Trek Slash 9.8 GX AXS Gen 5

The "Slash 9.8 GX AXS Gen 5" model from Trek, released in 2023, is a state-of-the-art mountain bike that stands out for its advanced technology and high-quality specifications. Priced at EUR 7,999, it falls into the high-end category and offers a wide range of premium features to match.

The bike’s frame is constructed from OCLV Mountain Carbon, both in the main frame and the stays, ensuring high stability and low weight. The frame is also fitted with an internal storage compartment and features a tapered head tube, Knock Block 2.0 and internal Control Freak cable routing. Other features include Carbon Armor, Shuttle-Guard, a threaded bottom bracket, ISCG 05, a 34.9 mm seat tube and a magnesium shift lever. The Mino Link system and the ABP (Active Braking Pivot) further contribute to improved riding performance. The bike’s maximum load capacity is 136 kg, whilst its total weight is just 14 kg.

The braking system consists of SRAM Code R hydraulic 4-piston disc brakes at the front and rear, fitted with SRAM CenterLine discs featuring a rounded edge and a 6-hole mounting pattern. Both brake discs have a diameter of 180 mm. The gear system is a 12-speed SRAM GX Eagle AXS, which enables precise and reliable shifting.

The RockShox ZEB Select+ fork features a DebonAir air spring and Charger 3 RC2 damping, as well as a tapered steerer tube with a 44 mm offset. It offers 170 mm of travel and is fitted with a Boost110 Maxle Stealth axle. The crankset is a SRAM GX Eagle with a chainline of 55 mm and a crank arm length of 170 mm. The cassette is a SRAM Eagle XG-1275 with a range of 10–52 teeth.

The handlebars are Bontrager Line Pro made from OCLV carbon, with a width of 820 mm and a rise of 27.5 mm. The grips are Bontrager XR Trail Pro with aluminium clamps. The stem is also a Bontrager Line Pro and features Knock Block and Blendr compatibility, with a length of 35 mm and an angle of 0 degrees.

The wheelset consists of Bontrager Line Elite 30 rims made from OCLV Mountain Carbon, which are tubeless-ready and feature a 6-hole disc mount. The front wheel has a Boost 110 thru-axle with a diameter of 15 mm, whilst the rear wheel has a Rapid Drive 108 freehub body and Boost 148.

The saddle is a Bontrager Arvada with austenitic struts and a width of 138 mm. The seatpost is a Bontrager Line Elite Dropper with a 100 mm travel and MaxFlow internal cable routing.

The bike’s packaging dimensions are 23 mm wide, 119 mm high and 201 mm long. The bike has a reach of 43 mm, a stack of 62 mm, a seat tube length of 40 mm, a top tube length of 58 mm, a head tube angle of 65 degrees, a seat tube angle of 67 degrees, a head tube length of 10 mm, a chainstay length of 44 mm, a standover height of 71 mm and a wheelbase of 120 mm.

Overall, the Trek Slash 9.8 GX AXS Gen 5 offers an impressive combination of advanced technology and high-quality materials, making it an excellent choice for discerning mountain bikers.