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Trek X-Caliber 8: Everything You Need To Know

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

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

Introduction

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

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

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

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

Our Guide to Trek X Caliber 8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Versatility

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

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

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

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

Weight and Load Capacity

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

Braking System

Don’t forget about the braking systems!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Accessories

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

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

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

Colors and Sizes Available

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

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

X-Caliber 8: Pros and Cons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Think it over and write to us with your answers.

Happy off-roading!

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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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Trek X Caliber 6 Review

September 15, 2023

‍ Key Takeaways

• If you’re shopping for a used hardtail bike, the X-Caliber 6 is an inexpensive option that performs well.
• Newer bikes will get you more advanced components at the same MSRP if you want to upgrade.
• Component highlights include the Sram X4 drivetrain and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes.

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

‍ If you’re looking for an entry-level hardtail, it can be hard to sort through the options. This review will help you decide if the Trek X-Caliber 6 is for you.

The Trek X-Caliber 6 is a solid bike overall for anyone just getting into mountain biking. Trek continued this bike after 2016, but you should be able to find it used for a good deal. If you want the modern replacement, the Trek Marlin 6 has similar performance with updated components and design.

I am a dedicated hardtail rider, and I love finding bikes that let you ride hard without needing complex rear suspension. For this review I dug into the details on the Trek X-Caliber 6 and compared it to similar bikes to give you everything you need to know before making a purchase.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

‍ Trek X-Caliber 6 Performance

Coming in at $750 MSRP, the Trek X-Caliber 6 is definitely an entry-level mountain bike, so you shouldn’t expect mind-blowing performance. For what it is, the Trek X-Caliber 6 does a good job. With cross-country-oriented geometry and budget (though highly functional) components, it’s ready for fun laps on flowy trails.

It does offer a confident, stable ride that provides real off-road fun on moderate trails. Would I tackle aggressive Moab terrain on this bike? Probably not. But for laid-back riding around local singletrack trail centers, this is a competent choice.

With relatively old school cross-country-inspired geometry, this mountain bike isn’t designed for shredding downhill. If things get steep and rough, this bike will feel out of its element pretty quickly.

Rather than taking this on the roughest terrain you can find, you need to chase out smooth, flowy singletrack where you can feel in complete control and really have fun. The front suspension will get overwhelmed by big hits, but on smoother trails it does a great job of muting out buzz and keeping you comfortable.

While this bike is passable for descending, the race geometry and nimble aluminum frame really shine on the uphills. It isn’t super light, which is to be expected for the price, but still is quite lightweight for an entry-level bike. When you hit steep climbs, you’ll find yourself impressed at how eagerly this bike pedals up and over obstacles.

The aluminum frame is lightweight, stiff, and does a great job at getting your power down to the ground. If you’re coming from a heavier, older mountain bike, you’ll definitely

Trek X-Caliber 6 Frame and Geometry

The Trek X-Caliber 6 is built around a nimble aluminum frame with mechanically formed butted tubing. This frame is plenty stiff and strong for most trail riding, and the light weight will help you out on the uphills.

For an inexpensive entry-level bike, this frame has a surprising amount of modern features. Internal front derailleur routing keeps it looking clean and streamlined. Race geometry makes it feel quick and maneuverable. It even has size-specific wheel clearance, with 27.5-inch wheels for XS and S, and 29-inch wheels for size M and above.

Specs and Components

With budget mountain bikes, it’s always a balancing act for manufacturers to spec components that perform well enough while still hitting a price point. Overall, I think Trek did a good job with the X-Caliber 6.

Here are some of the component highlights to give you an idea of the build spec.

The X-Caliber 6 comes equipped with a Sram X4 with an 11-34 cassette in the back and 44/32/22 chainrings.

This is definitely not the most advanced or modern drivetrain available, but it’s pretty on-par with what you should expect from an entry-level bike from 2015. If you are looking for an up-to-date bike, there are 1x drivetrains available in the same MSRP price range, but for an older bike, this is a decent drivetrain.

