trek x caliber weight

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.

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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• Rider Notes

2022 Trek X-Caliber 8

A 27.5″ / 29″ aluminum frame hardtail crosscountry bike with upper mid-range components. Compare the full range

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Feb 2023 · Seanwhite

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 …Continue reading »

Tubeless-ready wheels and tyres

Heaviest bike on test

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First added July 25

Last updated August 6

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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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Trek X Caliber 8 Review: Worth Buying Or Not?

• By Daniel Shakibaie
• Mountain Bike , Trek Bikes

Welcome to my Review for Trek X Caliber 8.

The Trek X Caliber 8 review for mountain bike s might be everything you’re looking for right now. It offers impressive rider handling and allows you to enjoy an adventurous ride in a variety of conditions.

Let’s take a look at this bike’s main features and benefits, along with some important factors to bear in mind when looking for your next mountain bike.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Smart Trail Bike

Before we look at the top factors of the Trek X Caliber 8, below are some important factors to consider when you buy a mountain bike.

Suspension System

There are two suspension systems to consider: hardtail and full. The former comes with a suspension system on the front of the bike, providing half of the shock absorption of a full-suspension bike.

Moreover, a hardtail bike offers a lighter weight overall, which allows you to ride the bike for longer periods of time without feeling like a heavy frame from weighing you down. Alternatively, a full-suspension bike is beneficial for absorbing all of the impacts and shocks that come your way, so you’ll typically feel more comfortable when riding across rough terrain and through woods, for example.

Body Case Material

Secondly, a bike’s body material makes a huge difference in its overall quality, speed, comfort, and more. The most popular body material option is aluminum, which offers a more affordable price compared to titanium, for example. However, aluminum can be more rigid than other materials for frames, meaning that it doesn’t absorb all of the impacts. One of the biggest benefits of a smart frame is its lightweight so that you can cycle quickly. And it’s also rust-resistant, so you won’t have any quality issues when you’re riding in the rain.

Alternatively, steel and alpha gold aluminum, an even more affordable bike body material, absorbs shocks when you’re cycling. This allows you to venture out on a variety of conditions without feeling the impact of every travel over rocks.

You might want to consider a titanium bike frame if you take cycling seriously and want to travel far and quickly. Thanks to this material’s lightweight, the bike picks up speed quickly and maintains this speed with ease. A titanium frame is incredibly agile, which allows the bike to respond to bumps in the road.

However, one of the biggest disadvantages of a titanium bike is its price point. You’ll need a larger budget compared to a steel or aluminum bike, which doesn’t make it appropriate for many riders.

Features and Benefits of the Trek X Caliber 8

Let’s take a look at some of the features and benefits of the Trek X Caliber 8 by taking an in-depth look into this bike’s top specifications.

The Trek X Caliber 8 comes equipped with a performance frame paired with allow rims, which has many benefits. For example, this material of the frame is naturally low in weight, making it an ideal choice for racing and travelling up hills, when you need to keep the overall maximum weight to a minimum.

Aluminum isn’t prone to rust, unlike steel bikes. So this makes the mountain bike low maintenance and ideal for regularly riding in wet conditions. Plus, due to aluminum’s lower strength compared to other bike materials, it tends to come with thicker walls. Therefore, you can use thicker-than-standard tubes without making the bike significantly heavier.

Moreover, the Trek X Caliber 8’s frame provides stiffness, which provides plenty of stability when climbing uphill or sprinting. And this level of stiffness will likely provide an advantage to racing cyclists because it offers an increased speed when sprinting.

This smart bike comes with a RockShox 30 Silver 100 mm suspension fork and a hardtail suspension system. These specifications allow the rider to feel the ride more than with a full-suspension bike, which allows you to experience an adventurist ride.

Another benefit of a hardtail bike over a full-suspension model is its reduced weight. Since the bike doesn’t have an additional shock system to the rear, the mountain bike has a lighter weight, which allows it to pick up speed and travel up hills quicker. And, with this weight saving, you can add accessories to your bikes, such as sports water bottles, fenders, and even a basket.

More: Trek Marlin 5 review: Is It a Good Bike to Have?

Uniquely, this trek bike features a smart wheel size, which means that you’ll receive either 27.5- or 29-inch wheels to accommodate a small or medium/large-sized frame. Therefore, the frame size will be perfectly paired with the bike’s tires, improving responsiveness, speed, and agility.

