The Interview With Anthony and Aaron,
Trek Remedy vs Trek Slash 29
Which one is for you?
To compare the Trek Slash with the Trek Remedy, we took two different riders who each ride these long travel trail machines, and had them switch bikes. Then asked for their thoughts.
Anthony, who you may have seen in previous posts as well as his Instagram take-over of Zach's Bikes in Oakridge, is an advanced level mountain biker, with his focus towards the downhill. He rides the Trek Remedy size 18.5", a crusher of a 160mm travel machine rolling on 27.5" wheels, customized to match his style.
Then there is Aaron. You may have seen him wrenching on a bike in the service area of Zachs Bikes. Aaron is also an advanced level mountain biker, with an eye for the downhills. He rides the Trek Slash 29 size 17.5", 160mm travel big wheeled enduro bike, which Pinkbike recently said is " a potent weapon out on the trail".
Which is your favorite trail and trail feature in the area?
Anthony: Honestly, probably North Ridge, and the jump section about halfway down. Yeah North Ridge is so fun.
Aaron: I'd say Northridge out on Spence. That trail will keep you awake, for sure. If I had to choose one feature, it would be a small table-top to step-down on Hooligan. Front tire tapping that is super fun.
What are your strengths?
Anthony: Jumping... Is that a strength?
Aaron: Rocks. I love riding rocks fast.
What are your weaknesses?
Anthony: Um. I'm getting better at it, but probably corners. Sorry, I'm the worst interviewee. I'd say my other weaknesses are the Slash 9.8 and climbing.
Aaron: Climbing for sure. I just want to be at the top! And high fives, I'm horrible at those.
What do you love about the bike that you regularly ride?
Anthony: I love that it's quick and responsive. It feels like less bike when your in the air. It can take turns quicker and its definetely poppy. You can play around on it more than the Slash.
Aaron: I really like how well it is glued to the ground. If you can commit to a line that bike can handle it. Just point it where you want to go, and it'll take you there.
What changes have you made to your bike?
Anthony: A new Ergon saddle. New bars, I got the Chromags and new grips. And a longer dropper post.
Aaron: Custom built carbon wheels. I tend to destroy wheels. I put on narrower bars, and a smaller chainring to ease my phobia of climbing. Then just some green parts just for color.
When you switch bikes, what was the first thing you noticed?
Anthony: Definetely more plush suspension. With a longer wheelbase and a shorter cockpit.
Aaron: How quickly that thing cornered. It turned way faster than the 29 inch wheels. And how poppy it was, now I can see how Anthony jumps so stinking well!
Were you instantly comfortable or was there a learning curve?
Anthony: Instantly comfortable. I kinda wanted to take it home. It felt like it would soak up everything.
Aaron: I took me a few minutes to figure it out. But after going through a few corners and jumps, it felt really good and responsive.
What would you say is the strength of the bike you tried?
Anthony: Charging downhill on rugged trails. Downhill is where it reaches the maximum limit of awesomeness. I didnt think the 29s would make that much of a difference. But it took less effort to keep momentum. I felt more locked in even on the corners.
Aaron: It keeps you more in touch with the trail. You get the feedback from the terrain, and that lets you work with the features a bit more. Rather than just mowing over them and not really even noticing.
What was your favorite part of trying out a similar but different bike to what you regularly ride?
Anthony: It was helpful in seeing what I like as a rider. The Remedy is a blast! I think you have to figure out what style of rider you are.
Aaron: I enjoyed getting the hands on feel for these bikes. Because on paper these bikes are very similar. But on the trail, they are two very different bikes.
