Optically, the new Slash looks really massive, but still has a touch of elegance. The OCLV carbon frame is generously dimensioned and almost looks like a burly bull that nothing can keep down. The frame shape, on the other hand, is beautifully fluid and the internally concealed cables and lines keep the whole thing very clean. Incidentally, these are clamped securely and rattle-free.

Other features of the frame are the hard rubber covers that protect the chainstay and down tube from external impacts. Trek plays it safe with the upper protection below the head tube, as the "Knock-Block" steering stop prevents the handlebars from being turned too far.

You could call the Slash 9.9 in the limited edition Race Shop version a mini downhill bike, but the spec suggests that it also wants to climb steeply: The suspension elements from Fox with Trek's specially tuned Float X2 shock and the 36 Talas fork raise expectations of good downhill characteristics, but also make us look forward to it with excitement, because the floating shock mount "Full Floater" has disappeared. It's not just the downhill characteristics that are exciting: we also have certain expectations regarding the climbing capabilities of this twentyniner.

First the pleasure, then the work

The enduro bike feels pretty good after a few personal adjustments. But what does the parking lot test matter - it's time to take the cable car up the mountain. Some fast gravel sections await us on the first few hundred meters. The bike handles well here and we refrain from flattening the geometry by half a degree using the Mino-Link for the time being.
The 29-inch wheels give the bike additional smoothness and in rough terrain they really come into their own thanks to the better rollover behavior. However, when braking for longer periods, the performance of Sram's Guide Ultimate brakes with the 180 mm brake rotor on the rear wheel is somewhat limited. In view of the large wheels, a 200 mm rotor could have been fitted at the rear. However, the bite as such is good.

The suspension responds very sensitively to fast and small bumps. However, there is still room for improvement at the rear end, so the air pressure in the bumper is reduced slightly. After that, the rear suspension feels quite soft, but even better. The descent becomes slower, but there are more rough and rocky sections and steps in the way. Lowering the air pressure was absolutely necessary, because now the full suspension travel is needed. The rear suspension with the Float X2 shock does a great job here and gives you a secure feeling on the bike. Attention, although the X2 offers downhill performance at its best, it also offers tuning options for the high- and low-speed rebound and the high- and low-speed compression. Owners should familiarize themselves with these before their first ride, or set them up with their trusted dealer, because the best material cannot perform properly if it is set up incorrectly.

When set up correctly, however, the suspension is a delight. Although it seems very soft, it doesn't rush through the suspension travel, but offers a nice end progression. This means that the suspension supports you perfectly when you push the Slash out of corners or jump over small waves and obstacles. We can say the same about the 36 Talas fork. This means that the Twentyniner is a lot of fun, even with a playful riding style. From flowy to rough, the Slash has already proven itself. The upcoming technical descent now challenges the enduro rocket on a different level. With the large wheels and the long wheelbase of 1219 millimeters, the bike doesn't seem very agile in tight terrain, but this is only confirmed to a limited extent. Very tight hairpins are a little more difficult. However, the length is hardly noticeable in many narrow and steep passages, as you usually ride slowly in these anyway. Together with the large wheels, the length also has the advantage that steep passages or steps can be mastered more safely. We mastered some hairy sections on the Slash that we certainly wouldn't have attempted on more agile enduro bikes.

Pedaling up follows pedaling down

No, not every mountain has cable cars - pedaling is the order of the day. At almost 13.9 kilograms including pedals, the Slash 9.9 is no lightweight, but if you look at the weights of many small-wheeled racing bikes used in the Enduro World Series, this value is put into perspective. What's more, it is still a twentyniner with robust high-end equipment - so no excuse against pedaling uphill.

The Trek Slash still provides grip on the rear wheel even when things get a little steeper. The fork can be lowered for additional climbing support (like any Fox Talas fork), but this is rarely necessary, or only when it's really steep. If you can or want to ride then, you also have the 50 mm spacer of the new Sram Eagle groupset at your disposal.

Conclusion: downhill is still better than uphill

After a day's ride with cable car support and a few bike changes between us, we all agree: the Trek Slash 9.9 29 is a true enduro bullet with excellent suspension at its heart. Technically difficult descents are just as much fun as shooting through the bike park and over jumps, or cruising leisurely along the flow trail. The Slash is also good on climbs, but we prefer to ride it downhill.

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