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Compare Trek Slash 8 2022 vs Transition Patrol XT Alloy 2021

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Replacement Ideas for Transition Sentinel

• Add to quote
• Trek Slash - nothing unique about a Trek; sorta slack seatpost; maybe too "race-oriented"
• Propain Tyee - I love the look; a bit long; no freakin idea how I'd get my hands on one
• Forbidden Dreadnought - expensive as hell; maybe too much bike for me; weird sizing for my height; but wow it looks good
• Forbidden Druid - expensive as hell; maybe not enough bike for me
• Santa Cruz Megatower - would really like to demo this one; maybe a little too fun
• Kona Process 153 (previous carbon model or redesigned aluminum) - outgoing model very fun if now a bit dated in geo; almost no information or reviews on new model; new bike very affordable
• Canfield Lithium - not many reviews; affordable frame; intriguing suspension
• Guerrilla Gravity Smash - love the local manufacturing; good sizing; demoed a mega trail in 2017 and aside from not having my wheel size preference, such a fun bike
• Reeb Squeeb 150 - don't know much, but I've heard great things
• Specialized Stumpy Evo - not particularly excited about Specialized; on the lower end of my travel preference
• Norco Sight - seems like a fairly "safe" choice; acquaintances have had quality issues with Norco
• An identical replacement! - would prefer to try something new (and something new ), but if I found a perfect one for a good price it would be hard to pass up.
• Notice LACK of new Sentinel - my buddy has one, felt really harsh and simply less fun than my 2018

I'd add to that list a Fugitive LT by Knolly.  

All you listed are solid but most are pricey. The ibis ripmo af is similar to the sentinel, climbs a bit better and is relatively inexpensive. I have an alloy sentinel with the new cascade link, so I’m keeping it. But I demoed the af and it’s solid. Not as smashable as the sentinel but still nice. The new sentinel is only carbon so more coin. I also like the Norco sight you listed cause the geo is spot on and available it all metal. Why metal? I have a thousand good reasons that all fit nicely in the string of a strippers undies.  

I have the new Sentinel and it rips and doesn't feel harsh. It has the Cascade link on there and a DHX2 coil. Still feels poppy and fun, but great small bump. Worth a consideration. So travel is 170 front, 165 rear.  

You bumped rear travel to 165? Did it mess with geo at all?  

I have a new sentinel and it's rad. I bet your buddy didn't set his up properly. The sentinel has the lowest stand over height, a hugeeee amount of seatpost insertion (I'm 5.10 on a L running a 210mm), and feels awesome up and down. Couple buddies have stumpy evos and they are super cool bikes but I wouldn't trade my sentinel for the world Sent from my moto g power using Tapatalk  

Sender, I didn’t see where anyone talked about shortcomings of the sentinel in this thread. OP Just said it was portly. Which the alloy is. I’ve never minded though and consider it a totally feasible all day bike. Frame weight is irrelevant. I will say though, the v1 sentinel cannot be set up properly without the cascade link. You can have two of the three major tuning elements. Smooth up too, bottom out resistance and mid support. There is not way to get all three. I did everything including a shock wiz, tokens etc. got the new link, spend a day dialing it in and it’s amazing. a used alloy sentinel frame plus $300 for the link is a great bike on the cheap. Spend any extra money on wheels and your all set. The stock wheels blow and won’t last a season. Mine’s set up with DT350hubs and the ex511. Heavy but sturdy and feels great. No more wallowing on the corners.  

I had considered poor setup on the v2 I rode, but ruled it out for one reason or another. Interesting and encouraging to hear otherwise. I also have no idea where I could find a mid-spec one before next riding season. Maybe something used. I forgot about the Cascade Link, I'll look into them more. VThuckster: both the original wheels on my v1 collapsed a month into the second riding season. Replaced with Stans EX3, big improvement.  

jdhutch5454 said: I had considered poor setup on the v2 I rode, but ruled it out for one reason or another. Interesting and encouraging to hear otherwise. I also have no idea where I could find a mid-spec one before next riding season. Maybe something used. I forgot about the Cascade Link, I'll look into them more. VThuckster: both the original wheels on my v1 collapsed a month into the second riding season. Replaced with Stans EX3, big improvement. Click to expand...

I missed that part about the setup. Apologies to sender, who clearly caught it. The v2 is awesome, so Sender is probably right, it wasn’t set up well. I demoed the v2 as well but with the cascade link on the v1, I saw no reason to change bikes.  

VThuckster said: I demoed the v2 as well but with the cascade link on the v1, I saw no reason to change bikes. Click to expand...

I demoed a bunch before the v1. The 5010, Bronson, Smuggler, stump jumper(evo wasn’t out yet), a few others I don’t recall. I new as soon as I rode it that the long, slack ha and steep seat tube was the way to go. It just felt right. Still does, even after I got the bug at the end of last season and demoed again.  

