Trek Slash+ Series Quietly Redefines Enduro E‑Bikes - Full Model Comparison & Latest Tech

Key Facts at a Glance

Lightweight Enduro E-MTB: The Trek Slash+ series (launched 2024) adds a 50 Nm TQ HPR50 motor and 580 Wh battery to Trek’s enduro platform, delivering 170 mm of travel front and rear in a high-pivot, mixed-wheel “mullet” configuration bikerumor.com trekbikes.com. It’s designed to feel as natural and agile as a regular bike while giving a subtle boost on climbs.
Two Models (2024/25): The Slash+ 9.7 SLX/XT (MSRP ~$7,999 USD) and the Slash+ 9.9 X0 AXS T-Type (MSRP ~$11,999 USD) share the same carbon frame, motor, and battery but differ in components wired.com bikerumor.com. The 9.9 gets a premium build (RockShox Zeb Ultimate fork, Vivid Ultimate shock, SRAM X0 Eagle AXS wireless drivetrain, carbon wheels) vs. the 9.7’s mid-level kit (Fox 38 Rhythm fork, Float X shock, Shimano SLX/XT drivetrain, alloy wheels) bikerumor.com bikerumor.com.
Award-Winning Performance: The Slash+ was crowned Pinkbike’s 2024 e-MTB of the Year, with testers calling it “the best eMTB I’ve ridden to date” thanks to its balanced feel and lack of sluggishness despite the added motor weight trekbikes.com. Wired also rated it 9/10, praising its “exceptionally agile” handling and the “most silent” motor they’d ever tested wired.com.
Major Tech Innovations: Key features include a high-pivot suspension with idler pulley (adapted from the analog Slash) for plush, bump-gobbling travel without pedal kickback bikerumor.com bikerumor.com, the whisper-quiet TQ harmonic pin-ring motor (250 W continuous, virtually no gearbox whine) trekbikes.com bikerumor.com, a removable 580 Wh battery (for 2–6 hours of riding, extendable with an optional range extender) trekbikes.com trekbikes.com, and adjustable geometry via angle-set headset cups (±1° head angle) and a “Less/More” flip chip to tweak suspension progression nsmb.com bikerumor.com.
Current News & Updates: The Slash+ is generating buzz as a category leader in “mid-power” e-enduro bikes, outpacing rivals in quietness and ride feel. Recent long-term tests reaffirm its durability and ride quality. There’s industry chatter that Trek may eventually update the Slash+ with TQ’s new HPR60 motor (60 Nm) for more torque, as the current 50 Nm system now has a higher-power successor emtbforums.com emtbforums.com. No official announcements yet, but ongoing discounts on the 9.7 model and TQ’s launch of a higher-torque unit have fueled speculation.

Overview – A New Breed of Enduro E-Bike

Trek’s Slash+ series represents a bold fusion of a race-proven enduro bike with stealthy electric assist. What exactly is the Slash+? In essence, it’s Trek’s 6th-generation Slash (an award-winning 170 mm enduro machine) with a lightweight motor added bikerumor.com. The result is a “mid-assist” e-MTB built to charge up climbs like a goat and rip down descents like its purely human-powered sibling. Trek chose a TQ HPR50 drive unit for the Slash+, prioritizing natural ride feel and low weight over brute-force power. This makes the Slash+ a different beast from full-power e-bikes – it’s closer to a regular bike in handling, only ~2 kg heavier than the analog Slash magazinebike.com, and much quieter than typical e-MTBs.

Upon its debut in late 2024 for the 2025 model year, the Slash+ quickly made waves in the MTB world. Riders who loved the “long-travel, bump-eating” capabilities of the analog Slash were eager for an electric version to “bring that performance up the mountain a little quicker”, as Vital MTB put it. Trek answered with a bike that “doesn’t look, feel, or sound like an e-bike” on the trail wheatridgecyclery.com wheatridgecyclery.com. With 170 mm of travel front and rear, a slack ~63.5° head tube angle, and a mullet wheel setup (29″ front, 27.5″ rear), the Slash+ is built for gravity-fueled riding. Yet its 50 Nm micro-motor and sizable battery give riders a boost on climbs and long rides, essentially offering self-shuttle capability for enduro laps bikerumor.com.

The Slash+ slots into Trek’s lineup as the rowdiest e-MTB to date for the brand trekbikes.com. It complements Trek’s other e-mountain bikes by filling the high-travel, “enduro lite” niche between the all-round trail e-bike (Fuel EXe) and the full-power bruiser (Rail). As we’ll see, Trek managed to pack in advanced technology – from the patented Active Braking Pivot suspension to smart motor tuning via app – while keeping the ride experience remarkably close to an analog bike. Next, we’ll break down the two Slash+ models in detail and see what each offers.

