2021 TREK SLASH 8 Long Term Review

[@livefreeandshred9818]

My settings are air shock - and 31% sag minus comp. coil (super deluxe ultimate) - 28-29% sag 350 spring, 4 clicks comp, 2 turns preload 155 lbs rider weight kitted up

[@mtbtelly5522]

You prefer the coil setup or the air?

[@livefreeandshred9818]

@@mtbtelly5522 depends on what I’m riding. They are both good but I think the air is better all around. The coil is very good at tech stuff (roots and rocks) but the coil is definitely more poppy. I could ride either without complaining

[@Burbs1976]

Suspension Tetris. I just purchased a 2021 Kona Process 134 Cr/Dl 29.... cant wait!

[@mtbtelly5522]

Sweet!

[@stamy1]

So, when is the Banshee coming?:D

[@urbankastelic2377]

Hello Mr. Telly! Will this solve the Slash suspension problem? If you modify air shock to 227.5×60. You cut damper body by 2.5mm to reduce eye to eye length.Than add the 2.5mm shim on inner shaft to reduce stroke length. Remove 1 token. Now you can run Slash by 4% less sag with the same bb height like before. Which means more pressure and more linear shock. But you only have 155mm of rear travel. This is a cheap modification. What do you think?

[@lakapaka5151]

I want to buy a new bike and idk what to choose between slash 8 2022 or Vitus sommer crx

[@rhysherbert8569]

I think availability will answer that for you.

[@lakapaka5151]

true... i mean there is a Shash in stock bud I'd want the vitus cause it's so much value for the money

[@chrisburnell4861]

Great video! Looks like your having fun getting your bike dialed in! I have a Trek Fuel & have been thinking hard about getting a Slash 8 or 9.8. any thoughts? Looks like you like the Remedy? Thanks 🤘

[@domanater480]

How are you finding the ex471 wheel? i was contemplating getting them but was concerned of only 25mm inner width as i like to run 2.4-2.5 tires. Lots of downhill riders run them so they must be fine though?

[@mtbtelly5522]

I think I like it. It took me a day to adapt but its felt normal since then. At first it made the tyre feel less stable and on a line. Takes a touch more balance input compared to the 30id but I think it may add benefit. Maybe best suited to the 2.4 DHR2

[@ashkonsenaati8530]

My bike has about 22% progression. As a lighter rider I agree this is far too much. I can relate to your sentiments regarding the compromises in setup that have to be made. Currently running my rear shock at 35-40% sag to get the correct ride height and not get my feet blown off the pedals. Next bike I am going to try to find as linear as a rate as I can.

[@mtbtelly5522]

What rear shock do you have? If air you should be able to take spacers out to smooth out that stroke somewhat

[@ashkonsenaati8530]

@@mtbtelly5522 super deluxe air. I have spacers removed. Also lowered IFP and reshimmed it. Still same issue. Also have the same issue with the bomber Cr.

[@mtbtelly5522]

@@ashkonsenaati8530 damn. I’d run 1-2 spacers in that shock and a pressure that gives me good support and compliance

[@mtbtelly5522]

What bike is it?

[@ashkonsenaati8530]

@@mtbtelly5522 nukeproof mega 2020

[@iamgeneric1888]

I'm not sure that your experience with the suspension would be the same for a heavier rider. At 93kg the suspension is excellent, rides perfectly at 30% sag and takes bigger hits beautifully. It would be interesting to know what average rider weights bikes are designed around. At 74kg you are definitely on the lighter end of the spectrum which may account for some of the difficulty getting things set up to your liking?

[@mtbtelly5522]

Potentially for sure. I need to spend more time setting bikes up for heavier folks and see it its a factor to consider in terms of spring curve

[@NIC-nr3zg]

Is the 2021 remedy 8 better then the slash 8?

[@mtbboy1993]

Have you tried Michelin tyres? I haven't tried double down maxis, but the regular tyres buy I did not like the squirmy side knobs, not crazy bad, bu tnot optimal, but loved the Wild Enduro, even at 23mm rims, made trackstands easier and now 30mm rims and it now turns better and smoother doing fakies. So not going back to Maxxis. Bike has 62deg head angle according to my phone

[@kjayk]

How is this frame holding up? There's a roumour the '21 tend to break near the support area?

