Slash 9.8 is a carbon enduro mountain bike built to handle big hits, rail corners, and rip down the mountain faster than you ever thought possible. Ultra stiff and ultra tough carbon frame, carbon wheels, and the most refined suspension tech from RockShox make this long-travel 29er a worthy contender for any dedicated rider and enduro podium.
It's right for you if...
You're looking to tackle huge days on huge mountains, whether it's an enduro race or an epic adventure. You want the light weight and muted vibes of a carbon frame, and you prioritize tunable suspension performance over a shiny top-shelf drivetrain.
The tech you get
A full OCLV Mountain Carbon frame with 160mm of travel and an all-new RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock with an updated Thru Shaft damper, plus an all-new RockShox ZEB fork with extra-beefy 38mm stanchions. A Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain for super-smooth shifting that's easy on the thumb, 4-piston brakes for confident descents, and Line Elite 30 carbon wheels with a 108-tooth Rapid Drive hub for quick acceleration when you need it most.
The final word
This is a beast of a mountain bike. You get hot new suspension technology normally reserved for the most expensive bikes, and you get it on a fresh new frame. With Slash 9.8, the faster you go, the better it rides, so giddy-up.
Why you'll love it
- The RockShox ZEB fork's bigger 38mm stanchions help you stay on your line through the chunky stuff, while the updated damper lets you dial in the feel
- New, removable Knock Block has a bigger steering angle to keep cables and hoses safe without sacrificing turning radius
- We added a second down tube guard to better protect your frame from shuttle-related damage
- Wider seat tube, wider dropper—the 34.9mm diameter post is stronger, more durable, and moves up and down faster
- A large internal storage compartment in the down tube lets you stow tools and gear
Specifications
*spec applies to all sizes unless otherwise noted
| Frame | OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame and stays, internal storage, tapered head tube, Knock Block 2.0, Control Freak internal routing, Carbon Armour, shuttle guard, threaded BB, ISCG 05, 34.9 mm seat tube, magnesium rocker link, Mino Link, ABP, Boost148, 160 mm travel |
|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox ZEB Select+, DebonAir spring, Charger 2.1 RC damper, tapered steerer, 44 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Maxle Stealth, 170 mm travel |
| Shock | NEW RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate, DebonAir spring, Thru Shaft 3-position damper, 230x62.5 mm |
| Max compatible fork travel | 180mm (596mm axle-to-crown) |
| Wheel front | NEW Bontrager Line Elite 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle |
|---|---|
| Wheel rear | NEW Bontrager Line Elite 30, OCLV Mountain Carbon, Tubeless Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost148, 12mm thru axle |
| Skewer rear | Bontrager Switch thru-axle, removable lever |
| Rim | Bontrager Line Elite 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle |
| *Tire | Size: S , M , ML , L , XL Bontrager SE5 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29x2.50" |
| Size: S , M , ML , L , XL Bontrager SE6 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Core Strength sidewalls, aramid bead, 120 tpi, 29x2.50" |
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| Tire part | Bontrager TLR sealant, 180 ml/6 oz |
| Rim strip | Bontrager TLR |
| Max tire size | Frame: 29x2.50" Fork: See manufacturer |
| Shifter | Shimano XT M8100, 12-speed |
|---|---|
| Rear derailleur | Shimano XT M8100, long cage, 51T max cog |
| Crank | Shimano XT M8120, 30T, Boost (55mm chainline), 170mm length |
| Bottom bracket | Shimano SM-BB52, 73mm, threaded external bearing |
| Cassette | Shimano XT M8100, 10-51, 12-speed |
| Chain | Shimano Ultegra/XT M8100, 12-speed |
| Max chainring size | Max: 34T, Min 28T |
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails, 138 mm width |
|---|---|
| *Seatpost | Size: S Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 100 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 345 mm length |
| Size: M , ML Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 150 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 440 mm length |
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| Size: L Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 170 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 485 mm length |
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| Size: XL Bontrager Line Elite Dropper, 200 mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9 mm, 550 mm length |
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| Handlebar | Bontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35mm, 27.5mm rise, 820mm width |
| Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Pro, alloy lock-on |
| Stem | Bontrager Line Pro, 35 mm, Knock Block, Blendr-compatible, 0-degree, 35 mm length |
| Headset | Knock Block 2.0 Integrated, 72-degree radius (includes infinite-radius chip), sealed cartridge bearing, 1-1/8" top, 1.5" bottom |
| Brake | Shimano XT M8120 4-piston hydraulic disc |
| *Brake rotor | Size: S , M , ML , L , XL Shimano RT76, 6-bolt, 180 mm |
| Size: S , M , ML , L , XL Shimano RT76, 6-bolt, 203 mm |
| Weight | M - 14.56 kg / 32.1 lbs (with TLR sealant, no tubes) |
|---|---|
| Weight limit | This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 300 pounds (136 kg). |