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Trek X-Caliber 8 hardtail review

• February 14, 2023

There are plenty of plus-points to the Trek X-Caliber 8 hardtail mountain bike, like reliable components and a sure-footed feel

Product Overview

Overall rating:, trek x-caliber 8 2022.

• Tubeless-ready wheels and tyres
• Heaviest bike on test

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:.

The Trek X-Caliber 8 is a sure-footed 29er hardtail mountain bike, with plenty of reliable elements that boost its score to impressive levels, but a few missteps that hold it back from quite making it as one of the best hardtail mountain bikes we’ve tested. There’s a whole lot to like though.

Twenty nine inch wheels have long been an integral part of Trek’s mountain bikes, especially the hardtails. And where initially there was uncertainty and hesitation in the industry, Trek pushed on with this larger wheel size and the persistence paid off: with 29in wheels now accepted globally and across all mountain bike categories, not just for the cross country crowd.

Trek’s early 29in wheel bikes were XC hardtails and since then, the X-Caliber has shifted upmarket and now sit between the entry-level Marlin and the carbon Pro-Caliber. All three platforms run 100mm travel forks.

We’ve pulled in the X-Caliber 8 for this review, which is just shy of the Scott Scale 965 in price and shares many of the same components. With all four bikes on test running Shimano brakes and 1×12 transmissions, we were keen to take this consistency a step further and chose models with regular seatposts, rather than droppers. Primarily for comparing the weight of the bikes, but riding dynamics and overall value played a part too as we felt it really levelled the playing field, and maintained the XC hardtail design ethos.

With a steeply sloping top tube and a super-low standover height the X-Caliber is a very striking bike. It’s a silhouette that’s mirrored through all the brand’s hardtails – with the notable exception of the carbon Pro-Caliber – as is the wide size range that Trek is well known for offering. Seven frame sizes are available (with the XS and S rolling on 27.5in wheels to keep proportions in check) with a useful M/L option that’s a great problem solver for riders stuck between the popular M and L options. So hats off to Trek for this level of commitment to getting a good fitting bike.

When it comes to new frame standards, Trek has always been an early adopter, so it’s no surprise to see a tapered head tube and Boost hub spacing on the X-Caliber frame. But it’s Boost with a twist… here, Trek using 141mm rear dropout spacing with a traditional Q/R hub, rather than a 148mm bolt-thru design.

It’s not a deal breaker though, as the fixed rear triangle of a hardtail doesn’t need stiffening up like a full suspension design, and a quick online search reveals plenty of wheel upgrade options from the likes of Hunt, Hope and Bontrager for the 141 standard.

A modern touch that hasn’t been executed as well as on other bikes in test, is the internal frame routing for the cable and rear brake hose – they’re not clamped where they enter the down tube and rattle noisily on rough terrain, just like on the Trek Roscoe in our Hardtail of the Year test.

Trek has equipped the X-Caliber 8 with a RockShox fork and it’s listed as a Judy SL, so we expected to see an upgrade or two. However, all the tech is identical to the regular Judy forks seen on the Cube and Scott – a tapered aluminium steerer, steel upper legs, a Solo Air spring and the brand’s basic TurnKey damper.

The Trek is the only bike in test that doesn’t have a remote lockout lever though, just a simple dial on the top of the fork leg, with an on/off function and no graded adjustment between those points. At least it’s one less cable to maintain and gives more handlebar space for a dropper post remote lever.

And while the X-Caliber frame does not use a bolt-thru rear axle, the 100mm travel Judy fork does have the 15x110mm Boost hub standard – although the website lists the lighter tooled axle as standard, our test bike had the same QR lever operated version as the Scott Scale.

Shimano was slow to filter its 1×12 transmissions down to the lower price points, but it’s there now and proving to be a very popular choice, all four bikes in this test using Shimano drivetrains. The X-Caliber’s specification lists a Shimano chainset, but our bike shipped with a model from FSA, and it’s the only deviation from a complete Shimano drivetrain.

Trek has also gone with a smaller 30t chainring and combined with the Deore 10-51t cassette you get a super-low gear, which is useful on the climbs because at 13.53kg (29.82lb) the Trek is the heaviest bike in test.

Another wise move is the genuine Shimano chain which performs faultlessly in wet filthy conditions and plays well with the steel FSA chainring. The benchmark XT rear mech is good to see, as is the rubber chainstay protector, which is a detail the other three brands seemed to have overlooked.

