trek caliber 8 test

• Buyers Guide

• Technical Details

Trek X-Caliber 8 Review

• good complete bike for the price
• great geometry
• great frame
• 25 years warranty

Overall Bike Check

The most importanten ratings of the [bike_model] ⬤ in comparison to the competitor bikes of following categorie: (Racehardtail up to 1500 €) ⬤ .

Value for Money Check

If you are keen on value for money, this is your chart. It shows you at a glance how many bike you get for 1349 €.

Je steiler der Winkel des Sitzrohrs ist, desto effizienter können Sie in die Pedale treten.

• Frame X-Caliper
• Frame Material Aluminium
• Fork Size: XS, RockShox Judy SL, Solo Air spring, TurnKey lockout, tapered steerer, 42mm offset, Boost110, 15mm Maxle Lite, 80mm travel; Size: S, RockShox Judy SL, Solo Air spring, TurnKey lockout, tapered steerer, Boost110, 15mm Maxle Lite, 100mm travel; Size
• Spring Unit air
• Remote-Lockout yes
• Gearrange 510%
• Drivetrain 1x12
• Gear Lever Shimano Deore M6100, 12 speed
• Rear Derailleur Shimano XT M8100, long cage
• Crank Size: XS, S, M, Shimano MT511, 30T steel ring, 52mm chainline, 170mm length; Size: M/L, L, XL, XXL, Shimano MT511, 30T steel ring, 52mm chainline, 175mm length
• Cassette Shimano Deore M6100, 10-51, 12 speed
• Chain Shimano Deore M6100, 12 speed
• Brake Set Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc
• Brake Rotors 180/160
• Wheel Set Size: XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL, XXL, Bontrager Kovee, double-wall, Tubeless Ready, 28-hole, 23mm width, presta valve; Size: XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL, XXL, Bontrager Kovee, double-wall, Tubeless Ready, 32-hole, 23mm width, presta valve
• Front Hub Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, alloy axle, 6-bolt, Boost110, 15mm thru axle
• Rear Hub Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost141, 5mm QR
• Tires Front Size: XS, S, Maxxis Ardent Race, tubeless, EXO casing, folding bead, 60tpi, 27.5x2.35''; Size: M, M/L, L, XL, XXL, Maxxis Ardent Race, tubeless, EXO casing, folding bead, 60tpi, 29x2.35''
• Tires Rear Size: XS, S, Maxxis Ardent Race, tubeless, EXO casing, folding bead, 60tpi, 27.5x2.35''; Size: M, M/L, L, XL, XXL, Maxxis Ardent Race, tubeless, EXO casing, folding bead, 60tpi, 29x2.35''
• Saddle Bontrager Arvada, steel rails, 138mm width
• Seat Post Size: XS, S, Bontrager alloy, 31.6mm, 12mm offset, 330mm length; Size: M, Bontrager alloy, 31.6mm, 12mm offset, 360mm length; Size: M/L, L, XL, XXL, Bontrager alloy, 31.6mm, 12mm offset, 400mm length
• Stem Size: XS, S, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 60mm length; Size: M, M/L, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 70mm length; Size: L, Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 degree, 80mm length; Size: XL, XXL, Bon
• Handle Bar Size: XS, Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 5mm rise, 690mm width; Size: S, M, Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 5mm rise, 720mm width; Size: M/L, L, XL, XXL, Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width
• Handle Bar Width 750
• Head Set Semi-integrated, loose ball bearing, 1-1/8'' top, 1.5'' bottom

best alternatives

• benchmark bike in this price range
• good fork provides good value for money

• adjustable steering angle
• almost invisible cables
• UDH derailleur hanger
• organic shapes
• good value for money

• one of the best bikes in this price range
• excellent geometry
• rides excellent in the downhill
• strong in the uphills

• classic for beginners
• top bike in this price range
• great wheels for this price range

• beautiful design
• strong in the descents
• 6 years warranty

• classic bike for beginners

• definately shredable in the downhill
• strong braking system for this market segment

• great fork compared to the direct competition
• a lesser groupset

• 5 years warranty

• superb geometry in this price range
• strong climber

Expirience with the Trek X-Caliber 8

mostly compare

Trek x-caliber 8 vs trek x-caliber 9.

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Trek X-Caliber 8 review

Trail confidence without breaking the bank

David Rome / Immediate Media

In 2014, Trek's X-Caliber (Skye for women) was re-born as a range of entry-level 29er hardtails. Just a year on, it's undergoing further changes, thanks to what Trek calls ‘Smart Wheel Sizes’ – that means smaller 650b hoops for the two smallest frame sizes, and 29in ones for every other size.

Given our near perfect experience with last year’s X-Caliber 7 , the sight of a RockShox branded fork on the new immediately had us smiling – although a corresponding price rise also has to be factored in. So is the new model worth the extra outlay?

Ride and handling: pro-level trail character with superb balance

The handling qualities of the last year’s X-Caliber 7 were a major factor in the praise we showered on it. Borrowing the geometry from Trek’s popular and World Cup-proven Superfly range, the 29in wheeled 7 rides like a performance bike, rather than the entry-level model that it is.

While smaller frame sizes will undoubtedly experience some difference in handling owing to their 650b wheels, our 17.5in-framed test bike immediately – and reassuringly – felt similar to the X-Caliber 7.

Out on the trail, the ride from the X-caliber's geometry shines

The spacious top tube, short stem combination means your weight sits evenly between the wheels, making for balanced handling. Factor in the relatively short rear end and you've got a comfortable riding position with easy manoeuvrability when the terrain requires. Meanwhile the wide, well-swept Bontrager handlebar offers plenty of leverage for confident control of the bike.

The front derailleur cable is routed internally through the top tube for a clean look

Plenty of handlebar height adjustment is available

It’s worth noting that the X-Caliber's responsive handling and undeviating climbing ability is only fully unlocked once the stem is lowered from its stock position. The bike's short head tube and a large stack of headset spacers allow for plenty of handlebar height adjustment options.

Rolling freely and with authority, the 29er wheels and large volume rubber take charge on rock and root infested trails. Smaller rocks and ripples in the ground go past unnoticed, with the RockShox XC32 fork doing a decent job at absorbing bigger hits – though sharp square-edged bumps can overwhelm it.

Along with a crown-mounted lockout and coil spring preload, the XC32 fork offers rebound control – something that is missing from cheaper models.

The RockShox XC32 fork works well in most conditions, though some flex becomes evident when it's really pushed

Unlike pricier steeds, the X-Caliber sticks with a standard 1 1/8in steerer and quick release axle. But it's only when you really push it that flex is felt in the fork – for most trail conditions, and most riders, it’s a non-issue. (It’s certainly stiffer than the 2015 X-Caliber 7’s XC30 fork)

Trek has also done a respectable job in smoothing the X-Caliber’s ride quality. While little compliance is offered by the alloy frame or firm handlebar grips, large 2.2in tyres go a long way towards filtering trail buzz. Combine this with a generously padded saddle that sits atop a skinny 27.2mm seat post, and the ride is by no means harsh.

It's worth bearing in mind though that while the X-Caliber is capable and eager to go just about anywhere, it does so more slowly than a fancier machine will. Whether you're hauling in speed for a fast approaching corner, conquering the steepest hill in the area or pumping the bike into the air, you're regularly reminded of the weight compromises – especially where it's carried by the wheels – that must inevitably be made with entry-level bikes.

Frame and equipment: well rounded build that’s capable of real riding

As mentioned above, depending on your size the 2015 X-Caliber frame goes through significant changes, or none at all. In the case of our 29in sample it’s the latter, with one exception in the form of brighter paint.

The frame is a fairly no-nonsense build featuring wide tyre clearance, internal front derailleur cable routing, easily serviced threaded bottom bracket and cleanly guided full-length sealed cable housing. Showcasing the potential versatility of the X-Caliber for commuting or light touring, the frame features both fender and pannier rack mounts out the back.

A bit of additional weld at the rear brake mount is used to reinforce the frame. Although it isn't the prettiest...

The build quality is pretty great, however, our brake hoses arrived a little long and messy. Good bike mechanics will clean this up before it reaches your hands, but if not, don't accept giant unnecessary loops in the hoses.

A 2x10 gearing system isn't commonly seen at the X-Caliber 8's price. But is it a good thing?

Given that this is the model above the previously tested X-Caliber 7, it’s no surprise the components are better. Beyond the front fork, the drivetrain is the next most obvious point of upgrade, with this model featuring a SRAM 2X10 system, more commonly seen on higher-end bikes. With 10-speed at the back and just two chainrings on the front, the X-Caliber’s gearing has been optimised for off-road use.

As discussed in our mountain bike groupset buyer’s guide , SRAM is Shimano’s key competitor and a popular choice in mountain biking. The X5/X7 components are an approximate equivalent to Shimano Deore and once set up correctly offer crisp and reliable shifting. It's still not as fast as more expensive options, but it didn’t miss a beat while being tested.

Gearing wise, the small chain ring and largest cog on the cassette enable you to crawl up even the steepest of climbs without too much stress. On the reverse, the 36T big chaninring is well suited to fast off-road use, though it may prove under-gunned for those looking to put a skinnier tyre on and commute. For such usage, other brands that stick with a triple chainring setup may suit you best.

