Session
Origin
Session is Trek's downhill race bike, in continuous production since 2003 and one of the most decorated platforms in World Cup history. Aaron Gwin took two overall World Cup titles (2011, 2012) on a carbon Session 9.9 while at Trek World Racing; Rachel Atherton, Tracy Moseley, and Gee Atherton all logged podium and overall-winning rides on the platform during the 2009-2015 era. The most recent generation moved to a high-pivot, 200mm-travel design with idler pulley, replacing the long-running ABP-only layout to chase the trend set by Commencal and Norco at the front of the World Cup pits. Trek currently campaigns the bike under the Trek - Unbroken DH banner with Oisin O'Callaghan. The Session is a low-volume halo product — Trek sells only a few complete builds globally (Session 8 GX, Session 9 X0) plus a frameset, and most owners are park lifers, race-team privateers, or collectors.
Specifications
- Frame
- Alpha Platinum Aluminium, high-pivot suspension with idler pulley, ABP (Active Braking Pivot), magnesium rocker link, Mino Link geometry adjust + progressivity flip chip, ISCG 05, 157x12 mm rear thru-axle (older 2003-2022 gen had OCLV carbon option)
- Weight
- kg
- Drivetrain
- SRAM GX DH 7-speed (Session 8) / SRAM X0 DH 7-speed (Session 9), downhill-specific cassette
- Brakes
- SRAM Code 4-piston hydraulic disc (Guide RSC on older builds), CenterLine rotors 200 mm front / 180-200 mm rear
- Wheels
- Bontrager Line DH, 29", Boost 110 mm front / 157 mm rear hubs
The verdict
- Holy-fast high-speed stability — long wheelbase + slack head angle let it carry momentum through the roughest terrain with total composure.
- High-pivot suspension with idler is smooth as butter, soaks up choppy braking bumps and square edges with minimal pedal kickback or foot feedback.
- Inspires huge confidence on steep, fast race tracks — a genuine World Cup-proven gravity sled.
- Mino Link plus a separate progressivity flip chip give meaningful geometry and suspension-feel tuning.
- Trek's lifetime frame warranty (25-year track record) signals real durability confidence.
- Heavy — ~17.7-17.9 kg on the GX build; light riders feel the mass more than heavier riders do.
- Awkward and long-feeling rear end in tight, slow technical corners and switchbacks; not nimble at low speed.
- Stock 180 mm rear rotor is undersized for sustained downhill braking — reviewers want 200 mm.
- Stock handlebar sweep/rise drew criticism; testers swapped bars to dial in fit.
- Single-purpose: pointless without lift or shuttle access, no climbing ability, and not the best choice for jump-focused riders.
Who it’s for
Where to buy Trek Session in Estonia
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