VThuckster said: I demoed a bunch before the v1. The 5010, Bronson, Smuggler, stump jumper(evo wasn't out yet), a few others I don't recall. I new as soon as I rode it that the long, slack ha and steep seat tube was the way to go. It just felt right. Still does, even after I got the bug at the end of last season and demoed again. Click to expand...

Id look at a banshee prime v3. The frames are 2300 new from dirt merchant, similar weight to your alloy sentinel. 135mm rear travel but paired with a 160mm fork, this bike is faster than anything I've ever ridden while still being fun to jump and whip. the nice thing is that the actual seat tube angle is fairly steep, so even if you build it on the heavier side (coil shock, zeb, tough casing tires) it climbs nearly as well as my transition spur (and my strava times back that up). Im also considering a dreadnought, but for over 4000 bucks for just the frame, its really hard to justify something that likely won't be any faster than a titan for nearly half that price...  

Have you looked at the Banshee Titan at all? Similar to the Banshee Prime mentioned above, but with 155mm rear travel. Both are good options, depending on how much travel you want/need. The short travel version of the Knolly Chilcotin (151mm rear travel) could also potentially work for you. And even though they are aluminum, as mentioned, they're lighter than a bunch of other aluminum frames (like the Privateer 141, and new Raaw Jibb).  

The V2 Hightower is very capable at 145mm stock for 2021 or 150 with Cascade link and 160 fork. Not far off the Megatower or Sentinel. Pedals better than 4 bar bikes. I wouldn't rule out the Sentinel though. You probably had a bad setup on that ride. Also the new Stumpy EVO is probably very good and also super light. Per Specialized, it's even lighter than the Ripmo, which is no easy feat. Word is, it rides like a mini Enduro at 150/160.  

sfr4dr said: The V2 Hightower is very capable at 145mm stock for 2021 or 150 with Cascade link and 160 fork. Not far off the Megatower or Sentinel. Pedals better than 4 bar bikes. I wouldn't rule out the Sentinel though. You probably had a bad setup on that ride. Also the new Stumpy EVO is probably very good and also super light. Per Specialized, it's even lighter than the Ripmo, which is no easy feat. Word is, it rides like a mini Enduro at 150/160. Click to expand...

I got the Transition Patrol in carbon recently in 3 days shipping time. They still have some XL frames in stock. The bike is awesome and light and also climbs very well. This bike renewed the passion for me once again.  

jdhutch5454 said: Just sold my 2018 alloy Transition Sentinel (my favorite and only bike) to pay for school - sad days ahead. Come spring, I'll be in the market for a new (or gently used, if it comes down to it) bike or frame, but seeing as I've already been bitten by the online bike shopping addiction, and given the fact that demos are pretty damn hard to find, I'm here asking for experience and recommendations. A bit of background: I loved my Sentinel. A surprisingly great climbing and fast-as-****-when-you-wanted-it-to-be bruiser - just about everything I wanted in a bike, especially with how I had it specced (Formula brakes, double Assegais, riser bar, Fox squishy bits, 29er ). It was a size M, with a 450mm reach, and if I was to buy again, I would definitely size up to a L (475mm reach). I'm 5'10, 170lbs kitted. My next bike has to be robust enough to do some local enduro races, but I tend to prioritize how a bike feels under me, rather than straight line speed. I ride primarily in southwest Montana, but my family is in northern Minnesota (where most folks ride Fuel EXs and Stumpys and Hightowers) so 36lb bike-park rigs are not that practical for me. I like to "earn my turns" so to speak, and I try to make 30-40 mile rides a frequent occurrence. My Sentinel was a little on the portly side for this, but ultimately, I never wished for something else because of how perfect it was for coming back down the hill. I am wondering if anyone has a specific bike that comes to mind that would be an interesting or logical carry-over from the Transition, in terms of capability and intended use. I'm cognizant of the current supply issues, but I am crossing my fingers that this will have improved by June-ish. To jog your brains, here's a list that contains some very appealing options and some of their potential caveats: Trek Slash - nothing unique about a Trek; sorta slack seatpost; maybe too "race-oriented" Propain Tyee - I love the look; a bit long; no freakin idea how I'd get my hands on one Forbidden Dreadnought - expensive as hell; maybe too much bike for me; weird sizing for my height; but wow it looks good Forbidden Druid - expensive as hell; maybe not enough bike for me Santa Cruz Megatower - would really like to demo this one; maybe a little too fun Kona Process 153 (previous carbon model or redesigned aluminum) - outgoing model very fun if now a bit dated in geo; almost no information or reviews on new model; new bike very affordable Canfield Lithium - not many reviews; affordable frame; intriguing suspension Guerrilla Gravity Smash - love the local manufacturing; good sizing; demoed a mega trail in 2017 and aside from not having my wheel size preference, such a fun bike Reeb Squeeb 150 - don't know much, but I've heard great things Specialized Stumpy Evo - not particularly excited about Specialized; on the lower end of my travel preference Norco Sight - seems like a fairly "safe" choice; acquaintances have had quality issues with Norco An identical replacement! - would prefer to try something new (and something new ), but if I found a perfect one for a good price it would be hard to pass up. Notice LACK of new Sentinel - my buddy has one, felt really harsh and simply less fun than my 2018 There's obviously more out there, but that's why I'm here, requesting testimonials. I'll probably post something again closer to the time I'm ready to buy, especially if there are any intriguing releases between now and then. Thanks all! I know this is an over-saturated conversation topic, but I'm hoping there are a few folks who have ideas to share. TL; DR: I'm looking for suggestions for a sick and comparable replacement for my former Transition Sentinel to fuel my online bike shopping addiction. Share your rides! Click to expand...