[@mtbtelly5522]

I assume its still good. I sold it to a young local rider and as far as I know hes loving it

[@DanOsborne]

Also, any tokens in the rear shock when you ran it? Advice on MegNeg on this frame?

[@mtbtelly5522]

I’m actually testing a megneg on it now to calibrate the difference in air cans, and see if theres any performance left on the table. I did find that the standard can was a little dry and lacked grease, so may explain partially why the rear never felt excellent. (This is on a replacement shock from trek with barely any use). So far the thrushaft can may equate to 1 band in the megneg. I’ll clarify that once I’ve done more testing. I’m currently at no bands 2 tokens megneg. Feels good on the street. Any bands installed really took away the off the top and mid stroke strength. Definitely needs a big neg air can to counter the space taken up on the neg side due to thrushaft allowance with hardware. I’ll explain that with video and photos

[@DanOsborne]

@@mtbtelly5522 Sweet. I'm currently running the 2020 Slash on 2-band, 2-tokens I believe. I'm light like you at 75kg but I'm also quite a heavier hitter on the hucks so need that bottom out resistance as well as bump complience

[@mateuszjarszak8962]

Hi, you’re saying that you could optimally ride something a little bit smaller. Is it regarding to reach or wheelbase lenght? I am 174 cm tall (78 cm inseam, neutral APE index) and am considering whether get an Ibis Ripmo AF in M or L size (didn’t have a opportunity to test it yet, but size L is more close to Slash 2021 in size M/L).

[@mtbtelly5522]

Not sure if smaller would be optimal, but I have room to comfortably ride a shorter bike (wheelbase and reach), I don’t have much room to ride a longer bike, i can stretch to about 1260 wheelbase and 480 reach, but not optimal for technical trails. I’m 174 also, and reckon my perfect size would be a 465 reach, 1230 wheelbase and 435-440 chainstay. That might all change but thats how I feel currently

[@mateuszjarszak8962]

@@mtbtelly5522 Okay, I see. Thanks for your Feedback!

[@CesarHernandez-ln7ho]

Whats the specs of that rear shock? would like to run the same =)

[@mtbtelly5522]

Its a 230x57.5 bomber CR with a light compression tune

[@aussieinspainmtb7516]

Considering going to a slash 8 from a 2019 alloy patrol also considering a newer patrol sentinel or norco sight what’s your thoughts or suggestions Telly???

[@mtbtelly5522]

I like the Sight, and the new Patrol looks pretty good but maybe a little high in the progression for my taste at 24%. I’d aim for a bike between 15-20% progression. Remedy, Sight, Process X, SB150, Banshee Rune V3, they’re all in that sweet spot

[@mtbtelly5522]

I am suuuper curious as to how the new Patrol performs on a coil. Maybe some time I can try one.

[@chadsugden411]

Norco sight a2 or a1 next ?

[@jonaszdabrowski]

I found that I stand quite high on my 2018 Slash 8 with Coil shock. I'm 80kg and run 500lbs spring right now. Would getting 450 spring be the way to go? It feels great otherwise, no harsh bottom outs, but I haven't tried anything else.

[@mtbtelly5522]

A black 450 would be a cheap experiment, it’ll definitely be better as long as you’re not clapping it off the bottom. If its sluggish after adjusting the rebound and comp to suit add a turn or 2 preload. If it gets better without being too tall, a 475 spring would be killer

[@jonaszdabrowski]

@@mtbtelly5522 thanks, King!

[@mtbtelly5522]

@@jonaszdabrowski let me know how you get on

[@if5315]

This is a great review

[@michael_the_chef]

Ive just got me a trek rail 9.7 in carbon, its equipped with a rs deluxe select shock, do you know wich coil shock does fit on it? Because there isnt much space.

[@mtbtelly5522]

I’m not 100% sure, but I believe thats the same rear setup as the Slash, so a marz bomber or fox dhx2 are the options at 230x62.5

[@michael_the_chef]

@@mtbtelly5522 thanks stroke is 57.5 but 62.5 should fit too

[@mtbtelly5522]

@@michael_the_chef ah bugger. Still 230 eye to eye?

