Author: John Dodgin

 

The all-new TREK Slash features 170mm of front and rear travel facilitated by a sophisticated high-pivot suspension design.

 

TREK’s popular Slash enduro mountain bike is back and it’s had quite a dramatic makeover! The all-new sixth-generation Slash includes a number of significant changes to its predecessor, boasting a raft of new features designed to make your ride-experience faster, more frenetic and downright rowdy than ever before. With 170mm of front and rear travel on all models, a choice of an alloy or carbon chassis and a spread of component options across the range of seven bikes there’ll be a new TREK Slash to suit you and your budget. Oh, and the headliner? It’s got to be that high-pivot suspension configuration…

We’d already seen TREK adopt a high-pivot suspension platform on the Session, their longest-travel, gravity-focused downhill race bike, with incredibly successful results. The inclusion of a very similar design on the all-new Slash enduro bike was a no-brainer; sitting just below the Session in TREK’s long-travel food chain of full-suspension mountain bikes it was almost a formality that this 6^th generation Slash would boast a high-pivot design.

We got to ride the all-new Trek Slash on launch day! Check it out…

 

TREK have spec’d the all-new Slash with a ‘Mullet’ wheel configuration – 29″ front, 27.5″ rear, although you can run a 29″ on the rear if you prefer.

 

The Slash’s new high-pivot suspension layout facilitates a rearward axle path, providing incredibly smooth suspension while maintaining enhanced forward momentum. How so? Well, that rearward axle pathway means your rear wheel moves away from the force of impacts rather than against them, letting you blast over mid-trail obstacles with increased control and confidence.

In the past one of the potential drawbacks of a high-pivot suspension platform was chain growth and pedal kickback. As the rear axle travelled through its suspension the chain tightened and pulled back on the cranks. Bikes like the new TREK Slash have solved this issue with extra pulleys forming part of the drivetrain; in this case you can see them positioned above and behind the front chainring. Routing the chain around idler pulleys gives it room to grow without unwanted tension, meaning you won’t get a harsh pedal kickback.

How does it work? Trek Slash Gen 6 ‘s High-Pivot Suspension

 

The Slash’s rearward axle path provides incredibly smooth suspension while maintaining enhanced forward momentum.

 

TREK have clearly spent a long time developing this new high-pivot suspension configuration so that it hits a sweet spot, providing plush rear suspension AND tangible pedalling efficiency, preventing you from wasting valuable energy thanks to those oversized pulleys which help keep pedalling super-smooth.

While your time onboard this sort of enduro bike is always going to be predominantly gravity-focused it’s nice to know that when you point the Slash uphill in a quest to get back to the top of your favourite trail as quickly as possible it promises to be easier to pedal than other high-pivot bikes. According to TREK the all-new Slash is able to scramble straight up super-techy, rocky climbs, maintaining more upward momentum thanks to that rearward axle path which prevents the rear wheel from getting hung-up on roots and rocks.

So what else is new with TREK’s sixth-generation Slash enduro mountain bike? We’ve put together some key features and fast facts below, as well as full specifications of each model in the Slash range of bikes…

The Slash’s oversized pulleys eliminate any potential for pedal kickback while helping to keep pedalling super-smooth.

 

What’s new about the 6th-generation TREK Slash?…

• All-new high-pivot suspension design
• Slacker frame geometry than its predecessor
• Adjustable-angle headset cups
• Rear travel increased from 160mm to 170mm
• Adjustable suspension leverage-rate chip
• ‘Mullet’ mixed-wheel configuration, comes as standard (29” front, 27.5” rear)
• Size small bike features. 27.5” wheels front and rear
• Frame protection includes Integrated Carbon Armour and a noise-reducing chain stay guard
• All frame sizes feature increased room for longer dropper seatposts

TREK Slash Gen 6 Fast Facts

• Size small frame features a curved top tube for enhanced clearance and rider agility.
• Size small bike features a pair of 27.5” wheels rather than mullet configuration (27.5” rear/29” front wheel).
• You can run two 29” wheels if you prefer, by swapping the bolt-on lower shock-mount (sold separately).
• TREK’s iconic ‘Mino Link’ is gone. The Slash’s headtube angle is now changed via the angle-adjust headset, while the bolt-on lower shock mount allows you to adjust bottom bracket height when changing wheel sizes.
• The headset cups allow you to get a full degree of head tube angle adjustment. All Slash’s come with neutral/zero-degree cups as standard. (Alternative angle-adjust headset cups sold separately).
• Maximum tyre width for front and rear 27.5” and 29” wheels is 2.5”.
• All Slash bikes come with the required parts, including sealant to set your wheels up tubeless.
• The all-new Slash does not feature TREK’s Knock Block steering limiter.
• The TREK Slash can run a bottle cage on the downtube; all models include a Bontrager right-side-load water bottle cage.