plus one on the Banshee Titan, or Prime. Check out the new Loam Wolf review. As for the rest of your list, you have good taste, but allot of those rigs are going to be tough to source before fall or into next year.  

I'd vote the Lithium. But I'm partial to Canfield. I just ordered one. You won't find much in the reviews yet. Because they haven't arrived yet. The Canfield suspension is amazing. Very efficient but is still active.  

jdhutch5454 said: Just sold my 2018 alloy Transition Sentinel (my favorite and only bike) to pay for school - sad days ahead To jog your brains, here's a list that contains some very appealing options and some of their potential caveats: Trek Slash - nothing unique about a Trek; sorta slack seatpost; maybe too "race-oriented" Propain Tyee - I love the look; a bit long; no freakin idea how I'd get my hands on one Forbidden Dreadnought - expensive as hell; maybe too much bike for me; weird sizing for my height; but wow it looks good Forbidden Druid - expensive as hell; maybe not enough bike for me Santa Cruz Megatower - would really like to demo this one; maybe a little too fun Kona Process 153 (previous carbon model or redesigned aluminum) - outgoing model very fun if now a bit dated in geo; almost no information or reviews on new model; new bike very affordable Canfield Lithium - not many reviews; affordable frame; intriguing suspension Guerrilla Gravity Smash - love the local manufacturing; good sizing; demoed a mega trail in 2017 and aside from not having my wheel size preference, such a fun bike Reeb Squeeb 150 - don't know much, but I've heard great things Specialized Stumpy Evo - not particularly excited about Specialized; on the lower end of my travel preference Norco Sight - seems like a fairly "safe" choice; acquaintances have had quality issues with Norco An identical replacement! - would prefer to try something new (and something new ), but if I found a perfect one for a good price it would be hard to pass up. Notice LACK of new Sentinel - my buddy has one, felt really harsh and simply less fun than my 2018 Click to expand...

stiingya said: So what did you end up with? I sold my Sentinel because I put my money down on a Stumpy Evo that was supposed to be here last Oct. I wasn't even planning on replacing the Sentinel at the time. Just was out shopping for kids bikes and general new bike talk ensued to find out they had one coming in and my CC came out. I took a loss to get rid of the Sentinel quick so I wouldn't have two enduro bikes sitting in the garage during Christmas. BUT the Evo never showed up, and by the time I tried to find another one I couldn't get anyone to ship from PA or FL. And I didn't know anyone there to ship it for me and honestly I was just pretty frustrated by the whole experience. (If a shop has a bike sold why the F doesn't the distributor fulfill that order before sending one to sit in the salesroom where they have 3 feet of snow...?) ****, I could have driven a state over and had one in Novemeber if I'd have known the one I ordered was never going to get here... ^& &^$@&^# %(!!! SO, anyway. At the time I sold the Sentinel I ordered a Banshee Phantom to replace my hardtail to try that short travel 29er thing. Been a great bike. In the meantime I've looked at every bike on your list other than the Druid just cause I was looking for a bigger bike. And also a Wrecker, Titan, Ripmo, Reign, Ransom SB150, Meta, and doing a mullet Nomad, SB165 or HD5. DANG it's hard to choose... AND jebus Cristo like 4 times I was hovering over the buy button. Then I'd hold off cause I wasn't sure, then I'd make the decision and come back to buy and then it'd be GONE! The other thing is I looked at a lot of used bikes and something that really jumped out at me was how often you see "brand new frame", or "unused front triangle/new bearings", etc. I'm not gun shy on carbon, but there is no denying how much you see warrantied carbon and how much of it is being sold used that doesn't then have a warranty! And after my experience not getting my Evo it made me wonder how often someone had to just buy a new frame waiting for their warranty frame to come in, etc. So I went back to the Titan which I was actually going to buy a Titan back when they where new but I missed the first batch of XL raw frames. The other thing is that at the time I was looking at all the bike shops posting on PB with all these parts "in stock" and I was like dang I can just get everything ordered all at once and I'm good. NOT... parts hunting has been as much fun as bike hunting was... Anyway... so unless I missed it I didn't see what you ended up with?? Click to expand...

