New Trek Session Downhill Bike - The Details and Prices 6

Trek has finally made their new, high-pivot Session downhill bike with 200mm of rear travel public. After sneaking in a win under Charlie Harrison at the Windrock #USDH national a few weeks ago and being completely leaked all over the internet, the official details of the bike are here. Trek is sure to make us remember their Diesel DH bike from 2003 and their Session 10 from 2006 also had a high-pivot, so they’re not jumping on the bandwagon.

The new 2021 high-pivot Trek Session is alloy-frame-only, no carbon, and comes in 3 different reach-based sizes R1, R2, R3. Respectively, reach measurements are 440mm, 465mm and 493mm. The chainstay length varies across the sizes while using the same rear end. Trek just tweaks the location of the bottom bracket on the front triangles to get 439, 445 and 452mm chainstay lengths on the different sizes.

Trek’s Mino link is present for subtle geometry tweaks like going from a 63 to 63.6-degree head angle and to raise or lower the BB, but there is also a suspension progression Mino Link which provides either 20% or 25% progressivity, so you can have more pump or more plow. Cable routing is also up to the owner and can be internal or external.

The new Session is built around, and comes stock with, dual 29-inch wheels, but can be run as a mullet with 27.5-inch rear wheel or it can go dual 27.5-inch wheels while still using the 29-inch-wheeled fork. There’s just a tall lower headset cup used, so all of your frankenbiking for the Vital MTB bike check section only requires the swap of a wheel or two. Frame-only options come with the special EXT headset cup for a 27.5-inch front wheel but the complete bikes do not. The EXT cup can be purchased separately, however.

2021 Trek Session frame price is $2,999, the Session 8 with BoXXer Select and FOX VAN Performance shock is $4,999 while the Session 9 is $6,999 featuring a BoXXer Ultimate and Super Deluxe Ultimate DH shock.

2022 Trek Session 8 Downhill Bike Spec - $4,999

• Fork - RockShox Boxxer Select, DebonAir spring, Charger RC damper, 46mm offset, 20x110mm Boost thru axle, 200mm travel
• Shock - Fox VAN Performance, 250x72.5mm
• Front Wheel - Bontrager Line DH 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, 110x20mm Boost thru axle
• Rear Wheel - Bontrager Line DH 30, Tubeless Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, Shimano 7 speed freehub, 157x12mm thru axle
• Tires - Bontrager G5 Team Issue, wire bead, 2-ply 60tpi, 29x2.50"
• Drivetrain - SRAM GX DH, 7 speed
• Derailleur - SRAM GX DH, medium cage
• Cranks - Truvativ Descendant DH, DUB 83, 34T steel ring, 165mm length
• Cassette - SRAM PG-720, 11-25, 7 speed
• Bottom Bracket - SRAM DUB, 83mm, BSA threaded
• Chain - SRAM PC-1110, 11 speed
• Brakes - SRAM Code R 4-piston hydraulic disc
• Grips - Bontrager XR Trail Elite, nylon lock-on
• Handlebar - Bontrager Line, alloy, 35mm, 27.5mm rise, 780mm width
• Headset - FSA Orbit, sealed cartridge bearing, 1-1/8" top, 1.5" bottom
• Pedals - Wellgo BO-87B, alloy body, Cro-Mo axle, replaceable pins
• Saddle - Bontrager Arvada, hollow chromoly rails, 138mm width
• Seatpost - Bontrager Rhythm Elite, 31.6mm, 0mm offset, 330mm length
• Stem - Bontrager Line Pro, 35mm, Direct Mount, 50mm length

