trek session 9.9 frame

Trek Session 9.9 29

Words by Drew Rohde | Action Photos by Trevor Lyden

You’d never guess it by looking at the Trek Session 29’s meticulously clean lines or attention to detail, but Trek created this bike knowing full well that sales numbers would pale in comparison. Downhill bikes cater to an increasingly small percentage of riders, and 29-inch wheeled DH bikes are going to segment that group into an even smaller section. If you compare Session sales to Fuel, Remedy and Slash models, the world-renowned Session looks more like an experiment in marketing than good business. Despite the unlikely return on R&D, design time and production mold dollars, Trek forged ahead creating one of the most beautiful, downhill bikes I’ve ever seen. After ogling over a pre-production Session 9.9 29 at Crankworx Whistler, I was anxious to get a long-term tester to see if the love affair would last once things got down and dirty.

In an effort to remain open minded, I try to not study the numbers on our test bikes before I write reviews. I’ll be totally honest, I either didn’t know or totally forgot that the Session 9.9 29er had 190mm of travel. Regardless of my newfound knowledge, the bike handled everything I threw at it thanks to the Fox Factory Fit 40 RC2 fork and Fox Factory Float X2 shock. Oh yeah, and the 29” wheels.

Trek equips the Session 29 with all of their standard features you’ve come to know over the years. The Session 9.9 is their top of the line model, and the frame is built using Trek’s OCLV (Optimum Compaction Low Void) carbon process that has been evolving since 1991. A magnesium Evo Link houses the adjustable Mino Link chip – an easily adjustable piece of hardware that changes the head tube angle and BB height.

Frame features also include an integrated frame protector, Control Freak cable routing, Carbon Armor, ABP (Active Braking Pivot) 4-link suspension design and adjustable fixed-angle headset cups.

The Session 9.9 29er is race-ready and boasts a 7-speed Shimano Saint drivetrain and Shimano Saint brakes. A particular highlight I enjoy is the very sexy MRP G4 carbon chainguide. Rolling stock on the Trek Session 9.9 29 comes in the form of Bontrager Line DH 30 wheels, with Boost 110×20/157x12mm spacing. Bontrager G5 Team Issue 2.5” tires offer excellent grip, however I did flat the rear tube twice. I haven’t flatted a DH bike in years so I’m not sure if the tubes are especially thin or if it’s the tire. Either way, I went tubeless and haven’t had any issues since.

More Bontrager goodies fill the cockpit: Line Pro 820mm bars, a Line Pro Direct Mount 50mm stem and XR Trail Elite grips, which we removed pretty quickly. After a near death experience clipping a tree just before a drop, I cut down the bars to about 777mm, and while they have a strange look and feel at first, they weren’t something I focused on once I started riding.

I was both surprised and reaffirmed when I learned the Session 9.9 29er has 190mm of travel. As mentioned above, I don’t look at the details of a bike before riding it. Clearly I can’t be totally unaware of what some bikes offer, but I try to avoid the spec sheet until after my testing, or sometimes mid-test if something doesn’t feel right. I want to be open minded and let the bike speak to me during the test period without my brain telling me what I should be feeling based on a chart.

The shortened travel wasn’t something I completely noticed during my test rides, but in hindsight it made sense. What I mean by that is, the bike rode differently than the 27.5 and 26-inch Sessions when it came to landing drops or larger jumps. It did not feel harsh by any means, it just had a firmer feel that I attributed to more progression in the tune. I reached full travel every run during my testing, but never felt harsh hits or that I was out of travel. That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t like more though. If possible, I’d love to see this bike with 195mm or even 200mm of travel.

So how does it ride with those big wheels and shorter travel? Like a daggum rocket ship! I rode a demo bike briefly in Whistler Bike Park. It was slack, low and certainly better than some of the other bikes I rode that week, but I wanted more. It was a well-worn demo bike and I knew the understeer and suspension issues I experienced were tunable. Before hopping on the chairlift for my first ride, I got sacrilegious. I put the Mino Link in the High mode! Since I wasn’t dropping into Val Di Sole, I figured I had the ability to navigate the terrain I was about to ride with a head angle more nimble than 62.1 degrees.