Performance

The dropped top tube, wider 750mm bar, long wheelbase and slackish 68º head angle (the slackest of the four bikes) give the X-Caliber the look and feel of a trail bike. However, the Trek’s geometry and attitude is not in the same league as the most progressive 100mm trail hardtails such as Kona’s test-winning Mahuna .

Even on this size XL, the frame’s front triangle is very compact, especially when compared to the Giant XTC, but it still sports two sets of bottle cage mounts – essential on an XC bike. In fact, Trek has added plenty of mounts to the X-Caliber, with fittings for a rack and kickstand making it a very capable all-terrain bike.

With one of the lightest wheelsets on test, we expected some zip and liveliness from the X-Caliber but it lacked the immediate urgency of the Scott and Giant and on longer non-stop cross country blasts, its weight was noticeable, certainly towards the end of the ride.

You can’t knock the Trek’s sure-footed nature though – the lengthy wheelbase (for an XC hardtail) and wide bar aid stability, and it was only the Judy fork’s lack of refinement that held us back from diving into more challenging terrain. A slightly shorter stem would no doubt help here too.

Although the compact front end still has a tall 525mm seat tube, the seat stays are dropped, giving a tighter rear triangle. This certainly gives the X-Caliber a chuckable hardtail vibe, but the ride quality was a touch less compliant than the other bikes here.

With that in mind, there’s plenty of frame and fork clearance for higher volume tyres to help smooth the ride further, and Trek helpfully supplies the X-Caliber 8 with rim strips, valves and sealant so you can go tubeless straight from the box and reap the benefits immediately.

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With a sure-footed ride, reliable Shimano components and a sorted tubeless wheelset, it feels like there’s a trail bike hiding under the X-Caliber’s glossy frame finish just waiting to get out, but being held back by the fork and lack of a dropper post. Stepping up a model to the X-Caliber 9 would be our recommendation then, as it gets a dropper post and a more capable and refined fork. Ultimately, the Trek X-Caliber 8’s weight is noticeable and even with the same control tyres fitted to all of the test bikes, the Trek lacks the race-bike urgency of the Scott and Giant.

Trek X-Caliber 8: Everything You Need To Know

At a Glance: Features of the Trek X-Caliber 8

• Aluminum frame
• RockShox 30 Silver 100mm suspension fork and hardtail suspension system
• Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes
• Shimano Deore front derailleur, Shimano Deore XT rear derailleur, and Shimano Deore 10-Speed shifters

Introduction

Are you going off-roading on rough trails or participating in cross country (XC) mountain biking?

There are many things you need to take care of when doing any of these activities. Before you get anything else done, however, you’ll have to start by choosing a reliable, high-quality bike.

Today, we’re going to check out what kind of companion the X-Caliber 8 from Trek Bikes is for your mountain biking trips.

Let’s get right into it and start with the complete guide on X-Caliber 8.

Our Guide to Trek X Caliber 8

Trek Biking Company has been making bikes since 1976. Across four decades, the company has built a reputation for crafting excellent, durable bikes that offer serious performance, regardless of your experience level.

The X-Caliber series from Trek Bikes takes this legacy forward with their XC mountain bikes. For the purposes of this review, we’ll be focusing on the X-Caliber 8 model only.

So, let’s get started with the features of Trek X-Caliber 8.

The X-Caliber series is a range of XC bikes all made of aluminum frames. These are lightweight bikes with a tapered head tube, and a rack and kickstand mount.

The internal cable routing helps to add to the neat appearance of these X-Caliber bikes.

X-Caliber 8 also features Boost 141 hub spacing that makes your frames stiffer and wheels stronger. It also gives you shorter chainstays, and more tire and chainring clearance. This allows you to ride on low-difficulty terrains with ease but isn’t suitable for particularly rough trails.

Like all XC mountain bikes, the X-Caliber also employs a lightweight geometry that gives you better pedaling efficiency.

The X-Caliber 8 is a hardtail bike, meaning that it does not have suspension in the back and the front suspension locks out. This makes biking on climbs and sprints easier.

The 1x SRAM drivetrain on this X-Caliber requires fewer gear adjustments which means a better biking experience for you with fewer chain drops. However, this configuration also offers fewer gear options.