One benefit of the 3x9 setup is that you get more gear range than comparable 1x drivetrains. The low-end climbing gears aren’t as low as I’d like, but the 44-tooth high end chainring gives you great high gears for speed. This is especially nice if you’ll use this bike for pavement riding and commuting.

This bike is a hardtail, so you have no rear suspension here. For the type of riding this bike is designed for, that can actually be considered an advantage. Hardtails are naturally more efficient and better at putting your power down for climbing and pedaling.

On the front end you get a 100 mm travel Suntour SR XCM fork. This is definitely a budget fork, but it offers decent performance for most riding. As a coil spring fork, it will be significantly heavier than air-sprung forks, but that’s what you can expect from a bike at this price.

Overall, I think you’ll be pleased with the performance of this fork. It is relatively smooth, and the travel helps even out rough sections of trails.

Brakes are a common place for manufacturers to cut corners on budget bikes. It’s nice to see that the X-Caliber 6 comes with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. If you are coming from mechanical brakes, you’ll be impressed by the awesome stopping power from these Shimano M355 brakes.

Many similar bikes come with cheaper mechanical disc brakes, so this is definitely a highlight of this build.

Wheels and Tires

The wheels on this bike are pretty standard Bontrager alloy rims and hubs. On size XS and S, you get 27.5-inch wheels, while size M and above come with 29-inch hoops.

These wheels come fitted with Bontrager XR1 tires. These are fast-rolling tires designed to emphasize efficiency and light weight over maximum grip. They still have decent side knobs for superior corner traction.

I wouldn’t count on these tires for ultimate grip in loose conditions, but they do a good enough job for most packed singletrack riding.

Competition for the Trek X-Caliber 6

The X-Caliber 6 fits into a crowded budget-mountain bike market. There are a lot of other options to choose from, so it’s important to know how it measures up to the competition.

The most important thing to note is that the Trek X-Caliber 6 was discontinued in 2015, replaced by the Marlin 6, so you won’t be able to find an X-Caliber for sale again. This will make a difference with the bikes we’re comparing it with, because they are newer and currently available for sale.

Trek X-Caliber 6 vs Trek Marlin 6

If you’re wanting to get a bike that’s similar to the X-Caliber 6 but in a more modern, updated package, the Trek Marlin 6 is the bike that replaced the X-Caliber 6 in Trek’s lineup.

These bikes share a lot of the same DNA with lightweight aluminum frames and cross country race-inspired geometry. They have similar spec’d forks, and brakes as well.

The biggest difference will appear in the drivetrain. While the X-Caliber 6 used an old-school 3x9 drivetrain, the Marlin 6 has a more modern setup with a Shimano Deore 1x10 speed drivetrain.

It really will come down to personal preference, but 1x10 drivetrains are the new industry standard for mountain bikes. If you are okay with older technology and design, you can probably find an X-Caliber used for a much lower price.

Trek X-Caliber 6 vs Giant Talon 2

Giant is one of the most popular brands in the mountain biking world, and for good reason. Their business model enables them to offer seriously capable bikes at much lower prices than competitors.

The Giant Talon 2 competes directly with the X-Caliber 6 (or Marlin 6, nowadays) in the entry-level hardtail market, and there are a lot of similarities in geometry and components.

Again, the biggest difference is going to be the drivetrain. The Giant Talon 2 uses a Microshift Advent 1x9 setup compared to the X-Caliber’s 3x10. While this drivetrain doesn’t get as much publicity as products from Sram or Shimano, I’ve been very impressed with the Microshift Advent lineup.

This drivetrain is designed to be affordable, reliable, and durable. It offers the same gear range as Shimano’s 10-speed Deore, but with a thicker 9-speed chain and simplified adjustments.

With more aggressive geometry and sensible component selection, I think the Giant Talon 2 is definitely worth looking at if you are in the market for an entry-level bike.

Trek X-Caliber 6 vs Cannondale Trail 7

The Cannondale Trail 7 is another popular bike that slots into a similar price bracket. As with most bikes in this market range, there are a lot of things that are similar, with just the small details making the difference.