There’s increased room for longer dropper seatposts on all frame sizes. Dropper post insertions are:

• SML – 290 mm
• MED – 305 mm
• ML – 325 mm
• LRG – 340 mm
• XL – 370 mm

TREK have approved the following rear shocks for the all-new Slash:

• RockShox Super Deluxe coil
• RockShox Super Deluxe AXS
• RockShox Vivid Air
• Fox Live Valve NEO
• Fox X2

Max/Min chainring sizes:

• Min – 28T
• Max – 34T round
• Max – 32T oval

Slash 8 Gen 6 RRP £4,250.00

• Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminium, high main pivot, idler pulley, internal storage, angle-adjust headset, Mino Link adjustable geometry, adjustable leverage rate, integrated frame protection, internal routing, magnesium rocker link, ISCG 05, Active Braking Pivot, UDH, 148×12 mm thru axle, 170 mm travel
• Fork: Fox Rhythm 36, Float EVOL air spring, GRIP damper, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Kabolt-X axle, 170 mm travel
• Shock: Fox Performance Float X, 2-position damper, 230 mm x 65 mm, 170mm travel
• 5” Rear Wheel: Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt
• 29” Front Wheel: Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt
• Rear Skewer: Bontrager Switch thru-axle, removable lever
• 5” Rear Tyre: Bontrager XR5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength casing, aramid bead, 60 tpi, 27.5 x 2.50″
• 29” Front Tyre: Bontrager XR5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength casing, aramid bead, 60 tpi, 29×2.50″
• Tyre Sealant: Bontrager TLR sealant, 180 ml/6 oz
• Rim strips: Bontrager TLR
• Shifter: Shimano XT M8100, 12-speed
• Rear derailleur: Shimano XT M8100, long cage
• Crank: Shimano Deore M6120, 30T ring, 55 mm chain line, 165 mm length
• Bottom bracket: Shimano BB-MT501 BSA
• Cassette: Shimano XT M8100, 10-51, 12-speed
• Chain: Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed
• Saddle: Bontrager Arvada, hollow chromoly rails, 138 mm width
• Dropper Seatpost (Small Frame Size): Bontrager Line Dropper, 100mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 310mm length
• Dropper Seatpost (M, M/L, L, XL Frame Size): Bontrager Line Dropper, 170 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 450 mm length
• Handlebar: Bontrager Line, alloy, 35 mm, 27.5 mm rise, 820 mm width
• Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Pro, alloy lock-on
• Stem: Bontrager Elite, 35 mm, 0-degree, 35 mm length
• Brakes: Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc, M6100 lever, M6120 calliper
• Brake rotors: Shimano RT66, 6-bolt, 203 mm
• Extras: Bontrager BITS Internal Frame Storage Bag

 

Slash 9 GX AXS T-Type Gen 6 RRP £5,175.00

• Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminium, high main pivot, idler pulley, internal storage, angle-adjust headset, Mino Link adjustable geometry, adjustable leverage rate, integrated frame protection, internal routing, magnesium rocker link, ISCG 05, Active Braking Pivot, UDH, 148×12 mm thru axle, 170 mm travel
• Fork: Rockshox ZEB Select+ with DebonAir spring and Charger 3 RC2 damper, 170mm travel
• Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select+, 170mm travel
• 5” Rear Wheel: Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless-Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle
• 29” Front Wheel: Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru axle
• Rear Skewer: Bontrager Switch thru-axle, removable lever
• 5” Rear Tyre: Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5 x 2.50″
• 29” Front Tyre: Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5 x 2.50″
• Tyre Sealant: Bontrager TLR sealant, 180 ml/6 oz
• Rim strips: Bontrager TLR
• Shifter: SRAM GX AXS, 12-Speed
• Rear derailleur: SRAM GX AXS, 12-Speed
• Crank: SRAM GX Eagle, DUB MTB Wide, T-Type, 30T, 55 mm chain line, 165 mm length
• Bottom bracket: SRAM DUB MTB Wide, 73 m, BSA threaded
• Cassette: SRAM GX AXS
• Chain: SRAM GX AXS
• Saddle: Bontrager Verse
• Dropper Seatpost (Small Frame Size): Bontrager Line Dropper, 100mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 310mm length
• Dropper Seatpost (M, M/L, L, XL Frame Size): Bontrager Line Dropper, 170 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 450 mm length
• Handlebar: Bontrager Line, alloy, 35 mm, 27.5 mm rise, 820 mm width
• Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Pro, alloy lock-on
• Stem: Bontrager Elite, 35 mm, 0-degree, 35 mm length
• Brakes: SRAM CODE Bronze 4-piston hydraulic disc
• Brake rotors: SRAM CentreLine, 6-bolt, round edge, 200 mm
• Extras: Bontrager BITS Internal Frame Storage Bag

 

Slash 9.8 XT Gen 6 RRP £7,425.00

• Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, high main pivot, idler pulley, internal storage, angle-adjust headset, Mino Link adjustable geometry, adjustable leverage rate, integrated frame protection, internal routing, magnesium rocker link, ISCG 05, Active Braking Pivot, UDH, 148×12 mm thru axle, 170 mm travel
• Fork: RockShox ZEB Select+, DebonAir spring, Charger 3 RC2 damper, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, Maxle Stealth, 170 mm travel
• Shock: RockShox Vivid Select+, 230 mm x 65 mm, 170mm travel
• 5” Rear Wheel: Bontrager Line Elite 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, SRAM XD driver, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle
• 29” Front Wheel: Bontrager Line Elite 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru axle
• Rear Skewer: Bontrager Switch thru-axle, removable lever
• 5” Rear Tyre: Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5 x 2.50″
• 29” Front Tyre: Bontrager SE6 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29×2.50″
• Tyre Sealant: Bontrager TLR sealant, 180 ml/6 oz
• Rim strips: Bontrager TLR
• Shifter: Shimano XT M8100, 12-speed
• Rear derailleur: Shimano XT M8100, long cage
• Crank: Shimano XT M8120, 30T alloy ring, Boost (55 mm chain line), 165 mm length
• Bottom bracket: Shimano BB-MT501 BSA
• Cassette: Shimano XT M8100, 10-51, 12-speed
• Chain: Shimano Ultegra/XT M8100, 12-speed
• Saddle: Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails, 138 mm width
• Dropper Seatpost (Small Frame Size): Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 100 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 345 mm length
• Dropper Seatpost (M, M/L, L, XL Frame Size): Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 170 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 485 mm length
• Handlebar: Bontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35 mm, 27.5 mm rise, 820 mm width
• Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Pro, alloy lock-on
• Stem: Bontrager Line Pro, 35 mm, Knock Block, Blendr-compatible, 0-degree, 35 mm length
• Headset: Integrated cartridge bearing, 1-1/8″ top, 1.5″ bottom, angle adjust cup compatible
• Brakes: Shimano XT M8120 4-piston hydraulic disc
• Brake rotors: Shimano RT86, 6-bolt, 203mm
• Extras: Bontrager BITS Internal Frame Storage Bag

