Earlier this summer, BikeRadar gave readers a sneak peek at Trek’s 2014 collection, including the addition of 29er wheels to the Fuel EX and Remedy lines. The latest big news out of Waterloo, Wisconsin, is that the Remedy will also be offered with 27.6in (650b) wheels, and that the long-travel Slash will only come in the increasingly popular middle wheel size. Both models will be available this fall.
650b Remedy bikes
It appears that the three 29er Remedy trail bikes we saw at Trek’s product launch in Sedona, Arizona, only constitute a third of the 2014 Remedy line. There will be six 650b bikes in the Remedy family – three carbon frames and three aluminum. This opens up the possibility that we’ll see a carbon version of the 29er Remedy at some point in the future.
The 2014 Remedy will be available in 29er and 650b formats
Like the 29er Remedy, the 650b versions have 140mm of front and rear suspension. For reference, that’s a 10mm decrease in front and rear suspension from the company’s soon-to-be retired 26in Remedy, most likely to create greater separation between the Remedy and Slash.
Slash bikes to only come in 650b
While the Remedy line offers the choice between medium and big wheels, 2014 Slash bikes will only come with 650b wheels. They will be available in three trim levels, which share the same redesigned aluminum frame.
The 2014 Slash is lower, slacker and lighter than its 26in-wheeled predecessor
The 2014 Slash is designed with an emphasis on enduro racing; it has a lower bottom bracket and slacker head tube angle than its 26in-wheeled predecessor (see the image gallery, above right, for complete geometry tables on the Remedy and Slash). In addition to these changes, Trek claims the updated alloy frame weighs 350g less than the 2013 version.
Shared features
Like many of Trek’s mountain bikes, the 650b Remedy and Slash use the company’s ABP suspension design, come equipped with DRCV rear shocks, employ Trek’s Mino Link to adjust geometry, have internal routing for stealth dropper seatposts, use direct-mount front derailleurs, and will be offered in five-bike size ranges.
For more information visit trekbikes.com.
