trek session 88 2011

Riding the 2011 Trek Session 88 6

View replies to: Riding the 2011 Trek Session 88

Most Popular

Hello Vital MTB Visitor,

We’re conducting a survey and would appreciate your input. Your answers will help Vital and the MTB industry better understand what riders like you want. Survey results will be used to recognize top brands. Make your voice heard!

Five lucky people will be selected at random to win a Vital MTB t-shirt.

Thanks in advance,

The Vital MTB Crew

The 2011 Trek Session 88 is a full-suspension mountain bike with an aluminum Fox DHX RC4 frame. The frame has a   Raw  Tint  /  Trek  Red finish.

It was released in 2011 and costs $6,299 brand new. Due to the frame materials and other factors, we estimate that this bike weighs around 30 pounds.

The Session 88 2011 comes with Mountain Mix components, including a Race Face Atlas Direct Connect stem, a Cane Creek Frustum SE Light headset and Sram X.0 shifters.

The Session 88 2011 has 9 speeds and has a MRP G2 SL derailleur.

It comes with Maxxis Minion DHF tires (26in x 2.5in) and disc Bontrager Big Earl Disc rims.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Mountain Biking Magazine

Trek 2011 session 88 product launch.

Changes upon the existing design include beefier tubes, a built in stone deflector on the downtube, built in fork bumpers and a specifically tuned rear shock as standard…

From DIRT ISSUE 105 – November 2010

Words by James McKnight. Photos by Sterling Lorence.

I think it is safe to say that the Session was an instant success on its release to the public, and for good reason. Lightweight, defined shaping and clearly a lot of thought put into the fundamental workings – in my opinion a bike that has seriously helped pick up the sport of downhill and re–kindle interest in the evolution of mountain bike technology.

Changes upon the existing design include beefier tubes, a built in stone deflector on the downtube, built in fork bumpers and a specifically tuned rear shock as standard. All small tweaks, you may say, but I think that Trek have got the right idea here. What we can now see is an evolving product that is being constantly worked on by a team of both riders and engineers (and riding engineers for that matter), and with an already successful World Cup team also on the case we can only expect the bike to get better with time.

Trek’s mountain bike team, Trek World Racing, provided the information the factory needed on how to improve on the suspension action. What we now have is a shock absorber that works efficiently and effectively throughout the stroke, particularly pushing out any sort of ‘dead spot’ in the mid stroke.

Day 1 of the camp in Utah and I was left seriously ‘jaded’ (a concoction of jet lag and line dancing in Vegas), and to be honest, probably not on my best riding form. What I most certainly did not need was a bike that was going to do anything too surprising. Fortunately, I could jump on the Session and within a handful of runs I felt absolutely at home on the bike; turns were good, nothing unexpected on the jumps, and the shock really does work well. Everything just seems to fit in place – the evidence of a bike that has been well tried and tested and clearly had a lot of rider input. I would certainly put this in a list of three if I was considering a downhill specific bike to purchase.

My only negative note is the sizing: I was happy to see that four sizes are on offer, I think this should be a minimum for any bike company, but then found the size Large to be just right for me. At 5 foot 10ish, I wouldn’t put myself as a ‘Large’ person – more average (‘Medium’ in bike speak). Just a small niggle but to be considered if you are thinking of buying one.

I went to the press camp with the fear that I would be brainwashed and come away a Trek robot, but I was pleasantly surprised by the laid–back attitude and passionate focus of every Trek employee on hand, and definitely won over by the easy ride of the Session 88.

So the flipside of the Trek press camp was the riding element. The focus of this camp was clearly to show off the new and improved Session, but from what I could gather the Trek crew were also eager just to ride bikes and have a good time.

After several presentations and a ‘warm welcome’ in Vegas (a welcome that only Vegas could produce), we jumped in a typically American bus – the sort that is so impractically large you can’t quite understand what real function it has in the world – trundled out of the City of Sin and headed north east toward the small resort of Brian Head, Utah.

Brian Head is one of those great out of season towns that only mountain biking could take you to, all but deserted yet strangely homely and providing all that a bike rider could ever wish for. Views stretching further than I have ever seen, an incredible mix of colours – reds, greens, yellows, and a lone chairlift making its way to a summit somewhere above town.

Trails were rocky, dusty and punishing, so too the thin air (the town sits at nearly 3,000 metres), and late summer sun of Utah. Having hosted many a race, including a round of the NORBA series back in the day, the hill here is littered with deceased trails, remnants of a slope that has quietly fostered the sport since its early days. Now there are several permanent tracks that we had the pleasure of tearing down for two days – a full–bore downhill track, a mellow but fun ride around the mountain, and also an area with a ‘freestyle element’, as the signs explained.