Quality components where it matters

Something we don’t often sing about on bikes at this price is tubeless tyres. A tubeless setup allows for lower tyre pressures without the risk of flatting, so providing a smoother ride quality and greater traction on the trail. Additional benefits include lower weight and reduced rolling resistance. While the X-Caliber isn’t set up tubeless, it does feature tubeless ready rims that proved nicely off-road worthy.

In order to ditch the tubes, you’ll still need to buy the appropriate rim strips, tubeless-ready tyres and sealant, but it’s the single biggest upgrade you can do to the bike (after decent pedals) and it’s not a huge expense either.

Although the supplied Bontrager tyres are durable and confident treads for many trail conditions, they carry plenty of weight. Upgrading to tubeless with a compatible tyre would see the bike drop half a kilogram (and probably more) in weight.

We're big fans of Shimano brakes – even the cheapest models

While SRAM takes care of the drivetrain, Shimano handles the braking duties. This is a common and popular choice, because Shimano's entry-level brakes set the benchmark with reliable function and solid performance. The basic model on the X-Caliber lacks the precise feel and bite of more expensive models, but newer riders will quickly gain complete confidence in the system.

So we’ve covered what you’re gaining over the cheaper X-Caliber 7 , but it's also worth considering what you get at the next pricepoint up.

In some countries (including the US and UK), the X-Caliber 9 is also available and provides an example of what to expect. It offers an air-sprung fork for greater suspension tuneability and substantial weight savings. Additionally, the drivetrain components see a further upgrade that should aid in long-term durability. Finally, the hubs move to a sealed bearing unit – effectively creating a lighter system that use replaceable cartridge bearings instead of the cup and cone loose ball-bearing system found on the X-Caliber 8 and below.

Common advice when buying a starter mountain bike is to spend as much as your budget allows. As we’ve seen in our testing of the X-Caliber 8, that advice rings true in the form of lower weight along with suspension, gearing and wheels that are better suited to the punishment meted out by off-road use. Whatever your budget, be sure to factor in the cost of pedals, as those included won’t let you see what this bike is capable of.

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Trek Xcaliber 8 Review

February 9, 2023

‍ Key Takeaways

• The X-Caliber 8 uses the latest in materials and components for a quality product.
• It has unique features like internal cables and built-in rack mounts.
• Everything on this bike is built for speed, power, simple controls, and confident handling.
• Climbing and descending is a blast with upright seating and highly responsive shifting.

‍ It’s tough to find a mountain bike that brings speed and maneuverability to singletrack trails, that’s reliable while still providing the right thrills.

The Trek X-Caliber 8 delivers on all counts, with high-quality materials and components fashioned into an excellent choice for your mountain bike needs. It handles ascent and descent like a dream, and is easily upgradable for those who want to tweak their performance even higher.

Out of all the bikes we’ve reviewed, this one is a standout far ahead of the pack. We invite you to explore the many benefits to selecting this bike.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

‍ Where to Buy the Trek X-Caliber 8

The Trek X-Caliber 8 costs $1,699, and can only be purchased through the Trek website .

A Brief History of Trek

Trek Bicycles originally started as a subsidiary of an appliance company. In the early 1980s, they expanded and built their own factory, targeting the high-end bicycle market as well as producing mountain bikes. Advances in technology over time meant that they moved on from their roots of hand-built steel frame bikes into aluminum and carbon fiber.

One notable claim to fame for Trek was their partnership with American champion Lance Armstrong. German rider Jens Voigt also set the first UCI unified hour record on a Trek bike, after the organizational rules were consolidated in 2014.

Trek X-Caliber 8 Review

Trek x-caliber 8 specs and geometry.

There’s a lot to love about the X-Caliber 8. Its high-end finishes, sturdy materials, and great attention to care in manufacturing have produced a quality bike that will last for years on the roughest terrain.

As with many mid-grade and high-end mountain bikes, the X-Caliber 8 features an aluminum frame. This means that the bike will be lighter than others made of steel, while still retaining its structural integrity. This gives it a distinct competitive edge on both fast and rough tracks.

Instead of having separate frame setups for men and women, this bike has a unisex frame that suits both riders. This can create simplicity for first-time buyers, making it an appealing option.

The fork suspension has an impressive 100 millimeters of travel. The standard component on other bikes of this class only allow for 80 millimeters of travel, but the X-Caliber 8 boasts higher-grade parts to get you the most out of your bike. The fork can also be upgraded for a maximum of 120 millimeters of travel, if you feel that you’re going to need that extra oomph to get you where you want to go.

The frame is also built for maximum handling. The chainstays in the rear are shortened a bit to give you the most control possible. In additional to the aluminum frame, every other component on this bike is designed to give you quick response times and get you up to speed quickly.

As with other models in the Trek line, there are multiple sizes to allow for riders of all sizes to find the bike that fits best for them. There are six sizes - from XS to XXL - and you can select the one that’s right for you based on your height and leg length. The website is helpful in showing you the right bike for your size.

What’s more, the multiple sizes also come with corresponding tire sizes. Smaller models in the X-Caliber 8 line have 27.5 inch tires, while the larger ones for 29 inch tires. This helpful consideration means that your bike will be fully customized to your unique needs.

One other feature worth mentioning is the built-in rack mounts. This is another way that Trek has thought ahead on behalf of riders: having the rack mounts built into the bike, rather than forcing riders to buy additional accessories, means that loading and unloading the bike will be quicker and easier, leaving more time for the trail.

Trek X-Caliber 8 Build Quality

We’ve already mentioned the aluminum frame, but Trek has developed an “Alpha Gold” alloy for this bike, making it even stronger than traditional aluminum. This alloy coupled with tapered frame components shows a high attention to detail in maximizing both speed and handling on this bike.

The X-Caliber 8 has a single shifter with twelve speeds. This simplified approach means that you’ll be in total control of your speed and uphill and downhill climbs.

The lightweight frame is also ideal for steeper climbs. More often than not, it is the weight of the bike that can slow even experienced riders on an uphill track, due to having to push a heavier machine upward. The lighter frame solves that problem, making it a plus for experienced riders and an added bonus for newer ones.

The X-Caliber 8 is a hardtail bike, which can mean sacrificing speed in some cases. However, the suspension and lighter weight keep it a higher-speed option, making this perfect for racing down the trail with your friends.

It is also compatible with Trek’s Blendr mounting system. If you plan to take any longer trips that require you to pack extra gear, you can mount it directly to the frame without extra components. This makes the X-Caliber 8 very user-friendly for bikepacking or longer trail rides where you want to have a bit more kit handy.

One other great option with the suspension is the lockout mode. This means that your fork will remain inactive, preventing unwanted bouncing at speed. This is yet another way you won’t have to sacrifice speed on longer stretches of even trail. And when you need it, you can reactivate the suspension to provide that needed cushion on rougher stretches.

One final feature worth pointing out is the internal cable routing. There’s no need to fear a stray branch or rock cutting your cables, since everything is contained inside the frame. This is a premium feature that riders of all skill levels will value.

Trek X-Caliber 8 Handling

We’ve already talked at length about the speed the X-Caliber 8 brings to the party, and we’ll let the results speak for themselves. It has the pedigree of a record holder and world champion, and everything about it was built to max out speed.

Just because it’s fast, however, doesn’t mean that you’re losing out on handling. The hardtail rear end and tapered front end gives you optimized handling throughout the bike. Front and rear handling points are responsive when called upon, and steady when they need to be.

The wider 2.35 inch tires can handle any trail you throw them at, although some riders have complained about sand and mud bogging the bike down. This is one of the rare downsides to this bike, but tires are often one of the first upgrades riders will make to get the most out of their next trail, so no worries if that’s something you need to swap out.

As with many other higher-end bikes, the X-Caliber 8 features hydraulic brakes. This is a hallmark of reliability and quality, giving you confident braking when it’s needed most.

Trek X-Caliber 8 Ride Quality and Performance

The X-Caliber 8 has a ride that feels great over difficult tracks and smooth roads. It features an upright riding position, which is more comfortable on ascents and is still pleasant even after hours in the saddle.

Everything about this bike is tuned to deliver speed for long periods of time. Especially if you’re on a smoother track or road, you can go for hours without tiring too much too quickly, helping you truly get the most out of every ride every time.

The shifter also contributes to this smooth ride. The single gear model with 12 speeds means that you’re not shifting gears too quickly, or having to finesse a complicated system.

Climbing and Descending

Climbing and descending are where the X-Caliber 8 truly shines. We’ve covered some of these features already, but they’re worth repeating.

The locking suspension means that the bike won’t bounce on uphill stretches. This means the ride will be smoother and easier; and coupled with the upright seat, you can climb with confidence and ease.

You can also descend from the upright position, which gives you added control and lets you better see what’s up ahead.

Trek X-Caliber 8 Pros and Cons

Trek x-caliber 8 pros.

The materials on the Trek X-Caliber 8 are built to last, but also built to be light. The aluminum alloy frame can handle the worst punishment you can find on the track, while still being light enough to handle with ease.

The upright seating position and locked suspension both contribute to higher speed capacity with this bike. This is further supported by friendly geometry and a simplified shifting structure. They also create a more comfortable ride, meaning you can go farther and ride longer without fatiguing too quickly.

The internal cable routing is another unique build feature that keeps critical components safe on the trail. And the built-in rack mounts make storage and transport a breeze.