 

Slash 9.8 GX AXS T-Type Gen 6 RRP £7,500.00

• Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, high main pivot, idler pulley, internal storage, angle-adjust headset, Mino Link adjustable geometry, adjustable leverage rate, integrated frame protection, internal routing, magnesium rocker link, ISCG 05, Active Braking Pivot, UDH, 148×12 mm thru axle, 170 mm travel
• Fork: RockShox ZEB Select+, DebonAir spring, Charger 3 RC2 damper, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, Maxle Stealth, 170 mm travel
• Shock: RockShox Vivid Select+, 230 mm x 65 mm, 170mm travel
• 5” Rear Wheel: Bontrager Line Elite 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, SRAM XD driver, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle
• 29” Front Wheel: Bontrager Line Elite 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru axle
• 5” Rear Tyre: Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5 x 2.50″
• 29” Front Tyre: Bontrager SE6 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29×2.50″
• Tyre Sealant: Bontrager TLR sealant, 180 ml/6 oz
• Rim strip: Bontrager TLR
• Shifter: SRAM Eagle AXS POD
• Rear derailleur : SRAM GX Eagle AXS, T-Type
• Crank: SRAM GX Eagle, DUB MTB Wide, T-Type, 30T, 55 mm chain line, 165 mm length
• Bottom bracket: SRAM DUB MTB Wide, 73 m, BSA threaded
• Cassette: SRAM Eagle XS-1275, T-Type,10-52, 12-speed
• Chain: SRAM GX Eagle, T-Type, 12 speed
• Saddle: Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails, 138 mm width
• Dropper Seatpost (Small Frame Size): Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 100 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 345 mm length
• Dropper Seatpost (M, M/L Frame Size): Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 170 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 485 mm length
• Dropper Seatpost (L, XL Frame Size): Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 200 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 550 mm length
• Handlebar: Bontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35 mm, 27.5 mm rise, 820 mm width
• Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Pro, alloy lock-on
• Stem: Bontrager Line Pro, 35 mm, Knock Block, Blendr-compatible, 0-degree, 35 mm length
• Brake: SRAM CODE Bronze 4-piston hydraulic disc
• Brake rotor: SRAM CentreLine, 6-bolt, round edge, 200 mm
• Extras: SRAM eTap battery pack (with charger)

 

Slash 9.9 X0 AXS T-Type Gen 6 RRP £9,400.00

• Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, high main pivot, idler pulley, internal storage, angle-adjust headset, Mino Link adjustable geometry, adjustable leverage rate, integrated frame protection, internal routing, magnesium rocker link, ISCG 05, Active Braking Pivot, UDH, 148×12 mm thru axle, 170 mm travel
• Fork: RockShox ZEB Ultimate, DebonAir spring, Charger 3 RC2 damper, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Maxle Stealth, 170 mm travel
• Shock: RockShox Vivid Ultimate, 230 mm x 65 mm, 170mm travel
• 5” Rear Wheel: Bontrager Line Pro 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, SRAM XD driver, Boost148, 12 mm thru-axle
• 29” Front Wheel: Bontrager Line Pro 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless-Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru-axle
• 5” Rear Tyre: Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5 x 2.50″
• 29” Front Tyre: Bontrager SE6 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29×2.50″
• Tyre Sealant: Bontrager TLR sealant, 180 ml/6 oz
• Rim strip: Bontrager TLR
• Shifter: SRAM Eagle AXS, wireless, 12-speed
• Rear derailleur : SRAM X0 Eagle AXS, T-Type
• Crank: SRAM X0 Eagle, T-Type, DUB, 34T ring, 55 mm chain line, 165 mm length
• Bottom bracket: SRAM DUB MTB Wide, 73 m, BSA threaded
• Cassette: SRAM Eagle XS-1295, T-Type, 10-52, 12-speed
• Chain: SRAM X0 Eagle, T-Type, 12-speed
• Saddle: Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails, 138 mm width
• Dropper Seatpost (Small Frame Size): RockShox Reverb AXS, 100 mm travel, wireless, 34.9 mm, 340 mm length
• Dropper Seatpost (M, M/L Frame Size): RockShox Reverb AXS, 170 mm travel, wireless, 34.9 mm, 480 mm length
• Handlebar/Integrated Stem: Bontrager RSL Integrated handlebar/stem, OCLV Carbon, 27.5 mm handlebar rise, 820 mm width, 0-degree stem rise, 35 mm stem length
• Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Pro, alloy lock-on
• Brakes: SRAM Code Silver 4-piston hydraulic disc
• Brake rotor: SRAM 6-bolt, 200 mm
• Extras: SRAM eTap battery pack (with charger)