If you’re looking for better flat-out speed, then a 2x or 3x drivetrain might be better for you.

The company has equipped the X-Caliber 8 with Shimano Deore front derailleur, Shimano Deore XT rear derailleur, and Shimano Deore 10-Speed shifters.

These speed shifters allow you to shift easily between riding positions with their 2-way release triggers.

The tire size will differ depending on the bike size you choose. Trek offers the following size options for its X-Caliber series:

• 29×2.4 inches for medium and large X-Caliber bikes
• 27.5×2.8 for small and extra small X-Caliber bikes

Versatility

Is the Trek X-Caliber 8 a versatile mountain bike?

The X-Caliber 8 is one of the most versatile bikes you’ll find on Trek’s list. The X-Caliber 8 allows you the freedom to go off-road or ride single-track marathons and races.

Can you take the X-Caliber 8 on long rides or touring? Absolutely!

The X-Caliber 8 is durable and will sustain you on long rides and touring as well. It is best suited for long trails with uphill and downhill riding.

Weight and Load Capacity

The medium-sized X-Caliber 8 weighs 28.77 pounds and its total load capacity is 300 pounds.

Braking System

Don’t forget about the braking systems!

This X-Caliber 8 mountain bike comes with the Shimano MT200 hydraulic disk brakes.

Hydraulic brakes are excellent for beginners because they do away with cables and also require less pressure. They are also lightweight so the bike’s overall weight is well adjusted.

But the Shimano MT200 brakes are the best for those looking to try MTB for the first time. These are quiet breaks that utilize one-way bleeding technology to prevent air from entering the hydraulic system.

What this means is your breaks and the hydraulic fluid in them will remain in optimum condition for years, without any need for regular bleeding and maintenance.

Want to add more flexibility to your seat’s height on those rocky terrains?

X-Caliber 8 is internal dropper compatible which allows you to upgrade your seat height limit whenever you want to.

At a rough price of $1,400, the X-Caliber is a cost-effective option among hardtail bikes which typically go up to $1,500.

Accessories

The bike features rack mounts that allow you to carry some accessories on those long trips you’ve been wanting to take.

Want to install accessories such as lights and computers on your bike?

Trek allows you to do that with its Blendr-compatible stem system.

Colors and Sizes Available

Trek makes its X-Caliber 8 in two different color options. One is a combination of lithium gray and trek black. While the other combines a radioactive red with trek black.

The X-Caliber 8 is available in a variety of size options from small and medium to large and double XL.

X-Caliber 8: Pros and Cons

• Great for beginners
• Lightweight
• Easy to maintain
• Easy to make high-end upgrades
• Cost-efficient
• Quality materials used
• Great bike for moderate to smooth trails
• Available in a variety of size options
• Not for technical trails
• Fewer gear options
• Not ideal for very rough trails
• Not the fastest MTB out there

In Conclusion: Is Trek X-Caliber 8 Worth It?

Trek makes quality products and the X-Caliber 8 is one of them. The bike is made of quality parts, has a good design, and has a good frame.

The X-Caliber 8 is a good bike for the new and experienced biker. There’s little to worry about and more to explore with the bike’s great features.

Its front suspension fork is good enough to take a few moderate bumps so you can take it for beginner to mid-level trails.

Overall, the Trek X-Caliber is a great choice among MTB products for beginners.

We hope our guide helped you understand the X-Caliber 8 better and made the purchasing choice a tad bit easier.

What features of MTB bicycles do you think your MTB must-have?

Think it over and write to us with your answers.

Happy off-roading!

