Trek on the New High-Pivot Slash

Trek’s new sixth-generation Slash has changed a lot from the prior-generation bike — including a high-pivot suspension layout, some big updates to the geometry and suspension kinematics, and a default mixed-wheel size setup — and we sat down with Matt Yerke, the lead engineer on the new Slash, to learn all about it. Matt walked us through the design goals for the Slash; their early experiments with high-pivot Trail bikes, including prototyping the layout on what would become the current Fuel EX; a ton of the design considerations that went into the new bike; how he sets up his personal Slash; and a whole lot more.TOPICS & TIMES:Introducing the new Slash (1:33)Matt’s role at Trek (1:59)Goals for the new Slash (2:52)The first prototypes, and dialing in front-rear balance (4:01)High-pivot bikes & choosing to go that route on the Slash (5:54)Anti-squat & pedaling performance (10:38)Idler pulleys and drag (14:20)Geometry & other details (15:08)Mullets & their tradeoffs (18:59)Chainstay lengths for mullets vs. 29ers (22:35)Axle paths & suspension kinematics (25:48)Frame adjustability (33:33)Matt’s personal Slash setup (36:18)RELATED LINKS:BLISTER+ MembershipBLISTER+ Real World TestimonialsBlister LabsThis Week’s Gear GiveawayBlister Mountain Bike Buyer’s GuideOUR OTHER PODCASTSOff The CouchGEAR:30Blister PodcastCRAFTEDHappy Hour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.