trek session 9.9 2013

Trek Session 9.9 29

Words by Drew Rohde | Action Photos by Trevor Lyden

You’d never guess it by looking at the Trek Session 29’s meticulously clean lines or attention to detail, but Trek created this bike knowing full well that sales numbers would pale in comparison. Downhill bikes cater to an increasingly small percentage of riders, and 29-inch wheeled DH bikes are going to segment that group into an even smaller section. If you compare Session sales to Fuel, Remedy and Slash models, the world-renowned Session looks more like an experiment in marketing than good business. Despite the unlikely return on R&D, design time and production mold dollars, Trek forged ahead creating one of the most beautiful, downhill bikes I’ve ever seen. After ogling over a pre-production Session 9.9 29 at Crankworx Whistler, I was anxious to get a long-term tester to see if the love affair would last once things got down and dirty.

In an effort to remain open minded, I try to not study the numbers on our test bikes before I write reviews. I’ll be totally honest, I either didn’t know or totally forgot that the Session 9.9 29er had 190mm of travel. Regardless of my newfound knowledge, the bike handled everything I threw at it thanks to the Fox Factory Fit 40 RC2 fork and Fox Factory Float X2 shock. Oh yeah, and the 29” wheels.

Trek equips the Session 29 with all of their standard features you’ve come to know over the years. The Session 9.9 is their top of the line model, and the frame is built using Trek’s OCLV (Optimum Compaction Low Void) carbon process that has been evolving since 1991. A magnesium Evo Link houses the adjustable Mino Link chip – an easily adjustable piece of hardware that changes the head tube angle and BB height.

Frame features also include an integrated frame protector, Control Freak cable routing, Carbon Armor, ABP (Active Braking Pivot) 4-link suspension design and adjustable fixed-angle headset cups.

The Session 9.9 29er is race-ready and boasts a 7-speed Shimano Saint drivetrain and Shimano Saint brakes. A particular highlight I enjoy is the very sexy MRP G4 carbon chainguide. Rolling stock on the Trek Session 9.9 29 comes in the form of Bontrager Line DH 30 wheels, with Boost 110×20/157x12mm spacing. Bontrager G5 Team Issue 2.5” tires offer excellent grip, however I did flat the rear tube twice. I haven’t flatted a DH bike in years so I’m not sure if the tubes are especially thin or if it’s the tire. Either way, I went tubeless and haven’t had any issues since.

More Bontrager goodies fill the cockpit: Line Pro 820mm bars, a Line Pro Direct Mount 50mm stem and XR Trail Elite grips, which we removed pretty quickly. After a near death experience clipping a tree just before a drop, I cut down the bars to about 777mm, and while they have a strange look and feel at first, they weren’t something I focused on once I started riding.

I was both surprised and reaffirmed when I learned the Session 9.9 29er has 190mm of travel. As mentioned above, I don’t look at the details of a bike before riding it. Clearly I can’t be totally unaware of what some bikes offer, but I try to avoid the spec sheet until after my testing, or sometimes mid-test if something doesn’t feel right. I want to be open minded and let the bike speak to me during the test period without my brain telling me what I should be feeling based on a chart.

The shortened travel wasn’t something I completely noticed during my test rides, but in hindsight it made sense. What I mean by that is, the bike rode differently than the 27.5 and 26-inch Sessions when it came to landing drops or larger jumps. It did not feel harsh by any means, it just had a firmer feel that I attributed to more progression in the tune. I reached full travel every run during my testing, but never felt harsh hits or that I was out of travel. That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t like more though. If possible, I’d love to see this bike with 195mm or even 200mm of travel.

So how does it ride with those big wheels and shorter travel? Like a daggum rocket ship! I rode a demo bike briefly in Whistler Bike Park. It was slack, low and certainly better than some of the other bikes I rode that week, but I wanted more. It was a well-worn demo bike and I knew the understeer and suspension issues I experienced were tunable. Before hopping on the chairlift for my first ride, I got sacrilegious. I put the Mino Link in the High mode! Since I wasn’t dropping into Val Di Sole, I figured I had the ability to navigate the terrain I was about to ride with a head angle more nimble than 62.1 degrees.

What I felt on that first ride was pure magic. I had no understeer, the bike stood up a bit taller, was a little bit shorter and put me right where I wanted to be – in a position to command the bike. That first ride was the beginning of what I hope is a long relationship (Wink wink, Trek can I keep it?) I only spent about two runs tweaking suspensin and quickly settled in on my tune. As my speed increased with familiarization to the bike, I added about five more PSI and 2-3 clicks of compression depending on the track.

