OPINION: IEUAN WILLIAMS

With slick and smooth lines and a carbon finish to die for, the 9.9 version bike always made you feel that you were on something special no matter how quick it was. This 2018 9.8 Slash 29 holds many of the previous bike’s traits just for a smaller price package so it should be ace. Right?

With the size XL test bike built and ready for action it is noticeable that the specification is not representative of a flagship bike in the same way that the 2017 Slash 9.9 was. The mid range SRAM Guide R brakes and GX Eagle 1×12 transmission are solid performers but just something we might also expect to see on a base model.

Wheel wise, it’s a welcome sight in the way of some Bontrager Line 30 wheelset and SE4/SE5 rubber, the same as the 9.9. This aluminium wheelset worked well on the 2017 bike and once again it is a hit on the new build.

There are a few major changes from the older and higher spec bike though, mainly the rear Through Shaft RockShox damper, which is new and unique to Trek for 2018. The previous bike came with a Fox Float X2 unit – never my favourite of shocks but after some set up it held up to the abuse and felt great. This new damper from RockShox on the other hand it felt great for the first hour then developed a serious knock and totally packed in. We were told this was due to a fault in the seal but, even with this in mind, it is not a great start on what was one of my favourite bikes.

Ride wise, forgetting about the damper for a moment, this bike is still fast! There is no taking away from the ability of the shape and purpose here. The 65.6° head angle is bang on and promotes confidence and stability when descending. The bottom bracket is a little high, measuring in at 351mm – it would be interesting to see this around the 340mm mark. This is a similar to the issue we had with the Trek Session.

The sizing on the XL bike was bang on for me other than the seat tower height. With the availability of 170mm dropper seatposts now I really do not see the need for these high towers anymore. It is not a major point but just one that would make this bike more poised in the air when that seats well out of the way. One thing that the Intense Carbine had spot on.

The Slash now has an aluminium rear chainstay to replace the carbon one on the 9.9 model. This really does not affect the ride in a bad way. It actually helped to give a little extra wag in the tail for a less stiff feel.

This mentioned, it leads nicely onto the fatigue. We changed the cockpit to a wider bar with a more regular shape (as we’re not keen on the stock Bontrager bar) along with a shorter Easton stem – a set up we used on the 2017 Slash 9.9 test bike. It is now very easy to get lost in a day dream climbing up a technical ascent. The super light feel to the ride and light, compliant aluminium wheelset means the rider’s body does not get beaten about. This said, the Slash hunkers down and compliments being ridden hard but now allows a certain amount of give before it stiffens back up and sends you on the way.

Even without upgraded stoppers, bar and stem and some suspension setup (or repair) this Slash is still a fantastic bike. Not as good as the previous model though and I would still buy the 9.9 if it was available. With the likes of Whyte pushing out a great carbon chassis bike in the S-150 for similar money with better components, the Trek Slash 9.8 now has some serious competition.

PRICE: £4800

trekbikes.com