![]() Trek has been keen to note that it doesn't mean that one is better than the other, just that the Slash was designed with a very specific spring curve in mind and that the DebonAir layout suits it better. But if that's the case, why not use a Float X? Due to the spring curve that they're looking for, they say, with the new DebonAir spring design able to imitate how the dual chamber DRCV air spring behaved. It comes down to increased oil volume, Trek explains, with the added damping oil allowing the shock to perform more consistently on the long, rough descents that the bike was made for. RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 DebonAir: The debut of a carbon-framed Slash is certainly noteworthy, but Trek's switch from using FOX's DRCV CTD shocks to RockShox's new Monarch Plus RC3 DebonAir is probably going to have an even larger impact on how the bike performs on the trail.Trek claims that it allows the shock to '' better respond to bumps across a wide variety of terrain,'' which means that the design gives them more opportunity to tune how the shock performs throughout its stroke by altering the leverage from both ends. Full Floater: Bolting the Slash's Monarch Plus RC3 DebonAir shock to a short extension off the front of the chain stays instead of a fixed position on the front triangle isn't a fresh idea, but it is one that Trek has used for a number of years now across most of their full suspension range.The layout allows the dropout pivot to rotate concentrically around the axle, thereby limiting the amount of rotation between the caliper and rotor, something that Trek says helps to keep the suspension performing better regardless of if the rider is grabbing a handful of brakes. ABP: Trek has using using their Active Braking Pivot design for quite a while now, and you'll also find it on the back of the Slash 9.8. ![]() ![]() ![]() There's also some thick frame protection to be found on the lower section of the down tube and on the stays to keep you from doing any damage while you're at it, while internal routing for the bike's stock Reverb Stealth dropper post makes for a clean appearance. With a set of ISCG chain guide mounts and a head angle that can go from 65 to 65.7 degrees, the Slash is clearly intended to be ridden hard and fast. Frame material aside, the bike's travel and geometry numbers remain unchanged for 2015. Wildhaber has long preferred the more forgiving ride of the Slash over the Remedy that the rest of the Trek team usually reaches for at an EWS race, and it looks like he'll no longer have to pay a weight penalty for that choice: Trek says that the Slash's new carbon frame is over a full pound lighter than last year's aluminum version, even with the aluminum chain stays that are found on our 9.8 test bike. It was only a matter of time until Trek debuted a carbon fiber version of their 160mm travel Slash, with Rene Wildhaber doing the honours at this year's Enduro World Series round at Winter Park, Colorado. Check out the sleek direct mount front derailleur attachment point - this was a rather nasty stub on the aluminum bike. The 2015 carbon frame is quite a bit lighter than its aluminum predecessor, but it also looks cleaner as well.
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