I’m not always a fan of the Fox 40, as it can ride a bit stiff and beat up my hands, but this fork feels buttery smooth and the rear shock is the same. I actually found that running a little bit more sag was preferred for my riding style and terrain. I don’t live for the jump lines, instead preferring the natural steeps and chunky stuff with natural gaps. The softer spring rate kept me on the ground when I wanted, but added compression prevented me from blowing through travel when I didn’t. I’m sure this softer set up is also why I was reaching bottom out on all my race-paced test runs, but this isn’t a bad thing according to some schools of thought. The trade off for regularly using all the travel is insane traction and confidence, well above what many other bikes have offered me.

While the suspension performance is a highlight of the Session 9.9 29, the thing that blew me away is the out and out speed of the bike. Specifically, how fast it gets up to speed. I took two practice runs down a newer trail at Mt. Bachelor that is a steep fall line and navigates everything from lava rock to flat, loose turns, massive ruts and very aggressive roots. During my sighting laps I’d inspect lines, erosion changes, etc. Every time I hopped back on the Session 29 and let off the brakes I was instantly back up to speed, like I’d never stopped. No pedal strokes needed, the bike just picked up steam and charged down the trail like I was trying to scare myself!

The larger wheels are definitely noticeable and something I was very aware of every time I got on the bike. This is both good and not so good. The bike feels a bit larger and gives me a feeling of being right in the middle of two massive steamrollers. Benefits of the big wheels are plentiful, as the bike is beyond stable and allows for errors in line selection or lazy riding while still maintaining top speed because the added roll-over ability offers a larger margin of error. However, if you screw up the entry to a tight turn like a switchback, the length and big wheels will not treat you well. Swinging wide is the way to go, but if you live to jackknife corners like you’re always being filmed for an Instagram edit, you’ll have your work cut out for you.

Another noteworthy point is the seat height. I’m not quite six foot and rode a size large and had to cut quite a bit off the seat post. If you think of DH bike seat post heights by comparing a World Cup racer to a FEST Series rider, you’ll know that there is a big difference in riding style. This bike is most definitely a racer as the larger wheels don’t allow for a totally slammed post, and this may be an issue for riders with short legs, especially if you’re a big jumper. Which is another place that the Session 9.9 29er didn’t completely blow me away.

Downhill bikes are very purpose specific tools, and this is very clearly a race rig, so I didn’t expect it to be a whip machine. I’m not Brendan Fairclough or some amazing rider, but the added rotational mass was definitely noted when I wanted to make quick changes in the air. Still, the 34.91-pound weight and poppy suspension feel kept me more than happy when I was playing around on the jumpy stuff.

The Wolf’s Last Word

Alright, so let’s pretend we’ve all got A.D.D and you just asked me if you should buy this bike because you don’t have time to read. If I had to reply in one word I’d say, “Hellyes!” BUT, I’m also very chatty when it comes to bikes so instead I’d like to ask what your budget is, what type of riding you prefer most and what you want out of your DH bike.

If you’ve got the budget, are looking for a flat out race machine to make you as competitive as possible, love plowing over shit as fast as you can, or want something to give you that extra little edge when it comes to racing the clock, then I think the Session 9.9 29er is probably one of my top recommendations. If you think spending over eight grand on a bicycle is ridiculous, love to jump, whip and slash, then I’d suggest looking at other options, perhaps a Session 8 27.5 ($4,279).

Ultimately, the Session 9.9 29 has become one of my favorite DH bikes in recent memory. Then again I’m the type of guy who goes to Whistler Bike Park and proudly skips A-Line in favor of the least popular woodsy DH tracks I can find. For me, the trade off in playfulness on the jump lines is well worth the added speed, traction and comfort on proper downhill trails. Just make sure you keep the spokes real tight, or else they’ll be making some weird noises!

Price: $8,399 Weight: 34.91 lbs Website: Trekbikes.com

CHASSIS Frame: OCLV Carbon; 190mm Fork: Fox Factory 40 Fit RC2; 190mm Shock: Fox Factory Float X2; 225x70mm

COCKPIT Brakes: Shimano Saint Handlebar: Bontrager Line Pro; 820mm Headset: FSA Orbit Saddle: Bontrager Arvada Seatpost: Bontrager Rhythm Elite Shifter: Shimano Saint; 10s Stem: Bontrager Line Pro DM; 50mm

WHEELS Hubs: Bontrager Rims: Bontrager Line DH 30 Tires: Bontrager G5 Team Issue; 29×2.5

DRIVETRAIN Bottom Bracket: Shimano BB80 Cassette: Shimano CS-5700; 11-25t Cranks: Shimano Saint M825; 34t Derailleur: Shimano Saint Shadow Plus; 10s

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Downhill Bikes

Trek session 9.9, stunningly crafted. effortless ride dynamic. one of the finest dh bikes in the world.

With eight or more years development behind it the Trek Session 9.9 has evolved into a highly regarded, almost intimidating race bike that delivers pace, well constructed damping characteristics and an impeccable build quality. When it comes to delivering performance and finish the Trek has few rivals. It has been a favourite for many years as we’ve found in past tests .