I'm trying to get on coil on my titan soon just for some more grip (our trails are already bone fucking dry) but honestly the rear suspension is so good it doesn't really need it aside from the scariest of tracks  

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Is Trek Slash 7 A Good Bike? [Trek Slash 7 Review]

Table of Contents

Trek Slash 7 

• Price : $3829
• Category : Full-suspension enduro bikes
• Frame : Aluminum frame
• Gear : 1×12
• Tires : 29×2.50″

What we like about it : The RockShox Select+ shock and 170mm Yari RC fork give riders enough guts to conquer rough rock gardens, and the Shimano Deore/XT drivetrain provides a silky smooth shifting experience.

What we don’t like about it : Perhaps some people complain that they can’t get a nimble and agile body at low speeds.

Rating (4.7/5)

Introduction

The Trek Slash 7 is an affordable, full-suspension mountain bike that can crush any trail at an amazing pace.

The aluminum frame keeps it a lighter and stronger body, so it can defy tricky rocky passages. Meanwhile, the 160mm RockShox Deluxe Select+ dampers and 170mm RockShox Yari RC forks eliminate most of the vibration from the ground.

The Shimano Deore/XT drive, with its powerful 4-piston disc brakes, also provided plenty of grit for my ascent and descent as I faced the thorny and rough moving flow trails.

We have two months of riding experience with the Trek Slash 7. To make the results more informative, here we elaborate on the Trek Slash 7’s performance while riding, key features, components and specifications, and other versions of the series.

If you want to know more about the version, please refer to our review.

The Trek Slash 7 has unparalleled superiority as a full-suspension mountain bike with amazing speed. Also, the powerful alpha platinum aluminium frame is extremely stretchy. It is paired with a fast drive that ensures immediate acceleration rather than stepping into the gap while pedaling. So this is its most competitive feature.

When I faced an uphill section with a 15% incline, the spread of gravel and dead tree branches was overgrown. But that didn’t make me lose confidence in the Trek Slash 7. Certainly, the 76.1° seat tube angle was a great attempt on its part, and I didn’t have to perform hard. Instead, I was able to meander up the climb at a decent angle. So all the air I used got a good response in the Trek Slash 7.

Not only that but with the Shimano SLX M7100 1×12 drivetrain. So I can smoothly perform smooth shifting operation after operation, have a wide range of speed regulations, and still provide riders with a fun riding experience. Obviosuly, that’s what Shimano brings to every rider.

Of course, the Trek Slash 7 was more than just a surprise to me. The RockShox Yari RC fork worked well for me, and the DebonAir spring was lighter and more easily compressed than normal springs. Additionally, 170mm of extra travel was a powerful weapon in overcoming these bumps, so I could easily make the next sprint.

It is worth mentioning that at the end of the path I came across an upside-down willow. It came into my sight almost instantly. However, the Trek Slash 7’s 4-piston disc brakes acted like an efficient condenser, quickly bringing the manic body down to a freezing point.

I think this is the same idea of simplicity and speed that Trek Slash 7 has been aiming for, it did.

“It’s easy to get up the hill, but hard to get down”. But the truth is that as far as personal riding is concerned, the Trek Slash 7 is not a strong believer in this saying.

When I was doing a thrilling speedy descent, I was faced with rugged flowing moving trails and continuous turning sections that gave me a headache. Fortunately, the Trek Slash 7’s 119.7cm wheelbase length solved this problem. Its nimble yet efficient steering ability allowed me to defy these agonizingly sharp turning areas.

Not only that, but the new removable blast block allows for greater steering angles. And protects the sleeve without limiting the turning radius, saving me some maintenance headaches. This is great. Also, thanks to the Bontrager XR5 wheels (120 tpi), the rough surface aramid beads have an extremely strong grip.

The 29×2.50″ size is perfect for me because I like the security that the larger tires give me. It gives the ultimate stability while maintaining acceleration.

As I descended into the wet and muddy grass trails, I was concerned that going too fast would introduce a certain amount of instability. But apparently, the Trek Slash 7 took this into account long ago. Because its thicker 34.9mm diameter Variosat mount is more stable and durable. Combined with the sturdy and refined alpha aluminum, it allowed me to maintain an extremely low center of gravity and move forward quickly while traversing at speed.

As I keep mentioning, the Trek Slash 7 will always provide riders with a novel off-road experience, whether it’s in the barrier zone or the rugged wilderness.

Main Features

The Trek Slash 7 is the result of careful consideration of the choice of frame, and the alpha aluminum alloy is the result of careful consideration. Also, the light, strong and refined surface provides an unprecedented feeling of comfort on the ride. The thicker 34.9mm diameter Variosat mount is also more stable and durable, allowing for faster extension and lowering. This greatly increases its durability.

Not only that but the brakes, tires, pedals, and other components make for a clean, simple body structure. Also, the internal wiring is complete, without excessive tangling. The universal internal management system allows any combination of shifting, braking, and locking to pass through the frame for a clean, crisp body structure. Besides, if the rider wants to be able to keep some personal items on the bike, the slim storage box in the integrated frame meets that need.