Moreover, the Trek X Caliber 8 ’s 27.5-inch wheels provide faster acceleration compared to the 29-inch wheels. This allows you to accelerate quickly and gives the bike a more responsive feel that riders will love.

Alternatively, the 29-inch wheels on this mountain bike accelerate slower, giving the bike a less responsive feel. But, once you reach your top speed, the bike maintains this for longer, requiring less effort to keep the momentum going. Not to mention that it’s actually a more efficient option for longer bike rides.

In addition, this smart trek bike comes with 12 speeds, which gives you more control when riding your bike. In particular, you can make the ride more challenging if you want to use it solely for fitness purposes. Or you can use the Trek X Caliber 8 to easily climb steep hills, making it a viable option for rides through the woods, etc.

More: Trek 820 Mountian Bike Review: Worth Having?

The Trek X Caliber 8 is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. Perhaps the biggest benefit of this type of brake system is that it automatically self-adjusts once they’re worn down. And the calliper’s design retracts a certain distance from the rotor, regardless of the pad’s wear level. Therefore, you don’t need to adjust the bike’s brakes as you would with mechanical pads.

Furthermore, these types of disc brakes dissipate heat evenly compared to traditional mechanical brakes. This means that the brakes are more likely to last a long time and can increase safety when you’re riding your bike.

More: Trek 1120 Review: Is It The Best Touring Bike?

Is the Trek Dual Sport 2 a Better Option Than the Trek X Caliber 8?

When comparing the Trek Dual Sport 2 to the Trek X Caliber 8, the trek dual sport 2 review: a worthwhile investment . With its versatile design and impressive features, the Dual Sport 2 offers a smooth ride on various terrains. On the other hand, the X Caliber 8 is a great choice for off-road enthusiasts looking for speed and performance. Ultimately, choosing between the two depends on your preferences and intended use.

Social Proof

Don’t just take our opinion on this bike ’s excellent performance. Below are some screenshots from customers and users of this bike and what they thought about how it rides.

Alternatives

Since you might want to keep your options open and put this mountain bike’s specifications into perspective, we’ve included a few comparisons with similar bikes.

Trek X Caliber 8 Review vs Trek Marlin 7

There are several differences between both smart bikes. For example, the Trek Marlin 7 features a kickstand, but the Trek X Caliber 8 bike doesn’t, which is an extra item that could catch on the trail.

A big difference between the bikes is the parts they’re made of. With the x Cal, you’ll get an air fork, whereas the Marlin bike comes with a coil spring. This difference in parts can affect how the bike feels on the trail. Check our guide to Trek Marlin 7

Trek X Caliber 8 vs Trek X Caliber 9

Both bikes come with 27.5-inch lightweight parts, but the Caliber 9 boasts a bigger fork and a slightly lighter weight (albeit it by 0.02 pounds). And the 9 Caliber comes with a 100 mm front travel, which allows this particular bike to absorb more shocks than the Caliber 8.

Trek X Caliber 8 vs Trek Roscoe 7

Both of these bikes feature a 27.5-inch frame of aluminum and are hardtail versions. However, the Roscoe 7 comes with a bigger fork and a dropper post. The Caliber 8 is the lightest of the two bikes by nearly three pounds, which might sound like a minute difference, but any additional weight on a bike can impact the overall power and momentum you have.

While the Caliber 8 has front travel of 80 mm, whereas the Roscoe 7 boasts a 100 mm front travel. Check our guide to Trek Roscoe 8

Trek X Caliber 8 vs Giant Fathom 2

Both bikes boast a performance frame, which helps to keep the bike’s weight at a minimum—ideal for when you’re cycling at high speeds. The Fathom 2 sports a 120 mm front travel, and while the Caliber 8 has a rigid seat post, the Fathom 2 boasts a dropper seat post, which allows for quick saddle height adjustment.

Trek X Caliber 8 vs Trek X Caliber 7

The Caliber 7 has a heavier weight, making the difference between the two bikes 0.8 pounds, which can be significant if you want to cycle fast and up hills. Aside from this specification and a difference of 20 mm for the front travel, both bikes are very similar. For example, they both boast an Alpha Gold aluminum frame, hydraulic discs, and hardtail suspension. Check our guide to Trek Caliber 7

We hope you enjoyed this Trek X Caliber 8 mountain bike review . Overall, this mountain bike was made with excellent attention to detail and the RockShox fork and hydraulic disc brakes make this bike a great option for adventure rides.