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• X-Caliber 8

Trek X-Caliber 8

X-Caliber 8 is a cross country mountain bike made for fast laps and long days on the trail. It's built with special attention to value and the parts that make the biggest difference in performance. A 1x Shimano drivetrain, RockShox fork, and hydraulic disc brakes make it a great choice for new mountain bikers and XC racers searching for fast, fun, singletrack adventure. It's right for you if... You're looking for a fast mountain bike for singletrack—one that's fully capable of taking on races, marathons, and competitive group rides. You want something that is reliable and fun with dependable, lightweight parts. The tech you get A lightweight aluminum frame, a RockShox Judy SL 100mm suspension fork with a TurnKey lockout and an air spring that's lighter and more adjustable than a coil spring, tubeless ready wheels with Boost141 hub spacing, and a Shimano Deore 1x12 drivetrain with a wide-range cassette. The final word With X-Caliber 8, you're getting a performance frame paired with performance parts, like a RockShox air fork and 1x Shimano Deore drivetrain. Plus, it's equipped with durable, lightweight alloy rims that save weight and are easy to upgrade to tubeless. Why you'll love it - It has the price of a more basic hardtail, but the parts and performance of a more expensive one - The frame is fully compatible with higher-end parts, like race wheels and a dropper post, if you ever find the need to upgrade - Smart Wheel Sizing means you'll get the fastest wheel that fits (29" wheels on larger frames, 27.5" wheels on smaller frames) - The 1x drivetrain delivers a wide range of gearing with the simplicity of a single shifter Wheel size: - Sizes X-Small – Small: 27.5-inch - Sizes Medium – XX-Large: 29-inch

Due to supply-chain issues, Specs are subject to change without notice.

* Subject to change without notice.

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Trek X-Caliber 7 review

Trail-ripping budget 29er

David Rome/Future Publishing

The name X-Caliber isn't new to Trek, but for 2014, it will refer to an entire range of entry level 29er hardtails. The frame of this new X-Caliber range has been entirely redesigned, borrowing much design inspiration from Trek’s World Cup winning Superfly line-up.

Note: We have now reviewed the 2015 Trek X-Caliber 8 .

Ride and Handling: elite handling and confidence for beginners

When it comes to 29in wheels, Trek and their Gary Fisher collection have been doing them the longest. The X-Caliber has their dialled and respected geometry, including Trek’s proprietary G2, which changes the fork offset and aims to create a livelier ride.

We found the X-Caliber nimble and playful on the trail. The combination of a roomy top tube and short 75mm stem made it easy to loft the front wheel and get airborne. With our position centrally between the wheels, long climbs were comfortable, and maintaining power felt natural.

The quick, joyful handling and perfectly balanced geometry went a long way to hiding the overall high weight. It lacked urgency on steep climbs and stop-and-start riding, but once we got the X-Caliber going, the ride was brilliant, helped by the big wheels' fast-rolling tyres .

The SR Suntour XCR fork featured well-sized 32mm stanchions and helped the X-Caliber hold its line though corners and rock gardens. The suspension was basic but effective. A fixed rebound setting offered a balanced feel without harsh spiking or excessive packing down between hits. We found the spring on a medium test bike was ideal for a 70 to 85kg rider, offering respectable control over both small and large bumps.

The fork’s lockout can be activated while on the bike and would hold the position it was locked at. So if you wanted a lower front-end for road riding, you can push down on the fork, lock it, and you’ll achieve a lower position.

Short head tube and plenty of steerer tube length

The short head tube and long steerer tube provided plenty of handlebar height adjustment and we easily found a comfortable height with room to spare, which is not the case with many other entry-level 29ers.

Frame and Equipment: money spent on areas that matter most

The X-Caliber frame is no doubt the highlight of the package, made with Trek’s Alpha Gold aluminium. With heavily shaped and butted tubes, sparkling paint, an internally guided front derailleur cable and a fully housed rear derailleur cable, this frame would be befitting of bikes twice its price.

Rear pannier mounts add extra versatility

It has great off-road potential, and more versatility boxes are ticked with solid rear rack mounts. A change to 700c road tyres would make it a fast commuter for mid-week use too.

There's no chainstay or seatstay bridge at the rear of the frame, so tyre clearance is generous with little place for mud to hang onto. Sadly, the cheap front derailleur undid these clearance benefits, and if you want to fit a wider rear tyre you will need a slim-profile front derailleur.

Basic Shimano gears – the front derailleur didn't leave much tyre clearance

Given the entry-level price of the X-Caliber 7, something had to give – and in this case it was the drivetrain, and what a smart decision that was. The industry norm is to spec a high quality drivetrain, save money elsewhere and let the customer make their purchase decision based on the level of Shimano equipment. But the truth is that the Shimano parts are the cheapest to replace and the most likely to get damaged, so instead Trek have invested in longer lasting, more crucial components, such as the brakes and fork.

The 27-speed drivetrain provided plenty range and the mix of Shimano Acera and Altus performed better than expected, although the soft rear derailleur caused excessive chain slap. The Acera shifter offered a better feel than commonly used cheaper shifters. The basic Shimano chainset is hefty and the plastic leg guard won’t last many missed log hops, but replaceable chainrings were a bonus.