 

Slash 9.9 XTR Gen 6 RRP £10,8000.00

• Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, high main pivot, idler pulley, internal storage, angle-adjust headset, Mino Link adjustable geometry, adjustable leverage rate, integrated frame protection, internal routing, magnesium rocker link, ISCG 05, Active Braking Pivot, UDH, 148×12 mm thru axle, 170 mm travel
• Fork: RockShox ZEB Ultimate, DebonAir spring, Charger 3 RC2 damper, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Maxle Stealth, 170 mm travel
• Shock: RockShox Vivid Ultimate, 230 mm x 65 mm
• 5” Rear Wheel: Bontrager Line Pro 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost148, 12 mm thru axle
• 29” Front Wheel: Bontrager Line Pro 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless-Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru-axle
• 5” Rear Tyre: Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5 x 2.50″
• 29” Front Tyre: Bontrager SE6 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29×2.50″
• Tyre Sealant: Bontrager TLR sealant, 180 ml/6 oz
• Rim strip: Bontrager TLR
• Shifter: Shimano XTR M9100, 12-speed
• Rear derailleur: Shimano XTR M9100, Shadow Plus, long cage, 51-T max cog
• Crank: E*thirteen LG1 Race Carbon, 30T, 55 mm chain line, 165 mm length
• Bottom bracket: E*thirteen BB20-P, BSA threaded, 73 mm width
• Cassette: Shimano XTR M9101, 10-51, 12-speed
• Chain: Shimano Dura-Ace/XTR M9100, 12-speed
• Saddle: Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails, 138 mm width
• Dropper Seatpost (Small Frame Size): Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 100 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 345 mm length
• Dropper Seatpost (M, M/L Frame Size): Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 170 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 485 mm length
• Dropper Seatpost (L, XL Frame Size): Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 200 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 550 mm length
• Handlebar/Stem: Bontrager RSL Integrated handlebar/stem, OCLV Carbon, 27.5 mm handlebar rise, 820 mm width, 0-degree stem rise, 35 mm stem length
• Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Pro, alloy lock-on
• Brakes: Shimano XTR M9120 4-piston hydraulic disc
• Brake rotor: Shimano RT86, 6-bolt, 203mm

 

Slash 9.9 XX AXS T-Type Gen 6 RRP £11,750.00

• Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, high main pivot, idler pulley, internal storage, angle-adjust headset, Mino Link adjustable geometry, adjustable leverage rate, integrated frame protection, internal routing, magnesium rocker link, ISCG 05, Active Braking Pivot, UDH, 148×12 mm thru axle, 170 mm travel
• Fork: RockShox ZEB Ultimate Flight Attendant, DebonAir spring, Charger 2.1 RCT3 AXS damper, 1.5″ tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Maxle Stealth, 170 mm travel
• Shock: RockShox Vivid Ultimate, 230 mm x 65 mm, 170mm travel
• 5” Rear Wheel: Bontrager Line Pro 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, SRAM XD driver, Boost148, 12 mm thru-axle
• 29” Front Wheel: Bontrager Line Pro 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless-Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15 mm thru-axle
• 5” Rear Tyre: Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 27.5×2.50″
• 29” Front Tyre: Bontrager SE6 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29×2.50″
• Tyre Sealant: Bontrager TLR sealant, 180 ml/6 oz
• Rim strip: Bontrager TLR
• Shifter: SRAM Eagle AXS, wireless, 12-speed
• Rear derailleur: SRAM XX Eagle AXS, T-Type
• Crank: SRAM XX Eagle, T-Type, DUB, 34T ring, 55 mm chain line, 165 mm length
• Bottom bracket: SRAM DUB MTB Wide, 73 m, BSA threaded
• Cassette: SRAM Eagle XS-1297, T-Type, 10-52, 12-speed
• Chain: SRAM XX Eagle, T-Type, 12-speed
• Saddle: Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails, 138 mm width
• Dropper Seatpost (Small Frame Size): RockShox Reverb AXS, 100 mm travel, wireless, 34.9 mm, 340 mm length
• Dropper Seatpost (M, M/L Frame Size): RockShox Reverb AXS, 170 mm travel, wireless, 34.9 mm, 480 mm length
• Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Pro, alloy lock-on
• Brakes: SRAM Code Ultimate 4-piston hydraulic disc
• Brake rotor: SRAM 6-bolt, 200 mm
• Extras: SRAM eTap battery pack (with charger)

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos – TREK’s own

 

Have you seen our Fast Bike feature? Missed some of our best bikes? You can now see all of our featured bikes in one place over on Pinterest where you’ll find links to each of our Fast Bike Feature Blogs too!

Click the link below and search our archive…

 

The British Continental is a leading sports website dedicated to following domestic road racing here in the U.K. Packed full of excellent race reports, interviews, in-depth features and race photos they give a great insight into scene with some fantastic content. Jack Beavis from The British Continental recently spoke to Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli Team Manager Stuart Reid to discover more about our road racing team and the ongoing development of young riders heading for the UCI ranks.