• High-quality materials and components
• Aluminum alloy frame
• High speed capacity
• Upright seating position, even on uphill and downhill grades
• Internal cable routing
• Built-in rack mounts

Trek X-Caliber 8 Cons

There are very few negatives about the X-Caliber 8. The only one worth mentioning is the tires, which may get bogged down in muddier or looser tracks.

• Tires may need to be swapped out for wider options.

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This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases. The images and content on this page may be created by, or with the assistance of, artificial intelligence, and should be used for entertainment and informational purposes only.

About THE AUTHOR

Danny Lawson

Mountain biking is more than just a hobby for me - it's a way of life. I love the challenge and excitement that comes with it, and I'm always pushing myself to go faster and ride harder. Some people might think that mountain biking is dangerous, but I see it as the only way to live.

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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.

2023 Trek X-Caliber 8 Review

Are you looking for an affordable mountain bike for your cycling needs? Look no further; the 2023 Trek X-Caliber 8 is an ideal choice. 

It offers a blend of performance, versatility, comfort and value that leaves many others vying for consideration.

Trek has been making quality mountain bikes since 1976. 

They have a well-earned reputation as one of the best bike makers in the world and are renowned for their attention to detail and quality manufacturing. 

The Trek X-Caliber 8 is the latest iteration of their entry into the competitive market of mid-priced recreational trail bikes.

This review dives deep into the features and performance provided by this 12-speed aluminum hardtail, along with its geometry specifications, component groupset and build kit options. 

We’ll also discuss how it stacks up against other similar bikes on the market to give you a better idea if it’s the right choice for you. 

By the end, we hope you will have gained enough insight to make an informed decision about this capable trail hardtail from Trek: The 2023 X-Caliber 8!

If you’re looking for a high-performance mountain bike, take a good hard look at the 2023 Trek X-Caliber 8. 

This lightweight hardtail mountain bike features Shimano shifting, and is perfect for cross country or trail riders. Here is a closer look at what makes the Trek X-Caliber 8 unique.

The 2023 Trek X-Caliber 8 is the perfect hybrid bike for bikepacking , gravel riding, and thrashing the local trails. 

With a lightweight alloy frame and capable components, you’ll get an agile and stable ride that is perfect for adventure.

The Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain delivers reliable shifting, while the extra-wide 2.35″ Maxxis Ardent Race tires provide an extra level of comfort and control on challenging roads or trails. 

The X-Caliber 8 also features discreet rack and fender mounts that let you carry your gear or keep mud off through all kinds of weather. 

It’s an excellent option for riders who want to embark on some weekend bikepacking adventures.

– Lightweight Alpha Gold Aluminum alloy frame for an efficient ride

– RockShox Judy SL front fork featuring 100mm of travel

– Shimano Deore 12 Speed Drivetrain ensures reliable shifting

– Tubeless ready Maxxis Ardent Race tires provide added stability on gravel and other road surfaces

– Discreet rack and fender mounts offers convenience when loading gear

– Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes providing powerful stopping ability & better control

The 2023 Trek X-Caliber 8 features an Alpha Gold Aluminum frame made from custom formed and butted alloy that is lightweight yet stiff and responsive. 

Geometry has been crafted to provide an optimal seated pedaling position with its low standover height combined with long reach. 

It also includes internal cable routing for a sleek, flush look on all rides.

The 2023 Trek X Caliber 8 comes equipped with Shimano Deore 12 speed drivetrain providing smooth shifting with precise gear changes. Featuring a Shimano MT511, 30t front chainring and crankset paired to a Shimano Deore 10-51t 12 speed cassette, it’s designed to tackle any terrain up or downhill without breaking a sweat! 

It also provides good overall range to suit any rider’s needs.

Rolling on Bontrager Kovee, double-wall, tubeless ready wheels gives you confidence as well as maximum traction – great for taking corners as well as attacking climbs and descents alike! Coupled with 29 x 2.35″ Maxxis Ardent Race tires, you have plenty of rubber on the ground to grip whatever surface lies ahead of you!

With the RockShox Judy SL, Solo Air spring suspension forks fitted at the front, you can expect plenty of travel when hitting big bumps and drops out on the trails! 

The 100mm of travel front will keep your bike feeling in control no matter how rough the ride gets!

Overall Impression

Overall, it’s not hard to see how capable the Trek X-Caliber 8 can be for anyone seeking an ultra-lightweight mountain machine that won’t leave them wanting more power or comfort out on their favorite trails!

You’ll be able to climb faster than ever before thanks to its efficient power transfer combined with light weight design; plus conquer any descent quicker than ever due its stable handling characteristics given by full suspension setup.

All in all if your budget doesn’t stretch too far but want serious performance then this could very well be your next go-to ride – give it try today!

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

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2021 Trek X-Caliber 8

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

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Last updated June 3 Not listed for 37 days

Trek ProCaliber 8 Hardtail Review

The Trek ProCaliber 8 features a Decoupler and Isospeed and those make this hardtail a ‘fully’. Riddles? Read the review and watch the video!

• Price: € 1799,00
• Weight:  11,98 kg
• Sizes  13,5″ t/m 23″

The Netherlands is a truly hardtail mountain bike country. Not so strange because until recently the mountain bike trails weren’t really a challenge for a fully. But that changes quickly: trails become more technical and certainly on the hard routes of, for example, the Utrechtse Heuvelrug is a little damping behind quite comfortable. The Trek ProCaliber 8 plays on it: it is a hardtail with a little suspension at the rear. How is possible ?  

The Trek ProCaliber series came in late 2016 for the first time on the market, but the technique behind the ‘ springy ‘ hardtail is already somewhat older. The idea – conceived by the engineers of trek in collaboration with the now retired cyclist Fabian Cancellara – dates from 2012 and came in that year for the first time on race bikes of trek. But what is the idea behind that ‘ sprung ‘ back?

Isopeed Decoupler Part I

The Isopeed Decoupler ‘ disconnects ‘ – hence the word Decoupler-the seat of the rest of the frame. Thanks to a piece of ‘ plastic ‘ the seat can move slightly and the vibrations are muted from the back of the frame. Now the seat of course is not completely loose; With a bolt the two are still connected because otherwise the stiffness would be compromised. The operation of the system is difficult to portray while cycling and also still the flex of the seat is barely visible. Trek has stopped the Isospeed decoupler a nice animation in a video on the ProCaliber. The video is at the bottom of this story. The animation starts at 33 seconds.

The Isopeed Decoupler on the tensile procaliber 8 ‘ decouples ‘ the seat from the rest of the frame.

Frame: Three Flavors

The frame of the Trek ProCaliber series is made in Korea – Frame Bouwland by Excellence! -and there is in three flavors. The ProCaliber 6 and the 8 (which I test here) have an aluminum frame. The bare frame weighs in the 17.5 “inch size 2 kg. The tensile ProCaliber 8, which I test, does not bring just 12 kg on the scale. The more expensive 9-series has a carbon frame and is about 500 grams lighter. From that carbon frame there is also another SL-variant: The superlight whose frame weighs a skinny 1.13 kg. of the 6 and 9 is also another ladies model with a frame with a lower entry level. A pity is that the real Middenmoter – the 8 – is not available as a ladies variant.

The frame of the tensile ProCaliber 8 is of aluminum weighs in the 17.5 “inch size 2 kg.

Draw ProCaliber 8 Cable guidance

The bulk of the cables on the pull ProCaliber 8 runs neatly through the frame to the spot of destination. The rear derailleur cable comes out below the bottom frame tube and runs under the rear bridge to the derailleur. The cable of the rear brake is the only one that runs completely reachable from. Or I like that mix nicely? It will be a result of not wanting to make too many holes in a frame because that could have consequences for the firmness. Well, however, there is still a hole in the seat to conduct a cable for a hydraulic seatpost. The frame has two places to screw a bottle cage.

The tensile ProCaliber 8 has a RockShox Reba RL fork. The fork has 100 mm of travel and underneath on the right fork leg is a large rotary knob with which you can set the rebound. The rebound controls the speed at which the fork responds to unevenness as it were. Too fast and you get a bouncy bike, too slow and you get a rocking fork that always responds too late to bumps. On top of the left fork is a valve with which you control the pressure in the fork. This pressure depends on your weight and your personal preference whether you prefer to have a slightly harder or softer fork.

On the right fork leg, the pull ProCaliber 8 has the lockout, on the left the valve for the air pressure.

On the right fork is the mechanism of the Lockout; The system that allows you to lock the fork, so that it drives as a bike without a suspension fork. This is pleasant when climbing or long stretches over tight terrain because you can deliver a lot of power without getting a ‘ heaving ‘ fork and thus wasting energy. About the operation of the fork nothing but praise. If properly adjusted, it smoothes unevenness. The control of the lockout is easily accessible on the handlebar next to the left handle.  The lockout is not 100% lockout; You always have something damping when you unexpectedly go into the lockout booth against a hard tree root.

The tensile ProCaliber 8 has a RockShox Reba RL fork with 100 mm of travel and a lockout.

Wheel Size: 27 ‘ 5 “or 29-er?

The Trek Pro caliber 8, which I test here, is a 29-er. Trek makes depending on the frame size the choice for you whether you get a 29-er or the smaller 27.5 “(650B) wheels. The frame sizes Ladies 13.5 “and men’s 15.5” have these “small” wheels. The frame sizes 17.5 “through 23”-have the big wheels. This choice is logical. As you get smaller, big wheels are a disadvantage rather than an advantage. The bike is not only disproportionately much heavier, but large wheels in a small frame make a mountain bike less manoeuvrable as well.

