iDqnnez

So im looking to buy a full suspension bike and i have found an ”2011 Trek Session 8” It looks like its in a good condition, but im not sure if it’s too old and that i will have problems with it.

This is the description of the bike:”Trek Session 8 DH bike

Size: Medium

Condition: All parts fully functional and still very capable in the bike park, standard wear and tear for its age - viewings welcome/suggested



Specification:

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

Rear Shock: Fox Van RC (203mm travel)

Fork: Rock Shox Boxxer Race (203mm travel)

Cassette: SRAM PG-970

Crankarms: Race Face Respond DH

Chainguide:MRP G2

Pedals:Wellgo BO-87B

Rear Derailleur: SRAM X.9

Shifter Pods: SRAM X.7

Handlebar: Bontrager Big Earl

Stem: Bontrager Big Earl

Grips: Bontrager Rhythm

Brakes: Avid Elixir R (+new front brake pads)

Wheelset: Bontrager Big Earl Disc

Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF, 26x2.5" (upgraded front to Schwalbe big betty Performance ADDIX BikePark 26')

Seat: Bontrager Evoke 2

Seatpost: Bontrager Rhythm

Original MSRP: $4409.99



Additional info:

<1 week old front brake pads + brake service (brake bleed, tune, rotor alignment)”

​​
Would love to hear your opinion on it, i can provide pictures of it, if that’s necesary.

veganbikes

Are you planning on doing Downhill? If so go for it if it is super cheap and if you aren't then I probably wouldn't. Downhill bikes are great for downhill but not a great trail bike. I would probably pass on a newer but old Trek but and especially with Avid brakes. If they shocks were serviced recently and regularly that would put a notch towards it but I still probably wouldn't personally but I don't go to bike parks or ride downhill and don't have major plans to.

Canker

https://www.mtbr.com/forums/downhill-freeride.47/
I think you would be better off asking over there. I don't think there are a lot of downhillers on this forum.

iDqnnez

Yeah, so i got i really good price on it since i know the guy selling it and i have done a simmilar thing for him on a car he bought. He put it out for $1500, the reasson he put it out so ”cheap” was becouse he is moving, the bike is in a really good condition from what i have seen. Bassicaly i got it for $400 with a ”friend discount”. Im mostly gonna use it riding around in the forest (not on a trail) but also riding a bit on gravel and asfalt. Is a full suspension alot slower than a hardtail on these conditions?

commo_soulja

Sorry but even factoring the price you got it at, a DH mountain bike aint what you need. Especially on gravel and road.

prj71

^^^This.

It's a bike meant for riding downhill. Not trails or roads.

iDqnnez

Ok, but just theoretical, if you would take this bike on the road with some other hardtail mountainbikes, would it keep up?

Im also planing to go to a bike park near me, if i would buy this bike. I already got a hardtail so im not really looking for that at the moment.

prj71

Depends how strong your motor is. You'll have to work harder than the others.

I suggest you do some research on the different types of mountain bike geometries and what they are used for.

iDqnnez

My motor is pretty average and will do some research about that.

If you close your back suspension and fill up the tiers then you wouldn’t have to work as hard right? I know that it would remove the point of having a full suspension bike, but i would like to use it for more than in a bike park. Im looking to upgrade from my hardtrail but i want to be able to ride from and to the bike park with my bike. (Since i live pretty close to it) Then couldn’t you when your at the park just let some air out from the tires and open the suspension? Im not used to a full suspension bike but want to get into it so thats why im asking here…

Kapusta

A DH bike is a terrible idea for what you are looking to do with it.

iDqnnez

oh, ok. So what would happen if you do that? Would it stop work in some way?

Having a hard time finding what bike would be better for it, any ideas?

DMC707

Since you already boughtit, just try it for yourself.

you mention bike park. Its perfect for that. Shuttle runs, jumps etc.
but earlier you mentioned just riding around in the forest, on gravel, and onasphalt - its not an ideal bike for that. But you alreadyhave it so get some use out of it.

Kapusta

Nothing will stop working, but it will will be a pig to pedal and you will wish you were using a different bike anytime you are not at a lift-served park or shuttling.

You mention riding in the forest (if not on trails then what... bushwhacking or riding forest roads?) and some gravel and paved roads. It will suck for all of that.

You mention locking out the suspension... Does the suspension even have a lockout? I doubt it, and even if it does, you don’t want to be trail riding with it like that.

If you want a bike just for a lift served bike park or shuttling, this type of bike would be great. But understand that this is a niche bike that is designed with the assumption that you will not be pedaling to the top.

As far as what kind of bike would be better... literally any kind of mtb. But what specifically you should look for is hard to say because you are pretty vague about how exactly you are going to be using it. You mention everything from a bike park to road riding.

prj71

This forum never ceases to amaze me.

DMC707

Lets see - sometimes a photo demonstration works


what you have is similar to one of these




What you need for riding in the forest, gravel, and asphalt --- would look more similar to one of these

2old

As above, if you've got it, try it out. But an XC FS bike would be far better for your needs IMO, lower weight, better geometry, less rolling resistance, etc.

seat_boy

It's also a 10 year old downhill bike. That fact in itself would make it a no-go for me. How much abuse has it taken in that time? How out of date is the geometry?

Ryno317

If you already have a hardtail, just ride with your friends that are riding hardtails.

I think he just wants to be the cool kid on the block with a cool looking full suspension bike,