Trek themselves might well disapprove if we didn’t mention some of the key features of the Session 9.9 including the OCLV carbon, ABP (active braking pivot) which allows the suspension to work freely whether on the brakes or off, Full Floater suspension or Mino Link adjustable geometry but many of these were features that formed the first production Session bikes back in 2008. What Trek have done marvellously well is improve the bike year on year leading to this bike which was one of the first full carbon production 27.5” wheel bikes on the market.

What makes it so special? Very simply is its speed across the ground, but not like some bikes that are great on steep, tight technical but lack pace when the grounds become more level. The Session is fast – everywhere. Offering an engaging ride with precise steering geometry the Session similar to the Specialized Demo seems to build in momentum but in quite a different way. The Session is livelier than the Demo, easier to move around and slightly easier to crank on flatter grounds, the kind frequently found in between rougher sections of track.

“What Trek have done marvelously well is improve the bike year on year. Its also the most incredibly well finished and presented bike”

That doesn’t mean the Trek is lousy in the tougher stuff, oh no, from average damping beginnings in 2008 Jose Gonzalez and his team have stepped up the rear damping on the Session to a place that many can only dream of. Fox suspension played their part too in this process and for 2016 the Session comes with the finest Fox 40 yet to come from the Californian brand.

There are still a couple of minor negative points, for starters the adjustable geometry is still a shade on the high side and we’d like to see the current ‘high’ setting become the standard setting with the addition of a ‘low’ position. The XL is a good size for 6’ riders but there’s still a place for an XXL in the future. And in terms of components whilst the Shimano Saint’s are reliable brakes the Guide Ultimate’s and Code’s offer smoother and more consistent braking through the range. The bar and stem combination takes getting used to – bar too narrow, stem to low.

Overall however if we were to choose a bike for racing on the varied terrain that racing often throws up, then the Session is one of the bikes we would always reach out to. Its pedigree is impressive. A bike that Aaron Gwin steered to nine world cup wins in two seasons and that culminated in two World Cup series wins making it one of the most successful race bikes of all time.

YOU DIDN’T KNOW THIS BUT…

Dylan howes, trek r&d.

When we were developing the 27.5 bike, we actually made a full-on carbon prototype with prototype molds that we knew we wouldn’t go to production with. The geometry, suspension kinematics and tube shapes matched the 26” Session exactly with the only changes being wheel size, BB drop (same BB height) and fork offset to maintain the same trail number. We wanted to be able to feel what the wheel size difference felt like before we made any other changes to geometry and suspension kinematics.

Those changes were things like overall bike geometry (top tube length) and suspension improvements that we were planning on regardless of wheel size. On those protos, we also built a full carbon chainstay, which we hadn’t done on a downhill bike before. Even in prototype form, it cut a huge amount of weight from the aluminum (fine, aluminium!) stay and was really robust.

“The chainstay became one of the hardest parts to mold and took months of iterations on layups to get it to pass”

But, we felt we could do it even better and make assembly easier by changing exactly how we molded the parts for production. And then the problems really started! The chainstay became one of the hardest parts to mold and took months of iterations on layups to get it to pass. It became the longest development time of any carbon chainstay we had done, and led to the team, and your test bike, having aluminum chainstays to start the season.

We did solve the molding problem, created a lighter and stronger chainstay than we had in aluminum, and learned some good molding lessons. Future versions would be made like the proto’s. Sometimes you get it right the first time….

Trail and Enduro Bikes

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Bike Test: Trek Session 9.9 29

Downhill is one of the gnarliest forms of mountain biking, requiring rigs that look more like off-road motorcycles than traditional bicycles; however, unlike its motorized cousins, a downhill bike requires gravity to propel it down the mountain. These bikes are some of the hardest to justify buying, unless of course you live in close proximity to a ski resort or have a good group of friends willing to take turns being the shuttle driver.

For that reason, MBA doesn’t test many downhill bikes; however, the new wave of 29er downhill bikes had many of our test riders curious to know what it would be like to ride a 7.5-inch-travel rig with fast-rolling 29-inch wheels. So, we decided to test one. We are stoked to introduce you to one of the winningest bikes on the World Cup Downhill circuit—the Trek Session 9.9 29.

WHO IS IT MADE FOR?

The Session has been in Trek’s lineup for years now and has featured many wheel sizes along the way, starting with the 26-inch wheel and later moving towards the 27.5-inch model, which is still available today. The 29er version was only offered as a frame, fork and shock package until the 2019 model year when Trek unveiled the bike we have here today. The Session 9.9 is Trek’s top-of-the-line 29er downhill race bike. So, who is it made for? Well, World Cup downhill racers; however, we’re sure Trek also expects to sell these high-octane bicycles to more human-like riders such as ourselves.

The Session 9.9 29 is designed for riders looking for an edge in competition or the ability to transform black-diamond trails into blue ones.

WHAT IS IT MADE FROM?

