Trek Slash Gen 6 // Bike Review

The all-new Trek Slash is beefed up in celebration of its sixth iteration. This fresh design features an oversized, 19-tooth idler pulley and a high-pivot rear suspension configuration for the first time in the model’s lineage. Travel has been increased to 170 millimeters, pushing it further into the all-out, winch-and-plummet ethos that so many enduro bikes seem to be gravitating to. Our 9.9 version was spec’d with Bontrager’s RSL integrated handlebar and stem, a SRAM T-Type XO drivetrain, and the all-new RockShox Vivid Ultimate rear shock.
Bike Geometry & Specs
Model: Slash Gen 6
Price: $9,399.99
Wheel Size: 29"/27.5"
Rear Travel: 170mm
Fork: 170mm
Wheelbase: 1277mm
Chainstay: 434.2mm
Reach: 488mm
Head Tube Angle: 63.3
00:15 Intro
01:02 Climb
05:23 Descent
13:00 Final Thoughts
Read Full Review Here: freehub.com/re...
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[@Whyusadd]

Let’s be honest This is, The. Only. review that matters!

[@mikes.8305]

Actually the opposite! He’s such a good rider and every bike he rides is “amazing”. It’s not the bikes! How do you judge a bike review when the rider is this good??? I don’t think I have seen one of his reviews where I didn’t want that bike. Really I just want to ride that good…

[@jurisx85]

If every bike is amazing, they’re not reviews. It’s just publicity.

[@mikes.8305]

@@jurisx85it’s sort of a joke because while he will occasionally say something negative about a bike he rips on anything. If he reviewed a beach cruiser he could probably out ride the average Mtb rider…

[@Whyusadd]

@@jurisx85 he literally said he didn’t like the climbing ability of the bike. How is that saying it’s amazing.

[@johnnnewmex]

Yes because it is more riding less bs!

[@i2ambler2002]

Good lord. Watching that trail fly by at a blur while you just chat conversationally is freaking wild.

[@SpencerAstraPOV]

It helps to film these videos on trails I have ridden for years!

[@TylerCloke]

Wasn't even really interested in this bike. I just love watching your riding and listening to your thoughts on bikes in general! So great.

[@DOUGIECHAINSAW]

Love when these videos come out. Another great review!

[@freehubmag]

Much appreciated!

[@Zach_Routhier]

Best bike review on the planet. I just got my first real mtb and dipped my toe into it and I'm stoked to be apart of it. As a newbie I have no idea how a company could build a $9,000 bike that someone would just want for when they are just cruising around.

[@HobbyB19]

Would love to see a Smuggler review!

[@mikedialogue1976]

I'll second that!

[@SpencerAstraPOV]

Hopefully it happens!

[@Pienimusta]

Never heard him so exhausted during a review.

[@MarkusFinholt]

And so few manuals

[@petedog9581]

He was being kind to the Slash on the climb. He was huffing more than normal and crawling up the trail. Lol. This is NOT a trail bike in any way. Riding this bike on my local trails would be like wearing hikers on the beach.

[@johnsospencer]

🤣 These high pivot bikes don't exactly float up the hill.

[@sheadleeful]

Love your reviews. The best on KZbin!

[@freehubmag]

Thanks!

[@SpencerAstraPOV]

Thanks!

[@shawnbowen6833]

I wish companies would quit with the integrated bars/stems.

[@Jacob99174]

This guy can do reviews! 👍💪

[@SpencerAstraPOV]

🍻

[@harveycasey1900]

Awesome review on the trek it sounds like a solid bike. Also you picked a great trail to test ride that bad boy. I'll be riding that trail at the end of this month🤘🏿

[@SpencerAstraPOV]

Double Down/Black is the big bike test track for us!

[@MPurs09]

I wish i could justify a new bike right now. That’s what I would be buying.

[@BBKDRAGOON]

your videos are always incredible, such detailed and well articulated reviews, all while absolutely SHREDDING and blasting the trail apart! Thanks for the effort and care put into these! Out of curiosity are you using the Karma grip as a gimbal? cheers and thanks!

[@johnsospencer]

Thanks! Yep, the karma grip these days! With a Hero 8 since it still fits in there.

[@TheGreaterU]

Thanks for the review. High pivot bikes are now NOT on my list. They look goofy anyway. Good work man.

[@nicholashines7686]

Love your reviews man.

[@freehubmag]

Glad you like them!

[@SpencerAstraPOV]

Thanks!

[@klassyken]

Best bike reviews period!

[@freehubmag]

Thanks!

[@mrvwbug4423]

Really surprised they made mullet the default and aren't offering a full 29er version directly (yes I know you can get a 29er linkage for it). Usually even in the enduro category full 29ers still outsell mullets and 170/170 isn't too big for a full 29er as proven by the Spec Enduro, Transition Spire and a bunch of other bikes.

[@harrie205]

It’s not about to big Long travel bikes get faster as Mullets It’s not a size thing anymore

[@JTkayakanglersweden]

Crazy review video :-) Looks like the speeder scene from Star Wars Return of the Jedi 😄

[@SpencerAstraPOV]

The wide angle is key!

