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Trek Session 8 27.5 review
Impressive pedigree, but a letdown in the rough
‘ABP’ rear suspension provides a solid, supple action
Relatively short front end feels cramped, high bottom bracket and short frame deliver a sometimes precarious-feeling ride, harsh fork and weak brakes are disappointing for the price
While Trek's top-end Sessions had a complete redesign for 2018, this budget model uses a frame carried over from previous years. It’s a design that’s enjoyed huge success on the World Cup circuit, but how has it stood the test of time?
Editor's note: This bike has now been superseded by the 2019 model which was not available for review at the time of this test
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Trek Session 8 27.5 frame
Trek’s ABP (Active Braking Pivot) suspension system is essentially a single-pivot with linkage-driven shock design, except it uses a rear-axle pivot to reduce the effect of braking on the suspension action.
The shock is compressed between the upper rocker link and the forward tips of the chainstays. Trek calls this set-up ‘Full Floater’ and uses it to tweak the leverage curve so that the Session provides 210mm of slightly progressive travel.
A ‘Mino Link’ chip allows the bottom-bracket height to be adjusted by 10mm and the head angle by half a degree.
Trek Session 8 27.5 kit
To be blunt, you don’t get all that much for your money.
The Session 8 has solid DT Swiss wheels, Bontrager tyres and SRAM drivetrain parts, but its BoXXer RC coil fork houses RockShox’s more basic Motion Control damper. The SRAM Guide R brakes were also disappointing, lacking in power and developing a spongy feel after a few muddy rides.
Trek Session 8 27.5 ride
The Session felt small and cramped. In fact, I found myself double-checking that Trek had sent the XL frame I’d requested.
Not only is the reach noticeably short, but the minimal-rise bar (15mm) sits low on the negative-rise stem. With a high-ish bottom bracket, the bar feels even lower when riding. At 6ft 3in, I was practically rubbing my knees on the bar when I leaned forward to pedal. Plus things felt precarious in steep or technical sections.
I ended up swapping out the bar for something taller and with less backsweep, as well as putting a 5mm spacer under the stem. Even then, the high bottom bracket and short front centre meant the ride was far less stable or confidence-inspiring when things got fast or technical.
The Trek’s higher centre of gravity makes pushing hard into turns feel like more of a gamble too, despite the impressive grip of the high-volume Bontrager G4 tyres.
Up front, the Motion Control fork also puts the Session at a distinct disadvantage. It’s noticeably harsh on high-speed hits in particular, where it spikes badly. The damping just can’t react in time to keep up with square-edged bumps and the result is a clunky feeling through the bar.
In contrast, the rear suspension is very supple. The RockShox Vivid R2C shock is fancy for this price point, but doesn’t offer any big advantage over the simpler coil shocks found on other bikes.
Because of the short and tall frame, I had to run the rebound damping (particularly the high-speed rebound) pretty slow to provide enough stability over jumps and G-outs, and this compromised sensitivity a little. I also swapped the stock 500lb/in spring for a 550lb/in replacement to make the bike feel more balanced.
Trek Session 8 27.5 verdict
The outdated geometry, harsh fork and underwhelming brakes meant I really struggled to get on with the Trek.
Smaller riders can go some way to addressing the first complaint by going up a size, to get a longer reach (if the seat tube isn’t too long), but the high bottom bracket still undermines the handling somewhat. Considering all this (as well as the price), it's a hard bike to recommend.
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Trek Session 8 DH 27.5
- AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €
Colour / Matte Trek Black
Size / S, M, L, XL
At a glance
Where to buy.
Specifications
- Frame Alpha Platinum Aluminum, ABP, Full Floater, EVO Link, E2 tapered head tube, Mino Link, integrated frame protection, internal control routing, MicroTruss, down tube guard, ISCG Mount, 210mm travel
- Wheels DT Swiss FR2150, 20mm front, 157x12 rear
- Wheel Size 27.5"
- Tires Bontrager G4 Team Issue, 27.5x2.35"
- Crank Truvativ Descendant, 36T
- Rear Derailleur SRAM GX, Type 2
- Shifters SRAM GX, 10 speed
- Brakeset SRAM Guide R hydraulic disc
- Handlebar Bontrager Rhythm Elite, 31.8mm, 15mm rise
- Saddle Bontrager Evoke 2, chromoly rails
- Seatpost Bontrager Rhythm Elite, 2-bolt head, 31.6mm, zero offset
- Stem Bontrager Direct Mount, 31.8mm
- Headset FSA Orbit, E2, sealed cartridge bearing
Q: What size wheels does the 2016 Trek Session 8 DH 27.5 have?
The 2016 Trek Session 8 DH 27.5 has 27.5" wheels.
Q: What size 2016 Trek Session 8 DH 27.5 should I get?
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- Rider Notes
2016 Trek Session 8 DH 27.5
A 27.5″ aluminum frame full suspension downhill bike with high-end components. Compare the full range
For This Bike
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A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.
Session 8 DH 27.5
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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
If you're a DH racer, your special edition bike usually comes out during worlds - if you're good enough to qualify and your bike sponsor loves you.
Read Review
Trek’s pursuit of downhill speed has led to a longer, stiffer, Session. A 29er version has been added as well to now that components have caught up with the demands of the big wheel. - Mtbr.com
Jun 2016 · Sjones
Brandon Semenuk talks through his Trek Session Park
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.
Last updated 29 June Not listed for 2,487 days
2020 Trek Session 8 27.5 Bike (discontinued)
- Write Review
Specifications
Sizes and geometry.
