2016 trek x caliber

• Crosscountry
• Rider Notes

2016 Trek X-Caliber 7

A 27.5″ / 29″ aluminum frame crosscountry bike with modest components. Compare the full range

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A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

X-Caliber 7

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Trek's budget-friendly hardtails have evolved on two distinct paths, an affordable XC steed and a fun trail machine. Born out of the same frame, find out how these two bikes compare. - Mtbr.com

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If you're looking for a rapid handling cross-country hardtail then the X-Caliber delivers in spades, but it's a bit of a handful when the trail turns downhill thanks to steep geometry and a dated cockpit. Buyer's guide to mountain bikes - get the best MTB for you The best mountain bikes for under £1,000 - the best budget buys ridden and rated Trek launch updated 2020 X-Caliber aluminium hardtail cross-country bike The X-Caliber range is Trek's entry to their proper cross-country hardtail offerings, designed to tackle proper off-road riding rather than being a multi-sport machine.

Jun 2014 · Alan Muldoon

Read the full review of the Trek X-Caliber 7.

Top quality frame and good range of sizes

Saddle won't go low enough

Oct 2013 · David Rome

The name X-Caliber isn’t new to Trek, but for 2014, it will refer to an entire range of entry level 29er hardtails.

Last updated June 29 Not listed for 2,487 days

Trek X-Caliber 8 (2016) review

• Alan Muldoon
• July 11, 2016

The Trek looks amazing and has a decent spec, it’s just a shame the frame isn’t more trail-focused

Product Overview

Overall rating:, trek x-calber 8 2016.

• Quality frame and spec
• Fork is under sprung for frame size

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:.

The Trek X-Caliber 8 is available in a smart wheel size, which simply means the 13.5in comes with 27.5in wheels and the larger sizes get 29in. It makes a lot of sense and more manufacturers should follow suit.

With its baby blue colour scheme and sleek alloy frame the X-Caliber 8 looks like a class act. There’s no bridge between the seatstays so it has excellent mud clearance, and Trek also fits a smaller diameter 27.2mm seatpost for more ‘give’.

>>> The best cheap road bikes ridden and rated

Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the saddle down very far and it got in the way when descending. We also rode most of the steep stuff with our weight too far forward, thanks to an overly long 90mm stem, steep geometry and under-sprung RockShox Recon fork.

The coil-sprung Recon comes standard with a medium coil spring, but it really needs a firm spring. We did a trawl for them online, and couldn’t find any. There’s also very little that can be done about the steep head angle and high bottom bracket.

The X-Caliber 8 gets a full SRAM 2×10 drivetrain with an upgraded GX rear derailleur, powerful Shimano Deore disc brakes and a quality set of Bontrager wheels.

Trek fits a 2.2in front tyre and a narrower 2.0in on the rear; the fatter front tyre adds grip and cushioning and the skinny rear is faster rolling and easier to accelerate.

>>> Hardtail of the Year 2016: £500-£1,000 (VIDEO)

The Trek looks amazing and has a decent spec, it’s just a shame the frame isn’t more trail-focused.

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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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2016 Trek Bikes X-Caliber 7

Stack and reach vs. category trend.

The Bike Insights Upright/Aggressive scale is based on analysis of a bike’s proportions relative to similar sized bikes in the same category.

• Trek X-Caliber 7 2016
• Crosscountry

Bike summary

Bike components.

Alpha Gold Aluminum w/semi-integrated head tube, mechanically formed & butted tubing, race geometry, internal front derailleur routing, G2 Geometry on 29ers

Rear Derailleur

Shimano Acera M3000, Shadow

Front Derailleur

Shimano Acera

Shift Levers

Shimano Acera M3000, 9 speed

Shimano HG20, 11-34, 9 speed

Shimano M3000, 40/30/22

Wellgo nylon platform

Formula alloy hubs, Bontrager AT-650 rims

Bontrager XR2, 29x2.20" front, 29x2.00" rear (Bontrager XR2, 27.5x2.20")

Shimano M355 hydraulic disc

Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, 7 degree, Blendr compatible

Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise

1-1/8" threadless, semi-integrated, semi-cartridge bearings

Bontrager Evoke 1.5

Bontrager SSR, 2-bolt head, 27.2mm, 12mm offset

Bike geometry

Model overview.

X-Caliber 7 belongs to the Trek X Caliber model. Trek launched 60 bikes of this model so far. Take a sneak peek at all Trek X Caliber bikes models from 2016 , by clicking here .

When you go for a ride, don’t forget to put your helmet on. Moreover, ride with traffic, not against it. This will help you stay visible to drivers and also makes it easier for them to see you.

Crosscountry bikes average price

According to our math, the average price for a trustworthy Crosscountry bike is 1905 $ . However, you could also get a good Crosscountry bike even if you pay a lower amount than the average price. In conclusion, always check bike reviews and their components before making a purchase to make sure you don’t overpay.

Internal Cable Routing

Another thing to mention, is the internal cable routing of this bike. In conclusion, this helps you too, keep the bike cables in mint condition, and also it looks better. No more cables, surrounding the bike.

Overview of components

Wheels size.

When leaving the production line, the X-Caliber 7 model has 27.5″ aluminum wheels. 27.5″ wheels will reach higher speeds than smaller-sized wheels. However, the 27.5″ wheels are less forgiving than the 29″ wheels.

Nothing is more important on a bike than its ability to brake properly. Trek X-Caliber 7 is equipped with Hydraulic Disc brakes. Hydraulic disc brakes provide amazing stopping power, no matter what the terrain. To sum up, your safety is in good hands.

Trek X Caliber models from 2023

Trek x caliber models from 2022, trek x caliber models from 2021, trek x caliber models from 2020, trek x caliber models from 2019, trek x caliber models from 2018, trek x caliber models from 2017, trek x caliber models from 2016, trek x caliber models from 2015, trek x caliber models from 2014, trek x caliber models from 2013, trek x caliber models from 2012, trek x caliber models from 2011, trek x caliber models from 2010, trek x caliber models from 2009, trek x caliber models from 2008, trek x caliber models from 2007, trek x caliber models from 2006, trek x caliber models from 2005, trek x caliber models from 2004, trek x caliber models from 2003.

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Trek X-Caliber

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / 15.5", 17.5", 19", 21", 23"

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame 6061 T6 aluminum, butted & hydroformed tubing, cold-forged dropouts & bottom bracket, G2 29" Geometry
• Wheels Shimano M525 hubs; Bontrager SSR Disc 29 32-hole rims
• Wheel Size 29"
• Tires Bontrager 29-2, 29x2.1"
• Crank SRAM , SRAM S1000, 44/32/22
• Front Derailleur Shimano Deore, Shimano Deore
• Rear Derailleur SRAM X7, SRAM X.7
• Shifters SRAM X7, SRAM X.7, 10 speed
• Brakeset Avid, Avid Juicy 3 hydraulic disc brakes, 6-bolt; G2 185mm front, 160mm rear rotors
• Handlebar Bontrager Race Big Sweep, 15 degree sweep
• Saddle Bontrager Evoke 1
• Seatpost Bontrager SSR, 27.2mm, 20mm offset
• Stem Bontrager SSR, 31.8mm
• Headset 1-1/8" threadless, semi-integrated, semi-cartridge bearings

Q: Where to buy a 2011 Trek X-Caliber?

The 2011 Trek X-Caliber may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: What size wheels does the 2011 Trek X-Caliber have?

The 2011 Trek X-Caliber has 29" wheels.

Q: What size 2011 Trek X-Caliber should I get?

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