[@benjy288]

Did you try changing the roll of the bars?

[@mrvwbug4423]

😂

[@johnsospencer]

No, I just couldn't figure that out....

[@gheatai]

Been waiting for you to review this bike

[@barcs4515]

Great visual. Had to mute and caption from the Squeaky brakes through my headphones

[@anthony9600]

Killer review as always

[@freehubmag]

Thanks!

[@drejec1]

What's that clicking/knocking sound on the descending?

[@bimfred]

10k of plastic

[@paul4292]

@@bimfreddid you ever ride a bike down a hill like that. Its always loud. The chain hits the chainstay

[@paul4292]

If it would be noises that shouldnt be there he would have said it in the video

[@foxyobrown]

You are in a mission mate😂@@paul4292

[@Antnerd]

Thank you for the review! I was originally looking at this bike to cover the bases of my Gen 5 Slash and my Vitus 120mm trail bike, but all signs are pointing toward that even the Gen 6 wont achieve that 50/50 Up/Down for big days that I dream about Ill just save the money/effort and just look at upgrading my Gen 5 to a Vivid since the new Zeb Ultimate was already a huge upgrade for my park day shredder

[@SpencerAstraPOV]

Not a bad idea - the gen 5 Slash was quite the super bike.

[@iangresley7828]

If you want a bike in that goldilocks zone - Forbidden Druid. I picked up a 2021 model this year and it has been the best set of pedals I've ever set my feet on. Super efficient, a great climber, and takes anything I've been able to throw at it on the downhills. Mullet set up makes it playful in the air too.

[@mattwoods8872]

A shootout between the previous version and this one would be cool

[@micheandmikey]

I keep waiting for an Ibis review Spencer... hopefully you throw your leg over an HD6 soon, cheers!

[@NextLevelRiding]

great review man thanks.

[@SourPatchPuss]

My favorite thing about mountain bikes is how fun they are to ride 😎

[@jymtb]

Sweet review and POV footage. Mind sharing your gopro settings?

[@SpencerAstraPOV]

We record in the protune flat profile and just auto exposure settings for the dark woods.

[@SendItSteve]

Great reviews, too many rattle sounds 🪇

[@spencerimre]

Anyone else notice the weird clicking noise on the descent? Was that coming from the bike?

[@hannes6114]

Yes

[@mattmiller7650]

I’d like to see you test a Forbidden Druid vs this one

[@robbienagel7869]

The bike sounds really loud! Is it because of the different recording settings or is it just a loud bike?

[@paul4292]

High pivot bikes are loud, they all are. I got one it was very annoying at the beginning but you get used to it

[@petedog9581]

@@paul4292 Long chains

[@foxyobrown]

Again, no. High pivots are not loud, its quiet the opposit, as the chain sits on the seatstay and has less range of movements@@paul4292

[@djd88s]

What is rattling so much?

[@trollingthunder152]

do the druid v2!

[@tomassanesson902]

Awesome beautiful bike lovet

[@MattWrightMTB]

Forbidden Druid v2 next?

[@therealmeachy71]

If I realized this was a $10k bike, I would not have watched the video. 😂

[@SmileyBoy84]

That bike is a little loud😅

[@fadidiaz3374]

It’s the integrated tool set in the headset.

[@SmileyBoy84]

@@fadidiaz3374 my one up edc tool isn't loud😅

[@paul4292]

Uphill its the high pivot. High pivot bikes are loud

[@foxyobrown]

Yes on the uphill that is true, you here a bit more of the idlerpulley. But downhill its deadsilent, it has to do with the integrated tool@@paul4292

[@bassplus1053]

Great Video. Which Camera you using for this video?

[@no-hope-in-the-pope]

we need a ripley & ripmo review! :)

[@mrvwbug4423]

Why they haven't changed in years. Ripmo V2S rides identically to the V2 which has been around since 2020. Ripley V4S rides like every Ripley V4 ever which has been around since 2018. The HD6 is now the race bike so they can keep selling the same old Ripmo to the Ripmo cult, even if it is starting to feel dated against newer AM and rowdy trail bikes and even some newer enduro bikes are doing a better job at trail bike than the Ripmo (Pivot Firebird in particular outdoes the Ripmo in every way).

[@dash0173]

Ive been noticing these brand new bikes keep coming with these deep, hollow rattles and it just confuses me how these companies are justifying selling these rattle machines for 10 THOUSAND dollars. literally more expensive than my car but rattles way more. if my car rattled like these new bikes, i'd be quite concerned...

[@paul4292]

I think the rattles you talk about are caused by the „high pivot“. I own the new cannondale jekyll it also is a high pivot bike and its very loud compared to a „normal“ bike. All those bikes are loud

[@foxyobrown]

Nope that is not true. I rode the new slash gx without the tool in the steerer tube and it was dead silent (except the hub)@@paul4292

[@devd3831]

Please try to get your hands on the new ibis hd6!!

[@christopherchristophersen8495]

As usual you videos are really good, but would it be possible to get a comment on how this bike compares to the old (gen 5) when it comes to Enduro Racing? Do you think it is faster / better than the Gen 5?