Rims and hubs

The rims and hubs come from Treks house brand Bontrager. The rims are Duster Elite 23 and they are tubeless Ready. For you can find a Bontrager boost 110 hub and behind a boost 148. And those numbers stand for the width of the hub. With the advent of 29-ers it was important that naven became wider to achieve a similar stiffness as with a 26 inch wheel. But that’s on the side.  The axle for is of course of Rockshox and is 15 mm and behind sits a 12 mm copy of Bontrager.

For the Trek ProCaliber 8 you can find a Bontrager boost 110 hub and behind a boost 148. The axles are 15 and 12 mm thick.

Pull always mounts tires from own home and with the tensile ProCaliber 8 that is no different: front and rear you will find Bontrager XR2 Team Issue tires in size 29 x 2.20. Also these are tubless Ready so you can drive without inner tubes and that saves weight again. Now I’m not always a fan of Bontrager’s ties. I often find them heavy and do not have enough grip on Dutch paths. With the XR2 Team Issue ties that is different. The weight is along (about 630 grams) and the tyres generally offer good grip. Also when I make a mistake, the front band is again biting into the sides of the trail. I do have the idea that the dots in the middle wear out reasonably quickly.

The Trek Pro caliber 8, which I test here, is a 29-er. Trek makes depending on the frame size the choice for you whether you get a 29-er or the smaller 27.5 “(650B) wheels.

Bontrager Assembly

The House brand Bontrager does not only find you back at the wheels. The saddle – a Bontrager Montrose Comp-, the carbon seatpost, the Bontrager Race Lite handlebar and the Elite stem are all from Bontrager. The stem has a length of 70 mm and makes an angle of 7 degrees. In my case, he stands down what a sportier is giving. If you want something more upright then you can turn it over.  The stem is also suitable for the Trek blender: a holder on which you can attach a cycling computer, your mobile, a headlight or a Garmin GPS.

The Trek ProCaliber 8 is a ‘ hardtail ‘ mountain bike with a little suspension at the rear.

Seating position and comfort

Behind is an 11 speed cassette where the smallest sprocket has 11 teeth and the largest 42 teeth. Now you might wonder why that big tooth blade is black and the rest pretty shiny steel. To save weight is that large sprocket made of aluminum. Yes, that is more wear-resistant but that large leaf use – if it is good – relatively little. The crankset comes from race face: The race face Next R. It is made of carbon and that gives the Trek something extra. The sheets for have 26 and 36 teeth. The combination of cover pages and cassette produces a resistance that is of course very useful in the Netherlands and in the mountains of the Ardennes and the hills of the Sauerland. Now you come with a 1 x 11-Speed also a very end. With the 2 x 11-speed of the Trek ProCaliber 8 You will also come a long way in the Alps.

The crankset is a Race face Next R. It is made of carbon and that gives the Trek ProCaliber 8 a little extra.

Shimano Switching system

The complete switching system comes from Shimano. For has a Shimano SLX derailleur mounted and behind a Shimano XT with Shadow Plus technique. On the arm of the derailleur there is a lever. Get it over and the derailleur is locked. As a result, it moves less during cycling and the chain tension is more constant. This prevents the chain from riding over bumps to go too much back and forth and flies off (and between your front blades and the frame comes). Loosening is really only necessary if you want to take the wheel out.

The rear derailleur on the tensile ProCaliber 8 is a Shimano XT with Shadow Plus technique.

The shifters are Shimano SLX-en. They are mounted on the fastening of the brake levers which gives you a nice clean handlebar. The shifters are equipped with a set knob to change the cable tension, should there be some adjustment on the road. It is also good that the position of the shifters relative to the handles can be adjusted. It is a matter of a inbusboutje loosening and you can steer the whole shifter direction or move the directional handles correctly. In short: good for small and large hands. The operation of the Shimano group is flawless.

The fastening of the brakes, shifters and lockout provides a clean handlebar for the tensile ProCaliber 8.

The tensile ProCaliber 8 features Shimano Deore MT500 hydraulic disc brakes and levers. The front disc has a diameter of 180 mm and behind it you find a disc with a diameter of 160 mm.  The calipers have a single piston and are mounted directly onto the frame and the front fork. Something we call in jargon. If you want to tinker with the brakes and pull the claws loose, turn them on with a torque wrench. If you do not do this then you have a chance of damaging the thread in frame and fork and then you are far from home.

The tensile ProCaliber 8 features Shimano Deore MT500 hydraulic disc brakes: For a 180 mm and rear 160 mm disc.

The brake levers have short grips that are very good in the fingers. The distance from the lever to the handlebar is with a inbusboutje to adjust. Handy, but not as handy as a rotary knob that you can just adjust with your fingers. And that Inbusboutje is size 2.5 and it doesn’t sit on every bike tool. Something to bear in mind.

The brake levers ProCaliber 8 have short grasps. The distance from the lever to the handlebar is with a inbusboutje to adjust.

The brakes are nice on average and in this case this is a pre. They intervene well, brake nicely and the delay is good to dispense. They are never too toxic so you suddenly get lost with a blocking front wheel.

Isopeed Decoupler Part II

Back to the right of the draw ProCaliber 8 and the whole series: the Isospeed decoupler story. Last year I tested all the ProCaliber 9.7 SL. A great bike that I couldn’t tell if the Isospeed system works. With the Trek ProCaliber 8 I have that feeling for sure. After two weeks of frolic – of which the necessary times on the hard route of Amer eyes – I feel I have less bounced off the bike step. Also the back feels ‘ quieter ‘ about washboards in my ‘ backside ‘. I also tried the system with hard-pumped tyres on cobblestones and that experiment confirms what I feel on the trails. Incidentally, I realize that I have now tested a totally different bike; Aluminium frame versus carbon, 17.7 “versus 15.5” then and so also 29-er versus 27.5 “.

With the ProCaliber 8 does pull in my eyes something very handsome. The bike performs well on Dutch singles rails and is fast enough to compete with them. The Isospeed comes right into the aluminium 17.5 “frame with its large 29” wheels. Although it is very difficult to measure, I feel that washboards and tree roots are really less hard to get through. Also the installation with a fine RockShox Reba RL Fork and the mix of Bontrager and Shimano parts fits the price of the ProCaliber 8. What does it cost? €1799.00 euro and that is a very neat price for an XC-mountain bike that, like a Korean Kia, drives a class richer. 9.6/10 points!  

Information: www.trekbikes.co m

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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 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, E2 tapered head tube, internal derailleur & dropper post routing, rack & kickstand mount, Boost141, G2 Geometry
• Fork RockShox 30 Silver TK, RockShox 30 Silver, air spring, preload, rebound, TurnKey lockout, E2 tapered steerer, G2 Geometry w/51mm offset on 29ers, 100mm travel (13.5: 80mm travel)
• Hubs Formula DC2241 alloy, Boost141
• Wheels Bontrager Duster Elite Tubeless Ready 28-hole, tubeless strips and valves sold separately
• Wheel Size 29" 27.5"
• Tires Bontrager XR2, 29x2.20˝ (13.5 & 15.5: 27.5x2.20˝)
• Chain KMC , KMC X10
• Crank Race Face , Race Face Ride, 36/22
• Bottom Bracket Sealed cartridge
• Front Derailleur Shimano Deore, Shimano Deore M6020
• Rear Derailleur Shimano XT, Shimano Deore XT, Shadow
• Shifters Shimano Deore, Shimano Deore M6000, 10 speed
• Brakeset Shimano , Shimano M315 hydraulic disc
• Handlebar Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 5mm rise, 720mm width
• Saddle Bontrager Evoke 1.5
• Seatpost Bontrager SSR, 2-bolt head, 31.6mm, 12mm offset
• Stem Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, 7 degree
• Grips Bontrager Race Lite, lock-on
• Headset Semi-integrated, 1-1/8˝ top, 1.5˝ bottom

Q: How much is a 2018 Trek X-Caliber 8?

A 2018 Trek X-Caliber 8 is typically priced around $1,069 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 2018 Trek X-Caliber 8?

The 2018 Trek X-Caliber 8 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: How much does a 2018 Trek X-Caliber 8 weigh?

A 2018 Trek X-Caliber 8 weights 13.06.

Q: What size wheels does the 2018 Trek X-Caliber 8 have?

The 2018 Trek X-Caliber 8 has 29" and 27.5" wheels.

Q: What size 2018 Trek X-Caliber 8 should I get?

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Is The Trek X-Caliber 8 Worth Buying? [Trek X-Caliber 8 Review]

Table of Contents

Trek X-Caliber 8

• Price: $1,599.99-$1,699.99
• Suspension: 100mm (front)(XS,80mm)
• Tires: 27.5 or 29x 2.35 in.
• Gears: 1 x 12.
• What we like: Lightweight, fast mountain bikes for singletrack, with the right components, and outstanding performance on both climbs and descents.
• What we don’t: The climb is slow.

Trek X-Caliber has always had a good reputation. When you want to get a mountain bike that can be off-road for a long time, or even ready to pack and travel, you may wish to consider the Trek X-Caliber 8.

