Trek Slash+ 9.7 review

Where the Slash+ 9.7 fits

The clearest match is strong enduro riders who want self-shuttle range and natural support without the heavier full-power Rail+ character. This review is based on the Evans specification, manufacturer information and clearly identified independent coverage; it is not presented as a RideIn hands-on test.

Motor, controls and UK legality

The accessible Evans listing does not identify the motor precisely. It describes the controls as TQ LED display with Bluetooth & ANT+ connectivity.

The 60Nm HPR60 is more supportive than the earlier HPR50 Slash+ but remains deliberately below Bosch CX force. Its compact, quiet design aims to interfere less with high-pivot enduro handling.

This is best for riders who still want to work on climbs and preserve a conventional feel on descents. Those wanting the fastest assisted ascents should choose Rail+ instead.

For use as an electrically assisted pedal cycle in Great Britain, the maximum continuous rated motor power must not exceed 250W, assistance must cut out by 15.5mph and the pedals must be able to propel the bike. Check the label and delivered configuration rather than relying on a category name.

Battery, charging and realistic range

The listed battery is TQ 580 Wh. No numerical range is stated in the accessible listing; route, rider, weather and assistance level materially affect distance

A 580Wh battery is generous for a mid-power enduro bike and substantially larger than older 360Wh TQ applications.

High-pivot terrain, soft tyres and repeated vertical gain will still consume energy quickly. The pack improves scope but does not turn HPR60 into a full-power, unlimited-lap system.

Use only the approved compatible charger, charge away from escape routes and stop using a battery that is damaged, swollen, leaking or unusually hot. Ask for the replacement-pack price and warranty conditions before the original battery becomes a problem.

Frame, fit and ride character

The frame specification is OCLV Mountain Carbon, removable battery, high main pivot, idler pulley, angle-adjust headset, adjustable leverage rate, integrated frame protection, internal routing, alloy rocker link, upper chain guide mount, 55 mm chainline, ABP, UDH, 148x12 mm thru axle, 170 mm travel. Fork and suspension details are Fox Rhythm 38, Float EVOL air spring, GRIP damper, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Kabolt X axle, 170 mm travel; Fox Performance Float X, 2-position damper, 230 mm x 65 mm. The tyres are Bontrager Brevard RSL SE, Tubeless Ready, triple compound, aramid bead, 60 tpi.

The OCLV carbon high-pivot frame, 170mm Fox Rhythm 38 and Float X shock clearly target steep, rough descents. The design’s idlers manage chain growth but add parts and setup considerations.

Mechanical Eagle 70 T-Type and DB8 four-piston brakes are robust choices. The Brevard RSL SE tyres reinforce the aggressive brief, though exact grip and casing behaviour are condition-dependent.

Brakes, transmission and everyday equipment

The bike uses SRAM DB 8 4-piston hydraulic disc. Transmission is SRAM Eagle 70, 12-speed; SRAM Eagle 70, T-Type; SRAM Eagle XS-1270, T-Type,10-52, 12-speed. The equipment information is Bontrager Line Dropper, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm.

Mechanical Transmission avoids a derailleur battery and is designed around full-mount durability. The high-pivot drivetrain requires more cleaning and inspection than a simpler trail frame.

Carbon, long travel and specialist TQ hardware make workshop competence important. This bike is inefficient overkill for mellow paths and ordinary commuting.

What the published evidence tells us

Evans listed this build at £4,879–£5,399 when RideIn checked it on 29 August 2026. Prices can differ by colour or size, and stock can change; a discount against a reference price does not by itself establish value.

Evans and Trek’s current page establish the HPR60/580Wh 9.7 build.

Pinkbike independently reviewed the higher-spec earlier Slash+ 9.9 and praised the platform’s light-assist enduro handling; its HPR50 motor and components differ. Only the broad high-pivot platform context is carried over, not exact performance claims.

Advantages and disadvantages

The useful comparison is whether the complete build suits the regular route, storage and service plan. A premium motor cannot compensate for poor fit, while a modest component can be entirely sensible on the right type of bike.

• Advantage: 170mm high-pivot carbon enduro chassis
• Advantage: 580Wh capacity is strong for mid-power
• Advantage: Quiet, progressive HPR60 assistance
• Advantage: Robust mechanical Transmission build
• Disadvantage: Less climbing force than Bosch CX
• Disadvantage: High-pivot drivetrain adds maintenance
• Disadvantage: DB8 brakes are not premium
• Disadvantage: Specialist, expensive and excessive for mellow riding

Buying checks and RideIn verdict

Confirm the exact product code, frame size, colour, battery capacity, assistance configuration and included equipment before paying. Ask which Evans branch or authorised dealer will handle electrical diagnosis, warranty labour and replacement components, then test the brakes, controls and fit before committing to regular use.

A distinctive enduro e-bike for riders who value descending character and subtle uplift more than raw motor power, now with a meaningfully larger energy reserve.