What I felt on that first ride was pure magic. I had no understeer, the bike stood up a bit taller, was a little bit shorter and put me right where I wanted to be – in a position to command the bike. That first ride was the beginning of what I hope is a long relationship (Wink wink, Trek can I keep it?) I only spent about two runs tweaking suspensin and quickly settled in on my tune. As my speed increased with familiarization to the bike, I added about five more PSI and 2-3 clicks of compression depending on the track.

I’m not always a fan of the Fox 40, as it can ride a bit stiff and beat up my hands, but this fork feels buttery smooth and the rear shock is the same. I actually found that running a little bit more sag was preferred for my riding style and terrain. I don’t live for the jump lines, instead preferring the natural steeps and chunky stuff with natural gaps. The softer spring rate kept me on the ground when I wanted, but added compression prevented me from blowing through travel when I didn’t. I’m sure this softer set up is also why I was reaching bottom out on all my race-paced test runs, but this isn’t a bad thing according to some schools of thought. The trade off for regularly using all the travel is insane traction and confidence, well above what many other bikes have offered me.

While the suspension performance is a highlight of the Session 9.9 29, the thing that blew me away is the out and out speed of the bike. Specifically, how fast it gets up to speed. I took two practice runs down a newer trail at Mt. Bachelor that is a steep fall line and navigates everything from lava rock to flat, loose turns, massive ruts and very aggressive roots. During my sighting laps I’d inspect lines, erosion changes, etc. Every time I hopped back on the Session 29 and let off the brakes I was instantly back up to speed, like I’d never stopped. No pedal strokes needed, the bike just picked up steam and charged down the trail like I was trying to scare myself!

The larger wheels are definitely noticeable and something I was very aware of every time I got on the bike. This is both good and not so good. The bike feels a bit larger and gives me a feeling of being right in the middle of two massive steamrollers. Benefits of the big wheels are plentiful, as the bike is beyond stable and allows for errors in line selection or lazy riding while still maintaining top speed because the added roll-over ability offers a larger margin of error. However, if you screw up the entry to a tight turn like a switchback, the length and big wheels will not treat you well. Swinging wide is the way to go, but if you live to jackknife corners like you’re always being filmed for an Instagram edit, you’ll have your work cut out for you.

Another noteworthy point is the seat height. I’m not quite six foot and rode a size large and had to cut quite a bit off the seat post. If you think of DH bike seat post heights by comparing a World Cup racer to a FEST Series rider, you’ll know that there is a big difference in riding style. This bike is most definitely a racer as the larger wheels don’t allow for a totally slammed post, and this may be an issue for riders with short legs, especially if you’re a big jumper. Which is another place that the Session 9.9 29er didn’t completely blow me away.

Downhill bikes are very purpose specific tools, and this is very clearly a race rig, so I didn’t expect it to be a whip machine. I’m not Brendan Fairclough or some amazing rider, but the added rotational mass was definitely noted when I wanted to make quick changes in the air. Still, the 34.91-pound weight and poppy suspension feel kept me more than happy when I was playing around on the jumpy stuff.

The Wolf’s Last Word

Alright, so let’s pretend we’ve all got A.D.D and you just asked me if you should buy this bike because you don’t have time to read. If I had to reply in one word I’d say, “Hellyes!” BUT, I’m also very chatty when it comes to bikes so instead I’d like to ask what your budget is, what type of riding you prefer most and what you want out of your DH bike.

If you’ve got the budget, are looking for a flat out race machine to make you as competitive as possible, love plowing over shit as fast as you can, or want something to give you that extra little edge when it comes to racing the clock, then I think the Session 9.9 29er is probably one of my top recommendations. If you think spending over eight grand on a bicycle is ridiculous, love to jump, whip and slash, then I’d suggest looking at other options, perhaps a Session 8 27.5 ($4,279).