 

Wheelbase CabTech Castelli: The Original Elite Development Team

Stalwarts of the domestic peloton, the Wheelbase CabTech Castelli team have been a revelation in 2023, enjoying their most successful season after almost two decades at the elite end of domestic cycling. Jack Beavis, The British Continental, August 2023

Click the link below to read this excellent, in-depth interview with Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli Team Manager Stuart Reid…

Read the full interview HERE…

 

Hit link to check out the latest road racing news from The British Continental…

 

Feature Image by SW Pix

Matt Fox, Ilkley Win photo by Trax Photos

 

It’s time for a closer look at the Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Elite enduro bike! Captured earlier this summer by our talented regular freelance photographer James Vincent, he pulled this race-ready Enduro bike out of Nukeproof’s extensive demo fleet and shot it at our popular BIG Demo Day in Hamsterley, Country Durham.

Nukeproof’s design brief for the Mega was to create a ‘downhiller’s trail bike’ built to cope with the unique demands of the World’s most challenging Enduro races including the iconic Megavalanche in France. Piloted by some of the greatest bike racers around including multiple World Champion Sam Hill the Nukeproof Mega has been scoring race wins all over the globe for the last few years.

The Mega 297 Carbon Elite is classed by Nukeproof as the ‘downhiller’s trail bike’.

 

This 297 version of the Mega features a mixed wheel-size configuration with a 29” wheel on the front and 27.5” on the rear, for a best of both worlds setup providing efficient roll-over ability and a flickable rear end. It’s the classic ‘Mullet’ setup with business upfront and party out back.

The Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Elite long-travel full-suspension enduro trail bike features an ultra-strong carbon frame, plush Fox Float X2 Performance rear shock, capable Fox 38 Float Performance Elite Series Grip 2 Damper suspension fork boasting 170mm of travel and an efficient Shimano SLX 1×12-Speed groupset. Scroll through our photos below and check out the full specification of the Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Elite at the bottom of this feature…

The Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Elite is constructed from ultra-strong monocoque UD Carbon Fibre.

 

With durable longevity in mind the Mega 297 Carbon Elite includes factory-fitted clear paint protection in key areas of the frame.

 

A Fox Float X2 Performance Series rear shock facilitates 165mm of plush travel.

 

The Fox Float X2 rear shock sits within the Mega’s Horst-link suspension configuration which copes brilliantly with big hits and small bumps while remaining supportive on the climbs.

 

Nukeproof have spec’d the Mega 297 Elite with a pair of Fox Float X2, Performance Series, EVOL, 2 Position Lever suspension forks.

 

The dust lines on these Fox Float X2 stanchions hint at the amount of travel you’re getting upfront – 170mm to handle the really big hits.

 

A no-nonsense Shimano SLX groupset adorns the Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Elite

 

The 12-speed SLX rear derailleur provides precise gear selection every time, even when conditions get particularly nasty.

 

The Hollowtech 2 SLX M7100 chainset is complimented by a Nukeproof guide, helping to keep your chain secure when your riding gets really rowdy.

 

SLX hydraulic brakes have a positive feel which is almost identical to brake levers further up the Shimano food chain. 

 

Nukeproof have spec’d a pair of powerful 4-piston Shimano SLX M7120 brake calipers to help you quickly scrub off speed and stay in control.

 

Large 203mm diameter brake rotors pair up effectively with those powerful SLX brakes and metallic brake pads.

 

As the product name suggests, the Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Elite features a mixed wheel-size configuration, with a 29″ up front and a 27.5″ on the rear.

 

Nukeproof’s own Horizon V2 wheels adorn the Mega 297 Carbon Elite and are shod with a pair of Maxxis tyres. There’s a Minion DHR II on the rear. 

 

That larger 29″ front wheel is fitted with a super-grippy Maxxis Minion DHR II to help you stay in control, even on the loosest turns.

 

When it comes to gravity-focused trail riding the Maxxis Minion DHR is regarded as the standard when it comes to durable, high-grip downhill tyres.

 

A stubby 45mm Nukeproof Horizon stem contributes significantly to the Mega 297 Carbon Elite’s positive steering.

 

The Mega 297 Carbon Elite comes spec’d with long-term Nukeproof sponsored rider Sam Hill’s own signature grips.

 

Sam Hill Signature grips lock-on for extra security and feel great in your hand regardless of whether you wear gloves or not.

 

Originally designed to specifically handle the demands of the Megavalanche Enduro in France, the Nukeproof Mega 297 Carbon Elite is built ready to race.

 

Full specification:

• Frame: Nukeproof Mega V4 297 Carbon, 165mm Travel, ultra-strong monocoque UD Carbon Fibre frame, internally piped cable routing, ISCG 05 mounts, Enduro Bearings, Threaded 73mm BB, Boost 148mm rear axle spacing, 3D contoured Rubber frame protection and Factory fitted clear paint protection kit covering TT/DT/CS/SS.
• Rear Shock: Fox Float X2, Performance Series, EVOL, 2 Position lever, Custom LCM LRM tune, 230×62.5mm, Bearing End, 2x 0.3 spacer fitted.
• Fork: Fox 38 Float, Performance Elite Series, Grip 2 Damper, 170mm, 44mm Offset, BOOST, Black
• Headset: Nukeproof, 44-56 IITS
• Crankset: Shimano SLX M7100 12-Speed, Hollowtech 2, 170mm, 32T
• Bash Guard: Nukeproof guide with Bash, 28-36T, ISCG-05, black
• Shifter: Shimano SLX M7100-IR, 12-speed Rapidfire Plus, I-Spec EV
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano SLX M7100, SGS 12-Speed, Shadow Plus
• Cassette: Shimano SLX M7100-12, 12-Speed (HYPERGLIDE+), 10-51T
• Chain: Shimano SLX M7100 HG 12-speed Inc Quicklink
• Brake Calipers: Shimano SLX M7120, 4 Pot Brake, Metallic Pads
• Brake Rotors: Front 203mm / Rear 203mm
• Front Wheel: Nukeproof Horizon V2, 29″, 6 Bolt, 110x15mm
• Rear Wheel: Nukeproof Horizon V2, 27.5″, 6 Bolt, Shimano Microspline Driver, 148x12mm
• Front Tyre: Maxxis Assegai 3C MAXXGRIP/DD/TR 29” x 2.5WT
• Rear Tyre: Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MAXXTERRA/DD/TR 27.5” x 2.4WT
• Stem: Nukeproof Horizon, 45mm, Black
• Handlebar: Nukeproof Horizon V2 25mm Rise, Width – S780mm, M780mm, L800mm
• Grips: Nukeproof Sam Hill Signature
• Seatpost: Brand X Ascend internal with Brand-X Remote lever, S:125mm drop; M:150mm drop; L:170mm drop
• Saddle: Nukeproof