Trek designed the Session around many of its flagship technologies that we’ve come to know and love, such as OCLV (Optimum Compaction Low Void) Mountain carbon. OCLV is a process used across Trek’s carbon mountain bike lineup to ensure the right balance of stiffness, strength and durability. A Mino Link Flip Chip, along with fixed-angle headset cups, allows riders to fine-tune the Session’s geometry to better match different riding styles and types of terrain. The bike uses a four-bar suspension design with 190mm of travel, along with Trek’s patented ABP (Active Braking Pivot) to better separate suspension and braking forces. Trek then added armor to protect vulnerable areas, such as the downtube.

WHICH COMPONENTS STAND OUT?

The Session 9.9 is a purebred race bike equipped with nothing but the best. Starting with its suspension, we see a 190mm-travel Fox Factory 49 fork, which builds off the popular Fox 40; however, the arch is modified to allow clearance for a taller wheel. In back, Trek spec’d a 2019 Fox Factory Float X2 with a new mechanical bottom-out bumper to provide a more progressive end stroke. Our Session rolls on Bontrager Line 30 downhill wheels, with a Boost 110×20 hub up front and a Boost 157×12 hub with a seven-speed downhill freehub in the rear. Trek added a burly MRP G4 carbon chainguide and gave the bike a full Shimano Saint groupset. Bontrager parts round out the rest of the build, including the cockpit, saddle, seatpost and tires.

HOW DOES IT PERFORM?

Setting sag: Trek spec’d the Session with Fox Factory-level suspension, which we opted to set up with 30-percent sag front and rear. We then made adjustments to our compression and rebound until we found our sweet spot. The Session’s rear air shock made it easy to set sag without having to worry about swapping a coil spring. This means riders of all sizes can tune the suspension to their liking without purchasing extra parts.

Moving out: Once you toss a leg over the Session, it immediately becomes apparent that this is a purebred race machine built to take on the world’s toughest World Cup tracks. The big wheels, slack angles and wide 820mm handlebars all come together to inspire confidence—no matter what obstacles are in front of this beast. Prior to our testing, we trimmed the seatpost down 3 inches in order to have a lower center of gravity over the bike. Racers often run a taller saddle height than park riders; however, even for racing, the stock seatpost seemed a bit too high.

Overall, the Session has a comfortable fit, and while the reach measurement looks short on paper, standing over the bike feels natural.

Cornering: Our test riders expected the Session 29 would be like a monster truck made to straight-line its way down the mountain, and while that was somewhat true, this big-wheeled downhill machine surprised us. While the Session isn’t a slasher-type bike that lets you smash the rear wheel into corners, it does track through turns impressively well and changes direction with relative ease. Of course, a little extra speed helps liven this bike up, but even in slower situations the Session navigated the trails quite well.

Descending: “Faster than a speeding bullet” is probably the best way to describe this bike’s ability to descend. The Session picks up speed as if it has a hidden motor tucked away in its bottom bracket. Even after getting on the brakes hard mid-run, it gets right back up to speed as if it never slowed down at all. This is likely attributable to the fast-rolling 29-inch wheels; however, Trek’s geometry and detailed suspension tuning play a major role here. The Session is most at home eating up rough and rocky black-diamond trails but isn’t afraid to take on bigger jump lines, either. Park riders may find the 29-inch wheels harder to toss around; however, any rider looking to improve his or her time to the bottom of the mountain will benefit from the larger-diameter wheel.

TRICKS, UPGRADES OR TIPS?

Trek offers the Session as a frame-only option or as the compete model we tested. Our bike came with components suited for a pro racer; however, we made a few changes to enhance our control and confidence. First things first, we trimmed our seatpost to achieve a deeper insertion, allowing for more room to move above the bike. We then swapped out the Bontrager handlebar and stem for a Renthal cockpit and added a custom-printed ODI number plate.

BUYING ADVICE

Diehard downhill racers are more likely to purchase this bike than park rats. Trek designed this bike for riders looking for the fastest way down the mountain who aren’t afraid to put up the cash to do so. Trek continues to offer the 27.5-inch model, which sells for a more affordable $4730, and will likely suit the needs of riders wanting a fun park bike they can toss around jump trails. That said, the Session 29 is the ultimate weapon for riders who need it. The bike blasts down the mountain with precision and control, turning the gnarliest terrain into a casual walk in the park.  www.trekbikes.com

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2012 Trek Session 9.9 (discontinued)

• Write Review

Review by Brandon Turman // Photos by Sterling Lorence

Following the official launch of the Trek Session 9.9 Carbon in Whistler, we've been riding it for nearly one full year. That's a long time for a test bike. The reason? We just can't let go of this one. It's that good. So good, in fact, that we're giving it the illustrious Vital MTB Shreddy for 2012 Bike of the Year.

Inspired and refined in conjunction with Trek World Racing and Aaron Gwin, there's no wonder why this bike rips so much. Their success on the World Cup downhill series is a huge testament to the bike's capabilities.

