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Test downhill bikes 2023Trek Session 9

Dimitri Lehner

 · 29.11.2022

Test downhill bikes 2023: Trek Session 9Photo: Dimitri Lehner
Test downhill bikes 2023: Trek Session 9

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Brandon Semenuk fitted a single crown fork to his Trek Session last year and converted it into a big bike slopestyler for the Rampage. He won with it. Loris Vergier won the World Cup with the Session, Vali Höll became world champion with the aluminium bike. Not a bad record for the downhill bike from Wisconsin, is it?

The Americans painted the 2023 model of the Trek Session in a chic white colour, otherwise nothing else has been changed in the recipe for success. Last time we were only able to test the Session in the smaller R1 frame size. The larger R2 suited us better. A 29-inch wheel rotates in the high-pivot rear triangle with the cleverly integrated pulley in the strut. This creates the largest wheelbase (1275 mm) in the test field.

Fast, handy, air-loving: with its direct handling and plenty of pop, the Trek craves airtime.Photo: Lars ScharlFast, handy, air-loving: with its direct handling and plenty of pop, the Trek craves airtime.

You can find an overview article on our three tested downhill bikes and the other individual tests here:

Nevertheless, the Specialized felt smoother and faster. Don't get me wrong: The Trek Session 9 is a lightning-fast bike, but the suspension with the slim air shock feels firmer and more direct (we rode it as soft as possible and turned out the compression damping). This also has advantages: The Session really conserves momentum, which is very pleasant on jump tracks and slower sections. The Trek downhill bike always pushes forwards. You only have to force it onto the rear wheel - this is due to the All-29 in combination with the 444 chainstays. You have to pull like on an e-bike. For us, the progression tuning was more of a placebo than a noticeable effect.

STRENGTHSGeo, handling, optics

WEAKNESSES: long chainstays

Thin thing: The air suspension strut looks narrow-chested, but does its job. You can set it in two positions for more progression (Race) or less (Park). The effect: minimal.Photo: Dimitri LehnerThin thing: The air suspension strut looks narrow-chested, but does its job. You can set it in two positions for more progression (Race) or less (Park). The effect: minimal.
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>> You can find more information about the Trek Session 9 here <<

Conclusion FREERIDE test team:

"The Trek Session 9 was very good and continues to be very good. This is proven not only by international successes, but also by our impressions. A super mix of fast and manoeuvrable."
Successful Geo: We felt right at home on the Session, but we pushed the fork legs through the bridge to raise the front a little - it's more comfortable on steep terrain.Photo: Dimitri LehnerSuccessful Geo: We felt right at home on the Session, but we pushed the fork legs through the bridge to raise the front a little - it's more comfortable on steep terrain.

Statement from Laurin Lehner, FREERIDE tester:

"The Geo of the Trek Session positions the rider very centrally on the bike. You get pressure on the front wheel, it's easy to generate speed and ride actively. Poppy for jumps! The Trek would be my choice for park use."
Laurin Lehner (height: 1.78 m), FREERIDE testerPhoto: Wolfgang WatzkeLaurin Lehner (height: 1.78 m), FREERIDE tester

Technical data and grades of the Trek Session 9

Manufacturer information

  • Material / Sizes: Aluminium / R1, R2 (tested size), R3
  • Price / weight without pedals: 7499 Euro / 17 kg >> available here

Measurement data

  • Front / rear suspension travel: 200 mm / 200 mm
  • Rear suspension system: Multi-link

Equipment

  • Fork / Shock: Rockshox Boxxer Ultimate / Rockshox Super Deluxe Ultimate
  • Cranks / gears: Sram X01 / Sram X01 DH
  • Brake system: Sram Code RSC
  • Wheels: Bontrager Line 30 DH system wheelset
  • Tyres: Bontrager G5 Team Issue 2.5
  • Reach: 454 mm
  • Stack: 644 mm
  • BB drop: -24 mm
Trek Session 9 - Geometry dataPhoto: FREERIDE-TestabteilungTrek Session 9 - Geometry data
Trek Session 9 - Riding behaviourPhoto: FREERIDE-TestabteilungTrek Session 9 - Riding behaviourTrek Session 9 - Characteristics and gradePhoto: FREERIDE-TestabteilungTrek Session 9 - Characteristics and grade

Dimitri Lehner

Dimitri Lehner is a qualified sports scientist. He studied at the German Sport University Cologne. He is fascinated by almost every discipline of fun sports - besides biking, his favourites are windsurfing, skiing and skydiving. His latest passion: the gravel bike. He recently rode it from Munich to the Baltic Sea - and found it marvellous. And exhausting. Wonderfully exhausting!

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