It shares a lot of similarities with its sibling, the Trek X-Caliber 9, with some downgraded components, but when you need something other than a pure fast cross-country race bike, the X-Caliber 8 seems to be the best choice. It’s built with special attention to value and the parts that make the biggest difference in performance.

Below we break down the Trek X-Caliber 8’s descending and climbing performance, key features, components, and specs, along with other versions in the series for comparison.

For more mountain bikes in the same price range, check out our Best mountain bikes under $1,500 .

Related Reading: Is The Trek X-Caliber 7 Worth Buying? [Trek X-Caliber 7 Review]

Although the Trek X-Caliber 8 is one of the representatives of comfortable off-road, their descending performance has also been questioned.

Riders who live in mid-altitude areas will really appreciate the Trek X-Caliber 8, the fast-descent 27.5/29-inch tires. And a 100mm RockShox Judy SL Air fork.

Relatively flat single-track or double-gauge descents, including the occasional tree roots and rock blocks, can descend smoothly.

When it doesn’t mean it can withstand steep gravel descents, the suspension travel constantly bottoms out, which makes the testers uncomfortable.

And in muddy or soft sand, the 2.35-inch Bontrager Kovee loses grip quickly. The texture of the tire is soft, and it is a vacuum low-pressure tire, which has a certain effect on rolling resistance.

The steep head tube angle forced me to descend from an upright riding position, and it also didn’t have a dropper post, which required adjusting the seatpost height in the face of difficult descending terrain.

All of the above is relatively difficult mountain trails, and if you are more inclined towards moderate technical difficulty or easy trail descents, the Trek X-Caliber 8 is the most logical choice.

If you were worried about the climbing performance of the Trek X-Caliber 8, the X-Caliber 8 will surprise you with its climbing performance.

As a mountain bike with a competitive pedigree, Trek X-Caliber 8’s geometric design of the body, as well as details such as the grip of the tires, can ensure fast off-road and long-term off-road.

Outdoor adventures, not always in difficult terrain, and steep gravel hills, it is easy to show the power of the X-Caliber 8.

Thanks to it having a Shimano 1×12 drivetrain, the incomplete Shimano Deore M6100 drivetrain has some upgrades at the Rear derailleur. The Shimano XT M8100 is used to ensure smooth shifting during fast riding off-road.

RockShox Judy SL can also be manually locked when climbing, so you can climb to the top of the slope more easily.

As you know, the Trek X-Caliber 8 is very light, which makes it easier for long-distance off-road riders to climb.

Even though its climbs are so good, the only complaint about it is its drivetrain, which is set a bit low, which is a bit of a minus for the steeper climbs.

All in all, we still like the Trek X-Caliber 8’s ability to climb fast, which is hard to find in the same price range of mountain bikes.

General Terrain

Trek has designed their mid-range models with the commuter or recreational rider in mind.

So it’s important to be able to install the rear rack and fender mounts, both to meet the needs of your daily ride, and to bring more supplies when you want to backpack. Let you ride farther.

That’s why the Trek X-Caliber 8 is an all-rounder bike for off-road and commuting.

Long-distance off-roading requires the cooperation of different gears, and we will not feel that the gear range is not enough when climbing, and the 1×12 transmission system is already one of the standard attributes of mid-to-high-end bicycles.

The more upright riding position makes a huge difference on flatter singletrack terrain, allowing you to ride 20 miles all the way without getting too tired.

Perfect for small areas of gravel on the block, it’s easy to get addicted to the performance of components like a high-performance fork and fast-rolling tires.

Main Features

Frame (4.8/5).

The Trek X-Caliber 8 and 9 use the same Alpha Gold Aluminum frame. It’s not specifically subdivided into men’s and women’s frames, so it’s a unisex frame.

Alpha Gold Aluminum provides riders with more precise, confident handling and has been approved by quite a few riders.

Although the frame of the Trek X-Caliber 8 looks very flimsy, it is actually made of alloy material that is good enough for riders to ride for more than 10 years.

Clean interior wiring, and simple gray or white paint, minimalist style.

In addition, it is the weight of its frame. The heavy frame often makes your climbing more difficult. The X-Caliber 8 with racing genes is not only on the frame, which occupies most of the weight of the body. Do enough optimization.

There are other components that are lightweight directional stacks.

The versatility of the frame is also a nice touch, with two water bottle holders for long trail rides.

It can also be transformed into a commuter bicycle, a rear bracket that is easy to install, and a tripod, so that your car can accompany you more.

The steep header Angle is suitable for steep climbing, and it is maintained at a low speed when climbing, so the flexible handling is also worth considering.

So its conical head tube provides more precise and confident control for the ride, and the shorter rear and lower fork also enhances the maneuverability.

Of course, if you’re worried about whether a long ride can get tired, then a 73.8-degree seat tube Angle gives you a comfortable ride.

This also has the disadvantage that it is not suitable for very steep downhill road rides.In a moderate downhill road, a very comfortable transition to a flat single track or bike path.

Thanks to its frame and Trek X-Caliber 9, we can give it some upgrades when the budget is more adequate to make it more off-road.

Up to seven frame size options, which also allow riders of different heights to find the right size, the XS and S frames have 27.5-inch tires installed, which are more flexible. The M and above frames, with 29-inch tires, are suitable for fast off-road racing.

Components and Specifications

Shimano deore 1x12 drivetrain (4.7/5).

The transmission system has not shrunk, using the more mature Shimano Deore 1X12 transmission system.

The gear range is adequate, and such a drivetrain is adequate for use in non-competition models. The popular 1X12 drivetrain is also available on many mountain bikes for under $2000.

Therefore, in the components that need to be upgraded, we have not considered doing some upgrades.

Trek in the chain easy to noises after the fork parts, also do the protection device, detailed install protective device in the position of not easy to detect. This does not affect beautiful, can also be a quiet ride in the gravel path.

Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc Brake（4.5/5）

Long-term off-roading requires a more sensitive braking system.

The Shimano MT200 brakes on the Trek X-Caliber 8 are relatively low-end products in Shimano hydraulic brakes.

Of course, considering the price of Trek X-Caliber 8, we can understand that this brake system is installed on it.

The front rotor has been enhanced with a 180mm rotor, so it can withstand the braking test of long downhill roads.

Of course, you want to use it better in more intense mountains, and the Shimano MT200 will be insufficient.

Of course, the riding performance of the Trek X-Caliber 8 is far from reaching the shortcomings of the Shimano MT200. So this is a more appropriate component in the X-Caliber 8, not an excellent, excellent accessory.

RockShox Judy SL Fork（4.5/5）

With the exception of the smallest XS-sized Trek X-Caliber 8, which has 80mm of travel, the other frames use a 100mm RockShox Judy SL Fork.

As a rider who likes to ride in difficult mountains, I don’t particularly like mountain bikes with only 100mm travel forks.

Of course, when we tested it, we were also surprised by the outstanding performance of the RockShox Judy SL.

The air suspension can well absorb the impact of small shocks on the bicycle, and in the middle of the shock absorption, it can also provide more cushioning without violent rebound, which affects the handling.

The shock absorption at the rear distance from the bottom can also provide more shock absorption. I even think this is comparable to a 120mm spring fork.

Even if 100mm isn’t a big deal, the Trek X-Caliber 8 can support forks up to 120mm of travel.

Maxxis Ardent Race Tires

Vacuum tires are also one of the frequently upgraded components of many high-end mountain bikes due to their light weight, low tire pressure, and puncture resistance.

The Maxxis Ardent Race tubeless tires on the Trek X-Caliber 8 are also high-quality tires for off-road use.

It is light in weight, suitable for climbing, and can provide strong traction. The pattern of the tire also has a certain self-cleaning function. When riding on a muddy road, it is easy to get rid of the mud stuck to the tire.

The 2.35″ inch width is suitable for fast off-road riding, allowing you to ride faster with less power.

Trek X-Caliber 8 Specs

• Can I run 27.5+ wheels & tires?

Yes! X-Caliber features mounts for a rear rack and 20mm chainstay-mount kickstand.

• What is the max chain ring size?

Comparison Table

Competition, trek marlin 8 vs trek x-caliber 8.

In fact, in my opinion, the accessories of these two mountain bikes are very similar.

The Marlin 8, which also belongs to Trek, is also a mountain bike with racing blood.

Because of its lower price, it is also sought after by some riders who love racing mountain bikes.

In terms of frame geometry, there is not much difference in the angle, but the rear chainstays of the Marlin 8 are longer, reaching 438mm, which is suitable for riding on relatively flat off-road terrain. Overall handling will be slightly worse than the Trek X-Caliber 8.

With the SRAM SX Eagle, the 1×12 transmission system is more suitable for racing use, so the Marlin 8 transmission system is stronger and lighter.

In terms of riding comfort, I prefer the comfort of Trek X-Caliber 8, which is suitable for long-distance off-road cycling.

The Trek Marlin 8 is a mountain bike that can compete in short-distance cross-country races, and it has a beautiful pink color scheme, and more female riders will choose it.

Trek X-Caliber 8 vs Giant Fathom 2

The cost-effective Giant Fathom 2 has a very prominent feature, that is, it uses a Giant Crest 34 RCL front fork with 130mm travel.

For more aggressive off-roading, there’s a $30 price difference.