[@michael_the_chef]

@@mtbtelly5522 yes, regarding to some forums it should fitt, it gives about 163 travel instead of 150. But there is no issue with that, enough clearance etc... A guy did put the fox air shock from a slash onto it and it worked, maybe i try a super deluxe 62.5 from the slash( the higher built kit comes with a super deluxe, just have to check if the piggy back doesntmake contact with the frame) because the deluxe rt it came with just sucks hard. Otherwise i am going with a 57.5mm super deluxe, 150mm rear travel isnt really bad 😅

[@mtbtelly5522]

@@michael_the_chef I’d just get the 230x60. Best of both worlds, and no need for the shop to install the spacer to create the 2.5mm change

[@vijonrana5916]

Can you help me getting a bash guard for slash 8 2021 M please

[@mtbtelly5522]

It should come with one. Mine came with the mrp chainguide/bashguard

[@mtbboy1993]

Minus compression? I've not heard that term, so you mean you don't use any conpression damping? Otherwise I understood everything, well explained.

[@mtbtelly5522]

Its in relation to the setting configuration on the air shock. It has 3 positions of compression adjustment, labelled with a minus, a zero or a plus.

[@mtbboy1993]

@@mtbtelly5522 OK, now I get it.

[@yoimaren]

Waht sizes mounting hardware do u use for the shock

[@mtbtelly5522]

I got the top and bottom bolts from trek, and the shock hardware was 54mm x 10mm and 40mm x 10mm

[@yoimaren]

@@mtbtelly5522 thanyou very muvh

[@liwx]

looks like you roll your bar a bit backwards than forwards??

[@mtbtelly5522]

Yeah I roll it to where it gives me most control when charging and hitting turns

[@darraghprenter7461]

Amazing vid well done 👍👍

[@mtbtelly5522]

Thank you

[@brenton5336]

Why dont you try using offset bushing to lower the bb to you likeing. Then you can run less sag, have more emd stroke and have a lower bb geo. Ive done this before.

[@mtbtelly5522]

Nah I need to take some progression out of the suspension to be able to run less sag. Otherwise its choppy deep in the hits. An offset bushing could be the way to go for the Trek air shock, being that its spring curve is a little less progressive than the coil. Allow me to run the compression a little lighter with the ride height I want

[@TacozHelmet]

Hi. What's the specs on your marzocchi coil shocks? Thanks

[@mtbtelly5522]

I just got it changed from the standard medium compression tune to a light comp tune leaving everything else as is

[@mtbtelly5522]

230x62.5 for this bike

[@TacozHelmet]

@@mtbtelly5522 the marzocchi coil 230x62.5 where did you bought?

[@mtbtelly5522]

@@TacozHelmet bought it from Cyclinic and they reduced it from 65 to 62.5

[@TacozHelmet]

@@mtbtelly5522 just wondering cos I look everywhere can't find😁 and I just bought 2022 slash

[@Bittersfamily0424]

Hey Brother, I have $1000.00 to spend. I current have Dt Swiss with 350 hubs and 54t ratchet with 25mm internal rim with Cushcore. I also have a Lyrik 170mm with the 2.0 damper. I was either going to get Industry Nine hydra wheel set, or a Rockshox Zeb Ultimate. Which do you think would be the best upgrade? There is nothing wrong with my current set up on my 2018 YT Capra 29er.

[@mtbtelly5522]

If your rims are good, I’d go for the Zeb. I’m not sold on the Industry 9 hubs. Great engagement but I believe they’re a little bearing-hungry. That said I still haven’t tested a zeb properly so I don’t have a good setup for one

[@mtboyan1817]

I'm loving my 21 Slash. Coming from a 2018 Capra with ~70% progression, I'm finding the rear progression to be spot on, I've got my suspension feeling both more compliant and more responsive than on my Capra, with 20mm less travel. One question, running 100psi in the Lyrik while having 34% sag in the rear sounds really unbalanced to me, don't you find yourself with weight too far back this way? I can see how it might work well on really steep stuff but I can't imagine running such a setup on my average trail. I'm running 30% sag in the rear (seated) and ~85 psi in the Lyrik at 82kg, might go closer to 90psi when I get a B1 spring but 100 sounds insane

[@MrSupermugen]

yeah thats interesting im running 91psi, 1 token on a lyk ult and im 95kg and it might be the best its ever been. using +1 HSC to assist in the big fast hits, if i run anymore psi im sitting high and it stays high, doesnt soak much up and is just rough.

[@chadsugden411]

I don’t mean to be rude but his probably riding faster. And Needs the hold up.