As a mature industrial product, the geometry of a bike often implies more rationality. The Trek Slash 7, being a trail bike, tends to have a hint of radical geometry angles.

The steep 76.1° seat tube angle and 100mm head tube length were evident when I rode. This not only improves handling stability but also makes some improvements to comfort.

In addition, the larger stack value and smaller reach are designed to provide a more upright riding position. It is worth noting that although the Trek Slash 7 has large, wide tires, the geometry of the rear triangle is designed to be very compact and the length of the rear fork is only 435mm. This compensates for the unstable steering.

Components and Specifications

Shimano slx m7100 1×12 drivetrain.

Shimano’s new SLX 12-speed M7100 The groupset is everything a trail rider needs. Smooth and precise shifting ensures that every rider also has a smooth riding experience.

Also, the 1x system is a mainstream option on the market. It is possible to find the right speed gear without an overly complicated speed adjustment experience.

I have a deep feeling about the actual riding. Even when faced with gravel-packed dirt and gravel roads, I was able to quickly shift from the highest gear to the lowest gear with a simple rotation of my left hand.

I wasn’t worried at all about the chain going up or down, Shimano gave me plenty of confidence.

Bontrager XR5 wheels

I believe that as the soul of an off-road bike, tires are a consideration for every rider. And I believe Trek Slash 7 is also considered in this way.

I like big tires. Because in off-road riding, big and wide tires can give me great traction. So the 29″ size tires are just right for my needs. Moreover, the rich aramid beads on the surface are exceptionally rough and can maintain a solid body even on wet roads in rainy weather.

At the same time, off-road riding will inevitably encounter some thorny gravel bumps, and the beaded belt configured on the Bontrager XR5 wheel is a good solution to this problem. Also, its special anti-puncture system can better meet the needs of adventure on off-road trails.

Shimano 4 MT4100 Piston Hydraulic Brake

As we all know, there are inevitably some obstacles in the mountains and forest roads. Because it appears almost instantly in front of you, catching you off guard.

Compared to traditional mechanical brakes, hydraulic brakes have a more responsive and emergency braking ability. Not only is it easier to clean in daily use, but it also distributes heat more evenly due to friction. Besides, the Trek Slash 7’s 4-piston hydraulic discs provide unparalleled braking power.

When I rode the Trek Slash 7 on an intense adventure through the wet jungle trails, I was able to make the transition from frantic to stationary exactly as I commanded. Certainly, this is all thanks to the 4-piston hydraulic disc.

RockShox Yari RC Fork and RockShox Deluxe Select+ RT

It cannot be denied that, in the face of endless mountain bumps, how to dampen down the vibration to provide a comfortable riding experience is a point that all off-road bikes must consider.

The answer to the Trek Slash 7 is the RockShox Yari RC fork and the RockShox Deluxe Select+ RT. Because the RockShox Deluxe Select+ RT is the perfect solution to the problem of sore arms caused by bumps in the road.

Moreover, the RockShox Yari RC fork provides the ultimate damping experience with 170mm of super high travel when I’m going through some complicated and rough roads, similar to a “rock garden”.

The RockShox Deluxe Select+ RT is also equipped with a DebonAir+ air spring system that offers more adjustment potential than ever before. Additionally, the new special bottom bumper reduces the harshness of heavy impacts and gives me great confidence and courage to face the next ascent and descent.

Other Versions Of Trek Slash

To have more options, we tested other models of the Trek Slash 7 series and had some time to ride them. Among them was the Trek Slash 8.

Certainly, the two have a very similar setup, and the same alpha aluminum alloy surface allows them to maintain the same body weight (15.5kg by our measurement). It is therefore difficult to distinguish the two from each other in terms of appearance.

But it is clear that Trek Slash 8, as an upgraded version, has put some thought into its settings. And the first is in the fork selection.

Obviously, the RockShox ZEB Select is lighter in appearance and more powerful in terms of reduction capacity. Besides, 170mm of front travel with 160mm of rear travel ensures that every rider will be able to go on a rock-shredding experience.

Also in terms of drivetrain choice, the Trek Slash 8 took a different approach and went with the SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed. In practice, it is faster and more quickly adapted to the harsh mountainous and rugged terrain. This is what SRAM has always been good at.

If you are aiming for an aggressive XC race, then Trek Slash 8 must be more suitable for your presence. But only if your budget is sufficient.

What is the price of the Trek Slash 7?

The Trek Rail 7 is priced at $3929.

What material is the body frame of the Trek Rail 7 made of?

The body frame of Trek Rail 7 is Alpha Platinum Aluminium.

What size are the tires on the Trek Rail 7?

The Trek Rail 7 has 29×2.50″ tires.

What is the maximum weight limit for the Trek Rail 7?

The Trek Rail 7 has a maximum weight limit of 136kg.

Trek Slash 7 Size Chart

Trek Slash 7   Specs

Accessories

What we like about it ?