Model Lineup & Specs – Slash+ 9.7 vs 9.9

Trek has kept the Slash+ family simple with two models initially, both built on the same OCLV Mountain Carbon frame. The frameset, motor (TQ HPR50, 250 W, 50 Nm), and 580 Wh battery are identical on both magazinebike.com. Where the models differ is in components and of course price. Here’s how the Slash+ 9.7 and Slash+ 9.9 compare:

Slash+ 9.7 SLX/XT – MSRP ~$7,999 (USD): This is the more accessible build, sporting a Shimano SLX/XT 12-speed drivetrain (with an EThirteen e-spec alloy crank) and Shimano M6120 4-piston brakes bikerumor.com bikerumor.com. Suspension is handled by Fox’s Performance series: a 38 Rhythm fork (170 mm travel, GRIP damper) up front and a Float X Performance shock out back bikerumor.com. The wheels are tough Bontrager Line Comp 30 alloy rims, and it comes with Bontrager XR5 Team Issue 2.5″ tires (optimized for mixed conditions) bikerumor.com. Trek equips the 9.7 with a traditional (cabled) dropper post and relies on the quiet TQ motor for assist. Frame color options include a muted Dark Olive/Green and a Red Smoke scheme bikerumor.com. In summary, the 9.7 brings the Slash+ experience at a lower cost by using solid, workhorse parts – it’s a bit heavier than its sibling but still fully capable. (Weight: ~45 lbs in size M) wired.com bikerumor.com.
Slash+ 9.9 X0 AXS T-Type – MSRP ~$11,999 (USD): The flagship model pulls out all the stops. It’s outfitted with a premium SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission drivetrain – a wireless electronic 12-speed system – paired to an AXS Reverb dropper post for cable-free clean lines bikerumor.com. Suspension gets a bump up to the top-tier RockShox Ultimate level: a Zeb Ultimate fork (170 mm) and Vivid Air Ultimate rear shock, giving the bike a supremely refined feel on big hits bikerumor.com. Wheels are upgraded to Bontrager Line Pro 30 carbon rims, lighter and stiffer, with stickier Bontrager SE6 (front) and SE5 (rear) tires in a burly 2.5″ width bikerumor.com. The 9.9 also boasts SRAM’s new Maven brakes in Silver (powerful 4-piston stoppers) with large 200 mm rotors nsmb.com nsmb.com. The cockpit features a carbon handlebar and short 35 mm stem for precision steering bikerumor.com. Color choices are understated: Black/Grey or a Dark Grey with Copper accents bikerumor.com. All together, the Slash+ 9.9 offers a no-compromise build for riders who want top-level performance and are willing to pay for it. (Weight: ~46 lbs in size M, slightly more than the 9.7 due to the beefier kit) bikerumor.com.

Despite the differences, both models deliver the core Slash+ experience. Each gets you the full carbon high-pivot frame, the same motor and battery (meaning range and power are identical), and the exact geometry. Trek standardized key contact points too: for instance, both bikes use 160 mm crank arms (to reduce pedal strikes on an e-bike) and wide 780 mm bars for control bikerumor.com. In other words, you’re not sacrificing the fundamental ride qualities by choosing the 9.7; you mainly give up some bling and a bit of weight. Wired’s reviewer noted the 9.7 still comes “with a carbon frame, a Fox suspension package…and a Shimano XT groupset,” calling it impressively nimble and quiet for the price wired.com wired.com. Meanwhile the 9.9 has been touted as a “ridiculously good descender” that wrings every drop of performance from the platform pinkbike.com. Either way, Trek has ensured even the base Slash+ is trail-ready out of the box – tubeless-ready wheels, a dropper post, and tuned suspension are included on both wheatridgecyclery.com wheatridgecyclery.com.

Pricing & Availability: In the US, the Slash+ 9.7 originally retailed at $7,999 (with some retailers advertising it on sale around $7,699) while the 9.9 came in at $11,999 wired.com bikerumor.com. European pricing puts the 9.7 around €7,999 and the 9.9 around €11,999 (for example, 9.9 is ~£11,500 in the UK). By mid-2025, some discounts appeared on the 9.7 model, possibly hinting at inventory clear-outs for future releases emtbforums.com emtbforums.com. Both models are sold in sizes S through XL, though Trek did omit the Medium/Large split size they sometimes offer – instead they tweaked reach numbers slightly to cover that gap nsmb.com. Notably, size Small is the only one that comes with dual 27.5″ wheels (to better fit shorter riders), whereas M–XL are mullet (29″ front, 27.5″ rear) only bikerumor.com. Trek explicitly does not recommend trying to run a full 29er setup on the Slash+ – the frame is optimized for the smaller rear wheel bikerumor.com.