Session 9.9 Highlights

• Frame Material: OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame and seat stay, alloy chainstay
• Travel: 210mm (8.2-inches) via a Fox DHX RC-4 with Kashima
• 2-position Mino Link Geometry Adjustment
• Active Braking Pivot (ABP)
• Full Floater Linkage
• ISCG 05 Tabs
• Carbon Armor
• Tapered Head Tube
• Internal Cable Routing
• Micro Truss Zip Tie Guides
• Chainstay Length: Adjustable from 17.4 to 17.3-inches
• Head Angle: Adjustable from 63.6 to 64.2-degree head angle, additional adjustment provided with Cane Creek Angleset
• Bottom Bracket Height: Adjustable from 14 to 14.3-inches
• Rear Hub Dimensions: 157x12mm
• Fork: 203mm front travel via a Fox 40 Fit RC2 with exclusive Hybrid Air technology and Kashima
• Tires: 2.35-inch Bontrager G4 Team
• MSRP: $8930

Weighing in at less than 35-pounds, the Session 9.9 was the lightest 2012 production downhill bike. That's no small achievement. If you're so inclined, the bike can go even lighter. " Project Flyweight " weighed in at just 28-pounds 13-ounces! For day in and day out use on the race course, though, the stock build at 35-pounds is just right.

On The Trail

So how does the 2012 Bike of the Year perform on the trail? When friends ask this question, we're quick to respond that it's the best overall downhill bike we've ever ridden. That's the honest truth. This bike's standout characteristic was just how incredibly comfortable and balanced it was from day one. Following a few setup tweaks, the bike just worked, and it worked very well over nearly every type of terrain. Yes, there are bikes that will outperform it in certain situations, but the Session 9.9 is a very well-rounded package which should make it appealing to the rider that races or rides in several locations, or even on courses where the type of terrain changes drastically from top to bottom.

When we first received the bike for testing, we immediately headed to a familiar local downhill run in Southern California. While screaming through one of the roughest, steepest sections of the trail, the realization that hit us as we rounded the catch berm at the bottom was basically "Holy ****, I'm hauling ass!" The added level of control that the Session offers almost seems to slow things down a bit, meaning that you feel as though you have more time react or prepare for the next move. What happens as a result is that your speed increases to the point where the time you have to react feels the same, and ultimately you're going faster. As the old saying goes, "It's not the bike, it's the rider," but this steed had us questioning the phrase time and time again.

Trek's design team has achieved a careful mix of stable and playful that make it a bike capable of charging through sections while still being a blast to ride. Handling is precise and responsive, the bike tracks like it's on rails, and last second line changes all but disappear because, surprise(!), we're already in the right line.

The carbon front end and seatstay rely on Trek's Optimum Compaction, Low Void (OCLV) Mountain Carbon technology interspersed with InTension material (shown in blue, above) - a low-density, ultra-stiff material injected inside the frame to support critical areas like the bottom bracket, pivots, and down tube. The resulting combination is a frame that is sufficiently stiff in all the key areas. This is obvious when really leaning the bike into hard turns or landing slightly sideways off a jump. In chatter bumps, the carbon responds in a why that helps to absorb and deaden the impacts, resulting in a smoother feeling ride that its aluminum brother.

The Key - Suspension Performance

The ride qualities of the Session 9.9 are flat out confidence inspiring - the bike encourages you to just let it rip. Perhaps the most important aspect of the bike for racers is that the bike carries speed everywhere. The key to the equation? A lot of it has to do with the bike's suspension. Trek spends a lot of time and resources dialing in their dampers for each bike, and the Session 9.9 uses some proprietary bits that greatly improve the overall package. On top of that, it very rarely gets hung up thanks to a slightly revised suspension leverage rate for improved square edge performance when compared to previous generations.

New for 2012 (and exclusive to the Session 9.9) is the Fox 40 Fit RC2 with Trek's Hybrid Air technology and Kashima coating. Hybrid Air combines a lightweight titanium spring and an air spring, allowing riders to more accurately tune their spring rates. The air cartridge replaces the traditional compression rod, acting as an air assist (not preload), effectively changing the spring rate. There are two immediate benefits from this system. First, by simply adding or removing a little bit of air Trek eliminated the hassle of swapping out heavier or lighter coil springs. The air spring allows you to hit numbers in between those offered by coil springs. This combination makes it incredibly easy to dial the fork in for different terrain. Second, because the fork relies on air and a lightweight spring, it's more supple and active at the beginning of the stroke than an equivalent heavier spring. One key feature is the auto-fill negative spring that charges to suit various rider weights.