• The lightweight Alpha Platinum Aluminium maintains a light and swift body.
• Take advantage of integrated storage without having to give up travel essentials.
• Replaceable downpipe elements protect the downpipe from stone chips and dirt.
• The RockShox Deluxe Select+ damper with 160mm travel and the RockShox Yari RC fork with 170mm travel ensure stability on ascents and descents.
• Shimano Deore/XT drives provide a constant flow of forwarding momentum.

What we don’t like about it ?

• Poor maneuverability at low speeds.
• More chain noise.
• Rare color options.

Comparison Table

Trek slash 7 vs marin alpine trail carbon 1.

Both are in the same price range, so you don’t have to worry about it bothering you in terms of price.

But the difference is that the Marin Alpine Trail Carbon 1 is made of much better carbon material. This is also good news for carbon fans. After all, the lighter body will also give the rider the most extreme damping experience.

However, for Groupset, Trek Slash 7 is composed of even better components like Shimano SLX. If your goal is the next mountain trail race, it can give you the most help.

It’s hard to make a satisfactory choice between these two vehicles. Of course, if you are a loyal carbon fan, then the Marin Alpine Trail Carbon 1 will be perfect for you.

Learn more : Is Marin Alpine Trail Carbon 2 A Perfect Selection? – [Review]

Trek Slash 7 vs Norco Sight A2 29

I must admit that the Norco Sight A2 29 has a lighter frame than the Trek Slash 7 in aluminum finish, and the Fox Rhythm Float 36 fork is a carefully selected product with 160mm of front travel for critical shock absorption.

After our actual ride, the Norco Sight A2 29 is lighter and has a good experience in speed (47km/h by our measurement). It is indeed a good choice for riders who love mountain riding.

Learn more : Is Norco Sight A3 Shimano 27.5 Splendid? – [Norco Sight A3 Shimano 27.5 Review]

Trek Slash 7 vs Transition Patrol Alloy NX

Unlike the Trek Slash 7, which has a fixed tire size, the Transition Patrol Alloy NX has more freedom of choice in terms of tires.

This is reflected in the possibility of installing not only 29er tire sizes but also 27.5er tires as an option. This greatly satisfies the wishes of those who are fans of smaller tires.

The 160mm of front and rear travel gives you a smooth and stable riding experience on bumpy roads. Perhaps the only regret is that its body weight may not be so light. When you encounter some impassable obstacles, you have to exert more effort to lift them.

Sure, maybe it has a better riding experience than Trek Slash 7. If you choose it, it is also a better choice. But only if you have enough budget.

Learn more : Is Transition Patrol GX Alloy Fox Splendid – [Transition Patrol GX Alloy Fox Review]

Trek Slash 7 vs Transition Spire Alloy NX

With a weight of 16.7kg, the Transition Spire Alloy NX doesn’t have the weight advantage, but the Marzocchi Bomber Z1 fork also offers a relaxing ride. The Groupset is also the result of careful consideration by the Transition Spire Alloy NX.

With 170mm of travel, the Transition Spire Alloy NX is capable of looking out over any other mountain bike in its class. You can ride the Transition Spire Alloy NX to conquer all the rough and rocky trails.

If you don’t care about weight and want to take on the rough stuff, then the Transition Spire Alloy NX is the right choice for you.

In case, the above comments are helpful to you, please remember to share the subscription. Have a great day!

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Enduro Bike Comparison: Norco Range vs Trek Slash vs YT Capra vs Giant Reign

Enduro, all-mountain, aggressive trail… call it what you will (our new personal favourite is ‘down-country’). bikes with long legs for soaking up gnarly terrain, and then striding back up the climbs again..

Over the last 12 months we’ve been fortunate enough to sling a knee-padded leg over a lot of these kinda bikes. Looking back, four of these bikes share a lot of similarities in terms of pricing and component spec, so we’ve decided to compile a comparative overview of them here.

There’s the Giant Reign 1, YT Capra CF Comp 1, Norco Range C7.2 and Trek Slash 9.8. All four have an Australian retail price between $5599 and $6299, all have largely equivalent component spec, and all four have very similar amounts of travel.

[divider]Pricing[/divider]

All four of the bikes here are close enough in price that, assuming they’re not on sale at a reduced amount, the price is not likely to be the sole determining factor in choosing which bike is for you. The Trek is the most expensive, at $6299 (previously $5999 before the dollar tanked). The Norco sneaks in at $5999. The Giant comes in a bit cheaper at $5699 – given it uses an alloy frame, rather than carbon, we had thought it might be a little less expensive. The YT, with its direct to consumer sales model, has the lowest price tag of $5599, BUT you do need to add $200 in shipping to this price if you’re in Australia, so its real price tag is $5799 . Not such a huge price advantage then at all.