Compared to the Trek X-Caliber 8, which can only choose 27.5 or 29-inch tires through the frame, the Fathom 2 gives users more options. It is available in two wheel sizes, 27.5 x 2.6″ or 29×2.50″.

And the Giant Fathom 2 pays more attention to balance, and the looser 66-degree head tube angle enhances confidence and control on technical descents.

It is an efficient off-road machine that can climb fast and descend fast.

The wide tires also give it a performance comparable to mountain bikes in the $2,000 range.

Even so, I feel that the Giant Fathom 2 uses a Shimano Deore 1×10 drivetrain, which is a bit under geared compared to the Trek X-Caliber 8’s Shimano Deore 1×12.

In general, the Trek X-Caliber 8 is suitable for hills and mountains with little rolling, while the Fathom 2 is suitable for the middle or eastern woodland off-road.

CANNONDALE TRAIL SE 3 vs Trek X-Caliber 8

In our previous reviews, the CANNONDALE TRAIL series, we have always mentioned that the mountain bike components of this series or the terrain suitable for riding are relatively balanced.

So CANNONDALE TRAIL SE 3 is the most powerful competitor of Trek X-Caliber 8, what are the same or differences between them.

From the frame geometry comparison, CANNONDALE TRAIL SE 3 and Giant Fathom share some similarities. The head tube angle is not as steep as the X-Caliber 8.

In addition, the CANNONDALE TRAIL SE 3 is equipped with a 120mm RockShox Judy Silver TK, which has 20mm more travel, although it is more expensive, it can be suitable for more aggressive off-road or woodland riding.

The CANNONDALE TRAIL SE 3 also comes with a TranzX Dropper with 120mm of travel (100mm for the S frame), something the Trek X-Caliber 8 doesn’t have. So you can rush down the ramp of the gravel trail more smoothly.

Of course, the Shimano Deore 1×11-speed transmission system used in CANNONDALE TRAIL SE 3, a slight compromise on this component is also acceptable.

Considering the price/performance ratio alone, the value of CANNONDALE TRAIL SE 3 will be higher. Finally, we found that the Trek X-Caliber 8 has better climbing performance after riding comparison, which is a weaker terrain than the CANNONDALE TRAIL SE 3.

SANTA CRUZ Chameleon vs Trek X-Caliber 8

At almost twice the price of the Trek X-Caliber 8, the SANTA CRUZ Chameleon is for the trail rider on a bigger budget. It has more off-road handling and climbing ability than the Trek X-Caliber 8.

Whether it’s handling flexibility or the pursuit of fun off-road travel, the SANTA CRUZ Chameleon seems to be a very good choice.

The SANTA CRUZ Chameleon is equipped with a FOX Rhythm 34 with 130mm of travel, which is more efficient in shock absorption, and can also adjust the appropriate front travel according to its own weight and the required riding terrain.

The efficient and robust SRAM NX Eagle 1×12-speed drivetrain has always been a component many riders wish to upgrade to, and the SANTA CRUZ Chameleon comes with it.

In addition, the high-quality SRAM Guide T braking system, 4-piston caliper, sufficient clamping force and front and rear wear-resistant 180mm rotors can ensure that you stop precisely on the fast off-road road.

Is it just that? NO

Its biggest feature is its front and rear tires of different sizes, 29-inch front wheels and 27.5-inch rear wheels, which can not only ensure the flexibility of riding, but also achieve fast off-road ability.

Such a performance monster, and one of our ten-minute favorite models.

Final Evaluation (4.6/5)

The Trek X-Caliber 8 is a stripped-down version of the X-Caliber 9, but retains most of the same components. And in the same price mountain bike, its climbing performance and fast off-road ability are worthy of recognition.

Of course the Trek X-Caliber 8 is a great mountain bike for trail or rough trail riding. It also has a relatively high cost performance, so it is a very worthwhile mountain bike to buy.

We ended up giving the Trek X-Caliber 8 a 4.6.

Learn more: Is Trek X-Caliber 9 Worth Buying? [Trek X-Caliber 9]

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Trek’s Fourth Generation Top Fuel Is the Pinnacle of Fast Trail Balance.

A mountain bike that does it all; yet may leave some riders asking for a bit more.

Builds, Prices, Claimed Weights

Ride impressions, notes from the field.

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Price as tested: $8,500 (X0 AXS) Weight as tested: 29.0 lb. (size ML) Sizes offered:  S, M, ML, L, XL Model price range:  $2,700 to $10,500 Frame only:  Aluminum - $2,450, Carbon - $3,900 Fork travel:  130mm Frame travel:  120mm Recommended shock sag: 20-30% Frame tire clearance :  2.5” for 29” & 27.5 ” Bottom Bracket:  BSA threaded Seatpost:  34.9mm Shock Dimensions:  185x50mm (stock), 185x55mm (optional), trunnion Piggyback shock compatible:  Yes Coil shock compatible:  Yes Derailleur Hanger:  SRAM UDH Warranty: Lifetime frame warranty, two-year warranty on paint and bearings.  Crash replacement: Trek’s Carbon Care policy offers a “significant discount to replace a damaged carbon fiber frame, fork, or part.”

The Top Fuel was Trek’s premier full-suspension XC race bike several years ago. But starting in 2019, Trek began to transform the Top Fuel into a lightweight trail bike, bumping up the travel and relaxing the geometry but keeping some XC-like features like a remote lockout.

The third generation Top Fuel was launched in 2021 with more travel—120mm rear travel and a 120mm fork—even more relaxed geometry, in-frame storage, and Trek eliminated the remote lockouts. But 2021 was also when some brands began to debut XC race bikes with 120mm travel and slacker geometry in response to rowdier courses. ( Scott’s Spark is a good example of this trend, as is the recently launched Specialized Epic 8 ).

Trek, however, went a different direction and positioned its 120mm bike as a light trail bike and debuted a new, shorter-travel full suspension Supercaliber for XC racing . And the third-generation Top Fuel quickly found itself in a sort of no-bike land. It was intended, designed, and equipped as not an XC race bike while XC race bikes from competitors arrived with travel and geometry similar to the Top Fuel.

In our 2021 review of the Top Fuel , my colleague Dan Chabanov, in addition to dinging the bike for being a bit heavy (compared to XC race bikes like the Spark), said, “Trek does say that the Top Fuel is compatible with a 130mm fork, and I can’t help but think the new Top Fuel would have made a lot more sense with the increased travel straight from the factory.”

Trek agreed, apparently, and after one model year, Trek began shipping the Top Fuel with a 130mm fork. This pushed it more into the trail bike category and helped place daylight between it and the new-school XC race bikes.

For the fourth-generation Top Fuel, Trek maintains the fast trail target. Trek retains the Top Fuel’s 120mm rear/130mm front travel while building in refinements to make the bike more dialed and broadly versatile.

Features and Details

The list of updates to the Top Fuel includes a significant frame-weight reduction. The aluminum and carbon frames are about 220 grams (almost a half-pound) lighter.

A weight reduction is always appreciated, and, built like for like, the new Gen 4 Top Fuel would be lighter than a Gen 3.

However, compared to the Gen 3 initially launched in 2021, Trek pushed the Top Fuel more into the trail category and added heavier components like longer travel, stiffer forks, and more aggressive tires. There’s also the added weight of SRAM’s Transmission compared to SRAM’s standard-mount-derailleur drivetrains.

As a result, even with the lighter frame, the Gen 4 Top Fuel’s overall bike weights are up compared to the Gen 3 Top Fuel that launched in 2021. According to Trek’s claimed weights, the lightest Gen 4 Top Fuel, the top-of-the-line 9.9 XX AXS model, weighs 28.3 pounds in a size medium: The Top Fuel we reviewed in 2021 in an extra-large weighed 26.8 pounds on our scale.

While it has gained weight due to its added capability, it is noteworthy that a Gen. 4 Top Fuel is three-plus pounds lighter than Trek’s longer-travel (140mm rear, 150mm front) Fuel EX . That alone should make it a more compelling trail bike option for many riders.

A striking detail buried in the tech information shared with the press was that the Trek product team made the new Top Fuel’s frame less stiff. Reducing stiffness from one generation to the next is not a typical move. However, it is possible to make a bike too stiff. And that has many drawbacks. In this case, Trek says that reducing stiffness makes the new frame “more balanced and forgiving” than the previous generation and helps reduce frame weight.

For many years, Trek’s mountain bikes have featured a geometry-adjusting flip chip called Mino Link, and some of its more recent mountain bikes have featured a flip chip that makes the suspension more or less progressive.

In the new Top Fuel, Trek combined the two flip chips into one four-position chip that alters geometry and progression (14 or 19 percent progression in this bike’s case). It is a feature likely to make its way into more Trek mountain bikes in the future.

On the theme of adjustments, Trek pitches several approved variations of the stock setup.

If 120mm rear travel isn’t enough for your needs, this Top Fuel will accept a 185x55mm shock (stock is 185x50mm), bumping wheel travel up 10mm to 130mm rear. To round out what would be a more gravity-oriented Top Fuel build, Trek officially sanctions the use of a 140mm travel fork and a 27.5-inch rear wheel for all sizes except the small. Small bikes run 27.5” wheels front and rear to give their riders “a more proportional fit and easier handling” and are not compatible with a 29-inch rear wheel.

But if you're more XC-oriented, the new Top Fuel is also officially approved for use with a 120mm travel fork. The brand says its top XC racers may use the Top Fuel with a 120mm fork and lightweight build instead of the shorter travel Supercaliber as courses and conditions merit.