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by James Vincent

 

Want to see more fast bikes? You can now see all of our featured bikes in one place over on Pinterest where you’ll find links to each of our Fast Bike Feature Blogs too!

 

Our talented multi-discipline bike racer Lucy Bell has been in action again; this time braving the rain and mud of the Naughty Northumbrian Enduro. Here’s her report…

The demanding Naughty is nestled away high in the Northumbrian Cheviot Hills and is touted as one of the hardest Enduro races on the UK calendar. At 27 miles and with 5000ft of climbing spread across 6 stages, it’s a huge challenge which includes compulsory practice for all stages on Saturday before racing the full loop again on Sunday.

The stages are all on private land and this year, due to Storm Arwen, the tracks were 80% fresh-cut; with an average gradient of about -20% to -30% these tracks are not for the faint-hearted.

I opted to race my Cannondale Moterra LT e-mountain bike, as I knew the heavier planted feel of my bike would suit the scree field stages – if you’ve heard the hype about these sections it’s all true, they are MENTAL. I was pleased with my choice even if stopping down some of those steeps was a challenge, it was worth it was I bloody love my e-bike on natural techy tracks.

 

Unfortunately we were treated to some biblical weather on the practice day, leaving us feeling pretty nervous before Sunday’s race stages. The tracks and transitions were steadily getting more washed out, making what was already tricky that much harder. Fortunately I was racing alongside a super crew and ‘Team Gaskell’ prevailed on Sunday morning, with a good bunch of mates rolling out the start arena to support and help each other round the whole day. To help cope with the conditions we did ‘trains’ and pretended we were just riding not ‘racing’, but when the starting beeps went we all went mad and somehow managed to stay on and get to the bottom of each stage with only a few small get-downs in between! Big shout as to Helen Gaskell, Georgia Leslie, Claire Bennett, Rachel Wight, Adam Wight and Luke Parkin for all having the grit and determination to survive that day.

This was my 51^st race according to Roots and Rain, and no question the absolute hardest most technical thing I have ever ridden. If you like it tough then get the Naughty on your list for 2024, it is epic beyond all imagination.

 

Big thanks to Wheelbase Darlington for whipping my bike into shape before the event and supplying me with everything I needed to get through that day – big love!

That’s just about if for the Enduro season now, but I have some plans for Winter ‘23 so I won’t be sitting still – watch this space 🙂

 

You can follow all of Lucy Bell’s biking adventures at @loowcie

A BIG thanks to Jerry Tatton for the awesome race photos @jwdtphotography

 

Enjoy 50% off selected men’s and women’s Castelli Unlimited Gravel Apparel, while stocks last. Take advantage of our half price deals on selected products from Castelli’s gravel-specific collection.

Castelli Unlimited Allroad Jersey Was £115.00 NOW £57.50

 

Castelli Unlimited Bibshort Was £125.00 NOW £62.50

 

Castelli Unlimited Puffy Vest Was £210.00 NOW £105.00

 

Castelli Unlimited Baggy Short Was £115.00 NOW £57.50

 

Castelli Unlimited Sentiero Women’s Jersey was £120.00 NOW £60.00

 

We’ve got fantastic deals on selected Cervelo Aspero Gravel Bikes! This is your chance to own a cutting-edge high-performance carbon fibre gravel bike designed specifically for flat-out speed. Stiff and responsive, the Aspero performs with all the efficiency of one of Cervelo’s top-flight road bikes while providing all-day comfort thanks to a cleverly engineered carbon frame that includes just the right amount of compliance where you need it.

We’ve got special offers on the Cervelo Aspero Apex 1 and Aspero GRX RX600 while stocks last…

 

Cervelo Aspero GRX RX600 Was £3,100 NOW £2,199

 

Cervelo Aspero Apex 1 Was £3,000 NOW £1,949

 

When it comes to bicycle brands making an impact at the recent Cross Country Mountain Bike World Championships in Scotland, it’s fair to say that Pinarello stole the show! In a dream scenario for the premium Italian brand we saw their cutting-edge mountain bikes take no less than four medals, including three golds.

Italian bike brand Pinarello have been at the forefront of professional road racing for decades, most recently supplying their stunning road bikes to Team Sky and subsequently Ineos Grenadiers. When cycling superstar Tom Pidcock joined the team he wanted to continue his mixed racing campaign, spreading himself over the three cycling disciplines of Road, Cyclocross and Mountain Biking and so we quickly saw Ineos Grenadiers entering the world of mountain bike racing. Competing in 2022, Tom was onboard an unbadged bike from a rival brand and we all speculated on whether or not Pinarello would go on to develop their own bike for future seasons.

