If you’re looking for an efficient race bike with modern geometry and one that can smash as hard as a full-suspension bike, a hardtail mountain bike is the best option. It’s a lighter, simpler, more reliable, and durable bike with fewer moving parts that require less maintenance.
After participating in a mountain bike race last year, I have been looking for a hardtail mountain bike that will make it easier to handle the different mountain trails. The 2022 X-Caliber 9 has great upgrades that will make it fun ripping the local trails.
The 2022 Trek X-Caliber 9 breakdown and review
A full-race-ready cross-country mountain bike designed with an incredible frame and some upgraded high-end XC parts that will help you cover more trails in less time. It features a lightweight aluminum frame, a Shimano 1 X 12 drivetrain with a lots of gears for easy climbing, a RockShox Recon gold fork suspension with a remote lockout, and tubeless-ready wheels with wider hubs to provide wheel strength and tire clearance. The remote lockout allows you to lock out the fork when you’re riding on flat terrain so you don’t have to use a lot of energy pedaling. The 1x drivetrain provides a wide range of gears which makes it easier with a single shifter.
What we liked
- Remote lockout
- Excellent maneuverability and control
- Wide range of gears
What we didn’t like
- Has a single shifter
Specifications
| Features | Specs |
|---|---|
| Weight | 27.60 lbs |
| Fork | RockShox Recon gold RL, DebonAir spring |
| Fork travel | 100mm |
| Gears | 12 |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Deore XT M8100 |
Features
Frame
The X-Caliber 9 is designed with a high-tech aluminum frame and features that make it better while riding. The upgraded RockShox Recon RL suspension has a remote lockout that locks out the suspension when riding on flat trails. The fork also has motion control dampers and uses a DebonAir spring that’s more effective in reducing suspension movement.
Tires
The 2022 model uses the Maxxis Ardent race tires that are 60 tpi and tubeless-ready for better quality and flexibility and are 2.35″ wider than the 2021 bike that was 2.2″. The small frame bikes still use the 27.5” wheels.
Handlebar
The handlebar is a bit wider in the 2022 bike from 720mm to 750mm which will allow you to have better control of your bike. The small and medium-size models still retain the 720mm handlebar.
Who is it best suited for?
Perfect bike for any rider looking for a fast XC bike with competition-level parts that will help you cover more trails in less time.
Are there alternatives?
| Models | Trek Roscoe 7 women’s | Specialized fuse comp 29 |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox Judy silver | RockShox Recon RL |
| Fork travel | 100mm | 130mm |
| Drivetrain | SRAM SX Eagle 12 speed | SRAM SX 12 speed |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
Verdict. So, should you buy the 2022 Trek X-Caliber 9?
Yes, because it comes with great upgrades like wider handlebars, better suspension, and tubeless-ready tires that make it a more effective and fast bike on the trails.
FAQ
Does the Trek X-Caliber 9 have a dropper post?
It has a lightweight frame that is sturdy with a flexible geometry that makes it easy to control your bike on tough terrain and a dropper post in case you need to upgrade.
Is X Caliber 9 tubeless-ready?
Yes, its tubeless-ready wheels also have wide Boost141 hubs for better tire clearance and increased wheel strength.