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Cross Country USA: Portland to Portland Bike Tour

The Bucket List Trip from Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine

Tour Duration

48 Days / 47 Nights

Cross Country

Activity Level

Hotel Level

Trek Domane SL 7

Starting from

$ 26,999.00 per person

Have a question?

The goal: ambitious. The training: intense. The opportunity: unrivaled. This is your ultimate bucket-list bike tour.

We are excited to offer our epic Cross Country USA trip from Portland to Portland again this year! If you're ready for the cross country bike trip of a lifetime, prepare to join Trek Travel on a bicycle tour that stretches from the Pacific to the Atlantic, across the northern tier of this beautiful country. As we bike across America, you'll ride 3,800 miles across 15 states over the course of 43 riding days—all from the saddle of a top-of-the-line Trek Domane bicycle, the use of which is included in your trip price. The average distance is 88 miles per day with the longest ride being 126 miles. You'll have 15 days at 100 miles or more, including multiple back to back centuries, and four rest days. Although the challenge and dedication to training is substantial, your Trek Travel guides will be with you every pedal stroke of the way, offering encouragement, mechanical and logistical support, camaraderie, and our renowned Trek Travel guest service. Our signature attention to detail and exhaustive planning and provisioning will leave you free to focus on riding. You'll accomplish more physically in 48 days than most people do in a lifetime!

Ride through the Columbia River Gorge past panoramic viewpoints and breathtaking sights like Multnomah Falls

Follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, two of the world’s greatest explorers, as you travel the country like pioneers

Pedal past the eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires of South Dakota’s Badlands National Park

Catch a glimpse of Amish country in action as you make your way through the country roads and small towns of the Midwest

Revel in the spectacular scenery as you climb through New York’s Adirondack Mountains, Vermont’s Green Mountains, and New Hampshire’s White Mountains

Final day in Portland, Maine

Check this iconic trip off your Bucket List

Join us for the true adventure of a lifetime as you ride past some of the countries most iconic landmarks and historical sights. See the United States like never before as you pedal from the Pacific to the Atlantic.

What Guests are Saying

Trip was phenomenal, it was truly a ride of a lifetime and Trek Travel's attention to detail and the incredible staff are top notch. Would recommend this trip to all who have a desire to be taken care of in all areas, guides, equipment, safety, and organization. Truly a great opportunity to fulfill your dream of a lifetime, to ride cross country. THANK YOU TREK TRAVEL.

Mike, Trek Travel Guest

Trek Travel did an outstanding job each and every day for 7-weeks to make my lifelong dream of cycling across America come true. I could not have accomplished this big, audacious goal without Trek.

Dave, Trek Travel Guest

Thank you a million times for helping me make a lifetime dream come true! You all were awesome in every way.

Sybil, Trek Travel Guest

Badlands National Park

The awe-inspiring view changes with every turn as you pedal through the colorful spires and buttes of Badlands National Park.

Dates & Pricing

Book early for the best price

Join Waitlist

Limited Availability

August 21-october 7, 2025 join waitlist.

Hotels you`ll stay at on this date:

• Cross Country Hotel

Available bikes:

$ 26999.00 per person

Double Occupancy

Single Occupancy from: + 5,999.00

You have another booking already in progress

Booking a new trip will cancel all of your previous booking progress. Continue your previous booking or proceed with your new booking.

Arrival / Departure

Where to Arrive

Portland International Airport (PDX)

Pick-up location :

Portland Marriott Waterfront, Portland, Oregon

Pick-up time :

Where to Depart

Portland International Jetport (PWM)

Drop-off location :

Press Hotel, Portland, Maine

Drop-off time :

Additional Arrival Information

We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the start of your bike across America adventure, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays.

We recommend that you fly into Portland International Airport (PDX), which is approximately 12 miles from downtown Portland. You can hail a taxi outside baggage claim, which will cost approximately $35 plus gratuity and should take about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront (1401 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR) at 9:00 AM on the first day of the trip. You will then shuttle approximately two hours to Astoria for a picnic and bike fit followed by your first ride. Please feel free to dress comfortably for the shuttle, but keep your riding clothes and gear handy and separate from your main luggage. You will be able to change at the hotel before the ride. Your main luggage will be stored until your room is ready.

If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. If you cannot reach them, please call our first hotel, Cannery Pier Hotel (503-325-4996), and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details.

Additional Departure Information

You will say farewell to your guides at 11:00 AM at the Press Hotel. We recommend that you fly out of the Portland International Jetport (PWM), which is located about six miles from downtown. A taxi can be arranged with assistance from the front desk, takes about 20 minutes and will cost approximately $25 plus gratuity.

Day 1 Aug 21 - Astoria to Pacific Ocean

Aug 21 - Astoria to Pacific Ocean

Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Marriott Downtown Waterfront Hotel at 9:00 AM on the first day of the trip. Today is the day to get everything in order before embarking on your cross-country odyssey. After a two-hour shuttle to the town of Astoria, you will enjoy a hearty welcome lunch and brief introductions, and your guides will take time to ensure you have a comfortable fit on your bike. We recommend that you have a professional bike fit early in you... Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Marriott Downtown Waterfront Hotel at 9:00 AM on the first day of the trip. Today is the day to get everything in order before embarking on your cross-country odyssey. After a two-hour shuttle to the town of Astoria, you will enjoy a hearty welcome lunch and brief introductions, and your guides will take time to ensure you have a comfortable fit on your bike. We recommend that you have a professional bike fit early in your training for the greatest efficiency and to reduce the risk of injury. Please bring your measurements, as well as your saddle, pedals, personal GPS unit, and any other equipment you would like affixed to your bike to this meeting so your guides can set up your bike to your requirements. Following the bike fit, safety tips and some introductory information, it's time for a short scenic spin from Astoria to Fort Stevens State Park and down to the Pacific Ocean where you can dip your wheel into the water to mark the official start of your journey. Use the rest of this ride to warm up your legs and make sure you are comfortable in the saddle. Your warm-up ride will be followed by a social hour and dinner, where your guides will discuss your upcoming adventure in more detail and answer any questions you may have. Read More

Cannery Pier Hotel

Meals included

Lunch | Social Hour | Dinner

Highlight of the Day

Dip your wheel in the Pacific Ocean

Pedal to Shipwreck Point to commemorate the official start of this epic journey.

Ride Options

Ride Option 1

TODAY'S RIDE:

Astoria to Fort Stevens Return - Approximately 30 mi | 48 km and 789 ft | 240 m

Day 2 Aug 22 - Astoria to Portland

Aug 22 - Astoria to Portland

Your adventure begins today as you depart Astoria and head for Portland on your first long ride of the trip! It's time to bid farewell to the West Coast and turn east as you ease into your first pedal strokes along Youngs River and through the beautiful and densely forested Clatsop State Forest. As you ride, the enclosed green canopy and winding roads gradually open up to bring you just north of Portland where you will continue southeast on the Scappoose-Vernonia Hi... Your adventure begins today as you depart Astoria and head for Portland on your first long ride of the trip! It's time to bid farewell to the West Coast and turn east as you ease into your first pedal strokes along Youngs River and through the beautiful and densely forested Clatsop State Forest. As you ride, the enclosed green canopy and winding roads gradually open up to bring you just north of Portland where you will continue southeast on the Scappoose-Vernonia Highway and directly into downtown. Explore one of America's most bike-friendly cities this evening as you relish the feeling of accomplishment from completing your first full day in the saddle. Read More

Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Ride through Portland

Get a glimpse of what makes Portland a Platinum level Bicycle Friendly Community during your first big ride.