After months of tweaking dials and pressures, our preferred settings for the fork are as follows:

• Low Speed Compression: 6 clicks in from full out
• High Speed Compression: 8-10 clicks infrom full out
• Hybrid Air Assist Pressure: 28-34 psi, depending on the terrain (for a 175 pound rider)

Out back, the Session 9.9 relies on a custom tuned Fox DHX RC-4 with Kashima to control the bike's 210mm of rear travel. The shock uses a special 2-stage main piston, a stepped piston in the hi-speed valve and a lower ratio Boost Valve control. The shock tune gives the bike a more consistent and controlled mid-stroke, which was something the Trek World Racing team desired. The result is a more stable, lively ride.

Preferred shock settings:

• Boost Valve Pressure: 160 psi with volume all the way out
• Low Speed Compression: 6 clicks out from full in
• High Speed Compression: 6-8 clicks out from full in
• Spring Weight: 450-500 lb/in, depending on the terrain (for a 175-pound rider)

Combined with Trek's Full Floater linkage design and Active Braking Pivot (ABP), their custom additions to the bike make it more responsive, predictable, and balanced than nearly every other bike we've tried.

To add to the fun, the Session 9.9 features Mino Link, a small black chip that, when flipped, will slacken the head angle 0.6 degrees, drop the bottom bracket 8mm, and alter the leverage ratio slightly. The configuration shown here gives the bike a "poppy" feel. Flipping the link turns the bike into a big hit, square edge absorbing race machine.

Race Worthy Build Kit

Components include Sram X0 DH carbon cranks, derailleur, and brakes, a 10-speed SRAM 11-26 tooth cassette, MRP G2 SL carbon chainguide, Wellgo MG-1 pedals, and DT Swiss FR 600 rims laced to DT Swiss 240 hubs. With the exception of the Avid X0 brakes, all have proven to be solid, race-worthy parts.

For a bike made to go fast, Avid's 2012 X0 brakes simply didn't cut it. They were underpowered, prone to fading, and the spec'd 7-inch rear rotor certainly didn't help. Unfortunately, we found ourselves distracted far too often due to their poor performance. Despite what some may believe, you'll actually go faster knowing your brakes can slow you down when you really need it. For 2013, Trek has switched to the new Shimano Saint group - a wise decision that any serious downhill racer will appreciate.

Other than that, Bontrager's Rhythm Pro Carbon bars were a tad on the skinny and low side for our tastes. At 750mm wide and with just 15mm rise, they were almost immediately replaced with a slightly wider and taller bar.

One piece of the puzzle that we're particularly fond of are the Bontrager G4 Team tires, and for this they deserve some attention. Comparable to the Maxxis Minion (but slightly lighter and cheaper), the G4 uses a 41a durometer sticky rubber and offers very predictable traction in turns. They rarely break loose unexpectedly. The knobs wear in a manner that keeps the edges pretty square, providing good traction throughout most of their life. Flat protection is also impressive. At pressures in the 24-26 psi range, we only had one or two flats over the course of several months.

Long-Term Frame Durability

There's not much to report here, and that's a good thing. Aside from some paint chips, the frame has shown no signs of potential long-term issues. There is no bearing or bushing play, no creaking, and no significant cable rub. This thing is solid. Guys like Adam Billinghurst, Brett Rheeder, and Makken are pounding out hundred of laps , freeriding with it , and going absolutely huge on the Session, which also speaks very well for the frame.

What's The Bottom Line?

We've said it before and we'll say it again, the Trek Session 9.9 is a fun loving race weapon. This sub 35 pound 210mm travel equipped machine has proven its worth time and time again on the World Cup scene. Beyond the races, though, we found the bike to be incredibly comfortable, agile, and stable. Those things combined make it the most confidence inspiring ride we've thrown a leg over in 2012. The custom tuned suspension is responsive and predictable, the components are solid, and the bike can be easily tweaked to squeak milliseconds out of any downhill course. It's our go to ride when the forecast calls for varied terrain.

Many will ask, "Is the $8,930 price tag is justified?" With the exception of one part, the build is pretty much dialed, the technology is there, and most of all - it's proven. For the serious racer or rider, we think this bike is an investment worth making. Deep down we all want to haul ass. This bike will let you.

Visit www.TrekBikes.com for more details.

About The Reviewer

Brandon Turman likes to pop off the little bonus lines on the sides of the trail, get aggressive when he's in tune with a bike, and to really mash on the pedals and open it up when pointed downhill. His perfect trail has a good mix of flow, tech, and balls-to-the-wall speed. He loves little transfers, rollers, and the occasional gap that gives him that momentary stomach in your throat kind of feeling. Toss in some rocky bits with the option to double over them or risk pinch flatting and you've got a winner in his book. In 13 years of riding he worked his way through the Collegiate downhill ranks to the Pro level. After finishing up his mechanical engineering degree, his riding focus turned to dirt sculpting and jumping with the occasional slopestyle contest thrown in for fun. Nowadays he's Vital MTB's resident product guy.

Post a reply to: Tested: 2012 Trek Session 9.9 - Bike of the Year

2 member reviews.

