2014 Trek Slash 9 27.5/650b

Archived: 2014 Trek Slash 9 27.5/650b · Published sizes: 15.5 in, 17.5 in, 18.5 in, 19.5 in, 21.5 in

• Confirm the frame markings and seller description match this archived model. Note every component that differs from the published build.
• Record the frame serial number. It should be legible, unaltered and consistent with the seller’s ownership history.
• Find the size marking on the bicycle and confirm the fit before judging the condition or price.

Archived: Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminum ABP · Fork: Fox 34 Float CTD 130/160mm

• Look for dents or shape changes and inspect the edges of welds around the head tube, bottom bracket, seat cluster and suspension mounts for hairline cracks.
• Stand behind and in front of the bicycle to look for obvious frame, fork or wheel misalignment. Ask directly about crashes, transport damage and repairs.

Archived: Fork: Fox 34 Float CTD 130/160mm · Rear shock: Fox Float CTD Performance

• Inspect the fork stanchions for scratches or coating wear, look for oil or dirt rings at the seals, and cycle the fork through its travel while checking for binding or bushing play.
• Inspect the shock shaft and seals, cycle the rear suspension through its travel and check for oil, air loss, binding or unusual top-out and bottom-out noises.
• Hold the rear brake and load the suspension from several directions. Check pivots, bearings and mounting hardware for knock, looseness or side play.
• Ask for dated fork, shock and pivot-service records. A clean exterior does not establish the condition of internal seals, oil, bushings or bearings.

Archived: Shifters: SRAM X01, 11 speed · Rear derailleur: SRAM X01 X-Horizon · Crankset: SRAM X01, 32T · Cassette: SRAM XG-1195 10-42, 11 speed

• Shift through every available gear under light load. Hesitation, skipping or inconsistent indexing can reflect wear, damage, poor adjustment or mismatched replacement parts.
• Measure chain wear with a compatible gauge and inspect chainring, cassette or freewheel teeth. A new chain does not rule out wear in the remaining drivetrain.
• Turn the cranks slowly, feel for rough bearings and check for side-to-side play. Inspect crank arms, chainring bolts and pedal threads for looseness or damage.

Archived: Brakes: Avid X0 Trail hydraulic disc

• Squeeze each lever firmly. It should feel consistent and return cleanly. Check levers, hoses and calipers for fluid, inspect pad thickness and contamination, and examine rotors for wear or bending.
• Before riding, test every installed brake separately at walking speed. Each should stop firmly and release cleanly without its control reaching the end of its usable travel.

Archived: Rims: Bontrager Rhythm Comp Tubeless · Front tire: Bontrager XR4 Team Issue

• Spin both wheels and watch for side-to-side and vertical movement. Check spoke tension, rim condition and hub play.
• Inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking, plugs, bulges or exposed threads and confirm the installed sizes are safe for the rims and available frame and fork clearance.
• Remove and reinstall or closely inspect both wheel-retention systems. Axles or quick releases should tighten correctly with undamaged threads, hardware and dropouts.
• Confirm whether the bike is actually set up tubeless, whether both tires hold pressure, and when sealant and rim tape were last serviced.

Archived: Headset: FSA NO.57E E2 · Handlebar: Bontrager Rhythm Pro Carbon · Stem: Bontrager Rhythm Pro · Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth 31.6mm · Saddle: Bontrager Evoke 3

• Apply the front brake and rock the bike to check for headset play or notchiness. Inspect the stem, handlebar and clamp zones, then confirm every fastener and control is secure. Look particularly closely for crushing, scoring or cracks at carbon handlebar clamp areas.
• Cycle the dropper post repeatedly. It should reach full travel, remain extended under load and have no unusual oil, excessive rotational play or damaged remote, cable, hose or battery.

• Before riding, confirm both wheels are secure, tires are safe, both brakes function, and the headset, handlebar, stem, cranks and pedals have no looseness.
• Begin at low speed. Test steering, braking and shifting progressively, then load the drivetrain and suspension only after the basic safety checks pass.
• Listen and feel for repeated knocks, grinding, skipping, brake pulsation or movement at joints. Stop the test if the bicycle cannot be controlled safely.