The XR1 tyres were fast and grippy

The Bontrager XR1 tyres were fast rolling, full of traction in dry conditions and well-suited to the versatile X-Caliber. Tyres sizes are mixed, with a wider front tyre for traction and a slimmer rear for weight. Trek's componentry choices show real off-road knowledge.

Much of the finishing kit is from Trek’s house brand, Bontrager , a well-respected component brand in their own right. The basic Bontrager parts offered a few highlights, such as the comfortable Evoke saddle, the secure and slim twin-bolt seatpost, and the super wide, perfectly swept handlebars. Even the wheels (with their bling red hubs) felt stiff and capable enough for serious off-road use – they were only let-down in the weight department.

The Shimano M395 hydraulic brakes offered consistent braking performance and low noise, they are our favourite brake for the price point. Our only gripe is the continual use of a cheaper 'resin only' brake rotor, which prevents the use of a more durable sintered brake pad. An adjustable reach lever blade is another bonus, something omitted from often-seen basic Tektro units.

The included pedals are basic plastic numbers, best suited for car park tests. Be sure to factor in the additional expense of a pair of metal platform or clipless pedals, because you'll want them.

The X-Calibre is a true class act, with an amazingly well executed frame with exceptional geometry, well behaved fork and quality finishing kit. Ride the guts out of it and upgrade the derailleurs once they break or wear – the X-Calibre is a top pick.

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2023 Trek X-Caliber 9 Review

Are you in the market for a new mountain bike? There are many different models and features to choose from, but if you’re looking for an affordable and high-performing hardtail on a budget, then the 2023 Trek X-Caliber 9 is the perfect choice.

Trek’s X-Caliber series has long been known as one of the most reliable mountain bikes on the market. 

With its lightweight frame, innovative components, and trail-ready geometry, it’s no wonder that this model has quickly become a customer favorite.

In this review, we take an in-depth look at the 2023 Trek X-Caliber 9 and provide our honest opinion on its performance and design. 

The Trek X-Caliber 9 has been taking the mountain biking world by storm since its release. 

It’s a lightweight, fast and responsive bike that’s perfect for riding trails or cross-country.

Packed with features like an ultra-light aluminum frame, Shimano components and dropper post, this mountain bike provides the ultimate off-road experience. 

Here is a review of everything that makes the Trek X-Caliber 9 one of the best mountain bikes on the market.

The 2023 Trek X-Caliber 9, a mountain bike perfect for bikepacking and gravel grinding that offers an amazing riding experience. 

It features a lightweight Alpha Gold Aluminum frame and Boost141 hub spacing, Shimano 1×12 drivetrain with a wide range of gears with the 10-51t cassette, hydraulic disc brakes offering plenty of stopping power, and Maxxis Ardent Race 2.35″ tires for ultimate traction wherever you go.

Experience incredible adventure with this versatile bike that will make all your cycling dreams come true.

– Lightweight Alpha Gold Aluminum frame provides easy handling and a comfortable ride

– Shimano 1×12 drivetrain includes a 10-51t cassette paired to a 30t Shimano crank

– Shimano hydraulic disc brakes deliver powerful braking performance

– Maxxis Ardent Race 2.35” tires provide great traction for bikepacking and trail ripping rides

– Rack mounts let you add panniers for long bikepacking trips

The Alpha Gold Aluminum frame of the Trek X-Caliber 9 is exceptionally light and the total weight of the bike is 28lbs, ensuring nimble handling and added agility on the trails. 

The frame is designed to be extremely strong and durable to handle any terrain you might ride over.

The double wall Bontrager Kovee wheels have a 23mm internal width to allow for tires of up to 2.40″ wide to provide extra grip and stability when cornering or descending from obstacles. 

They also use an extra-strong alloy rim to ensure reliable performance during extended rides on rugged terrains.

This mountain bike comes with Shimano components that make up its 1×12 drivetrain system, made of a 10-51t cassette and 30t chainring – providing smooth gear changes so you can pick appropriate gears for different terrain types quickly and easily.

Handlebars & Fork

The 750mm wide Bontrager handlebars allow riders to take control navigate their way around tricky sections of track, while also maintain good posture while covering longer distances on more level ground. 