Fast forward to May 2023 and just before the first big races of the season Pinarello revealed the Dogma XC full-suspension mountain bike, coinciding their entry into mountain biking with the recent signing of 2022 World Champion Pauline Ferrand Prevot, who along with Tom Pidcock, formed a compact two-person team benefiting from all of the expertise and logistical support of the larger Ineos Grenadiers road team.

In the relatively short lead-up to this year’s World Championships in Scotland the all-new Dogma XC full-suspension bike would prove itself with some significant wins; Tom Pidcock was on the top step of the podium at the first round of the Cross Country World Cup and Pauline Ferrand Prevot took victory at a round of the Short Track World Cup. With both riders firmly focused on the upcoming World Championships the scene was set for the Dogma XC to really make its mark within mountain biking. As you’ll no-doubt already know, Tom Pidcock went on to take the World Championship title in front of a home crowd, capping off an amazing day of racing, onboard his Pinarello Dogma XC full-suspension mountain bike!

Tom Pidcock piloted his Pinarello Dogma XC full-suspension mountain bike to a historic victory in the World Mountain Bike Championships.

 

As you’d expect, this premium Italian mountain bike includes numerous innovative design features including a split rear triangle, flex-stay suspension and adjustable travel. The split triangle consists of two ‘semi triangles’ which attach to a rotation point seamlessly molded into the frame, removing the need for seatstay and chainstay bridges while remaining stiff and efficient; the removal of those bridges allowed Pinarello to shorten the chainstays and allow for clearance for tyres up to 2.35in wide. The flexstays do away with the need for an additional pivot point at the rear dropouts, relying on a cleverly engineered carbon layup to facilitate the rear wheel travel while reducing overall weight and increasing stiffness.

We managed to get up close and personal at the Ineos team tent, capturing some detail shots of Tom’s Dogma XC full-suspension bike.

 

If you’re already familiar with Pinarello’s road bikes you’ll know that their frames always include unique profiles designed to increase stiffness and efficiency where it’s needed or enhance comfort and compliance at key points. Similarly with the Dogma XC full-suspension, one of the most visually significant aspects is the unique bottom bracket configuration featuring an additional strut running from the seat tube to the down tube, creating an additional triangular void. Pinarello say that this design increases overall stiffness at the bottom bracket while accommodating that large suspension pivot point.

Tom Pidcock’s Pinarello Dogma XC includes a unique bottom bracket configuration which increases stiffness and facilitates the large suspension pivot point.

 

The top-tube-mounted rear shock includes some adjustability allowing you to tune suspension travel according to the demands of any particular race course. This means that Ineos can set up Tom and Pauline’s bikes to either pair a 100mm travel fork with a 90mm rear shock or a 120mm fork with 100mm of rear travel when the courses get more gnarly. The front fork and rear shock both include an electronic lockout system from SR Suntour, utilizing built-in sensors that automatically react to the terrain beneath them, making this cross country machine even more efficient when climbing or sprinting out of the saddle.

Tom Pidcock’s Dogma XC is packed full of tech, including the SR Suntour rear shock featuring an electronic lockout.

 

Pinarello quickly became the headline brand at the 2023 Cross Country Mountain Bike World Championships in Glentress, Scotland. Are we overstating Pinarello’s achievements a little? Nope, all credit to them; their all-new Dogma XC Hardtail was revealed to the public just a day before their French mountain bike super-champ Pauline Ferrand Prevot rode it to the win in the Short Track Mountain Bike World Championship! Having seen the severity of the full-length Cross Country loop we all assumed that Pauline would switch over to her Pinarello Dogma XC full suspension bike for Saturday’s main event, however she chose to ride the Dogma XC Hardtail again and made short work of the challenging course to take the win, scoring a historic double-gold-winning-weekend!

Pauline Ferrand Prevot decided to race her brand-new Dogma XC Hardtail in the Cross Country Mountain Bike World Championships.

 

As soon as the Pinarello Dogma XC Hardtail became visible on social media, the day before the Short Track Mountain Bike World Championships and before there was any official word from Pinarello, the internet blew up with endless chat on the unique appearance of this lightweight race machine. It certainly got people talking thanks to its curious aesthetics around the bottom bracket area, mirroring the configuration of their Dogma XC full-suspension model and, perhaps even more significantly, its curious asymmetrical seatstays which had viewers very quickly forming a ‘love it or hate it’ opinion.

We’ve seen similar, albeit not quite so visually-striking versions of this unique design approach on some of Pinarello’s most successful road bikes over the years and the Dogma XC Hardtail follows the same principle. By creating asymmetric seatstays the engineers at Pinarello say that the bike is better able to cope with the pedaling forces incurred through the frame; the higher-positioned left hand seatstay being reinforced to help balance energy transfer throughout the rear of the frame.

Those asymmetric seatstays will no-doubt divide opinion, but the Dogma XC Hardtail’s race-winning capability can’t be debated!

 

Unlike the full-suspension Dogma XC, the hardtail option is designed around a 100mm travel fork rather than 120mm, however it is compatible with a dropper seatpost, a requirement that has become the norm on all cross country race bikes as riders make their bid to overcome the most technically demanding race courses on the circuit. As you can see from the photos, Pauline opted to run one for the World Champs and made good use of it on the infamous ‘Salmon Ladder’ stone slab drop which saw riders dropping down a near vertical rockface into a tight turn and drop off.