Ultimately, the Session 9.9 29 has become one of my favorite DH bikes in recent memory. Then again I’m the type of guy who goes to Whistler Bike Park and proudly skips A-Line in favor of the least popular woodsy DH tracks I can find. For me, the trade off in playfulness on the jump lines is well worth the added speed, traction and comfort on proper downhill trails. Just make sure you keep the spokes real tight, or else they’ll be making some weird noises!

Price: $8,399 Weight: 34.91 lbs Website: Trekbikes.com

CHASSIS Frame: OCLV Carbon; 190mm Fork: Fox Factory 40 Fit RC2; 190mm Shock: Fox Factory Float X2; 225x70mm

COCKPIT Brakes: Shimano Saint Handlebar: Bontrager Line Pro; 820mm Headset: FSA Orbit Saddle: Bontrager Arvada Seatpost: Bontrager Rhythm Elite Shifter: Shimano Saint; 10s Stem: Bontrager Line Pro DM; 50mm

WHEELS Hubs: Bontrager Rims: Bontrager Line DH 30 Tires: Bontrager G5 Team Issue; 29×2.5

DRIVETRAIN Bottom Bracket: Shimano BB80 Cassette: Shimano CS-5700; 11-25t Cranks: Shimano Saint M825; 34t Derailleur: Shimano Saint Shadow Plus; 10s

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Bike Test: Trek Session 9.9 29

Downhill is one of the gnarliest forms of mountain biking, requiring rigs that look more like off-road motorcycles than traditional bicycles; however, unlike its motorized cousins, a downhill bike requires gravity to propel it down the mountain. These bikes are some of the hardest to justify buying, unless of course you live in close proximity to a ski resort or have a good group of friends willing to take turns being the shuttle driver.

For that reason, MBA doesn’t test many downhill bikes; however, the new wave of 29er downhill bikes had many of our test riders curious to know what it would be like to ride a 7.5-inch-travel rig with fast-rolling 29-inch wheels. So, we decided to test one. We are stoked to introduce you to one of the winningest bikes on the World Cup Downhill circuit—the Trek Session 9.9 29.

WHO IS IT MADE FOR?

The Session has been in Trek’s lineup for years now and has featured many wheel sizes along the way, starting with the 26-inch wheel and later moving towards the 27.5-inch model, which is still available today. The 29er version was only offered as a frame, fork and shock package until the 2019 model year when Trek unveiled the bike we have here today. The Session 9.9 is Trek’s top-of-the-line 29er downhill race bike. So, who is it made for? Well, World Cup downhill racers; however, we’re sure Trek also expects to sell these high-octane bicycles to more human-like riders such as ourselves.

The Session 9.9 29 is designed for riders looking for an edge in competition or the ability to transform black-diamond trails into blue ones.

WHAT IS IT MADE FROM?

Trek designed the Session around many of its flagship technologies that we’ve come to know and love, such as OCLV (Optimum Compaction Low Void) Mountain carbon. OCLV is a process used across Trek’s carbon mountain bike lineup to ensure the right balance of stiffness, strength and durability. A Mino Link Flip Chip, along with fixed-angle headset cups, allows riders to fine-tune the Session’s geometry to better match different riding styles and types of terrain. The bike uses a four-bar suspension design with 190mm of travel, along with Trek’s patented ABP (Active Braking Pivot) to better separate suspension and braking forces. Trek then added armor to protect vulnerable areas, such as the downtube.

WHICH COMPONENTS STAND OUT?

The Session 9.9 is a purebred race bike equipped with nothing but the best. Starting with its suspension, we see a 190mm-travel Fox Factory 49 fork, which builds off the popular Fox 40; however, the arch is modified to allow clearance for a taller wheel. In back, Trek spec’d a 2019 Fox Factory Float X2 with a new mechanical bottom-out bumper to provide a more progressive end stroke. Our Session rolls on Bontrager Line 30 downhill wheels, with a Boost 110×20 hub up front and a Boost 157×12 hub with a seven-speed downhill freehub in the rear. Trek added a burly MRP G4 carbon chainguide and gave the bike a full Shimano Saint groupset. Bontrager parts round out the rest of the build, including the cockpit, saddle, seatpost and tires.