Trek does not sell the Top Fuel as a complete bike in the 130/140mm gravity(ish) build or the 120/120mm XC build. Unfortunately, altering a stock 120mm rear, 130mm Top Fuel into either variant is not simple.

While the stock forks can be bumped up or down in travel with an air shaft, the swap requires tearing down and rebuilding the forks. In addition, the gravity build requires a new shock (the stock shock stroke cannot be increased), a new 27.5-inch rear wheel, and a new 27.5 tire. Based on my testing, a gravity-built Fuel EX will also need more powerful brakes. Riders who want the more XC-oriented Top Fuel will likely wish for lighter parts, particularly wheels and tires.

Because of these hurdles, I suspect that riders who definitively know they want either the XC or gravity-flavored Top Fuel are likely to buy a frame and build the bike from the ground up exactly how they want it. And here is a good place to mention that the Top Fuel is compatible with a wide range of shocks, including RockShox’s Flight Attendant, Fox’s Live Valve Neo automatic electronically controlled shocks, and even coil-over shocks.

But for all the riders who buy a complete Top Fuel, the option to morph it into a more XC or gravity-oriented bike is there, though it will be costly.

Rounding out the suspension updates, the new Top Fuel features a touch more anti-squat, which should make it feel slightly crisper when the rider pedals.

The in-frame storage gets a polish, with improved sealing, a larger opening in the down tube, and some refinements to the routing tubes so the storage bags slide in and out more easily.

Trek is also debuting improved bags for its in-frame storage. Previously, they had one neoprene bag for tube and tools. That one bag is replaced with two: One unpadded bag for a tube and one padded bag for tools (the padding reduces the chance of tools rattling against the frame). These new bags come with all 2025 Trek bikes with in-frame storage (carbon frames ship with both bags, aluminum frames only get the tool bag) and are also available for purchase.

And finally, Trek relegated the Gen 3 Top Fuel’s Knock Block steering stop system to the dustbin of history.

You’ll find frame geometry pasted here for your enjoyment. Trek sent me five different geometry tables, but I’m only pasting the one that details the complete bikes—120mm rear, 130mm front, flip chip in the low position, 29” x 29” wheels (size small has 27.5” x 27.5” wheels)— as they come out of the box.

Trek’s site will have all the variations, but essentially, changing the flip chip to the high position steepens the angles and raises the BB; swapping in a 140mm travel fork slackens the angles and raises the BB; and with a 27.5 rear wheel and 140mm fork, the bike has a 64.6-degree head angle, 342mm BB height, and effective seat tube angles that are about a degree slacker than the out-of-the-box geometry.

Adding a fifth frame size is the most significant geometry change from Gen 3 to Gen 4. Like some other Trek mountain bikes, the Top Fuel now has an ML frame size that fits between the medium and large.

Another notable change is the adoption of size-specific seat stay lengths. Sizes S and M have 435mm stays, ML and L run 440mm stays, and the XL gets 445mm stays (all sizes of the previous generation Top Fuel ran 435mm stays).

Many sizes get a seat tube angle adjustment: the small is half a degree steeper, the medium is 1.4 steeper, the large is 0.3 steeper, and the XL is 0.4 slacker.

Finally, the seat tubes are shorter—the XLs by a whopping 30mm—and there is more dropper post-insertion depth.

While Specialized tends to introduce its new bikes in high-end carbon versions, with lower-priced aluminum versions coming later , Trek, in its usual practice, is introducing its full line of Top Fuel models all at once.

The full range of seven models starts at $2,700 for the aluminum-framed Top Fuel 5 and ends at the $10k-plus 9.9 XX AXS with a carbon frame.

Regardless of price or frame material, all models have internal frame storage, fully guided hose-and-housing routing, a 12-speed drivetrain, tubeless-ready wheels and tires, lock-on grips, and a dropper post. All except the least expensive model have four-piston brakes (the Top Fuel 5 has two-piston hydraulic calipers).

Due to the late arrival of my test bike, I don’t yet have as much time on the new Top Fuel as I like before writing a review. But I’ve gotten in some good rides on some of my most familiar trails, so I feel I have a good sense of its performance and character. Even so, I will continue to ride it and update this review if my impressions change.

In the Notes From The Field section below, I’ve outlined my journey to a good fork setup, plus my feelings on the stock brakes. My impressions here are based on how the bike rides with the fork dialed in and a larger front rotor.

The 120 rear/130 front (ish) light trail category this Top Fuel resides in is lousy with amazing bikes. A quick list off the top of my head and in no particular order: Evil Following , Ibis Ripley, Pivot 429 Trail , Specialized Epic 8 Evo, Spot Ryve, Yeti SB120 , Giant Trance Advanced, and the Santa Cruz Tallboy.

That is some stiff competition, but I think Trek made a bike that competes well against this strong field.

The expectation for this style of bike is that it as fast on the climbs and flats as an XC bike and allows the rider to go full send on the descents like a trail bike. That is impossible. So, while everyone is seeking this holy grail of speed and capability in one, many bikes lean one way or the other. For example, the Epic Evo is more XC, while the Tallboy is more Trail.

The Top Fuel, however, feels more equalized. No, it doesn’t climb like an XC bike and descend like a trail bike—again, impossible—but it doesn’t seem to be lean one way or the other, like many of its competitors. It feels balanced: equal parts quick and capable.

That results in a handy bike, no matter the terrain or direction of the slope.

On smoother climbs, the suspension is quiet and efficient. There’s little unwanted motion, and upping the cadence is rewarded with eager thrusts. It is not as quick-feeling or firm at the pedals as some four-bar systems— dw-Link , most notably—but the Top Fuel is far from sluggish.

I will note that I ran the shock with 30 percent sag, the maximum Trek recommends. Traction is a challenge on many of my trails, so I usually prefer my suspension softer off the top. But the low end of the advisable sag range for this bike is 20 percent, and with less sag, the bike will feel more zippy.

But even with 30 percent sag, the rear end is supportive and holds the rider in a good position when the climb gets steeper. And when the climb gets chunky and technical, the rear end is sensitive and offers great traction.

On descents, the Top Fuel is composed and surprisingly confidence-inspiring, and I experienced little bucking or jarring deflections off my chosen line. Chunder, drops, jumps, gaps, and sketchy loose chutes: The Top Fuel telegraphed it was game for all of it. The rear suspension has a lovely tune that provides access to its full travel. It has plenty of bottom-out control and good sensitivity, too.

Nothing particularly stood out about the Top Fuel’s handling as I climbed and descended. It felt…normal, I guess? I wasn’t fighting the bike and didn’t feel I needed to adjust to work around any quirks.

It worked its way through my tightest, steepest climbing trails well. The Top Fuel handled downhill corners of all varieties intuitively. It flew true as an arrow on the fastest straightaways. I could change its direction at will and with little resistance. The bike felt like I could always position it exactly where I wanted and hit my lines accurately.

But for all of its impressively well-rounded performance, I didn’t sense an extra-strong “fun” vibe from the Top Fuel like I get from the Evil Following. In that way, Top Fuel perhaps lacks a little. It is so balanced that it is—while very far from boring—a rather staid bike.

I wonder if some of this is due to the bike’s weight. My ML size, XO AXS model weighs 29 pounds on my scale, which is only 1.2 pounds lighter than Specialized’s Stumpjumper 15 I recently reviewed. The SJ15 has more travel, more adjustments, a unique and fabulous rear shock, sticker tires, more powerful brakes, and is much better on descents and rough trails.

The Top Fuel does feel more lively, rolls faster, and is a bit quicker on climbs than the SJ. But some fast trail bikes like the Trek and the 29.4 lb. Yeti SB120 presents a conundrum because they’re not much lighter than bikes with the next jump up in travel.

To me, the deciding factor is feeling. Do you want a bike that feels snappier and climbs with a bit more pep, or do you emphasize descending speed and confidence? Personally, I prefer shorter-travel bikes. I like the snap and pep of less travel and to feel the trail under my tires. However, another large part of that preference is due to the shape of my trails. I can easily understand how a rider in a different locale would go for more travel.

Choices are good, but they can also be confusing. My best advice: if you're not sure what you want, borrow and demo as many different bikes and different travels as possible.

My time on the Top Fuel so far has left me with the impression that this Top Fuel is a superb bike that isn’t extraordinary. A bike I know will perform brilliantly on most trails, and I am happy to ride it, but it also leaves me wishing for something more from it, even though I can’t pinpoint what more I want.

Non-specific whinging aside, the fourth-generation Top Fuel is an excellent light trail bike that can compete with the best on the market.

Random observations and reports from my time testing the bike.

• I appreciate that Trek gave the Top Fuel internal storage AND a cargo mount under the top tube. Having both offers the rider more options for their preferred tube/tool/cargo setup. In my case, I put a (butyl) tube and flat repair kit with CO2 and Dynaplug Racer Pro inside the frame and used the cargo mount for an i nline OneUp EDC pump mount , which I fitted with the 70cc pump with an EDC tool inside.