[@johnsospencer]

I'd pretty safely say its heavier and slower pedaling. I'm not sure if it makes up for that in straightline downhill speed but the rear suspension did seem to do a great job of eating up the trail.

[@laurynasjagelo5075]

perhaps you can try testing out the new marin alpine trail, carbon or alloy?

[@franbosnjak3780]

do a trek slash gen 5 vs gen 6 comparison

[@mtbmike9866]

How are you able to talk so normally while shredding like that??

[@davemathers8954]

Whats your opinion on a the range vs slash?

[@Jan07362]

I can clearly here lots of rattle were is that coming from? Awsome review thoguht

[@TiagoRudnik]

How about chain drops, did you have any? Have a Slash Gen 5 wanting to get this new one.

[@Kenevoslcomp777]

You got any tips for setting up suspension?

[@Fabrizzioves]

You r recording with a gopro??😮😮😮

[@robkillick7050]

How is this compared to the Jekyll?

[@cagrowin1962]

Heard this thing cant keep a chain on

[@jaworq]

They say the pedal kickback is too big in this bike 😂 even though the high pivot should prevent it. Slash gen 5 is better…

[@jaysealenduro5618]

In your opinion which one is better for Full dh and Full enduro with pedaling.

[@scottmtb122]

This bike or yeti sb160?

[@mrvwbug4423]

Probably comes down to personal preference. The 160 will make a better "enduro bike as your only bike" but beyond that it probably comes down to whether your riding style favors a relatively nimble full 29er with good pedaling manners or a mullet monster truck that will forgive your worst line choices.

[@mathieusoucy7904]

This bike sounded so loud, a lot of rattling noises...not for me

[@mistuhjawknee5505]

change my mind: high-pivot doesn't belong on anything besides DH bike

[@hannes6114]

I think you can get good enough Performance with a 29er and coil shock

[@hannes6114]

Pretty noisy drivetrain

[@paul4292]

Its the high pivot. High pivot bikes are loud

[@hannes6114]

@@paul4292 never heard it so much pefore

[@foxyobrown]

You know the right answer😂@@paul4292

[@thephoenixcycle8854]

Is it true its not dual crown certified? If not that seems insane..

[@mrvwbug4423]

They probably don't want to cannibalize Session sales, the profit margin on the Session is likely much higher. I think they still clear it up to a 190mm single crown.

[@petedog9581]

@@mrvwbug4423 The integrated stem bars thing sucks too.

[@nelsonglover3963]

You can run a 190mm Zeb though, surely that's enough for most riders if it's enough for rampage

[@JAFO.]

Any chance of knowing the name & artist of the opening song?

[@erikklumpp3464]

the integrated cockpit sucks and looks so stupid, other than that it is kind of a cool bike.

[@MarkusFinholt]

10 grand LMAOOOOOOOOO

[@ptrades800]

Red face paint is much cheaper 🤡

[@mrvwbug4423]

Meanwhile I got an end of season deal on a RM Altitude with a comparable build for $5200, and RM is usually one of the more boujee brands

[@dit4963]

Dude, if you do a review, just show the bike more... What's the point of showing you riding?

[@kaedendelong]

Are you being fr?

[@dit4963]

@@kaedendelong No, but I see you are daf.

[@kaedendelong]

@@dit4963 eat it for dinner pal

[@thicccboyztv]

What's your pick between this and the chainsaw? You seemed more enthusiastic on the chainsaw. What would you prefer to pedal?

[@paul4292]

Both enduros, both high pivot. There is probably no noticable difference. Especially in amateur fun riding who cares if one of them is a second faster uphill

[@DavidH-n3c]

Lol. This bike sucks Just get a fuel ex.

[@kaedendelong]

Funny take

[@ethaneggert]

This is the loudest bike I have ever watched you ride

[@raulchavez6507]

Did you had any trouble with chain dropping?

[@dunkinking]

I really hate the new one piece handlebar stem

[@billblake4029]

As usual, another superb review from you Sir. Thank you for your time and efforts.

[@SpencerAstraPOV]

Thanks!

[@likeris2]

worst climbing? they ruined..... horrible design.

[@Robin_Hood381]

Your review of the previous gen slash from like 2 years ago or so made me get that bike lol. I bought the 8, and I love that thing. How does this compare?

[@bimfred]

doesn’t super like being Slashed around as much 😬

[@Sunday_Jazz]

That looks RAD!

[@romand123]

nice review! curious, does the Slash feel more nimble than the new Jekell?

[@paul4292]

Both 29er enduros, both high pivot, similar geometry etc Probably not much difference. Shock, fork setup. Tire choice. Those things will make the difference

[@kingrat738]

No Zeb or 38!? Come on Trek... let the big dogs eat 🤘

[@nikolasgibson3438]

It's a Zeb upfront. Easy mistake names when on a techy descent

[@mrvwbug4423]

His test bike has a Zeb/Vivid combo

[@kingrat738]

@@mrvwbug4423 pretty sure he said Lyric in the vid 🤔 His and my mistake 😁

[@Shauny808]

Holy mother of rattle!

[@mrvwbug4423]

Ripmo riders will feel right at home haha