Just over a month ago, the big new from Trek was the introduction of a new Remedy and Fuel, both with 29″ wheels. All with no mention of 650b. In the classic case of “we’ll see,” Trek has unexpectedly released another new Remedy along with a redesigned Slash, both in 650b.
What effect will the introduction of 650b bikes have on Trek’s 26″ models? Speculation, and the full line of 650b bikes next!
Trek is keen on pointing out that wheel size is more of a personal choice, than “what’s best.” Like other companies, Trek points out that the 27.5″ moniker isn’t really correct, and states “depending on your style, 650b may be a better 26″ wheel.” The numbers don’t lie, and Trek is still big on big wheels calling them the “gold standard for stable, confident riding.”
Trek boils down the numbers to this simple chart – how do you ride?
As far as the future of 26″ bikes, we asked if the 26″ Remedy was going away and didn’t receive an answer, but when you look at the spec sheet for the Remedy it’s pretty clear: You Pick: 650b or 29er. The Slash also sounds like the 26″ model could be discontinued with the bike being redesigned from the ground up to be optimized for 650b wheels.
Just like the 29″ Remedy, the 650b model has 140mm of Full Floater, ABP, Fox DRCV suspension with Mino Link adjustable geometry. Trek uses a BB95 bottom bracket with ISCG05 mounts, and internal dropper and derailleur cable routings on the frame. Interestingly, while the Remedy 29 was introduced in aluminum only models, the 650b Remedy blasts through the start house in both aluminum and OCLV carbon fiber. That means there will be 6 different Remedy 650bs – the 9.9, 9.8, 9.7, 9, 8, and 7 (not all bikes will be available in all markets).
The top of the line full carbon Remedy 9.9 650b receives a full Fox Kashima treatment with a 34 Float CTD FIT fork and DRCV CTD rear shock. The drivetrain is a mix of XX1 and X01, X0 Trail brakes slow down Bontrager Rhythm Elite TLR wheels and XR3 Team Issue Tubeless tires. The bike comes standard with a Rock Shox Reverb Stealth dropper post.
According to Bontrager, Rhythm Pro, Elite, and Comp wheels will be available aftermarket in 27.5, and on the tire side, the XR3 (2.2 and 2.35) and the XR4 (2.35) will be available for now.
The Remedy 9.8 throws an alloy chainstay into the mix, with the same suspension minus the Kashima coating. A Shimano XT 2×10 drivetrain is equipped with XT brakes, and Bontrager Rhythm Comp TLR wheels and XR3 Team Issue TLR tires. The Reverb Stealth is also found on the 9.8.
The Remedy 9.7 still has an OCLV main frame, but uses a full alloy rear end with a Float DRCV CTD rear shock and Rock Shox Revelation RL Solo air fork. Drivetrain is a mix of XT and SLX, with SLX brakes, and Bontrager wheels with Duster TLR rims and XR3 Expert tires. No dropper post on the 9.7.
The Remedy 9 uses a full Alpha Platinum aluminum frame with a Fox Float CTD Kashima fork and DRCV CTD rear shock. Gearing is fully XT 2×10, with XT brakes, and Bontrager Rhythm Comp TLR wheels and XR3 Team Issue TLR tires. The Bontrager Evoke 2 saddle is moved up and down with a Reverb Stealth dropper.
Again for the 8, the suspension loses the Kashima coating, but sticks with a Fox Float CTD 34 fork and DRCV CTD shock. Another XT/SLX drivetrain mix with SLX brakes is used, and the bike rolls on Bontrager wheels with Duster TLR rims and XR3 Expert Tires. No Dropper.
Definitely the easiest of the new bikes to get on, the Remedy 7 650b is equipped with a Rock Shox Revelation RL Solo Air, and Fox Float DRCV CTD shock. The drivetrain is a mix of Deore and SLX with Shimano M615 hydraulic brakes and Bontrager wheels with Duster TLR rims and XR3 Expert Tires.
The redesigned Slash also carries Trek’s suspension technology through with the Mino Link adjustable geometry and DRCV, ABP, Full Floater suspension optimized for 650b. Slash starts off its days of 650b with 3 aluminum models, all with 160mm of travel front and rear.
The Slash 9 gets a Fox 34 Talas CTD up front (160/130) with a Fox Float DRCV CTD rear shock – no Kashima shocks available for the Slash. Like the Remedy 9.9, the 1×11 drivetrain is a mix of XX1 and X01 with X0 Trail brakes. Bontrager Rhythm comp TLR wheels are wrapped in XR4 Team Issue TLR 2.35″ Tires. Another Reverb Stealth gets the seat out of the way when things get scary.
Slash 8 drops from the Factory Series 34 Talas to the non Kashima Evolution series 34 Talas CTD with the same DRCV CTD shock. The 8 has an SLX/XT drivetrain with a Race Face Ride crank and the only bike in the line with a chain guide. XT brakes slow down Bontrager wheels with Duster TLR rims and XR4 Expert Tires. Reverb Stealth dropper is found here as well.
Entry level duties are covered by the Slash 7, which keeps prices low(er) with a Rock Shox Pike RC Solo Air fork, DRCV CTD rear shock, and SRAM X7/X9 2×10 drivetrain.
It should go without saying, but every one of these bikes are equipped with either a Shadow + or Type 2 rear derailleur to keep the chain in check.