Astoria, OR to Portland, OR - Approximately 100 mi | 161 km and 4,768 ft | 1,453 m

Day 3 Aug 23 - Portland to Hood River

Aug 23 - Portland to Hood River

You'll depart Portland this morning on a network of popular bike trails and lanes. Once in Troutdale, you will ride on the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway 30 that separates Washington from Oregon. The north side of this 75-mile scenic byway boasts spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge while the south is blessed with a collection of astonishing waterfalls. Take the time to stop at Columbia Point, one of the most scenic outlooks on the journey, and visit... You'll depart Portland this morning on a network of popular bike trails and lanes. Once in Troutdale, you will ride on the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway 30 that separates Washington from Oregon. The north side of this 75-mile scenic byway boasts spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge while the south is blessed with a collection of astonishing waterfalls. Take the time to stop at Columbia Point, one of the most scenic outlooks on the journey, and visit the Vista House which was built as a rest stop for early travelers. As you finish your ride, don't forget to look out onto the river, as Hood River is renowned as one of the best windsurfing locations in the U.S. Tonight is yours to explore. Take a stroll down Oak Street and dine in one of the many tasty bistros. Read More

Hampton Inn

Breakfast | Lunch

Ride the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway

Enjoy the view as you pedal along this scenic byway, including the famed Multnomah Falls.

Portland, OR to Hood River, OR - Approximately 75 mi | and 121 km and 3,750 ft | 1,143 m

Day 4 Aug 24 - Hood River to Condon

Aug 24 - Hood River to Condon

Depart this windsurfing and mountain-biking hotspot to continue following the Lewis and Clark Trail along the water. Cycle through the five-mile Mosier Twin Tunnels Trail that passes through two climate zones and is bordered by numerous types of foliage and plants. The route hugs the Columbia River on Interstate 84 for about 15 miles before turning inland. Finish the day’s ride winding past rolling ranch lands, and tackling the climbs through Cottonwood Canyon Sta... Depart this windsurfing and mountain-biking hotspot to continue following the Lewis and Clark Trail along the water. Cycle through the five-mile Mosier Twin Tunnels Trail that passes through two climate zones and is bordered by numerous types of foliage and plants. The route hugs the Columbia River on Interstate 84 for about 15 miles before turning inland. Finish the day’s ride winding past rolling ranch lands, and tackling the climbs through Cottonwood Canyon State Park and Recreation Area. We’ll be spending the night in Condon, a proud, century-old farming community nestled between miles of rolling, golden wheat fields in Eastern Oregon. Read More

Hotel Condon | Condon Motel

Stay at Historic Hotel Condon

Built in 1920, the historic Hotel Condon offers classic charm with a quaint, “small-town America” atmosphere.

Hood River, OR to Condon, OR - Approximately 94 mi | 151 km and 7,835 ft | 2,388 m

Day 5 Aug 25 - Condon to Hermiston

Aug 25 - Condon to Hermiston

After a hilly start this morning, we'll reach the small town of Heppner, known as the “Gateway to the Blues.” Pedal a short stretch of the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway before gradually descending back towards the Columbia River. Enjoy dinner at Nookie’s restaurant, home of the Hermiston Brewing Company & Tap House. This historic building housed a Plymouth dealership for many years in the early 1940s, but now offers over 15 beers produced in-house! Spend the nigh... After a hilly start this morning, we'll reach the small town of Heppner, known as the “Gateway to the Blues.” Pedal a short stretch of the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway before gradually descending back towards the Columbia River. Enjoy dinner at Nookie’s restaurant, home of the Hermiston Brewing Company & Tap House. This historic building housed a Plymouth dealership for many years in the early 1940s, but now offers over 15 beers produced in-house! Spend the night in Hermiston, once known as home of Six Mile House, an old-west hotel that served as a stopover for weary travelers, and is now famous for watermelon farms. Read More

Holiday Inn Express

Cross the Blue Mountains

Continue to roughly follow the route of Lewis and Clark as you cross over the Blue Mountains.

Condon, OR to Hermiston, OR - Approximately 90 mi | 145 km and 4,087 ft | 1,246 m

Day 6 Aug 26 - Hermiston to Walla Walla

Aug 26 - Hermiston to Walla Walla

Today is a relatively short ride as we make our way into Washington. Pedal through high-desert sage and the farmland producing the sweet onions, wheat, and wine that give Walla Walla its flavor. Finish your ride in the heart of town where the tree-lined streets are lined with a mix of vintage shops, boutiques, cafes, and bookstores. This evening, venture out to enjoy a wine tasting and dinner of your choice.

Marcus Whitman or The Finch Hotel

Enter State #2 and discover Walla Walla

Walla Walla is one of the most beautiful towns in Washington and has over 30 tasting rooms featuring varietals from the surrounding wine cou... Walla Walla is one of the most beautiful towns in Washington and has over 30 tasting rooms featuring varietals from the surrounding wine country. Read More

Hermiston, OR to Walla Walla, WA - Approximately 70 mi | 113 km and 3,014ft | 919 m

Day 7 Aug 27 - Walla Walla to Lewiston

Aug 27 - Walla Walla to Lewiston

Climb out of Walla Walla on gently rolling hills as you make your way through eastern Washington's beautiful golden fields of wheat. Today you will work hard to get to Idaho, the third state of your journey, but the effort will be well worth it as you enjoy a long, winding descent into the state alongside the gentle Asotin Creek and the powerful Snake River. Shortly after crossing the border you will find yourself in Lewiston, located at the confluence of the Snake ... Climb out of Walla Walla on gently rolling hills as you make your way through eastern Washington's beautiful golden fields of wheat. Today you will work hard to get to Idaho, the third state of your journey, but the effort will be well worth it as you enjoy a long, winding descent into the state alongside the gentle Asotin Creek and the powerful Snake River. Shortly after crossing the border you will find yourself in Lewiston, located at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers. Due to a system of locks and dams, Lewiston is accessible by some ocean-going vessels and is the easternmost port on the west coast. Read More

Walla Walla, WA to Lewiston, ID - Approximately 98 mi | 158 km and 4,870 ft | 1,484 m

Day 8 Aug 28 - Lewiston to Kamiah

Aug 28 - Lewiston to Kamiah

Soon after departing Lewiston you will enter the land of the Nez Perce Native American tribe. Cruise through undulating hills and scattered towns as you uncover this magnificent gateway to the West. With many areas to hunt, fish, hike, and farm, the Nez Perce have made this area home since before the history of the West was recorded. Enjoy the striking views from the banks of the Clearwater River into the hills above as you make your way to the small town of Kamiah.

Clearwater 12 Motel

Lewiston, ID to Kamiah, ID - Approximately 80 mi | 129 km and 5,725 ft | 1,744 m

Day 9 Aug 29 - Kamiah to Lolo

Aug 29 - Kamiah to Lolo

Today's epic ride follows the historic Route 12 into the Bitterroot Mountains and over Lolo Pass. You'll pedal along the banks of the Clearwater River this morning and the Lochsa River this afternoon, both of which are lined by majestic pines. Enjoy the serene yet striking scenery as you roughly follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. The road climbs gently until the last few miles, which greet you with steeper terrain and sweeping views. Near the end of the rid... Today's epic ride follows the historic Route 12 into the Bitterroot Mountains and over Lolo Pass. You'll pedal along the banks of the Clearwater River this morning and the Lochsa River this afternoon, both of which are lined by majestic pines. Enjoy the serene yet striking scenery as you roughly follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. The road climbs gently until the last few miles, which greet you with steeper terrain and sweeping views. Near the end of the ride, you'll reach the top of Lolo Pass at 5,233 feet, which is also the Montana border. Say hello to state number four and a new time zone! All that's left is a short descent to the Lodge at Lolo Hot Springs. It's a great place to rest and soak your legs after the day's climb. Read More

The Lodge at Lolo Hot Springs

Enter State #4 and summit Lolo Pass

Enjoy breathtaking views as you climb along the Clearwater River and into the Bitterroot Mountains and Montana.

