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.
Build
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.
Speed
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.
Gear Range
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.
Tires
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.
Seats
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.
Price
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
Pros
- 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
- Durable
- Available in a variety of size options
Cons
- 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!
