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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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Trek X-Caliber 8 hardtail review

• February 14, 2023

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

Product Overview

Overall rating:, trek x-caliber 8 2022.

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

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Performance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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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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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.

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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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