Post a reply to: Frame only

This is for frame review only so cannot comment on the stock spec list. This frame is the best I have ridden to date. I upgraded from the Aluminum Session 88 DH and yes there was a very noticeable difference due to the instant 2lb drop and carbon fiber's reaction to rough terrain. I had to change all my compression and rebound settings. I have a fully custom build that I swapped straight over from the aluminum. The frame is not a plower like others I have ridden in the past. The weight allows it to be light and nimble so that can sometimes lead to quick line changes without expecting them. I run mine rather high in compression front and rear so I ride on top of the rocks and be able to pedal without bob. The frame has a very dynamic feel on the trail. You can move it and throw it around with ease due to it's lighter weight.I built and rode it initially with the TWR Fox RC4 rear shock with Ti spring and simply did not like it. Bike was 34lb (large). However, I could not get the RC4 to smooth out small bumps. I switched it to my Cane Creek Double Barrel/Ti combo and it made all the difference. With a beefier wheel change mine now sits at 35lb 0oz which feels great. The only annoyance I have is the derailleur hanger. The design of it positions the derailleur extremely far back so it makes for very odd geometry for the derailleur in relation to the cassette. I have to run the derailleur without the B-tension screw and still only gears 4-10 work perfectly. Even a top World Cup mechanic could not figure it out. It was recommended by another mechanic to take a Dremmel tool to the hanger to bring it in more forward! Since I only really use 4-10 I have not worried about it. When all the same drivetrain was on the 88 it worked flawlessly and effortlessly in all gears. I'm running all new X.0 10sp shifter, X.9 Type 2 short 10sp derailleur so parts aren't the prob. I fully feel it is the odd rearward positioning of the hanger. Otherwise, this frame is perfect.

Post a reply to: Race Weapon (Frame Only Review)

Specifications, sizes and geometry.

Trek website

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• 2012 Trek Session

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• Trek Session 9.9 2013

158cm - 171cm

168cm - 180cm

178cm - 189cm

186cm - 199cm

Bike summary

Bike components.

OCLV Mountain Carbon w/InTension main frame & seatstay, alloy chainstay, Carbon Armor, ABP Convert DH, Full Floater, E2 tapered head tube, integrated frame protection, internal control routing, HexMC carbon EVO Link, Mino Link, MicroTruss, 210mm travel

Rear Derailleur

Shimano Saint Shadow Plus

Shift Levers

Shimano Saint, 10 speed

Shimano Ultegra 11-25, 10 speed

Shimano Saint 36T

Wellgo MG-1

DT Swiss 240s, 20mm front hub, 157x12 rear hub; DT Swiss FR 600 32-hole rims

Bontrager G4 Team, 26x2.35

Shimano Saint hydraulic disc brakes

Truvativ Holzfeller Direct Mount, 31.8mm

Bontrager Rhythm Pro Carbon, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 9 degree sweep

Cane Creek 40, E2

Bontrager Evoke 3, titanium rails

Bontrager Rhythm Elite, 31.6mm, zero offset

Bike geometry

About this model.

Session 9.9 completes the Trek Session model. There are 88 bikes that carry this model name. Take a sneak peek at all Trek Session bikes models from 2013 , by clicking here .

Your safety is a top priority so always wear a helmet when you ride your bike. Moreover, wear the right clothing. You want to be visible to other drivers, so avoid wearing dark clothing.

Average price for Downhill bikes

Our math shows that the average cost of a dependable Downhill bike is 3391 $ . However, even if your budget is less than the average, you might still be able to get a top-quality Downhill bike. In short, before purchasing your ideal bike do some research about its components, and also check for reviews online.

Internal Cable Routing

It’s also important to mention the internal cable routing that this bike has. In short, this will allow you to keep your bike cables in great condition. Say goodbye to hanging cables.

Session 9.9 components

Rear shocks improve riding comfort and give you greater control over all terrains. In short, a full-suspension bike will give you the smoothest ride possible.

Wheels size

The Session 9.9 2013 bike is equipped with 26″ aluminum wheels when leaving the factory. Being a little smaller, these wheels will fit both small and tall riders. However, they are less forgiving when riding over obstacles such as bumps and roots.

When you want to stop the bike in time, the brakes are vital. The Session 9.9 has Hydraulic Disc brakes. Hydraulic disc brakes provide amazing stopping power, no matter what the terrain. To sum up, these are ideal for anyone.

This bike is available in 4 sizes . They vary from 158 cm – 199 cm (5.18 ft – 6.53 ft) . In conclusion, it won’t take much to find one that’s right for you.

Trek Session models from 2024

Trek session models from 2023, trek session models from 2022, trek session models from 2021, trek session models from 2020, trek session models from 2019, trek session models from 2018, trek session models from 2017, trek session models from 2016, trek session models from 2015, trek session models from 2014, trek session models from 2013, trek session models from 2012, trek session models from 2011, trek session models from 2010, trek session models from 2009, trek session models from 2008, trek session models from 2007, trek session models from 2006, trek session models from 2005.

