It's right for you if...
You're a serious enduro racer, and you're looking for a high-performance 29er with a premium parts group that throws down on technical descents and then flies back up the mountain to do it all again.
The tech you get
A full OCLV Mountain Carbon frame, a RockShox Lyrik Select Plus 160mm fork with Charger 2 RC2 damper, and 150mm of rear travel with a RockShox Deluxe RT3 shock with Trek's exclusive RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft damper. Plus, a SRAM GX Eagle 1x12 drivetrain, Bontrager Line Elite dropper post, Bontrager Line Pro carbon bars, and Bontrager Line Carbon 30 wheels with a 54-tooth Rapid Drive hub for quick acceleration when you need it most.
The final word
This is a beast of mountain bike. The tough OCLV Mountain Carbon frame, Bontrager carbon wheels, and high-end spec make Slash 9.8 a ridiculously fast enduro bike. It's so stable and responsive that the faster you go, the better it rides. If you're still on the fence about 29ers in rough stuff, Slash will make you a believer.
Why you'll love it
- Slash 9.8 is like a mini DH bike: it has the capability of a downhill bike without the downhill weight
- RE:aktiv with Thru Shaft works faster than a normal shock, so it tracks the ground better and keeps you in control
- It's equally at home between the tape and in the rugged wild—Yes, Slash is a race bike, but it's ridiculously fun on gnarly trail rides, too
- Mino Link lets you adjust the geometry, so you get both an enduro race bike and an ultra-capable trail bike in one
- Control Freak Cable Management allows you to run any combination of cables exactly the way you want, while still giving you sleek looks and protecting your cables against unnecessary wear