These types of mountain bikes have a loose ball bearing system with a solo air spring and a tapered head tube. This cross country mountain bike has the perfect frame size along with smart wheel sizing and sealed bearing. The wheels are made with lightweight alloy rims and have max chain ring size. These mountain bikes are a great choice for participating in the Maxxis Ardent race. It is a fast mountain bike with an alloy axle and a kickstand mount as well.

What are your thoughts on the bike? Let us know your feedback in the comments.

About The Author

Daniel Shakibaie

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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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Trek X-Caliber 8

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / 15.5", 17.5", 18.5", 19.5", 21.5", 23"

Weight / 13.06

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame Alpha Gold Aluminum w/semi-integrated head tube, mechanically formed & butted tubing, race geometry, internal front derailleur routing, rack & fender mounts, G2 Geometry on 29ers
• Fork RockShox Recon Silver RL, RockShox Recon Silver, coil spring, preload, rebound, TurnKey lockout, G2 Geometry w/51mm offset on 29ers, 100mm travel (13.5: 80mm travel)
• Hubs Formula DC22 LW alloy
• Wheels Bontrager Mustang Elite Tubeless Ready 28-hole
• Wheel Size 29" 27.5"
• Tires Bontrager XR2, 29x2.20" front, 29x2.00" rear (13.5 & 15.5: 27.5x2.20")
• Chain KMC , KMC X10
• Crank SRAM , SRAM S1000, 36/22
• Bottom Bracket Sealed cartridge
• Front Derailleur SRAM X7, SRAM X7
• Rear Derailleur SRAM GX, SRAM GX
• Shifters SRAM X5, SRAM X5, 10 speed
• Brakeset Shimano , Shimano M315 hydraulic disc
• Handlebar Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise
• Saddle Bontrager Evoke 1.5
• Seatpost Bontrager SSR, 2-bolt head, 27.2mm, 12mm offset
• Stem Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, 7 degree, Blendr compatible
• Grips Bontrager Race
• Headset 1-1/8" threadless, semi-integrated, semi-cartridge bearings

Q: How much is a 2017 Trek X-Caliber 8?

A 2017 Trek X-Caliber 8 is typically priced around $1,099 USD when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2017 Trek X-Caliber 8?

The 2017 Trek X-Caliber 8 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: How much does a 2017 Trek X-Caliber 8 weigh?

A 2017 Trek X-Caliber 8 weights 13.06.

Q: What size wheels does the 2017 Trek X-Caliber 8 have?

The 2017 Trek X-Caliber 8 has 29" and 27.5" wheels.

Q: What size 2017 Trek X-Caliber 8 should I get?

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New Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail Drops Iso Speed for Flexing Iso Bow Suspension 

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Lately, it seems we’ve been seeing fewer updated race-hardtails. The surge of mirco-suspension bikes like the Trek SuperCal and the Specialized Epic WC replaced the need for a fully rigid frame. However, nothing beats a pure hardtail’s feel (and zero moving parts to service). Trek feels the same and ditched Iso Speed for a flexible new option on the updated Trek ProCaliber Gen 3.  

Do We Still Need Hardtails?

Yes (IMO) but, many of the hardtails we’ve seen have been repurposed into drop bar LifeTime Grand Prix super-gravel racing machines. However, there is still a place for the modern hardtail. Pauline Ferrand Prevot raced her Pinarello Dogma hardtail to an Olympic gold medal this summer. These super lightweight, nimble machines are precision tools in the right hands.

So, how do you make a hardtail appeal to the changing appetite of mountain bike consumers? 

Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 – What’s New? 

Now in its third generation, the Trek ProCaliber boasts no suspension hardware and is the lightest version to date. The ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail leans toward big tires, suspension, and a more relaxed front end. 

The most noticeable change is the “suspension,” so let’s start there. The Trek design team has put most of their line on a diet this season, and the ProCal is the latest. The frame no longer has Iso Speed moving parts, elastomer suspension, or the knock block on the front end. 