HOW DOES IT PERFORM?

Setting sag: Trek spec’d the Session with Fox Factory-level suspension, which we opted to set up with 30-percent sag front and rear. We then made adjustments to our compression and rebound until we found our sweet spot. The Session’s rear air shock made it easy to set sag without having to worry about swapping a coil spring. This means riders of all sizes can tune the suspension to their liking without purchasing extra parts.

Moving out: Once you toss a leg over the Session, it immediately becomes apparent that this is a purebred race machine built to take on the world’s toughest World Cup tracks. The big wheels, slack angles and wide 820mm handlebars all come together to inspire confidence—no matter what obstacles are in front of this beast. Prior to our testing, we trimmed the seatpost down 3 inches in order to have a lower center of gravity over the bike. Racers often run a taller saddle height than park riders; however, even for racing, the stock seatpost seemed a bit too high.

Overall, the Session has a comfortable fit, and while the reach measurement looks short on paper, standing over the bike feels natural.

Cornering: Our test riders expected the Session 29 would be like a monster truck made to straight-line its way down the mountain, and while that was somewhat true, this big-wheeled downhill machine surprised us. While the Session isn’t a slasher-type bike that lets you smash the rear wheel into corners, it does track through turns impressively well and changes direction with relative ease. Of course, a little extra speed helps liven this bike up, but even in slower situations the Session navigated the trails quite well.

Descending: “Faster than a speeding bullet” is probably the best way to describe this bike’s ability to descend. The Session picks up speed as if it has a hidden motor tucked away in its bottom bracket. Even after getting on the brakes hard mid-run, it gets right back up to speed as if it never slowed down at all. This is likely attributable to the fast-rolling 29-inch wheels; however, Trek’s geometry and detailed suspension tuning play a major role here. The Session is most at home eating up rough and rocky black-diamond trails but isn’t afraid to take on bigger jump lines, either. Park riders may find the 29-inch wheels harder to toss around; however, any rider looking to improve his or her time to the bottom of the mountain will benefit from the larger-diameter wheel.

TRICKS, UPGRADES OR TIPS?

Trek offers the Session as a frame-only option or as the compete model we tested. Our bike came with components suited for a pro racer; however, we made a few changes to enhance our control and confidence. First things first, we trimmed our seatpost to achieve a deeper insertion, allowing for more room to move above the bike. We then swapped out the Bontrager handlebar and stem for a Renthal cockpit and added a custom-printed ODI number plate.

BUYING ADVICE

Diehard downhill racers are more likely to purchase this bike than park rats. Trek designed this bike for riders looking for the fastest way down the mountain who aren’t afraid to put up the cash to do so. Trek continues to offer the 27.5-inch model, which sells for a more affordable $4730, and will likely suit the needs of riders wanting a fun park bike they can toss around jump trails. That said, the Session 29 is the ultimate weapon for riders who need it. The bike blasts down the mountain with precision and control, turning the gnarliest terrain into a casual walk in the park.  www.trekbikes.com

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2019 Trek Session 9.9 29 Bike (discontinued)

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Specifications

Sizes and geometry.

​ www.trekbikes.com ​

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Most Popular

2012 Trek Session 9.9 Carbon Fiber Downhill Bike Frame

Trek Session 9.9 Complete

For 2012, Trek has got an all new top of the line Session available for the public. Raced on by Aaron Gwin this past year, he was able to secure the 2011 UCI DH World Cup overall title, which is no small feat. This new Session 9.9 bike has lots of technology built into it including carbon fiber construction and numerous other details.