[divider]Construction[/divider]

Of the four bikes, three are predominantly carbon, while the Giant is alloy throughout (there is a carbon version of the Reign available, but it’s a big price jump up to $7699). The Norco, YT and Trek all run an entirely carbon front end, with an aluminium chain stay assembly. Internal cabling is standard on all the bikes, though the Slash has an external rear brake line, which can be an advantage from a maintenance standpoint, even if it’s not so nice to look at. All bikes use an internally routed RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper post too.

Highlights:

Trek: A flawless paint job, down tube protection and neatly integrated chain slap protection are all nice touches on the Trek. The removable front derailleur mount lets you keep the look super clean too. It’s also the only bike to incorporate geometry adjustability. Water bottle friendly as well.

Norco: The Norco has great standover height, while still keeping room for a water bottle. The use of a Syntace rear axle makes for a super clean drop out area, and the inclusion of a spare derailleur hanger bolt is a neat addition. The Norco is the only bike that has no provision for a front derailleur and we admire its commitment to the single-ring setup.

Giant: We particularly like the Giant’s use of a bearing at the shock mount, to provide a more supple bump response and reduced wear and tear on the shock bushing. As is usual with Giant, the pivot hardware is rock solid, and the frame stiffness is sensational.

YT: The frame shapes of the YT are super trick – it has a very different vibe to the swoopy lines of the other bikes here. We like the neat, narrow assembly of its linkage too, which keeps the bike’s front-on profile very slim.

Trek: The Trek’s ABP rear axle is super ugly and clunky – it protrudes a long way from the bike, snagging and scrapping on things a lot.

Norco: Tyre clearance isn’t as good as the competition. We think the dropout pivot is a little undercooked too – it could definitely be beefed up a little.

Giant: We experienced some cable rattling from the Reverb Stealth post cable inside the frame.

YT: The lack of a water bottle mount is a downer. If you’re pedalling any real distance, you’ll need to run a pack.

[divider]Geometry[/divider]

While all four of these bikes have similar geometry on paper, there a plenty of subtle differences that have a pronounced effect on the trail. All measurements are a for a size medium. Click to view the full geometry table.

Trek: The Trek is the only bike here with adjustable geometry. Its slacker setting has more in common with the other bikes here. The head angle is pretty laid back, but its balanced out by reasonably long stays. The top tube is on the shorter side, but a 60mm stem keeps things roomy enough.

Head angle: 65 degrees Effective top tube: 587mm Wheelbase: 1179mm Chain stay: 435mm

Norco:  The Norco runs the sharpest geometry on test, which translates into its more lively ride on flatter trails. Short chain stays add to this whippy feel.

Head angle: 66 degrees Effective top tube: 598mm Wheelbase: 1153mm Chain stay: 426mm

Giant: Slack, long and low. The Reign’s geometry numbers are very downhill oriented. It has the longest top tube by a good 20mm, and the longest wheelbase too for excellent stability.

Head angle: 65 degrees Effective top tube: 620mm Wheelbase: 1191mm Chain stay: 434mm

YT: The Capra’s geometry is on the short side in the top tube, but with a slack head angle to balance it out. With a short stem, it definitely feels quite small in terms of reach, and we can envisage some riders will want to size up.

Head angle: 65.2 degrees Effective top tube: 582mm Wheelbase: 1169mm Chain stay: 430mm

[divider]Suspension[/divider]

All four of these bikes use RockShox front and rear – all have a Monarch Plus rear shock, paired with some variant of the Pike up front. At first glance the Norco, Giant and Trek are visually similar, but each bike has its own take on how to deliver 160mm of travel. The Capra uses a different arrangement, and has 5mm more travel, at 165mm rear.

Trek: Trek’s ABP (Active Braking Pivot) and Full Floater suspension system is a big favourite of ours. It delivers a very neutral, calm suspension feel. It’s unusual to see a Trek without the brand’s proprietary DRCV shock, and with a conventional shock like the Monarch. The system does best when you use the shock’s compression lever on climbs as it doesn’t have a lot of inherent anti-squat.

The Trek’s Pike fork is travel adjustable, from 160-130mm, which is a feature we used a lot. It’s not the bells-and-whistles version, but the more basic RC.

Norco: The Norco runs a four-bar / Horst link setup. The system has great anti-squat properties and pedals very well, but there is noticeable pedal feedback when stomping over rough terrain. It performs well under braking, maintaining responsiveness when you’re on the anchors.

The fork is the simple Pike RC. We recommend experimenting with the Bottomless Token system to tune the spring rate – we’ve had great success adding tokens and lowering the air pressure.

Giant: The Giant’s Maestro II rear suspension system is a dual-link arrangement and delivers a very smooth 160mm travel. It’s a very plush system, a real ground-hugger, and it ramps up nicely on big hits. It’s sheer smoothness means you’ll be using the compression lever on climbs.

Like the Trek, the Giant scores a travel adjustable fork, which we used to great effect on climbs and flatter trails. It also runs the more sophisticated RCT3 damper, with independent high and low speed compression adjustment.