Get to Know Iso Bow

Replacing Iso Speed is a new design Trek calls ‘Iso Bow’; you’ll understand why when you look at it. The design aggressively changes the arch of the top tube, but that all plays into the suspension design. The top tube now arcs into the thin seat stays, with a minimal connection, lower down on the seat tube.

The team says it offers the same benefit as IsoSpeed (seated compliance) but is more straightforward and lighter. Trek says the new design is so similar in performance to Iso Speed that during on-trail blind testing, riders couldn’t tell the difference in seated compliance. 

How Much Does the Trek ProCalber Gen 3 Weigh? 

• Procaliber 9.6 Gen 3 11.08 kg / 24.43 lbs 
• Procaliber 9.5 Gen 3 : 12.13 kg / 26.75 lbs
• Procaliber 9.7 AXS Gen 3 :10.58 kg / 23.33 lbs 
• ProCaliber 9.5 Frame (painted): 1150g

* All weights are Med frame, with TLR sealant, and no tubes.

To put the frame weight into perspective, here are some weights of competing hardtails with the exact tire clearance and suspension capability. 

• Canyon Exceed HT: 853g
• Cannondale Scaple Hi-Mod: 895g 
• Pivot LES SL : 1045g 
• Trek Procal: 1150g 
• Santa Cruz Hi-Ball: 1170g 

120mm Suspension Update

The ProCaliber Gen 3 uses a modern 120mm suspension, 10mm more than the Trek SuperCaliber. This will make the transition from bike to bike easier on athletes and give the new ProCaliber Gen 3 a broader range of riding conditions to play in. 

Slacker and Steeper Geometry 

With updated suspension comes updated geometry; this time, it’s more than a slight tweak. To give the ProCaliber more appeal to athletes using it as their main bike, the design team moved to a progressive front end. The head tube angle is now at a round 67 degrees (previously 68.8 degrees). The effective seat tube angle gets slightly steeper, moving from 73.8 degrees to 74.3 degrees. 

Trek also updated the reach for the ProCaliber to give the bike calmer handling and increased rider confidence (which increases speed, IMO). The ProCaliber gets a 10mm longer reach, measuring 460 mm (previously 450mm) on a large frame. This updated reach doesn’t match the SuperCaliber, as it measures 465mm for a large frame, but it’s close. 

Larger Tire Clearance / Floating Brake Mount  

Like hardtail race bikes in 2024-2025, the Trek ProCaliber fits 29 x 2.4″ tires with room to spare. 

The Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 uses the same brake mount as the SuperCaliber Gen 2. It isolates braking forces from seat stay flex with an updated floating brake mount. Trek says the design offers more consistent braking and is not affected by seat stay flex.

One Model For the US / Three for Europe

The new Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 comes in three different models: Procaliber 9.5, Procaliber 9.6, Procaliber 9.7 AXS, and a frameset. North America will only see the Procaliber 9.5 and a frameset. Europe, however, will receive all three and higher-end build options. 

Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 Pricing

• Procaliber 9.5 Gen 3 : Price: $2,499.99 CAN: $3,399.99
• Procaliber 9.5 Gen 3 Frame Set: Price: $1,999.99 CAN $2,749.99

TrekBikes.com 

Jordan Villella is the Racing Tech Editor for BikeRumor.com, specializing in cross-country mountain, gravel, road, and cyclocross. He has written about bicycles and bike culture for over fifteen years with no signs of stopping.

Before BikeRumor, Jordan raced professionally and wrote for MTBR and the now-defunct Dirt Rag Magazine. He’s covered the World Championships, World Cups, and everything in between — where he loves to report what people are riding.

Based in Pittsburgh, PA,  Jordan coaches cyclists of all abilities with  Cycle-Smart ; you can find him racing bikes around North America and adventuring with his family.

For an inside look at his review rides follow him on Strava .

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I’d ride it. The US spec is a dern shame, though.

Agreed. Not just the components but aesthetically, a blue SID would look amazing on that purple-blue fade frame. An XT build with a SID would be killer.

I appreciate that Trek is making the TT/Reach longer. Used to be I’d have to buy a L to get the reach to fit me a S to get the standover I need. Now a ML has good reach, and my balls will be gently resting on the TT when standing over the bike. Progress.