Trek Session 9.9 Complete (click to enlarge)

Boasting an all new carbon fiber frame for 2012, the Trek Session 9.9 is a beautiful bike to say the least and quite lightweight. Claimed weight on the frame is 7.2lbs, and that includes the FOX RC4 with a steel spring. They were able to achieve this through numerous techniques in the frame layup process. According to Trek, they utilize a bladder system as well as a propriety low density material internally (called InTension) to get additional stiffness in key areas by strengthening the inside of the frame set.

It shouldn’t take but a glance at this bike to understand what its for. Downhill racing.

Details on the Session 9.9

• Carbon Fiber Frame (S,M,L,XL)
• Carbon EVO Link and Seat stays
• 210mm of rear wheel travel – an additional 10mm from last’s Session 88
• Custom FOX RC4 shock (Trek World Racing tune) with revised leverage rate
• Revised suspension rate for great square bump performance
• ISCG-05 chain guide tabs
• Tapered head tube
• 12 x 157 ABP DH rear axle spacing as standard. Can also accept 12 x 150mm rear axle.
• Internal or external cable routing option for both rear brake and rear derailleur
• Adjustable geometry :: over 28 geometry combination’s allowing for head angle range from 62.5 to 65.4 degrees
• Mino link (two position Race or Park setting) in the rear seat stay to tweak the ride characteristics and geometry
• MSRP: $4,200 Frameset, $8929.99 Complete (as shown here)

FOX 40 Kashima RC2 with Hybrid Air (click to see more)

FOX 40 RC2 Hybrid air is a system that Trek worked on with FOX that allows the user to add air to adjust the spring rate in greater precision in conjunction with the titanium coil inside.

FOX 40 RC2 Kashima with Hybrid Air (click to see more)

Users can run internal or external routing in a clean package on the Session 9.9. Here the internal routing cleanly integrates with the fork frame bumpers.  For external routing, there are slots for mounts to go along the top of the downtube.

Bumper and internal cable routing (click to see more)

Internal routing cleanly exists out the bottom

Internal Routing option exits cleanly out the bottom (click to see more)

EVO Link with Mino link at the rocker/ seat stay interface (click to see more)

The Session 9.9 utilizes what trek calls an Active Braking Pivot (ABP) and full floater.

ABP at the axle and Mino link at the seatstay/rocker interface (click to see more)

The 9.9 cable routing and full floater side shot.

Full Floater engages the shock from both ends (click to see more)

It should come to no surprise that the Session 9.9 has numerous protection armoring bits. Downtube, chainstay, seat stay, and more. Trek has applied their lessons learned from previous bikes on this 9.9.

Armor detail along the down tube (click to see more)

For more information on the Trek 9.9, check out Trek’s website .

Be sure to visit our 2011 Interbike category for more Interbike coverage.

2011 Interbike Gallery

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Trek Session 9.9

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Colour / Carbon Smoke

Size / S, M, L, XL

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame OCLV Mountain Carbon w/InTension main frame & seatstay, alloy chainstay, Carbon Armor, ABP DH, Full Floater, E2 tapered head tube, AngleSet compatible, internal control routing, HexMC carbon EVO Link, Mino Link, MicroTruss, replaceable derailleur hanger, 210mm travel
• Wheels DT Swiss 240s, 20mm front hub, 157x12mm rear hub; DT Swiss FR 600 32-hole rims
• Wheel Size 26"
• Tires Bontrager G4 Team, 26x2.35"
• Crank SRAM X0 DH Carbon, 38T
• Rear Derailleur SRAM X0
• Shifters SRAM X0, 10 speed
• Brakeset Avid Elixir XO hydraulic disc brakes
• Handlebar Bontrager Rhythm Pro Carbon, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 9 degree sweep
• Saddle Bontrager Evoke 4, titanium 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 9.9 have?

The 2012 Trek Session 9.9 has 26" wheels.

Q: What size 2012 Trek Session 9.9 should I get?