[@mtboyan1817]

@@chadsugden411 I mean that's probably true but it strikes me as weird especially when running 34% sag in the rear. Pretty sure EWS pros at this weight don't run 100psi

[@chadsugden411]

@@mtboyan1817 yeah it does seem veryhigh

[@mtbtelly5522]

So for me to get similar support and performance from the C1 spring, I’d run 4 tokens 82, or 3 tokens 85psi. The fork does a very different job to the rear and is set up on a 1-1 ratio, where as the rear is closer to a 3-1 ratio. My 34% is governed by the frame progression. My fork is a hair under 20% sag with no token. 99 feels better on slower janky stuff, but any lower than that becomes a little wallowy and inefficient for my liking. Needing too much compression to fill in the support hole, which makes the front feel stuck on a line too often and a little wooden

[@yourdayscontentvlogs4373]

nice review mate

[@mtbtelly5522]

Thanks mate

[@10100110101]

How tall are you mate ? Do you typically like shorter reaches ?

[@mtbtelly5522]

I’m 174cm. I like a fit that doesn’t stretch me out, but doesn’t feel cramped either. I also like a high front end which shortens reach slightly.

[@iantaylor8190]

Have you ridden a nukeproof mega at all

[@mtbtelly5522]

I haven’t yet, I tried to buy one before I got the Slash, but couldn’t get one for ages

[@julianhein6219]

what coil is that would you reamend

[@mtbtelly5522]

This is the Marzocchi bomber. I’d go fpr an ohlins if I wasto change it

[@DanOsborne]

How tall are you? Given you said it’s a perfect size for you

[@mtbtelly5522]

I’m 174cm

[@DanOsborne]

@@mtbtelly5522 Ace. I have the 2020 M/L coming this week and I'm also 174cm - I was going to put on the 10mm shorter stem to bring in the reach a little. Very interested to try some of your other suggestions when mine arrives!

[@mtbtelly5522]

@@DanOsborne ah nice, thats the previous model yeah? That was a killer bike!

[@DanOsborne]

I meant I have the 2022 coming this week! I've been riding the 2020 for the last couple of years. It's been sick but definitely feel the need for the newer 2022 model (don't get me started on the tall standover height of the old 2020 for us 174cm guys lol!)

[@mtbtelly5522]

@@DanOsborne ah yes I’m with you on the standover on that bike!

[@christopherbaker2053]

How tall are you I am wondering what size I want

[@mtbtelly5522]

I’m 174cm and the ML is a perfect fit for me. I wouldn’t go smaller, and the large is def too big for me

[@lucani4428]

What's the best bike you've ever ridden?

[@mtbtelly5522]

For suspension performance, The 2018 giant Reign, the Banshee Phantom V3, the Pole Stamina, they all stood out to me, i think theYeti SB 150 had great tuning potential, but both shocks I ran on that bike had issues so didn’t reach the full potential. I’m sure I’m forgetting 1 or 2 other standouts

[@th_js]

@@mtbtelly5522 I've said this before, but if you ever get the chance to try a Pole Stamina 180 out, definitely do. It's something else.

[@mtbtelly5522]

@@th_js i will for sure. Hard bikes to come across this side of the disc

[@petarstoychev1210]

How it compares to the old Slash ?

[@mtbtelly5522]

Better geo and a lower seat height, but suspension platform went the wrong way in my opinion. The previous slash suspension had a slightly higher performance potential due to its slightly less progressive nature. More room for tuning

[@huntfishride]

How tall are you mate? Nothing you said on a M/L

[@mtbtelly5522]

I’m 174cm on the ML

[@2wheels8est]

I had some issues with loosing my chain on the front chainwheel and tried to find a matching chain guide. I ended up by an ethirteen trs+ but had to shim it with additional shims plus the shims in the package to fit ist with the bike, now the Bolts are too short.... What chain guide did you use with your slash 8?

[@mtbtelly5522]

The Slash came with an MRP chainguide and bashguard, fits like a glove 👌🏽

[@mtbboy1993]

Have you ever had a shock that did not have issues? So far no issues with Ext Storia LOK V3. Bu tive not tried other high end coil shocks.

[@mtbtelly5522]

The standard superdeluxes seem to be the most reliable shock, or maybe I’m unlucky. The Thrushaft version is showing to be potentially problematic

[@th_js]

Nice video 🤘🏻

[@ssjj9584]

I thought carbon bars have more compliance than AL?