Additionally, they are fitted with additional features such as an integrated grip sleeve which helps improve comfort during long days out. 

A RockShox Recon Gold RL suspension fork takes care of difficult terrain with 100mm of travel front travel which gives the rider improved comfort and control over rough sections of trail.

Stopping power is provided by Shimano hydraulic disc brakes which offer better modulation than mechanical systems so you can end quickly safely no matter what situation you find yourself in out on the trails or at speed down a hillside descent.

Dropper Post

A TranzX dropper post goes one step further when it comes to maneuverability by allowing riders to switch between heights via a quick button press or lever pull so that you can always be in control no matter what type of obstacle is ahead. 

This feature also reduces fatigue levels by allowing riders to lower their body closer towards the ground when navigating steep drops or technical sections where having maximum power transfer through your legs is essential!

Bottom Line

Overall, there’s plenty of features packed into the 2023 Trek X-Caliber 9 that make it one of the most desirable mountain bikes available right now – lightweight nature coupled with tremendous handling gives riders exceptional responsiveness when navigating tough tracks along with added durability from its frame and wheel construction means it should last many years before needing any significant service work done on it.

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!

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Trek X-Caliber and Procaliber Compared: Which One to Choose?

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In this article, I’ll help you navigate the Trek X-Caliber and Procaliber hardtail mountain bike families by comparing the X-Caliber 8 and 9 and Procaliber 9.5, 9.6, and 9.7 . You’ll learn about the differences between each model, who they are best suited for, and more.

Plus, I’ll tell you which model gives you the best value for your money to help make your decision easier.

KEY TAKEAWAY

The main difference between X-Caliber and Procaliber mountain bikes is that X-Calibers have a lower-end aluminum frame and more high-end components. Procalibers have higher-end carbon frames and an IsoSpeed decoupler for a more comfortable ride and lower-end components.

Trek X-Caliber 8 and 9 vs. Procaliber 9.5, 9.6, and 9.7

The following table summarizes the main differences between all X- and Pro-calibers that belong among the Trek hardtail mountain bikes .

X-Caliber Pros & Cons Summary

I summarized the pros & cons of the X-Caliber series below.

X-Caliber Pros

• Relaxed geometry
• Modern 1X drivetrain
• Tapered head tube
• Availability in multiple sizes and colors
• Compatible with racks, kickstands, etc.
• Partially internal cable routing
• Lifetime warranty

X-Caliber Cons

• Relatively heavy
• No full-suspension
• Only aluminum frame

Procaliber Pros & Cons Summary

I summarized the pros & cons of the Procaliber series below.

• Racing geometry
• IsoSpeed Decoupler
• Knock Block to prevent your handlebars from spinning in a crash
• No dropper post

X-Caliber and Procaliber Main Features

Let me now explain the most important features of the Trek X-Caliber bikes.

Frame and Geometry

All X-Caliber bikes have the same aluminum hardtail trail frame , available in many sizes and a few colors that vary between models. Procalibers have an OCLV carbon frame with an IsoSpeed decoupler (more about it later). They are also available in multiple colors and sizes.

Unlike Trek Marlin bikes , all sizes have the same shape and no curved top tube.

X-Calibers and Procalibers have almost the same geometry. It’s relatively average compared to other HT XC mountain bikes. Procalibers are slightly more aggressive. They have a slacker headtube angle, giving you more confidence when descending. Both will allow you to climb effectively.

So, the main difference between these two families is the frame material. Naturally, carbon frames are more expensive.

All X-Caliber and Procaliber mountain bikes have suspension travel of 100mm , suitable for cross-country. It can be limiting for riding demanding terrain or technical trails. For these terrains, consider Trek Roscoe instead.

Remember that the small sizes (XS) have a shorter travel (80mm) due to the small frame size.

The forks differ across all models, ranging from RockShox Judy SL (air spring) to RockShox Reba RL (Solo Air spring). These are not the best suspension forks on the market, but they are sufficient for these bikes’ intended use and price range.

Another difference between X-Calibers and Procalibers is the IsoSpeed decoupler found on Procalibers. You may know it from Trek road bikes . It absorbs small bumps and vibrations, making your ride more comfortable. It also reduces the strain on your lower back.

I have a friend who has experience with it. He told me it’s a cool feature, but it adds some weight and complexity to the bike.

