The backcountry battle axe
You’ll need this where you’re going
Slash is a no-holds barred enduro sled built to rip, rally, and rail through the gnarliest trails on the planet. With 170 mm of front and rear travel, mixed wheel size and new high-pivot design, the Slash not only descends like a beast, but it’s also ready to billy-goat up punchy climbs with square-edge slabs that send your friends on hike-a-bike missions.
Crush laps that enduro bikes of yesteryear only dreamed of. Charge through the chunder, hurtle over wheel-roasting roots and blast through boulder fields with drops so deep you’ll question your sanity – but never your bike’s capability.
High pivot, high aspirations
The problem with tradition
Bikes with main pivots closer to the crank have a mostly vertical axle path that allows the rear wheel to move up to get out of the way of obstacles. That works, but can cause a few hang-ups, especially in gnarlier terrain.
Higher pivot, more momentum
Moving the main pivot higher allows for a rearward axle path, so your back wheel can move in the same direction as the force from impacts. On the trail, this means more momentum in the rough and fewer hang-ups on square-edged hits.
Want the low-down on high-pivot?
Kickback?
Because rearward axle paths increase the distance between cranks and cogs, the chain pulls back on the pedals. That causes pedal kickback that’s harsh on your legs, and the chain tension can counteract your suspension movement.
Relax
While the rearward axle path increases the distance between rear axle and chain ring, it doesn’t increase the distance between the axle and that high main pivot, so, by routing the chain around this idler pulley, we eliminate the pedal kickback effect.
Climb like a mountain goat, charge like a bull
The Slash pedals better than other high-pivot bikes thanks to an idler pulley layout that's optimised for efficiency. Plus, that rearward axle path gives the Slash mind-blowing traction for scrambling up tricky climbs without getting caught on roots and rough edges. You get less wasted energy and more fuel left in the tank for the descents.
Upper idler
The 19-tooth upper idler pulley is bigger than most so the chain doesn't have to bend as sharply, adding efficiency and strength.
Lower idler
The lower idler pulley prevents chain growth below the chainstay and keeps that tension off the derailleur cage so you get better shifting and suspension performance.
The main ingredient in Slash's pedalling alchemy is its anti-squat curve. Anti-squat is affected by a few variables, but one of the biggest factors is main pivot position. The size and placement of the upper idler gives us another way to tune the anti-squat curve. Between the upper and lower idler layout and size, the Slash delivers a super-efficient and super-consistent feeling anti-squat curve that makes this bike pedal more like the short-travel Top Fuel than the previous generation Slash.
Built burly
1.
Super slack head tube
Sitting at a relaxed 63.5-degrees, the Slash’s head tube keeps your front wheel far ahead for serious stability on the steepest, gnarliest trails.
2.
Steep seat tube angle
Perched at 77-degrees, the Slash keeps you in the perfect position for putting down power on long slogs up fire roads and punchy, slabby climbs.
3.
That just-right reach
460 mm of reach keeps the cockpit long and stable for control and stability through everything.
4.
Size-specific chainstays
Get the same trail-taming feel no matter your height thanks to size-specific chainstays that keep handling consistent.
Mixed wheel size
The Slash ships with a 27.5˝ rear wheel for getting extra spicy on the steeps and a 29˝ front wheel for barrelling over the big stuff. Swap the lower shock mount to run a full 29er if you’re after full speed or keep it MX for getting way back without buzzing the rear wheel on near-vertical descents.
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Try new angles
Install angle adjust headset cups (sold separately) to tweak headtube angle a degree steeper or slacker to your liking – all without affecting your bottom bracket height.
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Adjustable leverage rate
Easily adjust suspension progression with just the flip of a chip. Ride it in the less progressive setting for a plusher feel perfect for rugged trails loaded with square-edge bumps. Flip it to more progressive when you’re riding fast, hitting big features and don’t want to bottom out – or if you want to roll with a coil shock.
All that, and then some
Stow it, don’t show it
Stash your ride essentials with in-tube storage on all models – both carbon and alloy. Included Bontrager BITS bag keeps your odds and ends organised.
Created for customisation
Want to run a longer dropper? Swap air for a coil shock? No problem. The Slash has plenty of room for beefy tires, big coil shocks and running up to a 190 mm fork. Plus, it’s even equipped with accessory mounts under the top tube when your storage door is loaded and you need to haul a little more.
On guard
We spent hours analysing high-speed camera footage to figure out just how to shape a guard to minimise chain movement, so you get a quieter, more protected ride.
Keep your guard up
Removable dual-density guards protect all Slash models from rock strikes and shuttle damage, and carbon models get additional protection from integrated Carbon Armour – an impact-resistant laminate under the paint that adds durability.
Meet the Slash family
Slash Gen 5
The Slash Gen 5 is a long-travel 29er built for wild terrain. It packs in 160 mm of rear and 170 mm of front suspension, a lighter build and traditional suspension design.
1. 160 mm/170 mm travel
2. 29˝ front and rear wheels
3. Traditional suspension design
4. Lighter build
Slash Gen 6
The Slash Gen 6 goes even burlier with mixed wheel sizes for ultra-steep descents, longer 170 mm front/rear suspension, extra adjustability features and a high pivot suspension design.
1. 170 mm/170 mm travel
2. 29˝ front and 27.5˝ rear wheel
3. High pivot suspension design
4. Extra adjustability features
Trails are better with Trek