Kamiah, ID to Lolo, MT - Approximately 115 mi | 185 km and 6,451 ft | 1,966 m

Day 10 Aug 30 - Lolo to Missoula

Aug 30 - Lolo to Missoula

Enjoy a relaxed morning with your fellow riders as you get used to the time change, because this short day is nearly all downhill! Today you finish descending the gorgeous, winding road from Lolo Pass into the town of Missoula—home of the University of Montana. Take a look around at the peaks dominating the horizon, as this town lies at the convergence of five separate mountain ranges. It's your choice for lunch so enjoy your favorite foods as you soak in the scen... Enjoy a relaxed morning with your fellow riders as you get used to the time change, because this short day is nearly all downhill! Today you finish descending the gorgeous, winding road from Lolo Pass into the town of Missoula—home of the University of Montana. Take a look around at the peaks dominating the horizon, as this town lies at the convergence of five separate mountain ranges. It's your choice for lunch so enjoy your favorite foods as you soak in the scene in this fun college town. Tonight you will gather for a social hour and dinner at the hotel, as you raise a glass to congratulate each other on reaching your first well-earned rest day. Read More

DoubleTree Hotel Missoula - Edgewater

Breakfast | Social Hour | Dinner

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Missoula

Celebrate the milestone of making it to your first rest day location.

Lolo, MT to Missoula, MT - Approximately 37 mi | 60 km and 587 ft | 178 m

Day 11 Aug 31 - Rest Day in Missoula

Aug 31 - Rest Day in Missoula

Your first rest day has arrived and you’ve certainly earned it! Today is a day to relax, put up your feet, and enjoy. Benefit from a recovery stroll along the trail beside the Clark Fork River or explore the quaint downtown. This could also be the day to get some shopping done as Montana levies no state sales tax! Alternatively, catch up on some sleep, unwind, and simply get some correspondence and laundry done. Today is yours to explore, dine, and recover as you ... Your first rest day has arrived and you’ve certainly earned it! Today is a day to relax, put up your feet, and enjoy. Benefit from a recovery stroll along the trail beside the Clark Fork River or explore the quaint downtown. This could also be the day to get some shopping done as Montana levies no state sales tax! Alternatively, catch up on some sleep, unwind, and simply get some correspondence and laundry done. Today is yours to explore, dine, and recover as you please. Read More

DoubleTree Missoula - Edgewater

Rest day in Missoula

Enjoy some rest and relaxation or, if you are up for it, there is plenty to do from hiking to fly fishing to tubing the Clark Fork River.

Day 12 Sept 1 (Labor Day) - Missoula to Helena

Sept 1 (Labor Day) - Missoula to Helena

Saddle up! Today you'll take advantage of your well-rested legs to tackle another big ride as you continue across the fourth largest state in America. Follow the Blackfoot River out to the plains and enjoy the cool breeze as it wicks down the surrounding mountains and stirs the wildlife below. Keep a careful eye on the sky and passing fields to catch a glimpse of a bald eagle, mule deer, antelope, elk, or maybe even a grizzly bear. You'll climb to the top of Flesher... Saddle up! Today you'll take advantage of your well-rested legs to tackle another big ride as you continue across the fourth largest state in America. Follow the Blackfoot River out to the plains and enjoy the cool breeze as it wicks down the surrounding mountains and stirs the wildlife below. Keep a careful eye on the sky and passing fields to catch a glimpse of a bald eagle, mule deer, antelope, elk, or maybe even a grizzly bear. You'll climb to the top of Flesher Pass at 6,131 feet before enjoying a gradual descent into Montana's capital city for the evening. Read More

DoubleTree Helena - Downtown

Missoula, MT to Helena, MT - Approximately 116 mi | 187 km and 4,961 ft | 1,512 m

Day 13 Sept 2 - Helena to Three Forks

Sept 2 - Helena to Three Forks

Another picturesque day of riding awaits as you work your way south through Big Sky Country. You'll end up in Three Forks, near where the Jefferson, Gallatin, and Madison rivers converge to form the Missouri River. Sacajawea, who was interpreter and guide for Lewis and Clark, was kidnapped near here as a child and recognized it as her homeland when the explorers arrived here in 1805. Tonight, you'll stay at the historic Sacajawea Hotel.

Sacajawea Hotel

Stay at the charming Sacajawea Hotel

Originally built in 1910, the hotel was restored in 2009 by the Folkvord family, who runs it today.

Helena, MT to Three Forks, MT - Approximately 88 mi | 142 km and 3,491 ft | 1,064 m

Print full itinerary

Please view the full itinerary to see more days.

Activity Information

Activity Level: Level 4

Terrain: Hilly to Mountainous

On our Cross Country Tour, the terrain is extremely varied, including rolling terrain, long gradual climbs and descents, as well as steep climbing and descending. Roads are primarily two-lane secondary highways with good shoulders but include some short stretches of interstate highways with wide shoulders, smaller local roads, and surface streets with little or no shoulder. Some road surfaces may be rough. Our Portland to Portland cross country bike tour is best suited for our Type 4 Riders, due to the extreme physical demands of the trip.

Daily Average

88 miles | 142 kilometers

3,791 miles | 6,100 kilometers

3,606 feet | 1,099 meters

155,078 feet | 47,265 meters

This destination is best suited to guests who want to cycle every day. Because of the terrain and/or remoteness of the hotels and riding routes, there are few, if any, non-riding options available. If a non-rider wants to accompany a rider guest on this trip, they would need to spend many hours in the van and/or at the hotels on the trip. Due to this, we strongly discourage non-riders from this destination. As an alternative, call a Trek Travel Trip Consultant at 866-464-8735 for trip suggestions where more non-rider activities are available, such as:

• California Wine Country»
• Glacier National Park»
• Crater Lake & Oregon Cascades»
• Bryce & Zion»
• Prague to Vienna »

We've got you covered on and off the bike! Our team of guides will always have one in the support vehicle and one on the bike, ready to fill up your water bottles, fix a flat tire, or give you a lift when you really need it. They'll also give you the inside scoop on the best local spots. And when you're not riding, your guides are happy to help with anything you need - from finding the nearest chocolate milkshake, laundromat, or massage therapist.

• Fully guided and supported with at least two guides and one van
• Daily route on a pre-loaded Garmin GPS
• Additional guides and vehicles added dependent upon guest count and trip logistics

Built on the site of the former Union Fish Cannery, the Cannery Pier Hotel is located 600 feet into the Columbia River. From this unique and enviable position, it offers guests unparalleled views of a real working river, as well as views out to Cape Disappointment Lighthouse and the impressive Astoria–Megler Bridge. Each room has a private balcony and a fireplace, hardwood floors, and luxurious amenities. Take advantage of the authentic Finnish sauna before embarking upon the first ride of your long cross country journey.  Please note that only the first, last, and rest day hotels are shown here. 

