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2011 Session 88 or 2011 DHR

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MTBAlex

Chimp
Jun 18, 2008
68
0
Campbell, CA
Hey guys,

I'm in the process of putting my downhill bike together for the coming year. I'm having a hard time deciding between the Session or the new DHR. I would to have time on each so I can decide, but not many LBS carry the two bikes. Anyone got time on each or can give some recommendations?
 
aham73

aham73

Chimp
Jan 28, 2011
29
0
Philadelphia/ San Francisco
Just picked up a 2011 Session 8. 39.5 lbs as I've got it setup. Stout, responsive, and it pedals so well.

Coming from AM riding, I'm very impressed by how nimble the bike is. I can only imagine the 88 is better...

There's a reason magazines are giving the platform top marks. It's an all around awesome gravity bike.
 
altix

altix

Monkey
Feb 14, 2007
407
0
the DHR you idiot! The 2011 Trek is better than previous models...but really the DHR is a wayyyy better DH bike. I've ridden both. Unless you are getting the Trek for a grand cheaper ignore it all together...if saving money is your goal go with a Specialized.
 
Metal Dude

Metal Dude

Turbo Monkey
Apr 7, 2006
1,139
0
Smackdonough, GA
Hey Altix, since you are so schooled on both bikes why don't you elaborate on what makes the DHR so much better. I have a Session and it is one of the best bikes out IMO but, ov corse I have not ridden or seen the new DHR in person, do they exist? LOL
 
T

tuumbaq

Monkey
Jul 5, 2006
725
0
Squamish BC
altix said:
the DHR you idiot! The 2011 Trek is better than previous models...but really the DHR is a wayyyy better DH bike. I've ridden both. Unless you are getting the Trek for a grand cheaper ignore it all together...if saving money is your goal go with a Specialized.
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Interesting...I own a 2011 Session and I test rode the DHR...and to be honest, I was quite disappointed.It didnt feel as composed as previous generations to me... In fact it felt like it had been rushed together.The bike didnt feel stable @ high speed, kinda like the rear was boucing around too much.The back end just didnt seem planted IMO.I couldn't quite pinpoint whether it was the bike or the suspension given it wasnt set up for me but many of my friends also thought the exact same thing after they ridden it.I havent spent that much time on it nor was it set up right for me but my first impression was so disappointing that I woulnt really want to give it another go.All in all , Im not saying its a bad bike, but it wasnt for me

I was eager to try the DHR as I had loved the older gen but this guy simply didnt cut it for me.Im curious to hear how it can be WAYYYYYYY better to you than the Trek and how you could tell someone to ignore the Session when its arguably one of the best, well put together , right of the shelve, stock bike money can buy right now....
 
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aham73

aham73

Chimp
Jan 28, 2011
29
0
Philadelphia/ San Francisco
tuumbaq said:
Interesting...I own a 2011 Session and I test rode the DHR...and to be honest, I was quite disappointed.It didnt feel as composed as previous generations to me... In fact it felt like it had been rushed together.The bike didnt feel stable @ high speed, kinda like the rear was boucing around too much.The back end just didnt seem planted IMO.I couldn't quite pinpoint whether it was the bike or the suspension given it wasnt set up for me but many of my friends also thought the exact same thing after they ridden it.I havent spent that much time on it nor was it set up right for me but my first impression was so disappointing that I woulnt really want to give it another go.All in all , Im not saying its a bad bike, but it wasnt for me

I was eager to try the DHR as I had loved the older gen but this guy simply didnt cut it for me.Im curious to hear how it can be WAYYYYYYY better to you than the Trek and how you could tell someone to ignore the Session when its arguably one of the best, well put together , right of the shelve, stock bike money can buy right now....
Click to expand...
hey man, 8 or 88 for you?
 
FCLinder

FCLinder

Turbo Monkey
Mar 6, 2002
4,402
0
Greenville, South Carolina
I have spent some time on the 88 and can say it is one of the best DH bikes I have ridden. To me it's the perfect midden to me from a SP feel to a VP. I have a Remedy now that is setup like a Mini DH and love it!!! Now I have raced for Turner in the past and can say I loved all my old DHRs. It is a design that will stand the test of time. Now with all the Marketing around the new Turner DHR and talk on Ride Monkey I would have to say if you don't get a new Turner you will not be respected on Ride Monkey.:rofl: If you coud care less about that kind of thing then I would go with the 88.:thumb:

Good luck Bro,
Cecil
 
Metal Dude

Metal Dude

Turbo Monkey
Apr 7, 2006
1,139
0
Smackdonough, GA
FCLinder said:
I have spent some time on the 88 and can say it is one of the best DH bikes I have ridden. To me it's the perfect midden to me from a SP feel to a VP. I have a Remedy now that is setup like a Mini DH and love it!!! Now I have raced for Turner in the past and can say I loved all my old DHRs. It is a design that will stand the test of time. Now with all the Marketing around the new Turner DHR and talk on Ride Monkey I would have to say if you don't get a new Turner you will not be respected on Ride Monkey.:rofl: If you coud care less about that kind of thing then I would go with the 88.:thumb:

Good luck Bro,
Cecil
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Bwahahaha if that is the case to get the DHR for Ridemonkey cred.... I wouldn't take one for free!
 
P

Pslide

Turbo Monkey
Jan 14, 2002
1,373
0
Feet on the ground, head in the clouds.
The best thing about the Trek is that they did their homework with Fox on the custom shock tune. Very few companies do this. It's perhaps the most important thing to rear suspension performance.

And of course the good geo helps.

The Trek does pedal very well IMO, but I've not ridden the DHR for comparison.
 
aham73

aham73

Chimp
Jan 28, 2011
29
0
Philadelphia/ San Francisco
tuumbaq said:
Im on my second 88... girlfriend rides an 8 and it rides awesome as well
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nice! my girlfriend claims she's willing to go out on a ride with me. judging by her timid nature, i'll start her off slow :weee:

any tips for setting up the more basic shock and fork on the 8? got the cockpit type stuff dialed in great, just wondering about the small bump sensitivity of the suspension. won't be able to ride it until may though, as i'm heading back to school.
 
Sandwich

Sandwich

Pig my fish!
Staff member
May 23, 2002
21,080
5,999
borcester rhymes
a giant trainwreck of a frame or the third generation of a worlds beater? myeah yeah.

one has super hype magic and the other is pretty plain and out there. both are great bikes sure, but yeah....
 
ianjenn

ianjenn

Turbo Monkey
Sep 12, 2006
3,001
704
SLO
Sandwich said:
a giant trainwreck of a frame or the third generation of a worlds beater? myeah yeah.

one has super hype magic and the other is pretty plain and out there. both are great bikes sure, but yeah....
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Trainwreck? What frame are you speaking of?
 
William42

William42

fork ways
Jul 31, 2007
3,926
671
none of the trek and turner fans know whether they're being insulted or complimented! quick, explain yourself so that a group of them can flame you!
 
ianjenn

ianjenn

Turbo Monkey
Sep 12, 2006
3,001
704
SLO
MTBAlex said:
Don't really race, but I like to ride the flowly trails in santa cruz, hit the jump spots for air time and hit up N* in the summer time.
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Hmmm I would say if nothing SUPER STEEP and is being ridden it won't matter what bike. The tubes of the 88 are known to be thing, but if you don't fall a ton it won't matter.
 
dicey

dicey

Chimp
Aug 13, 2006
41
0
between a rock and an hardplace
my experience is, regardless of geo design, it's the suspension you have in it that will determine most of the characteristics of the bike that is being pedaled.
The difference between the 8 and 88 is components and suspension. If you want something smooth that handles like a true DH rig, then avoid pedal platforms. However, this will hamper your ability to pedal it around.
 
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illnotsick

Monkey
Jun 3, 2009
257
0
The session is so much less expensive than the other 2 choices, and you aren't planning on doing anything competitive on it. I would go that route. If you're set on spending the extra coin then spend it on a sick build for the session.
 
William42

William42

fork ways
Jul 31, 2007
3,926
671
illnotsick said:
The session is so much less expensive than the other 2 choices, and you aren't planning on doing anything competitive on it. I would go that route. If you're set on spending the extra coin then spend it on a sick build for the session.
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Really? You must have deals I don't, because from where I am, the session 88 sits at 6300 retail, and I believe the frame retails for 3000. Which is actually MOAR expensive then the m9.

Anyway, it sounds like you're not that into the session. Its a great bike, and everybody who has had one or owns one loves it to death, and the only times you hear negative are about "a friend of a friend" or a "buddy" from somebody who has a bone to pick with trek. You wont go wrong with it, but like I said, if you're not that into it, you literally are looking at three of the nicest DH bikes on the market. If you buy one of them and build it up, you will have fun, and you will not have buyers remorse. I recommend you flip a coin, and have a friend order whichever the coin says, and get a surprise!
 
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