Afternoons were taken care of by the Mountain Express Shuttle, who packed us into another great American vehicle, this ‘van’ having space for 14 with bikes, and off–roaded us up and into the back end of the area unreachable by chairlift. Dark Hollow was my favourite shuttle and a trail that is everything that I had imagined of American riding; a long flowing succession of rocks, creek crossings and mellow turns, joined by foot wide smooth–as–you–like single track and ending in spectacular scenery a thousand metres below. Awesome.

Not a huge range of trails, but if you happened to be passing (as you do) there’s certainly enough to keep you going for a couple of days. Another interesting note being that the town is German founded, this in itself not particularly enthralling, but time a visit right and you may find yourself in the midst of Oktoberfest, in Utah, USA. Strange.

Contact points

Stay in control with the latest from TRP, Ritchey, DMR and Ergon

New - Renthal Fatbar - Version 2

An update to a benchmark component

Featured in this post

Related Articles

RockShox unveils new Lyrik RC2

Ready to charge

Fox releases all-new Flux helmet

A trail favourite reborn

Spring clean your bike – with Peaty or Guy Martin

Loam Foam and Proper Cleaner put to the test

Privacy Overview

Newsletter terms & conditions.

Please enter your email so we can keep you updated with news, features and the latest offers. If you are not interested you can unsubscribe at any time. We will never sell your data and you'll only get messages from us and our partners whose products and services we think you'll enjoy.

Read our full Privacy Policy as well as Terms & Conditions .

• Register New User
• First Looks
• Friday Fails
• Community Blogs
• Fantasy League DH
• Places Directory

Trek Session 88 DH

65 Reviews for Session 88 DH

Specifications Compare to other DH Bikes

Where to buy.

• Pinkbike BuySell
• Find a Trek Shop near you
• Trek Website

Cool Features

2011 Trek Session 88 Gets Aero, and Adds More Rubber

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

The Session 88 was a bike that really announced that Trek was here to play in the competitive DH world. It was a no nonsense race bike right out of the gate, yielding on of the lightest complete bikes at the time. While the performance was stellar and hard to beat, the frame featured an extremely thin flat downtube that resulted in dented tubes for a number of consumers. I personally had an 88 for a season and never had a problem, even after riding in some very rocky areas with audible rock strikes to the downtube, but that’s not to say it didn’t happen to others.

So Trek had a little work to do when it came to redesigning a bike that already rode perfectly. So they looked into what they thought was the next logical step: aerodynamics.

See all the closeups and breakdown of the new features after the break!

Obviously, durability is a term that is frequently used to hopefully describe the life of a downhill bike. With redesigning the 88, Trek looked to improve durability without sacrificing weight. One issue with a downhill bike is that due to the dual crown forks used, if the handlebar is rotated too far like during a crash or stuffing it into a car, the fork tube is forced to smash into the frame just behind the head tube. While forks are equipped with their own rubber bumpers which are more or less oversized rubber bands, they tend to migrate leaving the frame susceptible to damage. Not to mention the unique profile of the Sessions tubes made it difficult to position the bumpers in a way that would protect the whole frame. Enter the bolt on frame bumpers, which are also replaceable in the event that they wear out. No chance for them to move, and the base of the bumper is built for impact thereby saving the frame.

Now this is where it gets interesting. On your first glance toward the downtube you will undoubtedly pick up on the new bolt on Aluminum armor plate. You’d be forgiven if you thought that Trek bolted on a piece of rubber and called it a day. The armor plate will obviously improve impact resistance at the most crucial area of the frame, but it is only part of the story.

Remember a while ago when Bike Magazine had pictures of a TWR rider aboard a murdered out Session complete with Aero wheels and fairings? That was more than just a PR stunt, that testing provided real data usable to improve DH bike construction in a way no one has thought of before. The new downtube, and headtube serve to improve aerodynamics enough that Trek claims that it can save as much as 1 to 2 seconds over the course of a race. Now, before you get all bent out of shape that it is ridiculous to claim improvements of seconds, consider this: Currently world cup races are won or lost by tenths or sometimes hundredths of a second. Now that second or two is starting to look pretty good huh?

But let’s get serious, you’re not a pro racer and neither am I so what’s in it for us? Well, one benefit of an aero tube is that it is round, and round objects deflect impacts much better than flat surfaces. This means that even before the Aluminum armor the new downtube should be much harder to dent. I can say that the new downtube feels much stronger compared to the old frame just giving it the old tap-tap.