DoubleTree Hotel Missoula – Edgewater

The Doubletree Edgewater is located in the heart of the college town of Missoula, on the banks of the Clark Fork River. The campus of the University of Montana is only three blocks away and the restaurants and main attractions of downtown are within walking distance. You may decide to take advantage of the world-class fly fishing right out the door, or maybe just kick back and take in the stunning views of Mount Sentinel and watch the river flow past.

Hotel Alex Johnson

Enjoy the authentic Native American decor at this historic hotel in the heart of downtown Rapid City. The guest rooms have been recently renovated, although we understand some may still be haunted. Spend your rest day visiting Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, or the wild west town of Deadwood.

Hotel Indigo Madison Downtown

Hotel Indigo Madison Downtown is a contemporary hotel situated just a short stroll from the downtown Capital Square. It is housed in the landmark Mautz Paint Company building where modern meets historic with creatively crafted murals throughout the space that showcase the authentic style of the original architecture. The well-appointed guest rooms feature nostalgic touches with modern amenities. Enjoy the convenience of an onsite restaurant as well as being a short walk away from countless local gems!

Hilton Garden Inn Corning Downtown

The Hilton Garden Inn offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Enjoy the heated indoor pool and use the fitness center for a recovery session. It is located next door to the famous Corning Museum of Glass and across the river from the city’s downtown Gaffer District where you’ll find the historic Market Street filled with restaurants and boutiques.

Press Hotel

The Press Hotel is a boutique luxury hotel in Portland’s famed Old Port District and is part of the Autograph Collection by Marriott, which features unique properties selected for their rich character and imaginative details. Constructed in 1923, the brick and stone building was the former home of the state’s largest newspaper, the Portland Press Herald. Many of the architectural details and artifacts have been preserved during its transformation into this stunning boutique hotel. Enjoy the array of artwork throughout the hotel and your beautifully appointed guest room with its oversized windows, marble-tiled bathrooms, luxury linens, vintage desks, and modern conveniences.

Bikes & Gear

Experiencing your cycling vacation of a lifetime is not complete without a world-class bike and the Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4 is the best on the road. It raises the bar to deliver incredible endurance road bike comfort without sacrificing performance and features highly responsive disc brakes, road-smoothing IsoSpeed technology, and electronic shifting. This new bike is lighter than ever before, and carbon wheels are standard on every Domane SL 7 bike.

Trek Travel Guides

The World’s Best

From the moment you meet our guides, you'll understand the difference. You'll feel the genuine care they take to make your vacation perfect. From their expert support to sharing their favorite hidden spots, they tailor every moment to you.

Additional Gear

• Trek Travel Santini cycling jersey to keep
• Custom Cross Country Trek Travel Santini kit
• Trek Travel water bottles to keep
• Cinch sack day bag to keep
• Garmin Edge Explore 2 GPS computer with pre-loaded routes
• Bontrager saddle*
• Bontrager helmet*
• Choice of Shimano SPD-SL road style pedals or Shimano SPD mountain style pedals*
• *For the most comfortable ride, we recommend you bring your own saddle. If you prefer, you can bring your own pedals and helmet on the trip and our guides will install your gear on the first day during your bike fit.
• Bontrager front and rear Flare R lights
• Trek Carback radar rear light
• A flat pack containing a tube, levers, and a CO2 cartridge with inflator

Trip Inclusions

• 47 nights of accommodation at handpicked hotels
• Daily breakfast, 42 lunches, and 37 dinners
• Six social hours of drinks and hors d'oeuvres
• Trek Travel cycling jersey, water bottles, cinch sack day bag, and luggage tag
• Two or more experienced guides to provide local knowledge, support, and camaraderie
• Daily route support with both guides and our support van
• Ride With GPS Experience for your phone with daily itinerary and route navigation information

• Snacks and drinks for each day's ride
• Post-ride refreshments
• Gu Energy Gels
• Electrolyte drink supplements
• Entrance fees for all activities, private tours, and events
• All gratuities for drivers, local experts, and hospitality staff
• All luggage transfers and transportation during your trip
• A digital photo album of your trip
• Airfare and transportation to and from the trip pick-up/drop-off locations
• Lodging before and after the trip
• Personal items purchased during the trip
• Optional activities not scheduled by Trek Travel
• On select trips some meals are not included. On these trips, Trek Travel invites you to explore the local cuisine at your leisure.
• Trip cancellation and travel protection are not included. We recommend adding travel protection to your trip. Go to our FAQs section for more information.

Guide Gratuities

Guide gratuities are customary and at your own discretion, to recognize service, hospitality, and the little extras that surprise and delight. For this trip, we suggest a tip for your guides between $2400-$2880 per guest and, of course, you may choose to give more if your guides made your trip an unforgettable experience. While local currency is preferred, there are other options to make tipping easier. Most guides accept gratuity via PayPal or Venmo or our staff can help before or after the trip. Gratuities will be divided among the guide team, so feel free to leave your gratuity with whomever you choose at the end of your trip.

Additional Details

Know Before You Go!

We want you to be fully prepared for your cycling vacation of a lifetime. This involves making sure that you choose the appropriate trip for you and that every aspect of your experience is flawless. Each Trek Travel trip is unique to ensure maximum enjoyment every time.

Your Trip Need to Knows:

• Routes : When planning this tour, we avoid interstates and busy roads as much as possible, however, due to the nature of this trip there are a few days where you will have stretches on the interstate and on busier than ideal roads.
• Cell Service: There are a few days where cell service is lacking on the route and at the hotel. Your guides will be equipped with walkie talkies and a satellite communication device to enable them to communicate and provide effective support even when cell service is lacking.
• Accommodations : You will stay in a blend of high-end hotels, resorts, rustic lodges, national chains, and roadside motels. The first and last nights of the trip and most rest days are spent in high-end, full-service hotels. Along the way, many hotels are national chains such as Best Western and Holiday Inn due to their consistent quality and service. We also pass through some areas where accommodations are limited and we stay in some basic roadside motels. Every effort has been made to secure the best lodging available, but in some rural parts of the country, our options are limited and may not meet the quality criteria of every guest.
• Alternate Hotels and Room Sharing: If the trip is near capacity, there are approximately five nights where the group will be split between two hotels. Guests will be placed in the alternate hotel based on booking order, starting with the last to book. In addition, some guests may have to share a room or bathroom once or twice during the trip, even if you book a single supplement.
• Dining: Most evenings, you will dine at the best restaurant available near the hotel—from simple, hearty dinners to decadent nouvelle cuisine. In an effort to provide an efficient meal and maximize recovery time, we sometimes opt for a buffet or have pizza, pasta or other fare delivered to a hotel conference room. We also strive to provide an early, hearty breakfast, but options and quality varies from town to town. As such, your guides will supplement breakfast at certain hotels.
• Energy Products: Trek Travel will have a range of energy products and electrolyte tablets on hand for whenever you need a boost. If you require a specific brand of energy product, we recommend bringing an adequate supply for your personal needs as there will be little opportunity to restock on this trip. For lunches, most days your guides set up “feed zones” at designated spots along the route. These are quick lunch stops providing sandwich fixings, light salads, fresh fruits, sweet and savory snacks, energy products, and beverages—designed to enable riders to maintain momentum. On occasion, you’ll dine at a perfectly situated cafe along the route.
• Training: Trek Travel provides our guests with a basic training plan, developed by Vision Quest Training , to help you prepare for this trip. Vision Quest also offers customized training plans specifically tailored to you – taking into account your equipment, terrain, goals, and fitness level. They offer a free consultation to help you determine whether the basic training plan or a customized version is right for you.