I’d be interested to see the actual data on the difference this top tube design makes compared to a normal top top with an identical centre to centre seat tube measurement. Ie, A typical load applied to the seat and the deflection measured and stated. I’m inclined to think the “comfort” is coming from a shortening of the seat tube centre to centre length, and therefore a longer lever from that point to top of the seat. So the top tube design is almost certainly a marketing gimmick. However it looks cool and bike brands need to sell bikes so why not?

see if you can find a video of frame testing where they load the seapost fore and aft – the top top actually bows a significant amount in this kind of load, so it stands to reason it has an influence on the feel.

I did watch the video from Trek. It says the flex was magnified 25 times and didn’t state the amount of load that was applied. My original comment still stands. Creating a computer simulation of something and appling an unstated exxagerated load and saying “hey look at this!” doesn’t prove anything. I have no doubt there is flex, but this is yet another unsubstantiated marketing claim by yet another bicycle company. This isn’t being negative, it’s just being factual, where are the actual numbers.

I’m sure there’s flex. The real question is how much.

my full sus Cannondale is 10,5 kg with power meter pedals and 2,4 tires with rear insert. how is this hardtail so heavy?

cause is not broken ?

Because of the lower spec components I would guess. Its a budget bike. How much did you pay for youd Cannondale?

It’s a very cost effective bike. No idea why they’re not offering a top spec option.

That seat angle is woefully out of date. Also, to be so heavy, you’d at least expect it to include in-frame storage. But nothing. 36T max according to Trek, so no use for monster gravel either.

Judging by the bike generally, and what is available in which region, this is a model to get rid of specific component inventory stockpiles and not much more.

Their website says 38T max.

I couldn’t find it and asked cs … they told me 36T. But either way, it’s not enough for gravel.

Is that because it’s a mountain bike?

The previous gen frame is 36T max. Also found that on their website.

Funny looking gravel bike

I think you’re in the wrong section mate. Look for the sign that says “Gravel Bikes” and you’ll find what you’re after there. This bike is in the “Hardtail Mountain Bike” section.

None of the other bikes listed for weight comparisons have in-frame storage, for whatever that is worth. But it’s also a race bike, in-frame storage is usually a pretty slow affair to extract what you need.

It’s a fairly heavy bike. But it’s also priced really well. But I’d absolutely want in frame storage on a bike like this. Even for racing, it’s nice to have space for things you’re less likely to need. Love my Domane storage. I keep my flat repair stuff quick to access under my saddle, along with extra food. In my downtube, I have 2 nearly never used TPU tubes, extra plugs, tire levers and chain repair stuffs.

Definitely not enough chainring clearance for a TT bike either. They sure did drop the ball on his one

Chainstays aren’t wide enough fort a fat bike either. What were they thinking????

It seems like they weren’t thinking at all. Hopefully it’ll at least work well as a ski bike.

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Trek's best selling hardtail mountain bike gets new carbon models and IsoBow technology making it lighter and more compliant

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

Trek has released the Gen 3 Procaliber. The latest version of Trek's best hardtail mountain bike features three carbon models with updates that include increased fork travel, wider tire clearance, lighter weight, and updated geometry. The highlight according to Trek is the new IsoBow technology which replaces the IsoSpeed decoupling technology seen in previous models.

IsoBow is said to continue Trek's focus on compliance and is claimed to give equivalent seated compliance to the previous IsoSpeed speed system. Rather than decouple the top tube and seat tube, Trek reduces the weight by utilizing the flex of carbon fiber which they say will smooth out trail imperfections.

Trek also says this is achieved by constructing the bike with lengthed seat stays that extend past the seat tube and the new Procaliber, to put it bluntly, now has a massive-looking hole where the seat stays join the top tube. This new design they claim will allow for more seat stay flex to soak up vibrations and also means the frame now weighs a claimed 150g less than the Gen 2.

Trek claims the Procaliber is a hardtail cross-country bike designed to cater to a wide range of riders, from novices to elite racers. However, in line with the many rival brand's top-level XC hardtails, the Gen 3 Procaliber places "greater emphasis on lightweight design over comfort" when compared to the best full-suspension mountain bikes .

The new models do see an increase in front fork travel from 100mm to 120mm which is pretty much in keeping with the majority of cross-country hardtails and RockShox provides the forks in their various guises depending on the model chosen.

