Downtime - The Mountain Bike Podcast

Downtime - The Mountain Bike Podcast


Behind the Scenes of the New Trek Slash

September 07, 2020

Want to go behind the scenes of the development of the new Trek Slash? Then this is the episode for you. I’m joined by Trek’s Director of MTB Product Development, John Riley, and Senior Engineer, Dylan Howes to find out just what it takes to develop a bike like the new Trek Slash.

We chat about how a project like this gets started, Trek’s approach to benchmarking the competition, and how important their ride testing team is. We talk about what makes a good tester, and how they used that team to take the bike through its prototype stages. They explain their choices on geometry and wheel size, and talk us through their new shock which was co-developed with RockShox. If you’re interested to find out more about how the Trek Slash was developed then hit play below.

You can find out all about the new Slash by heading to trekbikes.com. You’ll find Trek on Instagram @trekbikes.

Supporting Partners

We Are One Composites

This episode is supported by We Are One Composites. We Are One have been big supporters of what I’m doing from the start, and for that I’m really grateful. They also make amazing carbon fibre wheels which are hand made in Canada, and have recently added their DaPackage bar and stem to their line up. I’m running their Faction 29er rims on my bike, and they look and feel amazing. They’ve managed to find the sweet spot between stiffness and compliance, making a wheel that tracks, but doesn’t feel harsh to ride.

They’ve got a whole line up of wheels, so there is always something to suit your needs. Head to weareonecomposites.com and check out what they have to offer. If you’re tempted, then as a Downtime listener they have kindly offered you 15% off during September. All you need to do is enter the code ‘giver15off‘ at the checkout.

Dialed Health

As you’ll know from listening to this episode, Dialed Health is there to give you everything you need from the strength training side of things to be the best rider that you can be. They have a whole range of programs available online over at dialedhealth.com. They have a 7-day free trial available so you can give the programs a go. If you like what you see, then as a Downtime listener you can get $30 off an annual subscription to the website using the code ‘DTP30’ at the checkout.

Trek Bikes

You can find out more about the new Slash, along with the rest of Trek’s range, head to trekbikes.com.

Podcast Stuff

My webstore is BACK! It’s brand new, with new designs, lower prices and faster shipping. All products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that’s using renewable energy. So check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop. The new t-shirts are super soft and a lovely fit, so treat yourself and help the podcast at the same time.

For everything video, including riding videos, bike checks and more, subscribe over at