2022 Trek Session 9 Downhill Bike Spec - $6,999

• Fork - RockShox Boxxer Ultimate, DebonAir spring, Charger 2.1 RC2 damper, straight steerer, 46mm offset, Boost, 110x20mm Maxle Stealth, 200mm travel
• Shock - RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate DH, RC damper, 250x72.5mm
• Front Wheel - Bontrager Line DH 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, 110x20mm Boost thru axle
• Rear Wheel - Bontrager Line DH 30, Tubeless Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, Shimano 7 speed freehub, 157x12mm thru axle
• Tires - Bontrager G5 Team Issue, wire bead, 2-ply 60tpi, 29x2.50"
• Drivetrain - SRAM X01 DH, 7 speed
• Derailleur - SRAM X01 DH, medium cage
• Cranks - SRAM X01 DH, DUB 83, 34T alloy ring, 165mm length
• Cassette - SRAM PG-720, 11-25, 7 speed
• Bottom Bracket - SRAM DUB, 83mm, BSA threaded
• Chain - SRAM PC-1110, 11 speed
• Brakes - SRAM Code RSC 4-piston hydraulic disc
• Grips - Bontrager XR Trail Elite, nylon lock-on
• Handlebar - Bontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 35mm, 15mm rise, 820mm width
• Headset - FSA Orbit, sealed cartridge bearing, 1-1/8" top, 1.5" bottom
• Pedals - Wellgo MG-1, magnesium body, Cro-Mo axle, replaceable pins
• Saddle - Bontrager Arvada, austenite rails, 138mm width
• Seatpost - Bontrager Rhythm Elite, 31.6mm, 0mm offset, 330mm length
• Stem - Bontrager Line Pro, 35mm, Direct Mount, 50mm length

It’s clear Trek has sorted out the versatility of the new Session, and they go big on paper, too, answering all the uber-nerd questions about wheel path and pedal kickback.

We’re stoked to see Reece, Charlie, Loris and Vali on these bikes at the races and we have one on the way for testing, so stay tuned.

2022 Session FAQ

Do all frame sizes use the same wheel size?

All three frame sizes are built around 29-inch wheels, but all are compatible with 27.5 and mixed 29/27.5 configurations.

Is it compatible with other wheel/tire sizes?

Yes! All Session models come stock with 29-inch wheels, but can run 27.5" wheels with the Mino Link set to the high geometry position and with the Session-specific extended headset cup. The alternate headset cup is included with framesets, but sold separately for complete bikes.

Riders can also run a mixed 29 front/27.5 rear setup with the Mino Link set to the high geometry position.

What is the maximum tire size?

For both 29" and 27.5" wheels, the max tire width is 2.6"

Have there been any geometry changes?

The reach has increased around 30mm per size. For example, a LG used to be 435mm, but now the comparable R2 size is 465mm reach. Each size also has a unique chainstay length for more balanced weight distribution.

Does size-specific chainstay length mean there are unique stays for each size?

No. Chainstay length is actually measured from the center of the bottom bracket to the center of the rear axle. We adjusted the position of the bottom bracket on the main frame for each size so that each size still uses the same rear end.

In which Mino Link position does the bike ship?

Mino Link geometry - high position. Mino Link suspension - 25% (more progressive).

Does it have ISCG mounts?

Yes. Session features a 2-bolt ISCG 05 mount.

What is the rear brake mount? What is the max rotor size?

180mm Post mount. Adaptable to 220mm Max.

Is it compatible with any aftermarket shocks? Which ones fit?

Aftermarket shocks, including coils, from Fox, RockShox, and DVO will fit. Shocks from other brands will most likely fit, but we advise checking frame clearance at full compression.

Is it internal or external cable routing?

You have the option to run internal cable routing to keep everything protected and tidy or run it external for easy service. On the underside of the top tube is an external hose clamp that allows for external cable routing. It can easily be removed if you choose internal cable routing. The bike ships with internal cable routing.

What is the maximum chainring size? Minimum chainring size?

Max 38. Min 32.

What type of bottom bracket does it use?

83mm BSA threaded

What chainline is it designed for?

It's designed for a 56.5 CL, however it is compatible with chainlines between 55.5mm and 58.5mm.

View key specs, compare bikes, and rate the 2022 Trek Session in the Vital MTB Product Guide.