Trek has unveiled its 2012 collection of full suspension bikes to the media in Mayrhofen, Austria. Included in this year’s line are two completely new models; the DH-world changing OCLV Mountain Carbon Session 9.9 and a bike that’s fitting of an entirely new category called “Technical Trail”, the new Trek Slash. New technologies abound as Trek’s Fuel EX, Remedy, and Rumblefish bikes will now be equipped with Dual Rate Control Valve Fox Forks.

 

Session 9.9

The choice of World Cup superstar Aaron Gwin, the redesigned frame features new geometry and an increase in suspension travel to 210mm. 2012 represents a giant leap in Trek’s OCLV genealogy with the introduction of the Session 9.9; their first carbon downhill bike. Trek’s move to carbon on the Session 9.9 allows for internal cable routing. You can also opt to run the cables externally.

  

"The objective was to make the Session dramatically lighter without compromising the previous bike’s incredible performance,” said Trek Senior Composite Manufacturing Engineer James Colegrove. ”The 2 years of R&D we invested allowed our Advanced Concepts Group to create significant new technologies, like the use of a new material called InTension that acts like the center section of an i-beam;  transferring shear loads between the two faces of carbon. The R&D time also produced a patent-pending cable tie system called MicroTruss that eliminates the need for riveted cable guides. Our development team is very pleased that the Session 9.9 will introduce such significant new carbon technology to the world.”

The all-new Hybrid Air fork used on the Session 9.9 uses ultra-low air pressure to assist the fork's coil-over spring in what Trek feels is the most dial-able front suspension to ever grace their downhill bike. 

Slash

An all-new 160mm travel bike designed for the growing endurance downhill market. Developed in partnership with Trek riders Rene Wildhaber and Ross Schnell, the Slash is intended for the endurance downhill scene. Utilizing Trek’s Full Floater and EVO link suspension designs, the Slash is paired with a DRCV shock and Active Braking Pivot rear end to allow for maximum pedaling efficiency.

“Slash is defined by a lot more than just its travel — it’s the whole package of commanding steering, superior suspension, and a parts spec that rivals some DH bikes in durability and performance,” said Trek Mountain Bike Product Manager John Riley. “If you’re riding events like Megavalanche or Downieville, this is your bike.”

 

Trek’s single-track and technical trail platforms get some new technology, with the addition of Dual Rate Control Valve (DRCV) Fox Forks. The DCRV rear shock that Trek has used on the Remedy, Fuel EX, and Rumblefish platforms is now being paired with a fork that incorporates the same technology. When the fork is compressed far enough into the stroke of the primary air chamber, a plunger opens a second air chamber, increasing the volume of the shock for larger impacts. According to Trek, the result is small bump compliance, with big-hit performance. This technology was developed and refined by Trek’s Southern California-based suspension laboratory and Fox Racing Shox. With the new fork design, Trek has also slackened the head-tube angles on the EX and Remedy by one degree, increasing the bikes’ stability at higher speeds, and improving handling in steeper sections of trail. To top off the new look of the EX and Remedy lines, Trek moved cable and brake hose routing internally, which not only creates a cleaner bike, but claims to offer a quieter ride.

“After we made so much progress in increasing rider control with the DRCV shock, it’s great to be able to bring that versatility and improved handling to the front suspension,” said Trek Suspension Lab Director Jose Gonzales. “It further isolates the rider from the bumps of the trail and keeps the wheel on the ground longer, meaning better traction and greater stability.” 

 

Expanded 29er Collection

From the so-called godfather of 29” wheels, Gary Fisher, comes an expansion of the Gary Fisher Collection (Trek's sub-name for their 29er line). 2012 welcomes aluminum versions of the popular 100mm-travel Superfly line that will be offered alongside their established carbon brethren. Their already popular Rumblefish, gets a new mainframe with a higher bottom bracket and a full 120mm of rear wheel travel. Rumblefish will also be getting a fork upgrade with the addition of the new DRCV fork.

Suspension Calculator

For 2012, Trek is taking a new approach to addressing the rider and their experience with the launch of an online calculator that provides the recommended suspension settings throughout the full suspension line given a rider’s bike, model year, and weight. Designed for mobile, tablet, and desktop devices. The calculator is accessible at trekbikes.com/suspension. Trek plans to update the suspension calculator when new models arrive throughout the 2012 product year.

For more info or to find your local Trek dealer click here.

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