Taking the gold in the Short Track AND Cross Country World Championships, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot has already proven that the all-new Pinarello Dogma XC Hardtail can handle the most demanding mountain bike races in the world; now we just have to wait until us mere mortals can get our hands on one. As Pinarello stockists we’re super-excited to see the Pinarello Dogma XC full-suspension and hardtail bikes on our shop floor when they become available in March 2024!

Launched on Thursday, a double World Championship-winning hardtail mountain bike by Saturday! Chapeau Pauline and Pinarello!

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Photos by Johnny Dodgin and Toby Dalton

 

Have you seen our Fast Bike feature? Missed some of our best bikes? You can now see all of our featured bikes in one place over on Pinterest where you’ll find links to each of our Fast Bike Feature Blogs too!

Click the link below and search our archive…

 

Whyte hardtails super clearance sale! Save up to 46% on selected Whyte hardcore hardtail mountain bikes while stocks last. This is your chance to save on a range of agile trail bikes designed specifically to excel on U.K. singletrack. Our Whyte hardtail mountain bike offers are…

Whyte 909 X Was £3,500.00 NOW £1,999.00 SAVE 42%

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Whyte 901 Was £1,850.00 NOW £999.00 SAVE 46%

 

Whyte 909 X Was £3,500.00 NOW £1,999.00 SAVE 42%

 

Whyte 905 Was £2,099.00 NOW £1,250.00 SAVE 40%

 

Whyte 901 Was £1,850.00 NOW £999.00 SAVE 46%

 

We’ve got so many hot bikes coming through our doors sometimes it’s hard to keep up! One such bike is the SB160 from iconic Colorado mountain bike brand YETI, with its race-bred DNA and EWS-winning track record. At one of our recent BIG Mountain Bike Demo days we were able to take a closer look at the Yeti SB160 T-Series T1 29 and tasked our regular freelance photographer James Vincent with capturing this race-ready Enduro bike out in the wild. Included below is a full-specification breakdown of the bike together with James’ extensive photo gallery. We’ve also included details of the Yeti SB160 C-Series C2 29 which is stock now and available in-store and online at Wheelbase.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yeti SB160 T-Series T1 29 2023 RRP £8,999.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: TURQ Series carbon fibre, Switch Infinity V2 suspension technology, threaded BB, internal cable routing, 148mm x 12mm BOOST dropouts, sealed enduro max pivot bearings, Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH), Thru axle
• Rear Shock: FOX Factory Float x2
• Fork: FOX Factory 38 Grip 2/170mm
• Headset: Cane Creek 40 Integrated
• Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB BSA 73
• Crankset: SRAM X1 Carbon Eagle 30T 170mm
• Bash Guard: OneUp Bash Guide
• Shifter: SRAM SX Eagle
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM X01 Eagle
• Cassette: SRAM GX Eagle 10-52T
• Chain: SRAM GX Eagle
• Brake Levers: SRAM Code RSC
• Brake Calipers: SRAM Code RSC
• Brake Rotors: SRAM Centerline 220(F) / SRAM Centerline 200(R)
• Wheelset: DT Swiss Custom EX1700 30mm
• Front Tyre: Maxxis Assegai 2.5 EXO+
• Rear Tyre: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 EXO+
• Stem: Burgtec Enduro MK3 35x50mm
• Handlebar: YETI Carbon 35x800mm
• Grips: ODI Elite Pro
• Seatpost: FOX Transfer 31.6mm / 175mm
• Saddle: WTB Silverado Custom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yeti SB160 C-Series C2 29 2023 RRP £7,299.00

Full Specification:

• Frame: C/Series carbon fibre, Switch Infinity suspension technology, threaded BB, internal cable routing, 148mm x 12mm BOOST dropouts, sealed enduro max pivot bearings, integrated derailleur hanger and axle
• Rear Shock: FOX Performance Float X
• Fork: FOX Performance 38/170mm
• Headset: Cane Creek 40 Integrated
• Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB BSA 73
• Crankset: SRAM GX Eagle 30T 170mm
• Bash Guard: OneUp Bash Guide
• Shifter: SRAM GX Eagle
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM GX Eagle
• Cassette: SRAM GX Eagle 10-52T
• Chain: SRAM GX Eagle
• Brake Levers: SRAM Code R
• Brake Calipers: SRAM Code R
• Brake Rotors: SRAM Centerline 220(F) / SRAM Centerline 200(R)
• Wheelset: DT Swiss E1900 30mm
• Front Tyre: Maxxis Assegai 2.5 EXO+
• Rear Tyre: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 EXO+
• Stem: Burgtec Enduro MK3 35x50mm
• Handlebar: Burgtec Ride Wide Alloy Enduro 35x800mm 35mm Rise
• Grips: ODI Elite Pro
• Seatpost: OneUp Dropper Post 31.6mm / SM: 150mm, MD: 180mm, LG-XXL: 210mm
• Saddle: WTB Silverado Custom

 

Check out the full photo gallery of the Yeti SB160 T-Series T1 29. Shot by James Vincent at our recent mountain bike demo day….

 

Mondraker super clearance sale! Save up to 30% on selected Mondraker Mountain and e-Mountain Bikes while stocks last. This is your chance to buy a high-performance mountain bike or e-MTB for less. Sale includes 2022 and 2023 models, with 25% off selected full-suspension 2023 Mondraker mountain bikes.

 

 

 

 

See all discounted Mondraker Mountain and e-Mountain bikes…