This bike has basic hydraulic disc brakes, as coil-spring fork, and internal cable routing like the others compared here.

The Cannondale Trail 7 is a little behind the times with 2x8 shifting. Even the older X-Caliber gives you more range and better gear spacing with its 3x9 setup.

Overall, if you are looking for a budget hardtail bike, I think you’ll be better off with the Trek X-Caliber 6 than the Cannondale Trail 7.

Where to Buy the Trek X-Caliber 6

Unfortunately the Trek X-Caliber 6 is out of production and is no longer available to buy new. That said, it’s definitely worth looking around for a used one. Bicycle Blue Book estimates the value of a 2016 X-Caliber 6 at under $250, so you can get a great bike for not much money.

If you are looking to buy the modern successor of the X-Caliber 6, here are places you can find the Trek Marlin 6 for sale:

• Direct from Trek
• Two Brother’s Bike Co

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About THE AUTHOR

Jakob Thygerson

I love mountain biking and live in Salt Lake City: a central hub for the MTB community. I started biking four years ago when a series of injuries put me out of commission for trail running. While biking started as cross-training, I fell in love with the sport. I mainly enjoy using my bike as a tool for exploration, I've done 50-mile all-day epic rides in the mountains and have been to some amazing places on my bike.

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2024 Trek X-Caliber Frameset

A 29″ aluminum frame crosscountry frameset.

X-Caliber Frameset

In Stock: XS, SM, MD, MD/LG, LG, XL, & XXL

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Feb 2023 · Seanwhite

The Trek X-Caliber 8 is a sure-footed 29er hardtail mountain bike, with plenty of reliable elements that boost its score to impressive levels, but a few missteps that hold it back from quite making it as one of the best hardtail mountain bikes we’ve tested. There’s a whole lot to like though. Twenty nine inch wheels have long been an integral part of Trek’s mountain bikes, especially the hardtails. And where initially there was uncertainty and hesitation in the industry, Trek pushed on with this larger wheel size and the persistence paid off: with 29in wheels now accepted globally and across all mountain bike categories, not just for the cross country crowd. Trek’s early 29in wheel bikes were XC hardtails and since then, the X-Caliber has shifted upmarket and now sit between the entry-level Marlin and the carbon Pro-Caliber. All three platforms run 100mm travel forks. We’ve pulled in the X-Caliber 8 for this review, which is just shy of the Scott Scale 965 in price and shares many of the same components. With all four bikes on test running Shimano brakes and 1×12 transmissions, we were keen to take this consistency a step further and chose models with regular seatposts, rather than droppers. Primarily for comparing the weight of the bikes, but riding dynamics and overall value played a part too as we felt it really levelled the playing field, and maintained the XC hardtail design ethos. With a steeply sloping top tube and a super-low standover height the X-Caliber is a very striking bike. It’s a silhouette that’s mirrored through all the brand’s hardtails – with the notable exception of the carbon Pro-Caliber – as is the wide size range that Trek is well known for offering. Seven frame sizes are available (with the XS and S rolling on 27.5in wheels to keep proportions in check) with a useful M/L option that’s a great problem solver for riders stuck between the popular M and L options. So hats off to Trek for this level of commitment to getting a good fitting bike. When it comes to new frame standards, Trek has always been an early adopter, so it’s no surprise to see a tapered head tube and Boost hub spacing on the X-Caliber frame. But it’s Boost with a twist… here, Trek using 141mm rear dropout spacing with a traditional Q/R hub, rather than a 148mm bolt-thru design. It’s not a deal breaker though, as the fixed rear triangle of a hardtail doesn’t need stiffening up like a full suspension design, and a quick online search reveals plenty of wheel upgrade options from the likes of Hunt, Hope and Bontrager for the 141 standard. A modern touch that hasn’t been executed as well as on other bikes in test, is the internal frame routing for the cable and rear brake hose – they’re not clamped where they enter the down tube and rattle noisily on rough terrain, just like on the Trek Roscoe in our Hardtail of the …Continue reading »

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