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Specs, reviews & prices for the 2017 Trek Session 8 DH 27.5. Compare forks, shocks, wheels and other components on current and past MTBs. View and share reviews, comments and questions on mountain bikes. Huge selection of mountain bikes from brands such as Trek, Specialized, Giant, Santa Cruz, Norco and more.
Weight. M - 17.66 kg / 38.93 lbs. Weight limit. This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 300 pounds (136 kg). We reserve the right to make changes to the product information contained on this site at any time without notice, including with respect to equipment, specifications, models, colors ...
Session 8 27.5. 5 Reviews / Write a Review. Model 592253. Retailer prices may vary. Session 8 is the DH mountain bike with a park-focused geometry that shines on big hits at the bike park. It's built with a burly aluminum frame, 200mm/210mm front and rear suspension, and a SRAM GX DH parts group chosen to stand up to the roughest lines you can ...
Reviews, ratings, specifications, weight, price and more for the 2017 Trek Session 8 DH 27.5 Bike
Specs; Rider Notes; Overview 2017 Trek. Session 8 DH 27.5. A 27.5″ aluminum frame full suspension downhill bike with high-end components. Compare the full range. MSRP: $3,999: Weight:
View product specifications: Trek Session 8 DH 27.5 2017 - View Reviews, Specifications, Prices, Comparisons and Local Bike Shops.
Impressive pedigree, but a letdown in the rough
Everything you need to know about the Trek Session 8 DH 27.5 2017 - View Reviews, Specifications, Prices, Comparisons and Local Bike Shops. ... Quick Specifications. Name: Session 8 DH 27.5: Brand: Trek: MSRP: $3,799.99: Year: 2017: View Full Specifications . BUY LOCALLY NOW.
Trek Session 8 29 GX Highlights. Full aluminum frame ; 29-inch wheels (mullet configuration or dual 27.5-inch wheel options possible) 200mm (7.8-inches) of rear wheel travel // 200mm (7.8-inches) front travel ; ... To view key specs and compare bikes, head over to the Vital MTB Product Guide.
Session 8 27.5. 5 Reviews / Write a Review. Model 572461. Retailer prices may vary. Session 8 is the DH mountain bike with a park-focused geometry that shines on big hits at the bike park. It's built with a burly aluminum frame, 200mm/210mm front and rear RockShox suspension, and a SRAM GX DH parts group chosen to stand up to the roughest lines ...
Specs; Overview 2017 · Trek Session 8 DH 27.5. A 27.5″ aluminum frame full suspension downhill bike with high-end components. Compare the full range. RRP: USD 3,999 (about $5,979)Weight: 17.4 kg: Suspension: Full: Travel: 210mm rear, 200mm front:
Session 8 29 GX. Model 5255841. Retailer prices may vary. Session 8 is a downhill mountain bike with a robust alloy frame and high-pivot suspension design that keeps you nimble, planted, and blazing fast on even the most punishing runs. Compare.
2018 Trek Session 8 27.5 Bike(discontinued) 2018 Trek Session 8 27.5 Bike. Free Delivery on purchases over £20. Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only). International shipping available. Some exclusions apply. Free shipping and express shipping options available.
2017 Trek. Session 8 DH 27.5. A 27.5″ aluminum frame full suspension downhill bike with high-end components. Compare the full range. RRP: $3,999: Weight: ... Based on frame geometry and build specs. Terrain. easy extreme. Handling. nimble stable. Session 8 DH 27.5. Other Downhill bikes.
Specs, reviews & prices for the 2016 Trek Session 8 DH 27.5. Compare forks, shocks, wheels and other components on current and past MTBs. View and share reviews, comments and questions on mountain bikes. Huge selection of mountain bikes from brands such as Trek, Specialized, Giant, Santa Cruz, Norco and more.
This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider and cargo) of 136 kg (300 lb). We reserve the right to make changes to the product information contained on this site at any time without notice, including with respect to equipment, specifications, models, colours, materials and pricing.
2016 Trek. Session 8 DH 27.5. ... Cracked Dirt: TVS's Trek Session. Oct 2017. If you're a DH racer, your special edition bike usually comes out during worlds - if you're good enough to qualify and your bike sponsor loves you. ... Specs. Build. Frame: Alpha Platinum Aluminum, ABP, Full Floater, EVO Link, E2 tapered head tube, Mino Link ...
Session C 27.5 Frameset. $4,399.99. Buy. Trek 2022 Session 29 Lower Headset 27.5 Convert Cup. Trek 2022 Session 29 Lower Headset 27.5 Convert Cup. $10.99. Buy. Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only). International shipping available.
Session 8. £5,550.00. Model 5279084. Retailer prices may vary. The Session 8 is a downhill mountain bike with a burly alloy frame and high-pivot suspension design that keeps you nimble, planted and blazing-fast on even the most punishing runs. Compare.
Shifters. SRAM X7, 10 speed. Shock type. RockShox Kage w/IFP damping, external rebound and compression adjust, (S 400lb; M 450lb; L 500lb; XL 500lb spring) Stem. Truvativ Holzfeller Direct Mount, 31.8mm. Tires. Bontrager G4 Team, 26x2.35. View product specifications: Trek Session 8 2013 - View Reviews, Specifications, Prices, Comparisons and ...
Flat rate shipping to Hawaii and Alaska. Free standard shipping on all bikes (continental U.S. only). Flat rate shipping to Hawaii and Alaska. $4,399.99. Buy. Session C 27.5 Frameset. Session C 27.5 Frameset. $4,399.99. Buy.
2017 Trek Session 88 DH 27.5. Frame Alpha Platinum Aluminum, ABP, Full Floater, EVO Link, E2 tapered head tube, Mino Link, integrated frame protection, internal control routing, MicroTruss, down tube guard, ISCG Mount, 210mm travel