OK cool - I wasn't sure. Doesn't really make a difference but humans being humans, we derive biases etc when we know the review is coming from certain interests or not.
I also do nearly all my own maintenance / repairs / upgrades. (haven't tackled the nitrogen stuff yet!)
I find it extremely satisfying to service or adjust your bike & then hit the trail & notice the improvement. It also means you're not reliant on the LBS all the time.
I want to dislike Trek mountain bikes (dunno why), but they look so damn burly and well finished & solid y'know.
So is the Slash a "keeper" ?....or just another short-term fling ?