• This Top Fuel offered my first chance to ride the Trek’s updated tire offerings. And they’re pretty good. The Gunnison front and Montrose rear tires offered predictable traction and seemed less flat-prone than the brand’s previous attempts. My trails are littered with tire-eating square-edged rocks, and I heard the familiar sound of a rim out several times while testing the Top Fuel. And though that sound made me mentally scramble to remember where I stashed Dynaplug, the flats, so far, haven’t happened. However, the compound does seem a bit biased towards fast rolling and does feel slightly slippery and bouncy on rock slabs and the hardest hardpack. But they seemed like a solid choice for this style of bike, and I didn’t want to tear them off after the first ride and throw on some of my favored Maxxis or Vittoria treads.

• When I pulled this bike out of the box to build it, I discovered one of the SRAM AXS pods had a dead coin cell battery. I’ve had a run of bikes with AXS pods that required a new coin cell after one or two rides. I don’t know if SRAM has a bunch of old batteries or a run of bad ones, but it’s annoying to discover your brand-new and nearly five-figure bike immediately needs a new battery.

• The SRAM Level Silver four-piston brakes, with 180mm HS2 rotors front and rear, are barely powerful enough for this bike. I realize that weight is a big deal in this bike category and that I am biased toward powerful brakes. But on the steeper trails, this bike is otherwise capable of riding my hands were aching from pulling on the levers so hard. I bumped up to a 200mm front rotor, which helped a lot (and I may yet go up to a 200mm rear). But if you’re considering this bike’s compatibility with longer stroke shock, 140mm fork, and 27.5 in. rear wheel, the stock brakes won’t cut it. You’ll want stoppers like Codes, TRP’s DHR Evo, or the Hayes Dominion.

• I usually don’t detail my suspension settings because I believe suspension settings result from terrain, trail surface conditions, riding style, and personal preference, so unless you are me and riding my trails, how I tune my suspension is irrelevant to you. In this case, however, I will detail a few of my fork settings because it took me a while to dial in this fork properly. The RockShox Pike on this bike has the brand’s recently revised air spring—increased negative spring volume, which softens the initial travel—and the revised Charger 3.1 damper, which has a greater damping adjustment range. Trek also ships this fork with no bottomless air tokens in the air chamber. With recommended pressure and zero tokens, the fork was an overly soft and unsupportive mess. I eventually wound up with two tokens in the fork and 95 psi in the spring, 15 over RockShox’s recommended pressure for my weight. Once the spring felt right, I found I liked the low-speed compression at -2 and the high-speed compression set at +1. This allowed me to add or subtract compression damping as trail conditions demanded.

A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling , Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race. 

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Tested: Trek’s Eighth-Generation Madone

Loved the world over, the Marlin has long held the hearts of new riders and seasoned rippers alike, and to keep everyone rolling with ear-to-ear grins we’ve revamped it with more trail confidence than ever. Whether zipping through town, dipping your toes into the trail for the first time or slicing through switchbacks as a well-seasoned rider, you’ll appreciate the sleek new frame that ups the capability and brings looks to match. There’s a reason why it’s always been your favourite.

Total trail confidence A bike's geometry is the defining framework it's built on, and the Marlin is a true mountain bike at it's core. Its measurements are perfectly dialled to give you a confidence-inspiring, planted feel when you’re rolling down steep and bumpy trails, while keeping it easy to pedal back to the top when you’re ready for another lap.

Marlin’s head tube (a) sits at a slacker (more acute) angle. The slacker head tube angle (b) moves your front wheel further in front of you. Take it to the trail, and this slacker head tube angle (b) boosts stability and control for confidence when descents get steep and rowdy.

To balance a slacker head tube angle (b) , the Marlin features a steeper (more upright) seat tube angle (d) . A steeper seat tube (c) lets you get the most out of every pedal stroke, so you don’t waste power on the climb to the top.

The Marlin is equipped with a short stem and wider handlebar for more direct control and responsiveness when you’re manoeuvring through rocks and roots. Meanwhile, a longer reach (e) gives you extra stability so you can ride faster and more confidently.

Secure your ride

A new Thru-Skew axle provides better rear wheel security, holding your wheel in place snugly and ensuring it doesn't slip out of the frame, even when you're rolling through rough-and-tumble terrain.

Fully guarded

Full-length, full-coverage guards on the chainstay protect your frame and keep your ride quiet.

Float on the trail

Big 2.4˝ tyres elevate traction, so you stay planted on dusty switchbacks. But not only do bigger tyres give you more grip — they also soak up bumps for a smoother ride.

Upgrade ready

With a frame this nice, you won’t want to part ways with your Marlin as your skills grow. The Marlin Gen 3 is upgrade-ready, so you can upgrade your bike when you upgrade your skills. New internal cable routing lets you install a dropper post – and sizes XS and up can be upgraded to a bigger 120 mm fork when you’re ready to take on bigger trails.

A bike for everyone We believe that every rider deserves a well-fitted bike, that’s why the Marlin is available in every size from XXS to XXL – and even an 'extra-medium' size for riders who fall in between a medium and large. Each size is tuned to its riders, with Smart Wheel Sizing that scales the wheel size with the bike size, so every rider has comfortable standover height. Smaller, XXS and XS frames also feature a curved top tube to boost confidence and make getting on and off a breeze.

• Shop XS bikes

Make Marlin yours Whether you’re regularly ripping up the trail or a rugged city commuter, your Marlin can be fully customised with a treasure-trove of accessories. From kickstands and grips to bottle cages and bags, you can turn your Marlin into the perfect bike for your everyday ride.

• Deck out your Marlin

Trek warranty and backing We believe that when you put your heart and soul into something, you should have the stomach to back it up. That’s why we stand behind all Trek bikes with a limited-lifetime warranty. From your first ride to your 500th, we’ll be here for you in the unlikely event that something goes wrong with your Marlin. All you have to do is pop into your local Trek retailer and you’ll find all the support you need to get back spinning in no time.

The Marlin family Both generations of Marlins are true mountain bikes aimed at the rider who wants a versatile hardtail capable of off-road singletrack or in-city missions. Both generations have a 100 mm travel suspension fork and 29” wheels on most sizes except for smaller sizes with proportionate suspension travel and wheels, thus making it a great bike for shorter riders as well.

Marlin Gen 2

Get all-around versatility on Marlin Gen 2. It fits up to 2.2˝ tyres, and features balanced, neutral geometry that keeps you comfortable and in control as you venture off-road.

Marlin Gen 3

Get serious trail capability with Marlin Gen 3’s bigger, 2.4˝ tyre clearance, internal dropper post routing and a stiffer, more secure ThruSkew rear axle. Plus, its updated longer, slacker geometry gives you a boost in stability on steeper trails and at higher speeds.

Looking for something more to fill your singletrack appetite?

If you’re itching for a lighter weight, even faster hardtail, the X-Caliber is your ride. It’s light, sleek and efficient – perfect for new riders, cross-country racers and anyone who wants to cover a lot more trail miles in a lot less time.

The Roscoe delivers the capability of a full suspension trail bike in a simple hardtail package. The laid-back geometry that gives you tons of stability on rowdier trails, and it rolls on big 2.6˝ tyres that give tons of traction for getting through rough and tricky sections of trail.

We offer different sightseeing programmes in Moscow and Russia!

Maria moscow tours.

Private tours in Moscow and Russia

Walking tour + Metro

We offer a 4-hour private tour which includes a walking tour around the city center and a metro visit.

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Panoramic city tour

A 4-hour tour around the city with a private transport and a guide. The best option for the first day in Moscow!

The Kremlin Tour

During the tour you will see the grounds of the Kremlin. We offer a walking tour with a private guide.

Together with a private guide you will see the most famous stations of Moscow underground. The tour lasts about 2h, you will be picked up at the hotel.

The State Tretyakov Gallery

A private tour to the biggest gallery of Russian art, where you can see classical and ancient Russian paintings

Tretyakov Gallery + Metro

A private tour which includes the visit to the biggest Russian art gallery and the excursion to Moscow underground

Kremlin grounds + The Armoury Chamber

Nowadays the Kremlin is the most famous museum in Moscow and the office of Russian President. UNESCO listed architectural ensemble of Moscow Kremlin and the Armoury Chamber as world heritage sites.

Moscow Running Tour

You are welcome to experience the first official running tour with a licensed guide in Moscow! Our tour is about sport and culture, because the guide is not only a local runner who loves this city but also an official Moscow guide, acquainted with its history, art and culture...

Transfers from/to the airport/railway-station

We arrange private transfers for you!

Local family visit

If you want to learn more about modern Russians, you have a chance to visit a real Russian family, see the apartment and have a traditional Russian meal.

Vladimir and Suzdal' Tour

This a 2-day tour to ancient Russian cities located near Moscow: Sergiev Posad, Vladimir and Suzdal. You will have 3 excursions and stay overnight in Vladimir or Suzdal.

Food tour + sightseeing

It is 3h walking tour which includes food tasting and sightseeing programme. You will have a private guide for the tour.

Cancellation policy

If you cancel the tour 15 days or more in advance before the expected date and time of tour operations (local time, Moscow) there is no cancellation fee of prepaid service. If you cancel the tour 14-8 days before the expected date and time of tour operations (local time, Moscow), there is a 50% cancellation fee of prepaid service. If you cancel the tour 7 and less days in advance before the expected date and time of tour operations (local time, Moscow) or do not come to the tour, you will not receive a refund of prepaid service. The refund may take up to 30 days, usually about 3-5 days.

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+7 909 6903661 [email protected]