Slash 9.8 GX AXS T-Type Gen 6

It's tuned for reliability and control rather than maximum speed. On an MTB, the speed score centers on rolling efficiency when you're pedaling, especially on easier terrain. It ends up here thanks to a heavier build, typical trail-width tires, and a high-end drivetrain that tends to feel crisp under load. In real use, you'll notice the difference most when accelerating or trying to hold a steady fast tempo.

Overall on climbs: 9.6/10. Within Mountain bikes, it ranks near the top. When it gets steep, the gearing feels very easy. In numbers, the low gear is roughly 15.6 gear inches. For the low gear, it’s right at the easy end — easier than about ~96% of similar bikes. Think of “gear inches” like a difficulty score for your easiest gear: lower = more spin-friendly on climbs. Weight is around 15.8 kg, which you notice more on longer or slower climbs. It’s set up so climbs feel controlled rather than a grind. Specs can vary by size and build, and some manufacturer details aren’t always published, so treat this as a strong guide rather than a guarantee.

Suspension effectiveness is 8/10. That aligns with “High-impact ready”. This level is aimed at repeated impacts and rougher terrain, keeping the bike more settled at speed. Full suspension means both ends can absorb impacts, helping the wheels track rough ground more consistently. It prioritizes stability at speed on rough ground. On choppy terrain, it can help the wheels track more consistently. Not every manufacturer lists complete suspension numbers, so the explanation relies on the suspension layout and what’s normal for this category.

Balanced fit - a neutral road posture that suits most riders. It feels this way because bars are around 29 mm lower than the saddle, which is a very small drop, and the forward stretch measures around 637 mm (very long). Estimated lean is about 26 degrees. Estimated spacers: ~14 mm.

In Mountain / Enduro, Fit flexibility summary: Because the bar and stem are separate, changing reach or bar shape is usually straightforward, Because cables are routed internally, adjustments may take more work; A round post makes fit changes simpler than proprietary shapes. Net result: Moderately Adjustable. In practice, it is about how easy fit changes are with normal parts and service work.

Ride comfort is 8.5/10 — on a real ride it feels highly forgiving. So it’s tagged Comfortable overall. The posture is forward, attacking (posture 7/10), which loads the front wheel, which feels great for control but a bit more direct through the bars.

You’re paying a big premium here versus similar builds. Value is scored 1–10: higher is better value, lower means you’re paying more than similar bikes. Uses MSRP as a baseline; real-world prices can be lower (discounts can change the value). On the spec comparison, it sits roughly 34% above what similar builds typically cost. Compared with similar bikes, it trends a little expensive (cheaper than about 33% of listings). Quick reference: €8.400 listed versus about €6.255 for a comparable build. Overall, you can likely find better value elsewhere.

This setup is built to handle steep lines and heavy impacts. It has about 170 mm of suspension travel (how much it absorbs bumps), which is useful for big hits and steeper descents. The Full setup supports this riding style.