Technology & Features – High-Pivot Meets High Tech

What sets the Slash+ apart from run-of-the-mill e-bikes is the careful blending of Trek’s proven suspension design with cutting-edge e-drive tech. Here are the major innovations and features in the Slash+ series:

High-Pivot Suspension with ABP: Like the latest analog Slash, the Slash+ uses a high-pivot point suspension layout with an idler pulley for the chain. This design allows the rear axle to move upward and rearward as the suspension compresses, helping the bike “maintain momentum through rough sections” and offering a super plush ride in rock gardens bikerumor.com magazinebike.com. The idler counteracts chain growth, so pedal kickback is minimized even under big hits bikerumor.com. Trek’s patented Active Braking Pivot (ABP) is also in play, keeping the suspension active under braking for better traction on sketchy descents trekbikes.com. The payoff is a bike that soaks up bumps like a downhill rig but pedals efficiently when needed bikerumor.com. Reviewers have noted that the Slash+’s suspension feels almost bottomless on descents yet doesn’t wallow on climbs wired.com bikerumor.com. It’s tuned to mimic the feel of the non-motor Slash, and Trek even includes a progressivity flip chip on the lower shock mount: leave it in “Less” for a plusher ride (best with air shocks or lighter riders) or flip to “More” for increased bottom-out resistance (ideal for aggressive riders or coil shocks) nsmb.com bikerumor.com.
TQ HPR50 Motor – The Whisper-Quiet Heart: Central to the Slash+ is the TQ HPR50 mid-drive motor, a German-made unit that stands out for its compact size and quiet operation. Unlike most e-bike motors that use noisy gears or belts, the TQ uses a harmonic pin-ring transmission – a novel design that drastically reduces noise and wear trekbikes.com wired.com. Trek touts that the Slash+’s motor noise is only 0.15 “tonality units”, basically “barely perceivable” on trail rides trekbikes.com trekbikes.com. Pinkbike noted this near-silence as a huge plus, since nothing ruins the wilderness vibe like a whining motor trekbikes.com. The motor’s output is tuned to 50 Nm of torque and up to 300 W peak assist, which classifies it as a “mid-power” system – providing noticeable help on climbs but not the brute force of a full 85 Nm e-bike motor bikerumor.com. In practice, riders say it feels “like an extension of your own strength”, enhancing your pedaling without a jarring on/off sensation trekbikes.com. The assist is capped at ~20 mph (32 km/h) in accordance with Class 1 e-bike laws in many regions trekbikes.com, so above that speed or when coasting, you’re effectively on an analog bike. One neat aspect: Trek specifically tuned the motor firmware to work optimally with the high-pivot suspension, so the power delivery remains smooth even as the suspension moves through its travel bikerumor.com.
580 Wh Battery & Range Extender: The Slash+ was the first bike to debut TQ’s new 580 Wh battery pack (a step up from the 360 Wh used in the smaller Trek Fuel EXe) bikerumor.com bikerumor.com. This gives the bike a healthy 2–6 hour range depending on usage and mode trekbikes.com – enough for “long days and extra laps” as Trek puts it trekbikes.com. There’s even an optional 160 Wh range extender battery available (fits in the bottle cage) that can bump ride time by roughly 50% (adding ~3 extra hours in eco mode) trekbikes.com trekbikes.com. Despite being a large battery, it’s fully removable with just a couple of hex bolts, making off-bike charging or battery swaps possible trekbikes.com. Trek designed the frame with downtube armor and a secure mounting to prevent any rattling trekbikes.com wheatridgecyclery.com. The battery is not backward-compatible with earlier TQ-equipped bikes (Fuel EXe), but Trek did allow cross-compatibility the other way – the Slash+ can run the smaller 360 Wh if you wanted to shed some weight for a short ride bikerumor.com.
Integrated Display & App Connectivity: In terms of user interface, the Slash+ keeps it minimal. It features a sleek integrated LED display flush-mounted in the top tube, showing key info like battery level, assist mode, speed, and remaining range wired.com. A compact handlebar remote near the left grip lets you toggle between Eco, Mid, High, and a Walk mode for pushing the bike trekbikes.com. For deeper tuning, Trek’s Central App connects via Bluetooth/ANT+ to let riders customize the motor’s power curve (you can fine-tune how much assist each mode gives), track ride stats, navigate routes, and even analyze ride history trekbikes.com trekbikes.com. The bike’s system plays nicely with third-party apps like Strava and Komoot for those who want to log or share their rides automatically trekbikes.com. All these tech features aim to enhance the experience without adding confusion – the display is intentionally small and low-profile (nothing like a big smartphone on your bars) to keep the cockpit clean and distraction-free.
Adjustable Geometry: Beyond the aforementioned flip-chip for suspension progression, the Slash+ also accommodates an angle-adjust headset. It comes stock with a neutral 63.5° head tube angle, but you can install Trek’s optional cups to steepen or slacken that by 1° without altering bottom bracket height nsmb.com trekbikes.com. This lets riders dial the handling to preference – e.g. slacken to 62.5° for extreme steeps or steepen to 64.5° if you want quicker steering. The effective seat tube angle is quite steep (~77° in larger sizes) to keep you centered on climbs nsmb.com. Trek also gave each size (except M/L since there is none) size-specific chainstay lengths – the rear center grows a bit on the XL for stability, and is shortest on S for agility nsmb.com. This attention to geo helps the Slash+ ride consistently across sizes.
Durability & Noise Reduction: Considering the wild terrain this bike is meant for, Trek added practical touches: an integrated lower chain guide/bash guard protects the chainring and keeps the chain securely captured even through rough chunder bikerumor.com. A cleverly shaped chainstay guard minimizes chain slap, keeping the bike remarkably quiet on descents (another effort to make the ride sound “normal”) trekbikes.com. The carbon frame has an extra Carbon Armor layer under the paint in high-risk areas for impact protection trekbikes.com. Plus, there’s a bolt-on mini fender included to shield the rear shock from mud and debris (carried over from the analog Slash design) bikerumor.com. Trek opted not to include their usual in-frame storage (the “downtube glove box” is absent, due to the battery taking that space) bikerumor.com, but they did put accessory mounts under the top tube for tools or spares. All cables are routed internally and the bike uses the universal SRAM UDH derailleur hanger system for future compatibility bikerumor.com.

