2024 Trek Session 8 29 GX Review
- Price: $5,499.99
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 29×2.50”
- Gear: 1 x 7
What we like about it: Sturdy frame, reliable and durable components, excellent geometry, and suspension design for tackling intense downhill rides.
What we didn’t like about it: It’s an extreme downhill mountain bike, best suited for experienced mountain bikers; not ideal for beginners.
Rating: (4.90/5)
The Trek Session 8 29 GX is a downhill mountain bike featuring a robust alloy frame and a high-pivot suspension design. It allows riders to remain agile, stable, and fast, even in the harshest conditions.
Now, let’s dive into our analysis of the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications of the Trek Session 8 29 GX. In the latter part of this article, we’ve also compared it with a few other bikes. If you want to learn more about bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
The aluminum alloy frame of the Trek Session 8 29 GX provides both strength and a certain level of lightweight construction. When I got my hands on this downhill machine, I couldn’t wait to hit the trails. The pronounced front and rear suspensions constantly excited my senses.
For this purpose, I took the Trek Session 8 29 GX to the Deer Valley Resort mountain bike park, where I had pre-booked nearby accommodations through IHG. This time, I chose a trail with significant drops, winding and challenging paths, and fast descents with steep rocky terrain. While the trails were complex, the Trek Session 8 29 GX instilled a lot of confidence in my riding.
Climbing
I didn’t have very high expectations for the climbing capability of the Trek Session 8 29 GX since its primary role is downhill, and it excels at that. On relatively gentle slopes, the bike displayed a reasonable climbing ability. The 1×7 speed was sufficient for tackling less steep climbing routes. SRAM GX drivetrain components offered excellent transmission efficiency, converting my pedaling efforts into forward momentum.
However, when I encountered steeper terrain, even with the maximum freewheel, pedaling uphill became challenging. This is a common issue with all downhill mountain bikes, and I had to dismount and push the Trek Session 8 29 GX back towards the starting point.
Descending
Once I reached the starting point, I pushed down hard on the pedals, and the bike shot out eagerly. Passing the first jump platform, I performed a “table” in mid-air. Upon landing, the front RockShox Boxxer fork, combined with the rear Marzocchi Bomber shock with 200mm of travel, absorbed all the landing impact, providing a stable and safe landing.
Further along the jump platforms, this suspension system remained reliable, allowing me to confidently soar to greater heights. However, the 29-inch wheelset’s flexibility for mid-air maneuvers was somewhat limited.
On fast descents with rocky, uneven terrain, the advantages of the 29-inch wheelset became evident. Unparalleled traction and stability allowed me to pass through more quickly. The Marzocchi Bomber coil rear shock made the bike’s rear wheel more stable, improving ground contact and preventing the bike from losing stability due to severe vibrations.
Finally, as I approached narrow trails and needed to slow down, the Trek Session 8 29 GX, equipped with SRAM CODE Bronze hydraulic brakes and 200mm front and 180mm rear brake discs, demonstrated powerful braking capabilities and exceptional control. I could quickly reduce my speed and navigate safely through winding path bends.
Specifications
The Trek Session 8 29 GX is available in 3 sizes of aluminum alloy frames, accommodating riders with heights ranging from 5’3″ to 6’5″. In other words, it caters to the height size requirements of virtually all riders.
With the RockShox Boxxer front fork and the Marzocchi Bomber rear shock, this bike is robust and reliable, capable of handling any aggressive downhill riding, while absorbing all shock impacts to ensure a stable ride.
The SRAM GX drivetrain offers precise and crisp shifting, with strong rear derailleur tension and a stable chain design. Even on the roughest terrain, the chain won’t come off.
Equipped with SRAM CODE Bronze four-piston hydraulic brakes, it delivers powerful braking performance, bringing the bike to a stop in the shortest time, and it remains reliable in the harshest conditions.
Video
What do we like about it?
- SRAM CODE Bronze hydraulic disc brakes offer reliable performance in all conditions.
- The downtube protection guard shields the frame from debris while riding.
- Longer wheelbase increases with each size, providing added stability for downhill riding.
- The SRAM GX drivetrain performs reliably and shifts crisply.
