bigger bike.

It turned out better as well as Trek seemed to be a bit conservative with the numbers - with a 140 fork my bike is substantially slacker than they state. I'm really enjoying it as a bike.

Your Fuel EX looks slacker than the Slash! What does it measure with an angle thingy on the stanchion?