In summary, the Slash+ bristles with features that enhance its “stealth bomber” persona – it’s built burly enough for the gnarliest tracks, yet it’s stealthy in both sound and aesthetics (from a distance you might not even notice it’s an e-bike). Many of these innovations are geared toward making the ride feel seamless; for example, as Wired noted, Trek managed to build an electric bike that “feels and sounds so much like an acoustic bike” you might forget there’s a motor at all wired.com.

On-Trail Performance & Expert Reviews

The true measure of the Slash+ series is how it performs where it matters – on the mountain. Early reviews and rider feedback indicate that Trek hit their mark: the Slash+ rides very much like a traditional enduro rig on descents, while making climbs far less punishing than on a 35+ lb analog bike. Here are some highlights from experts who’ve tested the Slash+:

Descending Prowess: The Slash+ inherits the downhill DNA of the analog Slash, and it shows. Pinkbike testers were so impressed that they awarded it e-MTB of the Year, declaring “the Slash+ might just be the best eMTB I’ve ridden to date, with a balanced feel that doesn’t feel overly heavy or sluggish” trekbikes.com. They noted that despite gaining a few kilos from the motor and battery, the bike’s suspension performance and geometry make it “a high-speed truckin’” machine on rough descents trekbikes.com. In a full review, Pinkbike’s reviewer extolled its “ridiculously good” descending capability, saying it carries speed confidently through choppy terrain much like its purely human-powered predecessor pinkbike.com. Vital MTB, after a long-term test, echoed that the Slash+ can “handle the most aggressive terrain without an aggressive weight penalty”, meaning you can charge hard on jumps and drops just as you would on a regular enduro bike. Testers consistently mention that the high-pivot suspension and burly frame give it a bottomless, controlled feel on downhill hits – it inspires confidence to send it. The mullet setup (29″ front wheel) helps it monster-truck over rocks, while the 27.5″ rear adds a touch of agility to whip through tight corners.
Agility and Handling: One might expect a 45 lb e-bike to ride like a tank, but the Slash+ defies that stereotype. Wired’s reviewer was stunned at how nimble and flowy the bike felt, describing the ride as “so unlike the maiden voyages I’ve had on other e-MTBs… I needed to know how Trek managed it” wired.com. Thanks to the low weight of the TQ system and careful frame engineering, the Slash+ has a relatively low center of gravity and a lively character. It doesn’t “feel overly heavy or sluggish”, as Pinkbike confirmed trekbikes.com. The short chainstays (440 mm on M/L) and moderate reach contribute to making the bike easy to flick around considering its travel. On flow trails and jumps, the bike is surprisingly poppy – testers found they could clear gaps and maneuver in the air without the bike feeling like a cumbersome e-machine. The slack head angle and long wheelbase do prefer you stay aggressive and trust the bike at speed, but that’s true of any enduro sled. In tight switchbacks or uphill hairpins, the Slash+ was manageable, though reviews note it’s still a long-travel bike so it likes a bit of room to shine. Overall, it strikes a great balance: “exceptionally agile and responsive. Also stable enough to go full send,” as Wired summarized it wired.com.
Motor Power & Assist Feel: The consensus is that the TQ HPR50 motor provides a “natural and quiet” assist that complements the ride rather than dominating it. With 50 Nm, it’s not going to rocket you up climbs as brutally as a full-power e-bike (like Trek’s Rail or a Specialized Turbo Levo), but many reviewers actually prefer this approach. The assist is described as smooth and predictable, giving you just enough push to conquer steep climbs or long fire roads without making the bike feel like a pedal-motorcycle. Wired remarked that the Slash+’s motor is “the most silent we’ve tested”, which hugely boosts enjoyment – you hear the tires on dirt and the freehub, not an electric whine wired.com. That quietness also means you can sneak in extra laps