- The robust RockShox Boxxer front fork and Marzocchi Bomber rear shock absorb all landing impacts for a stable ride.
- The 29-inch large wheelset offers stability and speed for downhill riding.
What don’t we like about it?
- Best suited for riders with extensive mountain biking experience; not beginner-friendly.
FAQ
- What is the weight of this bike?
It weighs 35.87 lbs.
- What is Trek’s 30-day policy?
If, for any reason, you are not satisfied with a product you purchased from Bontrager or Trek’s aftermarket within 30 days, you can return the product along with the original sales receipt to the original point of purchase for an exchange or refund. Consider it a 30-day test ride.
- How do I choose the right size?
Here, we provide you with a size chart. Of course, this doesn’t necessarily have to be followed as the best way to find the right size is to take it for a test ride.
| Size | Rider Height | Inseam |
| R1 | 161 – 175 cm5’3″ – 5’9″ | 76 – 82 cm30″ – 32″ |
| R2 | 174 – 188 cm5’9″ – 6’2″ | 82 – 88 cm32″ – 35″ |
| R3 | 186 – 196 cm6’1″ – 6’5″ | 87 – 92 cm34″ – 36″ |
Specs
Frameset
| Frame | Alpha Platinum Aluminum, high main pivot, idler pulley, integrated frame protection, internal or external routing, magnesium rocker link, Mino Link, ISCG 05 2-bolt mount, Active Braking Pivot, 157x12mm thru axle, 200mm travel |
| Fork | RockShox Boxxer, DebonAir+ spring, Rush RC damper, 52mm offset, BoostDH 110×20 Maxle Stealth, 200mm travel |
| *Shock | Size: R1Marzocchi Bomber, 400lb spring, 250mm x 72.5mmSize: R2Marzocchi Bomber, 450lb spring, 250mm x 72.5mmSize: R3Marzocchi Bomber, 500lb spring, 250mm x 72.5mm |
| Max compatible fork travel | 200mm |
Wheels
| Wheel front | Bontrager Line DH 30, Tubeless Ready, 6-bolt, 110x20mm Boost thru axle |
| Wheel rear | Bontrager Line DH 30, Tubeless Ready, Rapid Drive 108, 6-bolt, Shimano 7 speed freehub, 157x12mm thru axle |
| Skewer rear | Bontrager Switch thru axle, removable lever |
| Rim | Bontrager Line DH 30, Tubeless Ready |
| Tire | Bontrager G5 Team Issue, wire bead, 2-ply 60 tpi, 29×2.50” |
| Rim strip | Bontrager TLR |
| Max tire size | Frame: 29×2.50″, Fork: See manufacturer |
Drivetrain
| Shifter | SRAM GX DH, 7 speed |
| Rear derailleur | SRAM GX DH, medium cage |
| Crank | Truvativ Descendant DH, DUB 83, 34T steel ring, 165mm length |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB, 83mm, BSA threaded |
| Cassette | SRAM PG-720, 11-25, 7 speed |
| Chain | SRAM PC-1110, 11 speed |
| Pedal | Wellgo BO-87B, alloy body, Cro-Mo axle, replaceable pins |
| Max chainring size | 1x: 36T |
Components
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, hollow chromoly rails, 138mm width |
| Seatpost | Bontrager Rhythm Elite, 31.6mm, 0mm offset, 330mm length |
| Handlebar | Bontrager Line, alloy, 35mm, 27.5mm rise, 780mm width |
| Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Elite, nylon lock-on |
| Stem | Bontrager Line Pro, 35mm, Direct Mount, 50mm length |
| Headset | FSA Orbit, sealed cartridge bearing, 1-1/8” top, 1.5” bottom (includes geometry adjust angled cups) |
| Brake | SRAM CODE Bronze 4-piston hydraulic disc |
| *Brake rotor | Size: R1, R2, R3 SRAM CenterLine, 6-bolt, round-edge, 180mmSize: R1, R2, R3 SRAM CenterLine, 6-bolt, round edge, 200mm |
| Rotor size | Max brake rotor sizes – Frame: 220mm, Fork: see fork manufacturer |
Weight
| Weight | M – 17.92 kg / 39.51 lbs |
| Weight limit | This bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 300 pounds (136 kg). |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Travel | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| 2023 Pivot Phoenix 29 Race Zee | Click View | 203mm front. | 29″ x 2.5″ | 1 × 11 | Carbon | Shimano Saint M820 |
| 2023 Canyon Sender CFR Mullet Underdog | Click View | 200mm front | 29″ / 27.5″ x 2.4″ | 1 × 7 | Carbon | SRAM GX DH |
| 2023 Scott Gambler 910 | Click View | 203mm front | 29×2.5″ | 1 × 7 | Aluminum | SRAM GX DH Short cage |
| 2023 Specialized Demo Race | Click View | 200mm front | 29×2.3″ | 1 × 7 | Aluminum | SRAM X01 DH |
2023 Pivot Phoenix 29 Race Zee vs. 2024 Trek Session 8 29 GX
When comparing these two bikes, the first one features a lighter carbon fiber frame, while I find the durability of the aluminum alloy frame of the second one to be better.