The swing arm also gets some work, receiving a new welded swing arm section rather than the previous forged and machined unit. My guess is this is for either increased tire and mud clearance or improved stiffness, or both.

While the 88 receives some pretty major changes, the Session 8 still utilizes the previous frame design. It also gets an Aluminum Armor, although since the frame hasn’t changed it gets the same Zip Tie version that the Scratchs get as well. It’s still a very nice touch and will be available as an aftermarket part if you already have a Session or Scratch. Otherwise it’s still a very potent DH weapon in a more affordable package.

Zach Overholt is the Editor in Chief of Bikerumor . He has been writing about what’s new in the bicycle world for 12+ years. Prior to that, Zach spent many years in the back of a bicycle shop building and repairing nearly every type of bike, while figuring out how to (occasionally) ride them.

Based in Ohio, Zach is now slowly introducing a new generation to cycling and still trying to figure out how to fit the most rides into a busy schedule as a new dad.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Looking good! Still love my 09, definitely like having a downtube protector thats actually made for the bike available soon. Only concern is these sit right against frame, wouldn’t it be better if it was a few MM off of the frame so it has some give when hit????

I have session 8 2010. i love to ride my session it amazing. But i like the down tube protection, it even better when trek will make one of them for the session 8 2010 accessories for resolves all the comment about trek sessions.

Follow Us On

Subscribe Now

Sign up to receive BikeRumor content direct to your inbox.

• Rider Notes

2013 Trek Session 88

A 26″ aluminum frame full suspension downhill bike with ultra high-end components. Compare the full range

For This Bike

View more similar bikes →

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.

Similar Bikes

(descending)

Add custom gearing

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

Jun 2014 · Dirt HQ

Changes upon the existing design include beefier tubes, a built in stone deflector on the downtube, built in fork bumpers and a specifically tuned rear shock as standard...

Read Review

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 2,550 days

• Rocky Mountain
• Specialized
• YT Industries
• Allied Cycle Works
• Black Market
• DALLINGRIDGE
• Diamondback
• Early Rider
• EVO Bicycles
• Growler Bikes
• Guerrilla Gravity
• iGO Electric
• Intense 951
• Juiced Bikes
• View all brands
• Production Privee
• Rad Power Bikes
• Rambo Bikes
• Riese & Müller
• Soul Fast E Bikes
• Spark Cycleworks
• State Bicycle Co.
• Structure Cycleworks
• Surface 604
• Van Nicholas
• Vintage Electric
• We Are One Composites

• Cross Country

• All Mountain

Trek Session 88

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Colour / Raw Tint Dark

Size / S, M, L, XL

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame Alpha Platinum Aluminum w/ABP Convert, Full Floater, E2 tapered head tube, AngleSet compatible, internal control routing, alloy EVO Link, Mino Link, replaceable derailleur hanger, 210mm travel
• Wheels Bontrager Cousin Earl TLR Disc wheel system, 20mm front hub, 157x12mm rear hub, 32 hole, Tubeless Ready
• Wheel Size 26"
• Tires Bontrager G4 Team, 26x2.35"
• Crank SRAM Descendant DH, 38T
• Rear Derailleur SRAM X0
• Shifters SRAM X9, 10 speed
• Brakeset Avid Elixir 9 hydraulic disc brakes
• Handlebar Bontrager Rhythm Elite, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 9 degree sweep
• Saddle Bontrager Evoke 2, chromoly rails
• Seatpost Bontrager Rhythm Elite, 31.6mm, zero offset
• Stem Truvativ Holzfeller, 31.8mm, direct connect
• Headset Cane Creek Angleset, E2

Q: What size wheels does the 2012 Trek Session 88 have?

The 2012 Trek Session 88 has 26" wheels.

Q: What size 2012 Trek Session 88 should I get?

No comments on this bike yet. Why not be the first?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Want more MTB in your mailbox?

The latest on mountain bikes delivered straight to your mailbox.

More Bikes in Range View All

Trek Session AL Frameset

Trek Session 9 X01

Trek Session 88 Downhill

More downhill bikes view all.

Propain Spindrift CF Mix Start

– Mixed (“Mullet”) wheels: 29″ front, 27.5″ rear, – PRO10 suspension system, – Internal cable routing, – SRAM UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger), – Multiple customization options available via Propain website

Rose SOUL FIRE 3

Transition TR11 GX

Deals view all, view all deals, recent posts view all.