Before and After Your Trip

Portland, Oregon

We recommend spending a few days in the vibrant, bustling city of Portland, Oregon. An excellent public transit system makes it easy to get around the City of Roses (so named because its climate is very conducive to growing rose bushes). Portlanders are widely known for their enthusiasm for local food, microbrews, coffee, art, and bikes. The Willamette River flows through downtown and constitutes the boundary between east and west sections; Burnside Street divides north and south; and the north section is defined by the river to the west and Williams Avenue to the east. Locals use these sections to give directions, so it's good to be familiar with the general idea! Farm to table restaurants, food trucks, bike shops, fun and funky architecture, book stores (don't miss Powell's City of Books in the heart of downtown!), parks, and museums are abundant in this quintessential city of the Pacific Northwest. We recommend the following accommodations for your pre-trip hotel:

Where to Stay

Marriott Downtown Waterfront

Stay on trend at Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront, a reimagined hotel directly on the waterfront in downtown, surrounded by more than 60 breweries. This is our hotel of choice for the second night of our trip, and it comes with modern rooms, delicious dining choices, and the perfect location for enjoying the city. www.marriott.com

Hotel deLuxe

Part of the well-crafted Provenance Hotel group, Hotel deLuxe offers a desirable location in the Southwest District, close to the exclusive Pearl District and Nob Hill, and only a few blocks from the MAX Light Rail System. This luxurious property is centered around a cinema theme and features a beautiful collection of historic film stills that capture the magic of Hollywood from the the 1930s, '40s, and '50s. www.provenancehotels.com

Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel

Nestled just south of downtown Portland on a pedestrian river walk, the RiverPlace Hotel is a luxurious retreat that offers access to both an invigorating urban buzz and an enchanting natural landscape. Relax in the communal Living Room, try a local brew at the daily hosted social hour, and enjoy dinner at the onsite restaurant. The list of amenities here is long and includes a yoga mat in your room, spa services available in your room, a workout room with a Peloton bike, a curated music playlist, and a $10 credit at the King Tide Fish & Shell restaurant. www.riverplacehotel.com

Portland, Maine

The city of Portland, Maine (for which Portland, Oregon was named) has a relaxed, small-town feel that makes it an ideal place to unwind after your ride across the country. Take a few extra days to explore the cobbled Old Port District, check out the working waterfront and Portland Museum of Art in the arts district, and visit some of the many historical sights in town. Take a trolley tour or a lighthouse tour, or visit the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, childhood home of the American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. According to locals, Portland has more restaurants and bars per capita than any other city in the country outside of San Fransisco. Many of the more popular restaurants are chef-owned and highly renowned. Kick back and take in the sights and smells of the Atlantic as you relax at the conclusion of your epic trip. We recommend the following accommodations for your post-trip hotel:

The Press Hotel is a boutique luxury hotel in Portland’s famed Old Port District. It’s part of the Autograph Collection by Marriott, which features unique and imaginative properties selected for their quality, bold originality, rich character, and uncommon details. The Press Hotel offers spa services, a workout room, valet parking, and a free airport shuttle. When you are ready to explore the city, you are just steps away from the Old Port’s historic cobblestone streets full of galleries, shops, cafes, day-spas, and many historic landmarks. www.thepresshotel.com

Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

The Regency is also located in the Old Port District and offers a boutique experience in a property originally built as a home for the Maine National Guard in 1895. Each room retains some architectural elements from the original design of the home—alcoves, torrent windows, and decks. An on-site spa and fitness center, complimentary wireless internet, and valets to provide complimentary transportation to the airport make the Regency a convenient place to stay for your extra time in Portland. www.theregency.com

Hilton Garden Inn - Downtown Waterfront

This modern hotel is also located on the waterfront in Portland's Old Port District, just steps from the boutique shops, restaurants, and museums this area has to offer. It features an indoor lap pool, complimentary wireless internet, and airport shuttle. www.hilton.com

Packing and Weather

The weather across the country will be extremely varied. You can expect all conditions including rain, snow, fog, wind, sun, heat, and cold, in both humid and arid climates. Extreme weather conditions may exist in certain parts of the country. Your guides will monitor the safety of riding in such conditions and will delay or cancel rides if they deem the conditions to be too dangerous. Bring adequate layers and riding gear for riding in any and all conditions throughout our Cross Country bike tour. View our Packing List

Ready to book?

To reserve your space on a trip, you can either call us at 866-464-8735 to speak with an expert Trip Consultant or book online any time by clicking the “BOOK THIS TRIP” icon near the upper right of each destination’s overview page.* Once you have submitted your reservation online, a Trip Consultant will contact you within one business day to answer any questions you may have and to confirm space, bike, and room availability on your desired trip. Your booking will be finalized once your no-risk deposit is paid. If you make a reservation more than 90 days prior to the trip, a $750 no risk deposit is due at the time of booking.** If you reserve your trip less than 90 days prior to the departure, the full balance is due at the time of booking. Once your booking is complete you will receive an email confirmation with important information pertaining to your trip.

*Please note that select trips cannot be booked online at this time. For those trips, please call a trip consultant at 866-464-8735.

**Deposit amounts vary for all Race, Cross Country, Special Edition, Ride Camp, Discover, and Self-Guided tours. Please confirm deposit amounts for all trips with your Trip Consultant at time of booking.

What happens once I book?

When a trip is booked, a guest confirmation email is immediately sent out. One week prior to the trip start, you’ll receive an email containing your trip start meeting location reminder and any last-minute information that you’ll need to know. You will also receive instructions to download the Ride with GPS app before your trip to provide you the day to day plan and daily route guides.

Guaranteed to run

With one person booked on a date, the trip becomes guaranteed.*

In the case where trips are at one or two guests, we will contact you prior to final payment to give you the following options:

Pay a small trip fee of $500 per person for two guests or $1000 for one guest, which ensures your preferred trip date will run. If there are three or more guests before departure date, the fee will be refunded in full.

Switch to a different trip or different departure date. Should there be any difference in trip price between your original trip and the new one, you will be expected to pay the difference, or we will refund you accordingly.

Offer only valid if Trek Travel contacts a guest to discuss these specific options. Bike trips with fewer than three guests may operate with only one guide. The guide will support all rides with a Trek Travel van. If you would like to discuss the option of having two guides, please speak with your trip consultant.

The small trip supplement for Ride Camps is as follows – for two guests an additional $250 or for one guest an additional $500.

*Cross Country, Discover, Race, and Special Edition trips as well as a small number of select departures have a minimum guest count to guarantee. Please check with your Trip Consultant for more information.

Unforeseen events may make it necessary to cancel or modify a trip. Our Guest Services team will update you with any changes. We reserve the right to cancel departures in cases of force majeure or the failure of third parties—such as hotels—to honor their reservations, in which case all payments received to date will be refunded, which constitutes full settlement. Trek Travel is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation for any canceled trips, such as airline tickets, or for costs that are incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations, or illness. We strongly encourage We strongly encourage Travel Protection for complete coverage.

What if I have to cancel my trip?

We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your tour.

Read our Cancellation Policy

Our Trip Consultants are available to assist and can answer your questions. Please call us at 866-464-8735.

