Trek X-Caliber 8 Hardtail Mountain Bike - 2020 - Matt Black

About The X-Caliber:

Trek's X-Caliber is where mountaiin biking really begins. It's a real step up from a generic mountain bike into a machine that is at home on the trails and capable of big rides and even some racing, yet still has the versatility to be content on social rides with the family.

The X-Caliber features Trek's Alpha Gold aluminium frame which uses a light grade alloy to reduce weight and increase comfort and compliance. A tapered head tube increases front end stiffness and helps provide more secure handling. Internal cable routing protects the cables from rain, spray and mud to prolong their working life while the low slung frame offers maximum standover height for better handling.

The X-Caliber gets more capable handling all round than the entry level Marlin range too. The 69 degree head angle means the X-Caliber is at home off road and is great for efficient climbing, keeping enough of your weight over the front wheel for grip, but not so much that it feels sketchy on descents. The 100mm travel suspension fork is air sprung and adjustable to your weight to ensure optimum traction, while the lockout ensures you can ride more efficiently on the road. All together, it's a high performance chassis at home on forest trails, bike paths and everywhere in between.

Smart Wheel Size means each frame size is paired with the best suiting wheel diameter to make the best handling bike possible. This means small and extra-small sizes get 27.5" wheels and larger frames get 29" so no matter what height you are, you get a bike that suits your physique and handles accordingly.

For this X-Caliber 8 model, you get a superb Rockshox 30 Silver fork with 100mm of supple, controlled travel for maximum traction off road. The wide 2.2" Bontrager XR3 tyres have a good off-road tread that offers substantial grip in adverse conditions while the wide Kovee rims provide plenty of volumme and stability. SRAM Eagle SX 1x12 speed drivetrain is incredible at this price. Excellent chain retention, light weight and a wide range of gears make it perfect for proper mountain biking. Hydraulic disc brakes and a stylish Bontrager finishing kit complete the X-Caliber 8 and make it a winner for those taking their first proper off-road steps.

The bottom line: the X-Caliber is the perfect starter mountain bike. Good enough to really enjoy the trails with enough versatility for everyday riding, and superb value too.