without drawing attention; as Trek cheekily says, “you blend right in with traditional bikes” while getting support on climbs wheatridgecyclery.com wheatridgecyclery.com. In terms of power, riders note that in “High” mode the bike will comfortably cruise up steep trails that would be lung-busters on a regular bike, albeit at a calmer pace than a 85 Nm e-bike would. The flip side is greater range and a more bike-like feel. E-MTB Forums discussions suggest that some power-hungry riders wouldn’t mind a bit more torque (and indeed TQ now has the HPR60 motor with 60 Nm), but for most trail riding scenarios, the HPR50 hits a sweet spot of assistance without erasing the workout entirely emtbforums.com emtbforums.com.
Climbing & Efficiency: Thanks to a steep seat angle (~77°) and the anti-squat characteristics of the design, the Slash+ is an efficient climber even with the added weight. One BikeRadar analyst went so far as to suggest bikes like the Slash+ might spell the end for human-powered enduro, because you can crush big climbs and still have 100% of the descending capability on tap. While that claim may be tongue-in-cheek, it underscores how well the Slash+ ascends. Trek’s careful tuning (including that oversized idler pulley to manage chain forces) means “pedaling is astonishingly efficient”, with little bob wheatridgecyclery.com. NSMB.com noted that test riders could leave the rear shock in the “Less progressive” setting (more plush) and still find the bike didn’t wallow on technical climbs nsmb.com – a testament to the kinematics and the supportive Fox/RS suspension. The relatively light weight (sub-21 kg) for a 170 mm e-bike also helps when muscling up tricky sections; you’re not fighting a 55–60 lb behemoth. And if you do hit the limit of traction or steepness, there’s a Walk mode to help push the bike without killing your legs. In summary, the Slash+ democratizes climbing to an extent: it won’t do the job for you, but it makes tough ascents feel “like a magic carpet”, as Trek says trekbikes.com, turning what used to be grueling slogs into enjoyable parts of the ride.
Comfort and Ride Feel: Riders consistently mention how “normal” the bike feels – both in terms of handling and even sound. Vital MTB highlighted that you get *“the handling of a next-level trail beast with the added benefit of a quiet motor that all but disappears on the trail” wheatridgecyclery.com wheatridgecyclery.com. The frame stiffness and geometry give it a very confident feel through rough terrain, and the high-pivot suspension’s traction is often praised. On the flip side, a couple of reviewers did mention the Slash+ is not a super light e-bike by absolute terms, so in slow, flat sections you do feel that you’re on a ~45 lb machine – it doesn’t sprint like an XC bike (with the motor off). Also, one tester from Wired noted a “mystery rattle” that they couldn’t initially locate wired.com. This turned out to be an isolated case and not a widespread issue, but it reminds us that with any e-bike, there are more components that could potentially make noise (cables, battery mount, etc.). Overall though, any minor rattles or setup tweaks were overshadowed by the bike’s ability to “charge downhills” with abandon while keeping the ride experience refined bikerumor.com.

In conclusion, the Trek Slash+ has lived up to the hype on the trails. It manages to feel like a true enduro monster on descents, yet with a friendly and unobtrusive assist that has converted many skeptics of e-MTBs. The bike industry noticed this too – hence the accolades from media. It’s rare for a first-generation e-bike to get so much right, but Trek’s decision to prioritize ride quality (even if that meant less torque than competitors) seems to have been a winning strategy. As Pinkbike succinctly put it, the Slash+ “provides all the high-speed truckin’ capabilities you want out of a long-travel e-bike” without the usual downsides trekbikes.com.

Slash+ vs. Other Trek Bikes – Where Does It Fit?

Trek’s mountain bike lineup now spans everything from pure analog bikes to full-power electrics. Here’s how the Slash+ compares to its stablemates and what options exist for different riders:

Trek Slash (Analog): The Slash+’s closest sibling is the regular Trek Slash – a bike with the same travel (170/170 mm) and virtually identical geometry, but no motor or battery. The current Slash (sometimes called Gen 6) was introduced in 2023 and wowed reviewers (it actually won Pinkbike’s overall Bike of the Year in 2023) pinkbike.com. The Slash analog and Slash+ share the high-pivot design, adjustable headset, and mullet setup, so on descents they feel extremely similar. Weight is the main difference: a high-end analog Slash can be ~35 lbs (16 kg) versus ~42–46 lbs (19–21 kg) for the Slash+. That ~5–6 kg penalty is the price of the e-assist. For riders who love the workout or race enduro (where e-bikes may not be allowed), the analog Slash is the way to go. Trek even notes on their site: “Get the same hard-hitting geometry and suspension as Slash+, but leave the motoring to your legs” trekbikes.com. One interesting point: the Slash analog comes in more build variants (including alloy frame options and lower-cost trims) whereas the Slash+ is currently carbon-only. In short, if you want the platform but none of the electronics, the Slash (no plus) is your bike.
Trek Fuel EXe: The Slash+ isn’t Trek’s first foray into lightweight e-MTBs. The Fuel EXe launched in 2022 as a 140 mm trail bike with the same TQ motor concept. The Fuel EXe is a “mid-power trail bike”, lighter and with less travel (150 mm fork, 140 mm rear). It’s a better all-rounder – more nimble on mellow trails and a bit more playfully balanced in geometry. Trek positions it for riders who want a “quiet, natural-feeling support, but more balanced all-around handling”, as an alternative to the Slash+’s enduro focus. Indeed, the Fuel EXe feels almost like a normal trail bike that just takes the edge off big climbs. The Slash+ in contrast is more of a brute on the downs – overkill for tame trails, but a godsend in bike parks or enduro courses. Both bikes use the TQ motor and are on the quieter, lighter end of the e-bike spectrum. Interestingly, the Slash+ got the newer 580 Wh battery, whereas the Fuel EXe uses a 360 Wh – giving the Slash+ significantly more range for those epic days. If your riding involves as much pedaling as descending and you don’t need 170 mm of travel, the Fuel EXe might be a better choice. But if you live for steep, rough descents or park laps, the Slash+ brings that extra capability (with a weight and travel trade-off).
Trek Rail: On the opposite end of Trek’s eMTB range is the Rail – a full-power, long-travel e-bike (150 mm rear/160–170 mm front, 29″ wheels). The Rail runs a Bosch Performance CX motor (85 Nm) with a 625–750 Wh battery, so it has gobs of torque and range bikerumor.com. It’s the bike for those who want to absolutely crush climbs at high speed or shuttle big mountains using motor power. However, the Rail is much heavier (often 50–55+ lbs, ~25+ kg) and the ride feel is more of an “e-bike brute” – you feel the motor’s presence both in power and some noise. The Slash+ can be seen as the Rail’s feisty little brother: less outright power, but far lighter on its feet. Trek even hints at this: “Want a big enduro e-bike with a whole lot of power? Rail is the ultimate high-powered e-MTB…” trekbikes.com – implying the Slash+ is the lighter alternative for those prioritizing handling over sheer wattage. If you frequently do huge alpine adventures or need the maximum assist (for towing friends, perhaps), the Rail might be the tool. But many riders find the Rail overkill for average trail riding, which is exactly where the Slash+ comes in.
Other Trek Models: It’s worth mentioning Trek’s e-MTB lineup also includes the Powerfly series (hardtails and shorter travel e-bikes) and the previous Powerfly LT (an older long-travel e-bike). However, those use older tech (Bosch motors, etc.) and have largely been supplanted by the Rail for full-power needs. The Slash+ effectively inaugurates Trek’s “SL” category in the enduro segment (SL meaning super light or mid-power). As NSMB pointed out, Trek now has two categories of e-bike: the full-power Bosch line (Powerfly, Rail) and the light-assist TQ line (Fuel EXe, Slash+) magazinebike.com. This mirrors what Specialized did with their Turbo Levo (full power) vs Levo SL/Kenevo SL (light assist) lines.

For someone cross-shopping within Trek: choose Slash+ if you prioritize aggressive descending and want a motor for assistance, choose Slash (analog) if you want no motor and perhaps a cheaper overall bike or alloy frame option, choose Fuel EXe if your terrain is moderate and you value low weight/handling over travel, and choose Rail if you want maximum power and don’t mind extra heft.

Competition – How the Slash+ Stacks Up to Rival E-Enduro Bikes

The Trek Slash+ isn’t alone in the growing field of “lighter” enduro e-bikes. Several other brands offer or are developing bikes with a similar philosophy: around 150–170 mm of travel, lighter-weight assist systems, and an aim to mimic normal bike handling. Here are a few notable competitors and how they compare:

Specialized Turbo Kenevo SL: Specialized’s Kenevo SL is one of the closest analogues to the Slash+. It’s a 170 mm travel e-enduro based on the Enduro frame, equipped with Specialized’s Turbo SL 1.2 motor (found in the latest Kenevo SL 2) which delivers roughly 50–60 Nm of torque (in updated form) and uses a 320 Wh battery with extender options theloamwolf.com dunbarcycles.com. The Kenevo SL was actually one of the first in this “mid-power long-travel” category, launched in 2021, and updated in 2023/24 with a quieter motor. It’s a very capable descender as well – essentially an Enduro bike with some assist – but it hasn’t received as widespread praise as the Slash+ likely due to weight and motor noise in earlier models. Specialized’s system isn’t as silent as the TQ, though they improved it in the SL 1.2. The Slash+ also outguns it on battery capacity (580 Wh vs 320 Wh), meaning longer rides per charge. On the flip side, Specialized offers more build variants (including more affordable ones) and their MasterMind display gives a bit more data/control (but also more complexity). If you’re a Specialized fan, the Kenevo SL is your Trek Slash+ equivalent – both bikes target the same use-case of aggressive riding with a “natural feel” e-assist.
Santa Cruz Heckler SL: Another entrant is the Santa Cruz Heckler SL, introduced in 2024. This bike has about 150 mm rear travel (160 mm fork), so it’s a tad shorter travel than the Slash+, but with a similar ethos of keeping weight down. Santa Cruz went with the Fazua Ride 60 motor (which, as the name implies, gives 60 Nm torque and up to ~450 W peak) coupled to a 430 Wh battery nsmb.com mbr.co.uk. The Heckler SL is praised for feeling almost like a regular Bronson or Megatower on trail – the motor is quiet and the bike is playful. It’s a mixed-wheel bike too, like the Slash+. In head-to-head terms, the Heckler SL’s Fazua motor has a bit more kick (10 Nm more torque) and the bike is slightly lighter (thanks in part to less travel and a bit smaller battery). However, the Slash+ offers more brute enduro capability with 170 mm travel and a bigger battery for longer gravities. Santa Cruz also charges a premium; their top builds (XX AXS RSV) can eclipse the Trek’s price. Both bikes exemplify the trend of “stealth e-bikes” that experienced riders appreciate. If you’re doing big mountain rides where weight and handling are paramount, the Heckler SL is a worthy alternative to the Slash+; if you want a little more travel cushion and battery juice, the Slash+ edges it out.
Orbea Rise & Others: The Orbea Rise deserves mention as it was one of the early “light e-MTBs.” The Orbea Rise uses a Shimano EP8 RS motor (tuned to ~60 Nm) and comes in 140–150 mm travel configurations. It’s more of a trail bike, analogous to Trek’s Fuel EXe, but some versions (Rise “H” models) have 160 mm forks and tougher spec which put them near Slash+ territory. Orbea’s bike is very light (some builds under 18 kg) and has a 360 Wh battery (with extender), so it prioritizes low weight over huge range. The Slash+ out-travels and outlasts the Rise in terms of descending capability and battery, but the Rise might feel a bit snappier on the climb due to being lighter. Similarly, other brands like Transition Relay (a modular bike that can run with or without a Fazua motor), Pivot Shuttle SL (fazua-powered 150 mm bike), and Specialized Levo SL (150 mm trail bike) populate this space. The Slash+ generally stands out by offering full enduro travel and robustness in a package that’s only marginally heavier than these shorter travel bikes.
Full-Power Enduro E-bikes: It’s also useful to compare the Slash+ to the more common full-power e-enduro bikes, such as the Specialized Turbo Levo (or Turbo Levo Kenevo in 180 mm form), Santa Cruz Bullit/Heckler (EP8 versions), YT Decoy, Canyon Torque:ON or Spectral:ON, etc. These bikes typically run 85 Nm motors (Bosch, Shimano, Brose, etc.) and 600–700 Wh batteries. They are powerhouses on climbs and can sustain bike-park level abuse all day. However, they weigh a lot – often 50–55 lbs – and tend to ride a bit less intuitively, especially in tight or rough singletrack. The Slash+ in contrast, at ~45 lbs, feels much more like a normal bike and encourages a poppy, dynamic riding style that some full-power bikes lack. On a Slash+, you can flick the bike and reactivate your inner downhiller; on a 55 lb e-bike, you’re more plowing and relying on the motor. So if you line up the Slash+ next to, say, a YT Decoy 170, the Trek will be quieter, lighter, and probably nimbler; the YT (with a Shimano EP8 motor) will absolutely power up a climb faster but will be more cumbersome downhill (though still fun). In races or timed runs, the heavier e-bikes might win the uphill, but many riders find the overall ride experience more engaging on mid-power bikes like the Slash+. This is a subjective preference – some folks want the moto-like feel and don’t mind extra weight, whereas others will happily trade some torque for better handling.

In summary, the Trek Slash+ holds a leadership position in the emerging mid-power e-enduro category. Its closest peers (Kenevo SL, Heckler SL, etc.) each have their pros and cons, but Trek’s execution with the quiet TQ motor and high-pivot suspension has set a high bar. It’s telling that in Pinkbike’s 2024 eMTB of the Year contest, the Slash+ beat out bikes from Specialized, Orbea, Cannondale, Devinci, and Santa Cruz pinkbike.com. Riders shopping in this space should consider what balance of travel, weight, and power they want. The Slash+ tilts toward the more aggressive end (big travel, stout build) while still keeping weight reasonable. Competitors might offer a lighter feel or more torque, but few combine all the elements as cohesively as Trek has done here.