Blackburn Honest Digital Pressure Gauge Review

It's 2020 people. The squeeze and bounce test doesn't cut it anymore (and this is…

Comparing Mountain Bikes

Mountain Bikes are complicated machines. They have parts from hundreds of different manufacturers, come in…

Undomestic Mountain Bikes: Here’s what we know

Update March 2020: Undomestic has announced that they are manufacturing frames "at this moment" and…

Send Feedback

Have a suggestion? Looking for a bike that's not on MTB Database? Or perhaps you've spotted an error?

We'd love to hear from you. Let us know with the form below.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience possible. Learn more.

About MTB Database

Explore, search and compare thousands of the world’s best mountain bikes here on Mountain Bike Database.

Compare prices, components, suspension, reviews, images and more on current and past MTB’s. You can even share reviews, comments and questions on mountain bikes. View and compare a huge selection of bikes from brands such as Trek , Specialized , Giant , Santa Cruz , Norco and more .

We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information for mountain bikes on MTB Database. If you’ve spotted any issues, please let us know . We also include helpful tools, such as our frame size calculator, to assist you in choosing the right mountain bike. Bear in mind that these tools serve as a guide and simply provide a general indication. Refer to information provided by your bike manufacturer for the most applicable information for your bike.

Bikes By Brand

Bikes by year, bikes by riding style, bikes by wheel size, popular bikes.

• 2022 Specialized Epic EVO Comp
• 2022 Trek Marlin 6
• 2022 Specialized Enduro Comp
• 2022 Specialized S-Works Epic EVO
• 2022 Specialized Epic EVO Expert
• 2022 Giant Fathom 29 1
• 2022 Trek Marlin 7

Latest Bikes

• 2023 Commencal SUPREME DH V5 SIGNATURE 70'S
• 2023 Orange Phase 29 Factory
• 2022 Commencal META SX V4 TEAM Frame
• 2023 Commencal SUPREME DH V5 SIGNATURE LTD
• 2023 Commencal META SX V4 - Frame
• 2023 Riese & Müller Swing4 vario
• 2023 Riese & Müller Swing4 silent

• Trek Session 88 2011

158cm - 171cm

168cm - 180cm

178cm - 189cm

186cm - 199cm

Bike summary

Bike components.

Alpha Red Aluminum w/Aluminum Armor, ABP, Full Floater, alloy EVO Link, E2 tapered head tube, integrated fork stanchion bumpers, oversized pivot bearings, replaceable derailleur hanger, ISCG03 mounts, 203mm travel

Rear Derailleur

Front derailleur, shift levers.

SRAM X.0, 9 speed

SRAM PG-970 12-26, 9 speed

Shimano Saint, 38T

Wellgo MG-1

Bontrager Big Earl Disc wheel system, 32 hole, 20mm front hub, 150x12mm rear hub

Maxxis Minion DHF, 26x2.5"

Avid Elixir CR Carbon hydraulic disc brakes

Race Face Atlas direct connect

Bontrager Big Earl, 31.8mm, 25mm rise, 9 degree sweep

Cane Creek Frustum SE Light Edition, E2

Bontrager Evoke 4, titanium rails

Bontrager Rhythm Pro, 31.6mm, 5mm offset

Bike geometry

About this model.

Session 88 is part of the Trek Session model. There are 88 bikes that carry this model name. You can easily view all of the Trek Session bikes models from 2011 , here .

Your safety should be the top priority when you go for a ride. In short, make sure that you always use a helmet, high visibility clothing , and proper lights when riding at night-time.

Downhill bikes average price

According to our math, the average price for a trustworthy Downhill bike is 3391 $ . However, this doesn’t mean that if you spend less money on a Downhill bike, you couldn’t get a decent one. In short, before purchasing your ideal bike do some research about its components, and also check for reviews online.

Session 88 components

Rear shocks give you increased comfort, control, and traction, which is important when cornering or braking. This allows you to ride faster on bumpy roads. In short, a full-suspension bike will give you the smoothest ride possible.

As for the wheels, Trek Session 88 2011, has a 26″ aluminum model. The 26″ wheels are lighter than the 27.5 or 29″ wheels. However, you will need increased suspension than in the case of 29″ wheels.

Nothing is more important on a bike than its ability to brake properly. Trek Session 88 is equipped with Hydraulic Disc brakes. These kinds of brakes are among the most popular models used on bikes. To sum up, you can ride your bike with confidence.

There are 4 sizes available for this model. Rider height can be anywhere between 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.

Not sure what's your riding style?

Find your ideal bike in seconds!

Take our 30 seconds quizz and find out which bikes suit you the best.

Handy tools

Tools to help you even more.