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• Rider Notes

2013 Trek Session 9.9 Frameset

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension downhill frameset.

For This Bike

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158cm – 171cm

168cm – 180cm

178cm – 189cm

186cm – 199cm

🐐 Estimated

Do you have this bike? Help other riders make a decision about which size will work for them by sharing your own size and fit notes. Report your fit

We stop by Trek's Waterloo, Wisconsin headquarters to get the skinny on the latest carbon Session downhill bike. Our video breaks down the bare essentials.

Read Review

Dec 2011 · Dirt HQ

World exclusive first ride on the world cup winning sensation - the 2012 Carbon Trek Session 9.9...

Last updated 29 June Not listed for 2,466 days

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Trek Session 9.9 Review

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• November 9, 2013 Setlist

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Looks like a Session… or does it? The benchmark of downhill mountain bikes is back with a whole new look—and a whole lot of new speed to go with it. Park runs or World Cup circuit, Session finds the fast on the rowdiest trails with a new high-pivot frame design, 200mm of travel, and the world’s best suspension tech.

• See the bikes

The winningest downhill bike Raking in thirteen World Cup DH gold medals, Session takes the cake as the winningest race bike of 2021. With plenty of gold medals under its belt, it’s no surprise Session earned the title as the fastest downhill ride of the year from both Pinkbike and Global Mountain Bike Network.

All speed, no hangups Session’s high-pivot suspension design The Session features a high-pivot suspension design that results in a rearward axle path, allowing the back wheel to move with the rearward force produced by bumps rather than against it. On the trail, this translates to smoother suspension that doesn’t get hung up on obstacles and instead maintains more forward momentum and provides better grip.

Less kickback. More performance. Session’s idler pulley Pedal-kickback is that feeling you get when your crank rotates backward as your suspension compresses. It’s the result of tension caused by chain growth—when the rearward axle path increases the distance between your cogs and front chainring. To keep you rolling smoothly on even the rowdiest lines, the new Session is equipped with an idler pulley that routes the top section of the chain closer to the high-pivot and virtually eliminates chain growth and all of its negative effects.

Tune for your trail

Session now features a Mino Link suspension adjustment so you can tune your ride for your kind of session. Choose a firmer 25% progression for race day or the plusher 20% progression for park days.

New reach-based sizing

The new Session has a sizing strategy based on reach rather than seat tube length, which lets you choose the size that best fits your riding style. Size up for more stability at speed, size down for more maneuverability.

Size-specific chainstays

Ride balanced, whatever your frame size. Session’s chainstays grow to match the frame’s size, ensuring you get the right weight distribution for control on your biggest lines.

Run it mullet!

Every Session comes stocked for speed with 29er wheels, but the frame accommodates 27.5˝ wheels and party-in-the-back riders can run 29er up-front only.

Hitch without worry

Full-coverage armor helps prevent down tube damage from trail debris and makes for worry-free shuttling on tailgates and chair lifts.

Route it your way

Run your cables in whatever custom variation you prefer, externally for easy replacement or internally to prevent snags and hang-ups.

Additional trail bike options

Slash is a long-travel trail bike that looks like a monster truck and rides like a magic carpet. It’s built for big all-mountain terrain, racing the clock on rugged enduro lines, and having a rip-roaring good time in the rough.

Remedy is a hard-charging trail bike with 27.5˝ wheels, a 160mm fork and 150mm of rear travel, and all the stoke-worthy features that make it perfect for hitting jumps, roosting corners, and throwing down on the trail.

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Trek Session 9.9

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Colour / Trek Black/Viper Red

Size / S, M, L, XL

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame OCLV Mountain Carbon w/InTension main frame & seatstay, aluminum chainstay, Carbon Armor, ABP Convert DH, Full Floater, E2 tapered head tube, integrated frame protection, internal control routing, HexMC carbon EVO Link, Mino Link, MicroTruss, 210mm travel
• Wheels DT Swiss 240s, 20mm front hub; 157x12mm rear hub w/ DT Swiss FR 600 32-hole rims
• Wheel Size 26"
• Tires Bontrager G4 Team Issue, 26x2.35
• Crank Shimano Saint, 36T
• Rear Derailleur Shimano Saint Shadow Plus
• Shifters Shimano Saint, 10 speed
• Brakeset Shimano Saint hydraulic disc
• Handlebar Bontrager Rhythm Pro Carbon, 31.8mm, 15mm rise
• Saddle Bontrager Evoke 3, titanium rails
• Seatpost Bontrager Rhythm Elite, 31.6mm, zero offset
• Stem Truvativ Holzfeller Direct Mount, 31.8mm
• Headset Cane Creek 40, E2

Q: What size wheels does the 2014 Trek Session 9.9 have?

The 2014 Trek Session 9.9 has 26" wheels.

Q: What size 2014 Trek Session 9.9 should I get?

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