[@mtbtelly5522]

I’m not sure where that comes from but aside from the OneUp carbon bars, all carbon bars I’ve used give me less compliance than an alloy bar. But feel stiffer and a little more direct

[@10100110101]

They may have been in the past but 35mm have put that to bed. Also, the damping nature of the carbon bars, when not overly stiff, may have been felt as compliance

[@raheemgahelable]

A LOT more compliance than aluminum! F*ck aluminum if you ask me!

[@th_js]

@@raheemgahelable Get some fresh air

[@mtbtelly5522]

@@raheemgahelable what carbon bars do you like? I’ve always found them a little harsh

[@swhoknows6241]

How tall are you bud?

[@mtbtelly5522]

I’m 175cm

[@malachi589]

If you destroy rims like me I’ve just built an FR560 and running Nukeproof insert. Great rim already put it through some punishment. But the week old DT350 hub seized…

[@mtbboy1993]

Why did the hub seize? I got one this summer. Only few rides on it, but was secondhand.

[@mtbtelly5522]

Seized hub! Damn is that the new version of the 350?

[@mtbboy1993]

@@mtbtelly5522 I got the old one, not Exp, but heard about some issue swith hubs, but there is a number I think tha you can tell if you have the one with issues. I reccomend he checks that.

[@doogenDUZit]

Great review as always. Surely you throw ya legs back over a Banshee Rune or Titan with a coil now :P

[@mtbtelly5522]

Surely!

[@bugacz7985]

is that a mullet ?

[@mtbtelly5522]

Nah full 29

[@bugacz7985]

@@mtbtelly5522 okey thanks for anserw

[@isakrenlund2257]

Just buy the knock block adapter and use normal spacers

[@davidecolombini6244]

How tall are you?

[@mtbtelly5522]

174cm

[@davidecolombini6244]

@@mtbtelly5522 Do you think size L is too big?

[@mtbtelly5522]

@@davidecolombini6244 its too big for me yes

[@drewsmith6066]

Why do you have your brakes and gear change miles away from your grips, madness you need them as close as you can

[@mtbtelly5522]

@@drewsmith6066 that makes no sense to me. I have them where i get the most leverage on the brakes to minimise effort, and the gear lever is where theres least interference with my hand and at an angle where I can hit it without moving my hand or wrist

[@drewsmith6066]

@@mtbtelly5522 too far away from the grips as you will have to move your hands all over the place when at speed, no good at all , plus your be taking longer to change gears as they're miles away from your fingers, one inch away is miles 🙂

[@mtbtelly5522]

@@drewsmith6066 it may look like that standing still, but believe me, those positions are dialled in from riding trails at speed. I need everything to be exactly as they should be. If the gear lever comes any closer, I cut the first knuckle of my thumb on it when sprinting or plowing sketchy stuff. Tilted under anymore makes me have to reach for it when sprinting, and rotated up any more has me reaching for it when dropping gears climbing, or coming in to a slow corner, instead of just hitting it. Brake levers any closer to the grip has my finger inward on the brake lever more than optimal, reducing the leverage I have over the brake, reducing power and control. Rotated down too much has me reaching for them, rotated up too much bends my wrists back reducing strength and comfort.

[@Gmork-The-Nothing]

I gotta be honest. It's not really a Trek Slash 8 review if you've modded the rear shock, tyres and other components. I would consider a review to be based on stock components.

[@mtbtelly5522]

Thats fair. I still have the standard tyres in the shed. They’re quite fast and light, but not strong and lack grip right on the edge. I guess I’m reviewing the suspension platform and geometry of the bike more so than the total purchase. Thanks for that perspective, I appreciate that ✌🏼

[@Gmork-The-Nothing]

@@mtbtelly5522 I hear ya. Had the same issue with my XR4 on the Trek Fuel. The Maxxis DHF/DHR was such a good upgrade choice. I'm just dreaming of the Slash 8 now and guess I wanted a review of it as it comes stock, with the Super Deluxe on the rear etc.

[@mtbtelly5522]

@@Gmork-The-Nothing thats fair. I might put it back to standard suspension and do a late comparison before I sell it if that happens

[@zvocnikk]

Talk less about upgrades, sag, progression and other useless shit and just ride. Mtb sucks today, people buy new bike for 4k and spend extra 1k to upgrade already good components. Yeeez you are not a pro, go out ride, have fun.

[@mtbtelly5522]

This is fun to me. I like it all, but I feel you, more riding is never a bad thing