Future Outlook – Rumors and What’s Next for the Slash Series

As of late 2025, the Trek Slash+ series remains a two-model lineup with no officially announced new additions. However, the bike industry never stands still. Here are a few things to watch for regarding the Slash and Slash+ moving forward:

Possible Slash+ with TQ HPR60 Motor: The most buzzed-about rumor is a potential Slash+ update featuring TQ’s new HPR60 motor. In mid-2025, TQ unveiled the HPR60 – a higher-torque version of the motor (60 Nm, 350 W peak) with some efficiency tweaks and a slightly larger size pinkbike.com forums.electricbikereview.com. This motor could address the only real “wish” some riders have for the Slash+: a bit more punch on the steepest climbs or for heavier riders. Trek has not confirmed anything, but the timing suggests that a Slash+ Gen2 or perhaps a Slash+ 9.8 model could appear in 2026 sporting the HPR60. It’s also possible Trek might simply offer a motor upgrade path – interestingly, Trek’s website notes the motor is replaceable for future-proofing emtbforums.com emtbforums.com. If a Slash+ with HPR60 comes, expect slightly more weight (the new motor adds a few hundred grams) but a jump in torque to 60 Nm and potentially a new display (TQ’s updated system has a new LED display design). For now, this is speculative, but forum discussions by keen observers noticed the Slash+ 9.7 going on sale and tied it to the HPR60’s debut emtbforums.com. Bottom line: Trek is likely to keep the Slash+ at the cutting edge of light e-enduro tech, and a torque boost may be on the horizon.
Expansion of Model Range: Many are curious if Trek will introduce an alloy-frame Slash+ or additional builds like a “9.8” tier. Thus far, the Slash+ has targeted the higher end of the market (nearly $8k and $12k bikes). Trek could follow up with a slightly more affordable build – perhaps a Slash+ 8 or 9.8 – using an alloy frame or lower-tier parts to hit a lower price point. This would open the platform to more riders. Given Trek’s history with the analog Slash (which eventually got aluminum versions), it wouldn’t be surprising. No concrete leaks on this yet, but if demand is strong, a Slash+ Alloy in the ~$6k range could appear in a year or two. On the flip side, Trek might also offer a super-premium model (e.g., a Slash+ 9.9 XX1 AXS or an “Ultimate” trim with Fox Factory suspension) for those who want the very best. Keep an eye on Trek’s summer product announcements around events like Crankworx or Eurobike for any such news.
Analog Slash Updates: While the Slash+ steals headlines, the analog Trek Slash will also evolve. The current high-pivot Slash is still relatively new (2023 launch). We don’t expect a major overhaul for a couple of years, but Trek could roll out new colorways or minor spec updates for 2025/26. There’s also buzz about race-oriented builds – e.g., perhaps a Trek Slash 10 project one, or special editions if Trek’s enduro team requests certain mods. For now, the analog Slash remains unchanged going into 2025, but Trek has hinted at a “Slash Gen 5” (the previous model with 29” wheels, 160 mm travel) still being sold for those who want a more traditional bike trekbikes.com. This suggests Trek is trying to cater to different tastes: the Gen 6 Slash (and Slash+) for cutting-edge tech, and older designs for simplicity. We’ll likely see the next big analog Slash revision only after the competition catches up – as of now, bikes like the Specialized Enduro or Santa Cruz Megatower haven’t drastically leapfrogged the Slash’s design.
E-bike Tech Trends: The Slash+ sits at the intersection of two trends: high-pivot suspension and lightweight e-bike systems. Both are areas of rapid development. Competing motor makers (Specialized, Fazua, Bosch) are all working on quieter, lighter drives. We might see firmware updates that can be applied to the Slash+ (via Trek Central app) to improve motor tuning or add features – e.g., new assist modes or smarter battery management. Trek’s close partnership with TQ means the Slash+ platform should stay current with software. Additionally, battery tech may improve – perhaps an even higher capacity battery that fits the frame could come, or simply better range-extender options. Trek will likely ensure the Slash+ can take advantage of these, given the removable battery design.

In conclusion, the Trek Slash+ series has had a stellar debut, and its future looks promising. It has proven that an e-bike can win over hardcore riders and critics, which means we’re likely to see Trek double-down on this concept. For now, the Slash+ 9.7 and 9.9 are the state-of-the-art, and they’ll continue to be relevant for years – even if new models or motors appear, the fundamental design is sound. Whether you’re considering jumping on the e-assisted bandwagon or just keeping an eye on where mountain biking is headed, the Slash+ is a sign of the times: big travel, big capability, but in a package that stays true to the feel of riding we all love, now with a little plus when you need it. trekbikes.com wired.com

Sources: Trek Bikes (official) trekbikes.com trekbikes.com; Pinkbike trekbikes.com; Wired wired.com wired.com; Bikerumor bikerumor.com bikerumor.com; Vital MTB vitalmtb.com; NSMB nsmb.com nsmb.com; EMTB Forums emtbforums.com emtbforums.com.