In terms of suspension components, the first bike is equipped with a Fox Factory 40 front fork and a Fox Factory Float X2 rear shock, providing better support than the suspension components of the latter. Its ability to handle large drops and landings is more powerful.
Regarding the braking components, both bikes come with reliable hydraulic disc brakes. However, in a direct comparison, I prefer the Shimano Saint M820 brakes on the first bike for their more linear and responsive feel.
In summary, between these two full-suspension downhill bikes, if the budget allows, I would recommend the 2023 Pivot Phoenix 29 Race Zee as it does have stronger components.
2023 Canyon Sender CFR Mullet Underdog vs. 2024 Trek Session 8 29 GX
Between these two bikes, the first one also features a lighter carbon fiber frame, making it more agile and lightweight for riding on narrow trails.
Regarding the suspension, both of them have 200mm of travel for both the front and rear suspension. However, the components for the suspension on the second one are of a higher grade, giving it an advantage when riding on rough and bumpy terrain.
As for the drivetrain and braking components, both of these full-suspension downhill mountain bikes use SRAM components, offering similar performance and ease of use, and they are both reliable and trustworthy.
In the end, considering that these two bikes are priced similarly, the first one’s combination of components and frame offers better value and overall advantages.
Learn More: Is Canyon Sender 5 Worth Buying? [Canyon Sender 5 Review]
2023 Scott Gambler 910 vs. 2024 Trek Session 8 29 GX
They both feature lightweight aluminum alloy frames that are robust and durable.
Regarding the suspension components, the first one is equipped with Fox components that provide better support and an advantage when dealing with large drops. On the other hand, the second one has RockShox suspension components that offer a more responsive rebound, resulting in greater stability during continuous rough terrain rides.
For the drivetrain, both bikes utilize the same SRAM GX DH components. In terms of braking components, the first one is equipped with Shimano SLX M7120 brakes, delivering a more linear and refined braking operation. Meanwhile, the second bike comes with SRAM CODE Bronze components, offering a crisper and more direct braking response.
Both of these bikes are quite similar in terms of price and performance, making either one a worthwhile choice.
2023 Specialized Demo Race vs. 2024 Trek Session 8 29 GX
These two bikes both use aluminum alloy frames. However, the first one comes with more advanced components, providing a superior downhill riding experience.
In terms of suspension components, the first bike is equipped with Öhlins components, which offer superior shock absorption and support compared to the RockShox and Marzocchi shocks on the second bike. They are more high-end and robust.
Both bikes use SRAM downhill components for the drivetrain. However, the first bike features the higher-level SRAM X01 components, which are lighter and more durable.
As for the braking components, the first bike is equipped with the Magura MT7 brakes, which deliver more powerful performance. Additionally, I find the design of the MT7 brake levers more aesthetically pleasing.
In conclusion, the Specialized Demo Race offers superior performance. For riders with a sufficient budget, I highly recommend it.
Summary
This is our review of the 2024 Trek Session 8 29 GX. It’s an exceptional full-suspension downhill bike that allows riders to achieve high speeds during intense descents. We’ve given it a high rating of 4.9. If you’re looking for more information on bikes, feel free to check out our other reviews.
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