Travel Protection

Trek Travel recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help safeguard you and your travel investment against the unexpected. We offer a travel protection plan through Arch RoamRight that provides coverage for unforeseen events that could affect your ability to travel with us. Learn more about our Travel Protection

Travel Services

We've collaborated with a specialized travel agency committed to delivering tailored vacation planning, ensuring your entire Trek Travel journey is nothing short of unforgettable. Learn more about our Travel Services

Sharing the joy that comes with wow moments

Trek Travel guides are dedicated to making moments that last a lifetime, and we invite you to thank them with a trip gratuity. These are customary and at your own discretion, to recognize service, hospitality, and the little extras that surprise and delight. For this Discover trip, we recommend $2400-$2880 per guest and, of course, you may choose to give more if your guides made your trip an unforgettable experience.

Like everything else about your vacation, the Trek Travel team is here to make this experience easier for you. While local currency is preferred, you may also tip through the following options:

Via PayPal (please have this account set up in advance when possible) or with your guest services representative on the phone before or after the trip.

Gratuities will be divided among the guide team, so feel free to leave your gratuity with whomever you choose at the end of your trip.

You cannot put a price on a wow . But you can show your thanks for an exceptional experience.

General FAQs

Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to the most common questions that don't necessarily pertain to a specific trip. See FAQs

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Guaranteed trips.

Our trips are guaranteed to run once we have one confirmed booking on the trip.  Click here to view our full guarantee policy .

Trek Travel reserves the right to cancel trips with zero guests, therefore you must book with Trek Travel before making travel arrangements for the trip. We are not responsible for travel arrangements made prior to confirming your Trek Travel Trip. Select trips are not guaranteed.

Sold Out/Waitlist

This trip is currently sold out, but you may be added to the waitlist in the case of availability.

If a date is marked with Limited Availability, there are few spots left to book. We will secure additional rooms from our hotels before confirming your reservation.

Looking to travel with a small group? Ask our trip consultants about private trips and learn more .

What are your trip styles?

Classic - reserve:.

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discovor:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Don’t see exactly what you are looking for or looking for a custom date? Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate luxury:.

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of Explorer and Luxury hotels. Rest assured, no matter which hotel level you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Road : 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Road : 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Road : 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Road : 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel:  4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Classic - Discover:

Single occupancy.

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself

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Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

Trek’s Newest E-Mountain Bike is Light, Fast, and Sporty

An adventurous pedal-assist bike, the E-Caliber has the heart of a cross-country racer.

The Takeaway: The Trek E-Caliber is a lightweight, XC-oriented electric mountain bike for riders who want a nimble and agile machine that excels on a wide range of trails.

• Trek claims the 34.8-pound E-caliber 9.9 XX1 AXS is the lightest full-suspension eMTB.
• 60mm carbon frame, 120mm fork, and aggressive geometry
• Fazua Evation pedal-assist motor can be removed for unassisted riding

Price: $11,999 Weight: 36 lb. (size Large)

BUY NOW MORE IMAGES

A light and efficient 60mm carbon frame, cross country-oriented geometry, a 120mm fork, and...a Fazua Evation pedal assist motor?

Trek thinks there is an unserved group of riders who want electric mountain bikes but don’t like the feel and handling of mid-travel rigs. So it built the E-Caliber, a lightweight, short-travel bike with aggressive geometry, pushing the boundaries of the e-mountain category into the world of cross-country riding. This is aimed squarely at riders who like ripping all manner of trails, not just shredding downhills . Travis Ott, mountain bike marketing manager at Trek, confirmed this when he told me: “The focus has thus far been more on trail riding or flow trail laps, and the E-Caliber is certainly focused more on cross-country. I don’t necessarily mean cross-country racing but just that cross-country style of riding.” Trek is banking on the idea that there are mountain bikers who are disinterested in the current crop of more trail-oriented bikes and are instead looking for something with the tight and agile handling more typical of the lightweight machines found between the tape on XCO courses. For that underserved ridership, this new bike promises the ability to ride a bit faster or a bit farther than they otherwise would be able to do under their own power without compromising the way they like to ride.

Old Man Winter has been very uncooperative this month, leaving much of my trails buried deep beneath the snow . But as I write this, the sun is shining, snow is melting, and I’m optimistic that it won’t be long before I can hit the trails for some more substantial rides.

5 Things We Love About the Trek E-Caliber 9.9 XTR

Short Travel

The lightweight, single-pivot design allows just 60mm of travel.

Carbon Wheels

Bontrager Kovee XXX hoops are light, stiff, and very durable.

Removable Motor

The battery and drive unit can be taken out of the downtube.

Minimalist Controls

The buttons for the Fazua motor blend nicely into the handlebar.

Lightweight rear suspension offers great pedaling efficiency.

The E-Caliber was borne from Trek’s full-suspension XC racer, the Supercaliber . The Fazua Evation motor neatly integrated in the downtube gives riders three levels of pedal assist. Besides being very light (7.4 pounds on my scale), the battery and drive system are removable and can be replaced with a dummy battery that doubles as a storage compartment, leaving me with a 28-pound (for size Large) bike that should pedal like a non-electric bike.

Class 1 Fazua Evation Motor

The Fazua Evation motor is powered by a 250-Wh battery with a claimed range of 18 to 50 miles. As with all e-bikes, that depends heavily on what mode you use, how much you weigh, and how hilly the terrain is. The more power you demand, the quicker the battery drains.

That motor itself represents a departure for Trek, as we’re more accustomed to seeing bikes from the Wisconsin-based brand with Bosch’s stellar Performance Line CX motor. Ott attributed that move to the new Black Pepper Tune, “which we felt took a good bike and made it a great bike for us,” he said, because it refines power delivery over a broader cadence range. Ott also told me the new tune improved responsiveness, making the pedal assist engage sooner.

The system has three power modes with very Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance names. Breeze is the economy mode and gives riders a constant 100 watts of help. River provides progressive assistance where the motor’s software attempts to match the amount of assist with what you’re putting into the pedals, but only up to 210 watts. The full gas mode is called Rocket, which gives riders an extra 250 watts regardless of how much effort they put into the pedals. But because this is a Class 1 e-bike , additional power cuts out when speed tops 20 miles per hour regardless of mode.

Fazua plans to release an app in April that will give riders complete freedom to customize the power curve in all levels of assist.

The E-Caliber retains the IsoStrut single-pivot suspension design from the Supercaliber, giving the bike just 60mm of rear wheel travel and exceptionally low weight due to the lack of pivots and linkage. But things change on the front end to handle the extra speed and hard riding the motor adds to the equation. Front suspension goes up to 120mm, giving the bike a more adventurous feel like the Cannondale Scalpel SE and Specialized Epic EVO . Head angle is kicked out to 67.5 degrees, the result of bumping travel up by 20mm. That’s still aggressive by trail standards but within the realm of modern XC geometry like we see on the Scalpel, Specialized Epic , and BMC Twostroke 01 . Reach got longer than the Supercaliber’s, in this case by 15mm (440mm for a Large).

Those three changes represent the main geometry differences between the E-Caliber and its analog sibling. As with other bikes that get the longer/lower/slacker treatment, the idea was to add stability at high speed and make the bike handle better on rougher terrain.