Wheels and Tires

The wheel size is 29 inches on all Procaliber bikes. The smaller sizes of X-Calibers come with 27.5″ wheels, accelerating faster and more agile but offering less stability and speed than the 29-inch wheels.

The individual models also differ in the rims. The Procaliber 9.7 has carbon wheels (Bontrager Koove Elite 23). Other bikes come with aluminum rims only. However, it’s worth noting they are all tubeless-ready.

The X-Calibers come with wider tires (2.35″ vs. 2.20″). The higher-end Procalibers are equipped with better tires.

The X-Calibers and Procalibers differ mainly in their groupsets, which is often crucial for many buyers. The good news is that they come with 1×12-speed drivetrains.

1X drivetrains are popular because they are simple to maintain and shift and are lighter than 2X or 3X groupsets on some Trek Marlins .

However, the downside of 1X drivetrains is that they have a smaller gear range, which may make it challenging to find the right gear for your desired cadence.

Today, Shimano and SRAM groupsets have similar shifting speeds and precision. Therefore, you pay more for lower weight and slightly better performance.

The feature worth paying for more are the brakes. While all these bikes use hydraulic disc brakes, some use 2-piston, and some 4-piston ones.

The 4-piston ones provide better stopping power and are suitable for heavier riders or those who push their bikes to their limits.

The X-Caliber 8 and Procaliber 9.5 use 2-piston Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes , while the other bikes use 4-piston brakes.

X-Caliber and Procaliber bikes have partially internally routed cables to improve their appearance. They have internal cable guides to prevent rattling inside the frame.

The X-Caliber 9 comes with a dropper post, while the other bikes don’t. However, they are compatible with them, so you can upgrade later.

Procalibers also have a Knock Block feature that prevents handlebars from spinning in a crash, preventing potential damage to the suspension, frame, etc.

All frames also have a double-sided chainstay guard . Procalibers also have a downtube guard for protection on rough terrain.

X-Caliber frames have mounts for kickstands and racks , making it easy to install these accessories. Procalibers don’t have them.

Lastly, all bikes except the Procaliber 9.7 come with lock-on grips that are easier to install and replace than slip-on grips.

Which mountain bike is better for you, the X-Caliber or the Procaliber, and which bike within each family offers the best value for the price?

In my opinion, the X-Caliber line is a good choice for those who want a hardtail MTB that is reasonably lightweight and fits a tighter budget.

The X-Caliber 9 appears to be a better value option due to its 4-piston hydraulic brakes, improved groupset, fork, dropper post, lower weight, and only being $330 more expensive.

On the other hand, Trek Procalibers are more appropriate for experienced mountain bikers who want a quality carbon frame.

The Procaliber 9.6 provides the best value, in my opinion, as it is less expensive than the Procaliber 9.7 but still offers a high-quality Shimano groupset and 4-piston disc brakes. Furthermore, you can always upgrade its components later.

Trek X-Caliber FAQ

Trek X-Caliber bikes are designed for recreational and entry-level mountain bikers who want a reasonably lightweight mountain bike. They feature durable aluminum frames, decent suspension forks, and reliable drivetrains. They are suitable for cross-country. However, their short travel may not be sufficient for too technical terrains, like rocky trails. Read this entire article for more info.

Trek Procaliber mountain bikes are perfect for riders looking to upgrade from an entry-level aluminum bike to a mid-range option. These bikes have a relatively aggressive geometry, making them ideal for cross-country racing. Their carbon frame keeps them lightweight, and the IsoSpeed decoupler provides a more comfortable ride. However, these bikes might not be suitable for challenging terrain due to their limited 100mm fork travel. For more information, read the full article.

X-Caliber and Procaliber bikes differ mainly in components like the groupset, fork, brakes, weight, and price. The difference between X-Calibers and Procalibers is the frame (aluminum vs. carbon) and other components. But they all have the same fork travel and use 1X drivetrains. I recommend reading this entire article for more information and a helpful comparison table.

About The Author

Petr Minarik

2 thoughts on “trek x-caliber and procaliber compared: which one to choose”.

I’m currently deciding on a X Caliber or a Procaliber. After reading your excellent article I’m going for a X Caliber. Thanks for helping me with this detailed but straight forward review 👍

Hi Paul, I am glad it was helpful to you. Enjoy your new bike! 🙂 – Petr

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