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MoSCoW: The Simple Framework for Effective Prioritization

In any product development process, it’s essential to identify what needs to be done and prioritize the work items effectively. Prioritizing can be tricky, especially when dealing with numerous requirements! Lucky for us, that’s where the MoSCoW method comes in handy. The MoSCoW method is a prioritization framework that helps product teams categorize their work items based on the order of their importance. This method can be used in various settings, from product management, product development to project management, to ensure that the most important items are delivered on time.

In this blog post, we’ll dive deeper into the MoSCoW prioritization method, its origins, how it works, why you should use it, and some tips for using it successfully. We’ll also address some common criticisms of the framework to give you a comprehensive understanding of the method. By the end of this post, you’ll be able to use the MoSCoW method confidently and effectively.

What is MoSCoW prioritization?

MoSCoW prioritization is a technique used in product management to prioritize work items based on their importance. It is an acronym that stands for Must-haves , Should-haves , Could-haves, and Won’t-haves . The method provides a simple and effective way to prioritize work items by categorizing them into four different priority levels.

• Must-haves : These are the work items that are critical to the success of the product. They are the items that must be delivered for the product to be considered successful.
• Should-haves : These are the work items that are important but not critical. They are items that should be delivered, but the product can still be considered successful without them.
• Could-haves : These are the work items that are desirable but not essential. They are items that could be included if time and resources permit.
• Won’t-haves : These are the work items that are not essential and will not be delivered in the current phase. They are items that are deferred to a later phase and not considered at all.

What are the origins of the MoSCoW prioritization method?

The MoSCoW prioritization method was developed by Dai Clegg in 1994 while working for the Oracle Corporation . The acronym MoSCoW was coined to represent the prioritization categories , and it has been widely adopted as a standard approach to prioritizing items in any product development team.

How does the MoSCoW prioritization method work?

The MoSCoW prioritization method works by categorizing work items  into four different priority levels based on their importance. The following are the steps to implement the MoSCoW prioritization method:

• Gather all work items : The first step is to define all the work items. This could be done through brainstorming sessions, stakeholder interviews, surveys, or feedback.
• Categorize the work items : Once all the work items are defined, they should be categorized into the four MoSCoW categories. This can be done by evaluating each work item and determining which category it belongs to.
• Assign priority levels : The next step is to assign priority levels to each item within each category. For example, within the “must-haves” category, some items may be more critical than others, so they would be assigned a higher priority level.
• Re-evaluate and adjust priorities : As the product planning and development progresses, priorities may change, and some items may become more or less important. Therefore, it is essential to re-evaluate and adjust priorities as needed throughout the product planning and development process.

Why should one use MoSCoW?

MoSCoW prioritization is a useful technique that can be applied in any product planning process  where there are competing priorities, limited resources, and a need to deliver the most important features first. 

Here are some of the reasons why you should consider using the MoSCoW prioritization method:

Helps to focus on what matters MoSCoW allows teams to focus their efforts on the most important work items and avoid wasting time on less important ones. By prioritizing work items, teams can ensure that they are meeting the most critical needs of their stakeholders.

Facilitates collaboration and communication The MoSCoW prioritization method can help to facilitate collaboration and communication between team members and stakeholders. By prioritizing requirements together, teams can ensure that everyone is on the same page about what needs to be done and why.

Provides a framework for decision-making MoSCoW provides a clear framework for making decisions about what work items to include in a product. It helps teams to make objective decisions based on the needs of stakeholders and the constraints of the product.

Encourages flexibility MoSCoW allows product teams to be flexible in their approach to work items. By categorizing work items into must-haves, should-haves, could-haves, and won’t-haves, teams can adjust their priorities as the product evolves or new information becomes available.

Overall, the MoSCoW prioritization method is a powerful tool for ensuring that products are aligned with the needs of stakeholders and focused on what matters. It helps teams to work collaboratively, make objective decisions, and stay flexible in the face of changing circumstances.