YT: The Capra’s VL4 suspension system is another four-bar system, but the shock is driven by the seat stay, rather than the link. Given the bike’s travel, it’s a fantastically efficient climber – the Norco offers similar efficiency, but the Capra has less pedal feedback. The shock has markedly progressive in the latter portions of the bike’s travel, for excellent resistance to bottoming out.

The fork gets the premium RCT3 damper, but is not travel adjustable, which saves a little weight.

[divider]Weight[/divider]

There’s barely a fart between the weights of the Norco, YT and Giant (which is impressive from the Reign, considering its alloy frame), but the Slash is a significantly lighter bike overall, by more than 700g. A light frame and carbon bar help keep its weight low. Note – all weights are without pedals and converted to tubeless.

Trek: 12.70kg Giant: 13.46kg Norco: 13.40kg YT: 13.52kg

[divider]Spec[/divider]

Beyond the similarities in suspension items noted above, these four bikes share nearly identical drivetrains and a smattering of other components too. The dominance on SRAMs X1 drivetrain in this segment is well deserved, though we may see that challenged now that Shimano have released XT 1×11 with a 42-tooth cassette.

Spec Highlights:

Trek: The wide-bodied Maverick wheelset on the Slash is a very big plus. We’re seeing more and more riders upgrading to wider hoops, so to get them stock is a real bonus. Bontrager’s XR4 tyres are sensational too. We’re also firm fans of the Shimano XT brakes, and the Bontrager Rhythm carbon bar.

Norco: A 30-tooth chain ring may sound small, but it’s an intelligent choice on this bike – the Norco has the gear range to climb just about anything. The massively stiff Raceface Atlas bar/stem combo is a winner too. We also like the addition of the bash guard to protect the chain ring.

Giant: Giant have specced the Reign with both an upper chain guide and a bash guard, for great security. The Pike RCT3 dual-position fork is a highlight too, a true performer both climbing and descending.

YT: A 150mm-travel dropper post lets you get the saddle right the hell out of the way on the Capra. The E13 wheels are both a highlight and a potential low light – they’re light and stiff, but quite narrow. A small item maybe, but we really like the Sensus grips, and the E13 upper chain guide.

Spec Lowlights:

Trek: While we like the XT brakes, they mesh poorly with the SRAM shifter and Reverb dropper lever.

Norco: The Norco’s wheels are its weakest area – especially the cheap front hub. There’s lots of weight to be saved here, without sacrificing durability.

Giant: You’ll want to lop a bit off the Giant’s 800mm bar!

YT: The E13 wheels are narrow by today’s and the hub is super, super loud. 

[divider]Ride[/divider]

First up, all of these bikes are superb to ride. They all fulfil the Enduro mandate of grinding out the climbs with minimal fuss then hammering the descents. That said, their abilities aren’t equally weighted, and some bikes really standout in some areas.

Ride Highlights:

Trek: The Trek is the probably the best all-rounder in this company. With its low weight and travel adjustable fork, it manages to do a good job in a huge range of situations. We often rode this bike with the fork dropped down and the rear compression in its firmest setting and it performed pretty damn well on flatter, smoother trails. On the descents it was a bomber too – a 65 degree head angle keeps it all very stable and the tyres/wheels make the most of the grip on offer with the supple suspension.

Norco: A lively, fun and inspiring ride. The Norco requires no suspension fiddling to rule the singletrack, it accelerates nicely and can ascend without a lot of lever flipping.  It’s very responsive for a bike with this much travel and it lends itself to a rider who likes to pick lines and play with the trail.

Giant: A supremely planted, stable and confident ride, the Reign will give a lot of downhill bikes a serious run for their money in many situations. The long wheelbase and buttery rear suspension keep the tyres on the ground. It straight up charges.

YT: A good blend of the downhill smasher and efficient climber. The YT has the angles and travel that encourage you to wallop it into some rough situations, especially as it’s so hard to upset the rear suspension. On the pedal back up, it’s very resistant and bobbing, even if the climbing position is a bit cramped.

Ride Lowlights:

Trek: The Trek’s rear suspension isn’t an inherently efficient design, so it’ll always be a tradeoff between suppleness and pedalling performance as you need to use the shock’s compression lever a lot.

Norco: With its short stays the Norco requires a bit more rider input at high speed to keep the wheels down. We also threw the chain on the Norco a handful of times, which wasn’t an issue on any other bike.

Giant: The Giant typifies the tradeoff between climbing and descending performance. With the fork dropped and the shock in its firmest compression setting, it’s a decent trail bike, but it still feels big in tighter situations.

YT: The YT’s short top tube demands a very upright climbing position. This bike really needs you to get right over the front wheel too, to keep it biting in flatter trails, especially when compared to the Norco or the Trek with its fork dropped down.

[divider]Full reviews[/divider]

For a more in-depth look at each of these bikes, make sure check out the full reviews here on Flow.

Trek Slash 9.8: Click here. 

Norco Range C7.2: Click here.

Giant Reign 1: Click here. 

YT Capra CF Comp 1: Click here. 

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