Speaking to riders returning from the ride out on the Trek demo bikes, all were excited by the muddy and clearly adventurous outing into the Chevin hills and forested trails. The Trek Slash 8 was a particular favourite with riders. One customer said they normally rode a hardtail and said it had helped in the sloppy and slippery winter conditions. The improved and excellent traction and grip, together with the silos feel and finely tuned suspension front and rear, allowed him to go for the lines, instead of choosing them delicately. No today, on the new Trek full suspension offerings, he like the other riders had been able to dance around the hills with wide smiles.

The bikes clearly showed their work, with the usual detritus of forest debris and mud layering the frames and drivetrains; however, the riders themselves, despite the cold November day, were all showing wide grins, with hearts still beating to the rhythm of a great trail ride. Rider comments were all similar, with one saying how he rode these trails locally on his own bike, describing the Trek SlSh 8 as “So different from what I ride, and nice to have a comparison. So much more solid and confident a ride. ‘

The latest mountain bike offerings from Trek are ideal for a British winter trail session, and the Trek Slash 8 Typifies this, with the usual high-end components from Trek. Their suspension is catered for with a RockShox Lyrik RC up front and a RockShox Super Deluxe at the rear, working together to smooth out rocks, roots and anything else that dares to defy the adventurous rider. Considering Trek’s support to some of the best mountain bike races in the world, the trickle-down technology is clearly showing in their latest mtb range, and it’s available here at Chevin Cycles.