Potential downsides to using MosCoW

While there are certainly benefits to using the MoSCoW prioritization method, it’s important to also consider some of the potential risks or downsides of using this method in certain situations. Here are a few points to keep in mind:

• Ambiguity : The “won’t have” category can be considered to be too ambiguous. This can lead to uncertainty around whether certain items will actually be included in the final product, which can be frustrating for customers who may be relying on those items to achieve their goals.
• Resource allocation : Another risk of using MoSCoW is the potential misuse the method may lead to attempting to secure extra budget or resources. This can lead to a situation where items in the “should,” “could,” and “would” categories are promised to stakeholders, but there isn’t actually enough budget or resources to deliver on those promises. This can lead to disappointment and frustration on the part of stakeholders, and can damage team morale as well. (Not to mention, you may get a CS or Sales rep in a bit of trouble if they’ve promised a feature inadvertently, only for it to be taken away.)
• Insufficient prioritization: While MoSCoW can be a helpful way to get a high-level view of prioritization, it’s important to remember that each category may contain many items that need to be further prioritized. Without careful consideration of each item, there’s a risk that the team may build the wrong features or overlook important functionality.
• Time and effort: Finally, it’s worth noting that MoSCoW can be a time-intensive process that requires a lot of discussion and collaboration among stakeholders. This can be challenging for teams that are already stretched thin, or for products that are under tight deadlines. In these cases, it may be necessary to find a more streamlined prioritization method that can be executed more quickly.

Despite these risks, there are still many reasons why product teams may choose to use the MoSCoW method. Ultimately, the decision to use MoSCoW (or any other prioritization method) will depend on the unique needs and circumstances of your team and product. As long as you approach the process with a clear understanding of the potential benefits and risks, you should be well-equipped to make an informed decision about whether MoSCoW is the right choice for your team.

Top tips for using MosCoW effectively

Now that we have a better understanding of what MoSCoW prioritization is and how it works, it’s time to discuss some top tips for using this method effectively. These tips will help you and your team get the most out of MoSCoW and ensure that your prioritization decisions are well-informed and aligned with your goals. Whether you’re new to MoSCoW or have been using it for a while, these tips can help you improve your prioritization process and achieve better results.

• Make sure all key stakeholders are involved from the beginning. It is important to have all necessary team members present during the prioritization process to ensure that everyone’s perspectives and opinions are taken into account.
• If there are any concerns or conflicts that arise during the prioritization process, it is important to address them separately to prevent derailing the process. (Perhaps take it on to another meeting.)
• Once you have decided on the work items that fall into the “must-have” category, it is important to set deadlines for them to ensure that they are completed on time. Remember, product management assures you’re focusing on bringing the right value to users.
• Before starting the MoSCoW prioritization process, it is important to allocate resources to each task to ensure that the team has a clear idea of what can be accomplished.
• The MoSCoW prioritization process is meant to be collaborative, and it is important to avoid any one person’s opinion dominating the decision-making process.
• Keep the users at the center of your decisions. The MoSCoW prioritization method is meant to prioritize work items f based on their importance to the users, so it is important to keep the user’s needs in mind throughout the process.
• It is important to set strict requirements for each category to ensure that work items are not mislabeled, and that the team has a clear understanding of what each category means.

By following these tips, teams can ensure that their MoSCoW prioritization process is effective and results in the delivery of high-value features for their users.

The MoSCoW prioritization is a powerful tool that can help teams effectively prioritize their work items and make better decisions. By following the method and incorporating the top tips we’ve discussed, teams can ensure that their product planning process is on track and aligned with the needs of stakeholders and users. Although there are some criticisms of the method, the benefits of MoSCoW prioritization far outweigh the risks, and it’s a great way to help product teams stay organized and focused on delivering value to their users. So why not give MoSCoW a try in your next planning session?? You might be surprised at how effective it can be!

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Product prioritization frameworks: why your product’s success depends on them, capacity planning: tactics, benefits, and tools, great products start with great product management, see how craft.io can help you build great products with confidence, start a free trial on your desktop to get the full craft.io experience.

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