Trek E-Caliber 9.9 XTR Details

Style: E-mountain bike Material: Carbon Wheel Size: 29er Fork: Fox SC34 Factory 120mm Shock: Trek IsoStrut 60mm Drivetrain: Shimano XTR Cranks: E*thirteen E*spec Race Carbon Chainring: 32t Cassette: Shimano XTR 10-51 Brakes: Shimano XTR M9120 4-piston Wheels: Bontrager Kovee XXX 30 Carbon Tires: 2.4-inch Bontrager XR3 Team Issue Saddle: Bontrager Verse Pro Seatpost: Bontrager XXX OCLV Carbon Handlebar: 750mm Bontrager Line Pro OCLV Carbon Stem: 70mm Bontrager Kovee Pro Tire Clearance: 29 x 2.4-inches

Where Does This Bike Fit In?

Mid-travel e-bikes have proven to be great options for a wide range of uses, not the least of which are shuttling enduro runs, ripping flow trails, and making any hard, mountainous trail more accessible to riders who have less than professional-level fitness. However, those bikes can quickly lose their appeal for riders who enjoy taking a more active role in piloting because the heavy frames, big tires, and longer travel have a way of letting you steamroll over obstacles. The E-Caliber is still a 36-pound bike, which, while light for an electric mountain bike, is hefty. I don’t expect it to behave exactly like my XC bike that weighs 30 percent less, but I’ll be looking very carefully to see if it holds onto the spirit of that style of riding. I’m cautiously optimistic that the combination of short travel, light weight, and aggressive geometry will make for a bike that opens up the joys of long trail adventures and ripping fast singletrack to a segment of riders that may not otherwise get to experience that thrill.

E-Caliber Family

The E-Caliber is available in five models priced from $6,499 for the E-Caliber 9.6 all the way to $12,499 for the range-topping, jaw-dropping, 34.8 pound E-Caliber 9.9 XX1 AXS. All models share the same full-carbon, 60mm frame with a 120mm fork. Interestingly, the top-tier 9.9 XTR and 9.9 XX1 AXS builds do not come with dropper posts. That’s disappointing, but it’s a move we often see on new XC bikes, where droppers are omitted for the sake of keeping the weight as low as possible. As ubiquitous as dropper posts are these days, it feels like an artificial way to claim a lower weight. If you’d like a dropper stock on your bike, look to any of the three lower priced options. You can also add a dropper to any of the higher priced models through Trek's Project One options.

The cheapest (still $6,499) E-Caliber, the 9.6, features a drivetrain that’s a mix of Shimano XT and Deore, with a 120mm RockShox Gold fork and Bontrager Kovee Comp wheels. For $7,999 the E-Caliber 9.8 gives you Bontrager Kovee Pro carbon wheels, a 120mm RockShox SID Select+ fork and the choice of either a SRAM GX or Shimano XT drivetrain. The next jump is a steep one: an extra $3,500 nets you the E-Caliber 9.9 XTR with a 120mm Fox Factory 34 SC fork and Bontrager Kovee XXX Carbon wheels. The top spot is reserved for riders willing to plunk down 12,499 bones for a dreamy bike, the E-Caliber 9.9 XX1 AXS, resplendent with SRAM’s wireless shifting and a 120mm RockShox Sid Ultimate fork.

Trek E-Caliber 9.9 XTR

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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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REVIEW: TREK SUPERCALIBER SLR CROSS COUNTRY RACE BIKE

A second-generation gold medal winner.

When Trek released the Supercaliber in 2019 with its integrated IsoStrut shock, the wrecking crew was impressed by its light weight and strong acceleration, calling it a full-speed-ahead cross-country race bike. It is truly a racer’s mountain bike, and this was proven multiple times at the highest levels. It won gold at the Tokyo Olympics under Jolanda Neff, and Evie Richards has won multiple World Cup races on it, too. Not one to rest on its laurels, Trek has introduced a second generation of the Supercaliber with a completely new frame with more travel and evolved features to take on the highest levels of racing.

Although it may look similar, this second-generation Supercaliber frame is entirely new. Its geometry is revised with a 10mm-longer reach, 1.5-degree-slacker head angle, half-a-degree-steeper seat-tube angle and 7mm-taller bottom bracket height in size large. The chainstay length also grows by 5mm. All of these updates combine for a 17mm-longer wheelbase than before. Our size large came in with a 67.5-degree head angle, 74.5-degree seat-tube angle and 465mm-long reach.

There are now two versions of the frame: the SLR and SL. The SLR we tested here is the lightest, coming in at a claimed 200–250 grams lighter than the current 2,030-gram version, while the SL is about the same weight. Both frames share the same new lightweight swingarm with an all-new floating brake mount that Trek says isolates braking forces from flexing rear stays for improved braking performance. SLR frames save weight by ditching the internal cable tunnels, while the SL models have them for easier cable routing. Two water bottles can fit on the frame—one on the seat tube and one on the downtube. The new Gen 2 frame has a standard headset and not the Knock Block style of the previous version.

Trek’s IsoStrut suspension design is improved on the new Supercaliber, increasing in travel and receiving an all-new RockShox SidLuxe IsoStrut. Rear-wheel travel increases from 60mm to 80mm, while the front jumps 10mm from 100mm to 110mm. Our test bike comes with RockShox’s latest SID SL Ultimate model. The frame is also compatible with 100mm and 120mm forks.

The strut’s stroke increases by 7.5mm to 40mm to gain travel, a move that Trek says does not sacrifice fitment or weight. A higher linear leverage rate is also new and ideal for XC performance, according to Trek. Sag can be set at the standard 25 percent for a good all-around feel, as low as 15 percent for more pedaling efficiency, or as high as 30 percent for added compliance. Anti-squat is also increased on the new model for better resistance to suspension compression while pedaling. The new IsoStrut is also easier to service, requiring no special tools like the old one did.

Trek offers seven models of the Supercaliber, starting at $4,200 and topping out at $11,700 for their highest-end build and our test model, the 9.9 SLR XX AXS. In addition to their lighter frames, Supercaliber SLR models are spec’d with carbon one-piece bar/stem and carbon wheels, while SL models get alloy wheels and cockpit components. Our bike came equipped with the highest-end components, such as SRAM’s stellar XX SL Eagle drivetrain, cranks and Level Ultimate brakes. We tend to pick on SRAM brakes, but they performed well on this bike.

Bontrager’s Kovee SLR wheels continue to impress us with their lightweight and excellent ride feel. As they should, because they’re the exact same wheels Trek racers have won on at the highest levels. Our test bike was supposed to be spec’d with Bontrager Sainte-Anne RSL XR tires but instead came with Pirelli’s Scorpion XC RCs.

Bontrager’s Aeolus RSL saddle proved to be incredibly comfortable, and Fox’s Transfer SL dropper post was flawless (see our review on page 92). Test riders were even pleased with the handlebar bend and orientation of the Bontrager RSL integrated bar and stem combo. Rounding out the great build is an MBA wrecking crew favorite—ESI’s Chunky silicone foam grips.

Our size-large test bike hit our scales at a rather impressive 21.8 pounds, and you really feel that on the climbs. Some of our test riders call the Supercaliber the fastest bike they have ridden, which is saying something given the recent crop of test bikes that have passed through our offices lately. It’s extremely quick on acceleration both in and out of the saddle and with the suspension open. Some even joked that it felt somewhat similar to a lightweight eMTB. They might be joking, but the sensation when you stab the pedals isn’t far off.