Trek also says the emphasis is on better handling over stability and aims to give a rider increased speed and confidence. Trek says this is achieved mostly in the geometry changes made between the Gen 2 and Gen 3 bikes. The modernized geometry features a slacker 67-degree head angle compared to the 68.8-degree angle and the seat tube angle steepened to 74.3 degrees from 73.8 degrees aimed to give riders a more efficient pedaling position. The Reach has increased with a 10mm growth to 460mm in a size large.

Elsewhere the new Procaliber models now have a floating brake rotor mount similar to Trek’s full-suspension Trek Supercaliber , and the mount is said to isolate braking forces from the seat stay flex to increase comfort and provide more consistent braking. Procaliber also gets more tire clearance – up to 2.4-inch to accommodate the best XC mountain bike tires .

Pricing and specification

Trek has launched the Gen 3 with three carbon options to choose from which are the 9.5, 9.6, 9.7 AXS and frameset. It's worth noting this is for the UK and EU only with North American Trek riders only getting the choice of the Procaliber 9.5 and a frameset. Prices range from £4,250 to £1,950 for complete bikes and in the US the available model complete bike is $2,499 with the frameset priced at $1,999 / £1,400.

The new Procaliber alloy version will replace the outgoing X-Caliber and also gets many of the changes found on the carbon bike but as an aluminum framed bike, it doesn't benefit from IsoBow but gets the 120mm suspension forks and geometry tweaks with exact specs and pricing yet to be confirmed.

Further information can be found at Trek.com or in the YouTube video below.

Trek Procaliber 9.7 AXS spec

Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, IsoBow

Fork: RockShox SID, 120mm

Rear Derailleur: SRAM GX Eagle AXS

Shifters: SRAM AXS Pod

Bar: Bontrager RSL MTB Carbon Handlebar/Stem

Crankset: SRAM GX Eagle

Seatpost : Bontrager Line Dropper

Saddle: Verse Short Elite

Brakes: SRAM Level Bronze 4-piston 180mm F/R

Wheels: Bontrager Kovee Elite Carbon 30

Tires: Bontrager Sainte-Anne RSL

Color: Carbon Red Smoke

Sizes : S-XL

Price: $N/A / £4,250

Trek Procaliber 9.6 spec

Fork: RockShox Reba RL, 120mm

Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT M8100

Shifters: Shimano SLX M7100

Bar: Bontrager Comp alloy

Crankset: E*thirteen Helix core

Brakes: Shimano hydraulic disc, MT501

Wheels: Bontrager Kovee Comp 25

Tires: Bontrager Sainte-Anne Pro XR

Color: Dark Web

Price: $N/A / £2,350

Trek Procaliber 9.5 spec

Fork: RockShox Judy GOLD, 120mm

Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore M6100

Shifters: Shimano Deore M6100

Crankset: Shimano MT512

Brakes: Shimano hydraulic disc, MT200

Wheels: Bontrager Kovee

Color: Purple Flip/Hex Blue or Lava

Price: $2,499 / £1,950

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Astrakhan – the view from above

No comments · Posted by Sergei Rzhevsky in Cities , Photos , Travel

Astrakhan is a city in Russia with a population of about 532 thousand people. The oldest economic and cultural center of the Lower Volga and the Caspian region, it is the capital of Astrakhan oblast .

The city is located in the upper part of the delta of the Volga River, on 11 islands of the Caspian depression. Photos by: Slava Stepanov .

Astrakhan Kremlin – a monument of ancient Russian architecture.

Astrakhan State Opera and Ballet Theater.

Admiralteyskaya Street in the city center stretching parallel to the Volga and passing near the walls of Astrakhan Kremlin.

Nikolskaya Street. Astrakhan was almost not affected by the Second World War. That’s why the center of the city has kept a relatively large number of historic buildings.

Residential complex in the center of Astrakhan.

Monument to Heydar Aliyev – the former president of Azerbaijan.

Pedestrian bridge in honor of the friendship between Russia and Azerbaijan.

Henri Barbusse Street. On the right – Pokrovsky Cathedral, in the background – a complex of the Grand Hotel Astrakhan standing on the banks of the Volga.

Shopping and entertainment center “Central”.

14-storey hotel Park Inn Astrakhan located near the railway station.

Church of Our Lady of Kazan (1903-1907) and Dormition Cathedral of Astrakhan Kremlin (in the background).

Tags:  Astrakhan city

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  Astrakhan, Russia Postal Code Lookup

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