Seated pedaling is incredibly efficient, enough so that most riders couldn’t feel a noticeable difference between locked and unlocked suspension over smoother surfaces. It’s not until you hit a bump bigger than the tires can absorb that you really feel it work. The suspension is quiet, but moves just enough over bumps and roots to keep you planted in the saddle and driving forward. Not being able to easily feel the difference between locked out and not caught us off guard a few times, so we made it a habit to switch it off as soon as it’s not needed

The lockout is a hard one with no give to it, resulting in a fully rigid hardtail feel that we absolutely loved while hammering out of the saddle. RockShox’s grip-shift-style lockout remote makes actuation really easy and natural, so we use it more often than trigger- or lever-style ones, too. The frame is solid under power without feeling overbuilt or too rigid. It has a lively energy to it that’s stiff in all the right places while being forgiving where it can.

Descending is equally as impressive as the climbing performance. With the longer wheelbase, slacker head angle and increase in travel, we were able to get pretty aggressive on the Supercaliber. It’s still an XC race bike and reminds you of this when it runs out of travel, and the lightweight wheels flex in protest, but you can get away with a heck of a lot up until that point. The tires usually kept us from getting too carried away, but more often than not we were left more impressed with what this bike can do than what it can’t.

This is no wannabe trail bike in XC clothing. It’s a full-on racer, and a very capable one at that. The longer wheelbase really helps with straight-line stability and predictability on tough descents. Cornering on flat turns takes a touch more careful front-wheel weighting compared to steeper, shorter bikes, but we were able to adapt quickly. Our test bike came with 2.25-inch tires, which held it back some, especially on looser and more slippery trails, so we changed those out to higher-volume models, and it really helped corner feel and overall grip with little loss in climbing speed.

We initially set the suspension up with 25-percent sag, but also tried it at 30 percent, which gave it a more active feel to the beginning of the stroke. But in the end, test riders preferred the crisp and controlled feel of 25 percent. At 15 percent, the suspension feels too progressive, and we had a hard time getting the last few millimeters of travel out of it. All three settings are usable, though, so it’s worth experimenting with.

WHAT DID WE LOVE?

This is a long list, but here are the highlights: It’s light, it’s efficient, it’s somewhat simple, has mounts for two water bottles, and it’s very clean-looking, but most of all, it’s really, really fast. And, speed is what really matters when it comes to cross-country race bikes. The Supercaliber has that in excess.

WHAT DID WE HATE?

We wish the RockShox SID fork had more tire clearance. We would love to run 2.4-inch tires, and the frame has clearance, but technically speaking, not the fork. Although you might get away with it depending on actual tire size, we can’t recommend anything bigger than the SID’s 2.35-inch maximum. On occasion, we experienced a touch of cable rattle in the front triangle. Pushing the dropper post housing in usually fixed it, but every now and then it would return, suggesting we might need to add some protective foam to the cables.

BOTTOM LINE

Trek’s first version of the Supercaliber was excellent. This second generation takes it into the stellar category for cross-country race bikes. It comes at a cost, though. Even though it has more suspension travel and is more capable of managing tough descents, it’s still a sharply focused race tool.

We have ridden other cross-country race bikes that are more versatile, but few with this kind of raw speed right off the showroom floor. It’s not the ideal bike for a long pedal-heavy adventure ride. Sure, you could do it, and we did, but bikes like Trek’s Top Fuel are better suited for that and still quite quick. If you want to win races, however, look no further.

TREK SUPERCALIBER SLR 9.9 XX AXS GEN 2

www.trekbikes.com

CATEGORY: Cross-country race

WHEEL SIZE: 29″

SUSPENSION: 110mm (front), 80mm (rear)

Price: $11,700 Weight: 21.8 pounds (without pedals) Sizes: S, M, M/L, L (tested), XL Frame tested: SLR OCLV Mountain carbon, 80mm travel Shock: RockShox SidLuxe IsoStrut Fork: RockShox SID SL Ultimate, 110mm travel Wheelset: Bontrager Kovee RSL, OCLV Mountain carbon, 29” Tires: Bontrager Sainte-Anne RSL XR, tubeless-ready, dual compound, Aramid bead, 220 tpi, 29×2.20”

Seatpost: Fox Transfer SL Saddle: Aeolus RSL, carbon rails, 145mm width Handlebar/stem: Bontrager RSL integrated handlebar/stem, OCLV Carbon, 0mm handlebar rise, 750mm width, -13 degree stem

Grips: ESI Chunky Headset: FSA IS-2 Brakes: SRAM Level Ultimate four-piston hydraulic disc Rotors: SRAM CenterLine X, Centerlock, round edge, 160mm f/r Rear derailleur: SRAM XX SL Eagle AXS, T-type Shifters: SRAM AXS Po Ultimate Crankset: SRAM XX SL Eagle Bottom bracket: SRAM Dub Cassette: SRAM Eagle XS-1299, T-type, 10-52T Chain: SRAM XX Eagle, T-type Chainrings: 34-tooth

GEOMETRY SIZE LARGE

Head tube angle: 67.5º Effective seat tube angle: 74.5° Reach: 465mm (18.3”) Stack: 599mm (23.6”) Bottom bracket height: 327mm (12.9”) Chainstay length: 435mm (17.1”) Wheelbase: 1,172mm (46.1”)

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Best cross-country mountain bikes 2024 | 15 top-rated XC mountain bikes and our buyer's guide

The top cross-country bikes as rated by our expert reviewers, plus our buyer's guide for everything you need to know

Andy Lloyd / Our Media

Joe Norledge

Cross-country is one of the most exciting disciplines within mountain biking. Races are often close, with elbow-to-elbow action right until the line, and the best cross-country mountain bikes combine everything we love about mountain biking – riding fast, uphill and downhill.

Cross-country mountain bike technology has advanced quickly in the last few years. Cross-country bikes are now lighter, faster and more capable than ever, while many cross-country race tracks have become more demanding at the same time.

If you’re thinking about buying a cross-country bike, then read on for our pick of the best bikes reviewed by our expert testers.

We’ve also put together a buyer's guide so you can learn everything you need to know about cross-country bikes at the end of this article .

If you’re tempted to start riding competitively, we’ve got a separate beginner's guide to cross-country racing .

Best cross-country mountain bikes 2024, as rated by our expert testers

Cannondale scalpel 1 lefty.

• £8,550 / €9,499 as tested
• Pros: Sorted frame shape shines in every situation; great spec-list; Lefty is smooth and stiff
• Cons: Carbon rims are quite stiff; Lefty might not be for some

Cannondale's Scalpel 1 Lefty is at the sharp end of cross-country mountain bikes, with the frame offering impressive responsiveness and downhill capability.

We found the spec list to leave little to be desired and got along well with the Lefty fork.

This latest generation of Lefty feels smooth and rigid, and the design is almost immune to mud build-up.

On chunkier terrain, the bike eats up impacts well and, thanks to 120mm of travel, it shines on a variety of trails.

Lapierre Prorace CF 9.9

• £5,999 / €6,799 as tested
• Pros: Fast and comfortable; good value; frame compliance adds speed
• Cons: Press-fit bottom bracket limits home mechanics

The Prorace is Lapierre's top-end carbon race hardtail and uses its 3D Tubular concept that the brand has employed on its road bikes since 2015 to boost compliance. This is effectively a triple-triangle design, which sees the seatstays separated from the seat tube.

We found this really helped when climbing because the frame reduces the amount the bike skips and slips around and it smoothes out the trail when descending, too. That said, don't expect it to tame the trails to the extent of a full-suspension bike.

The Prorace handles well and the geometry gives it a fun and engaging ride, even if it's not the most progressive.

This SRAM-heavy build features a RockShox SID SL Ultimate fork up front, a wireless AXS drivetrain and a set of Level TLM brakes.

We really rate the Maxxis Rekon Race tyres, their low-profile, densely packed tread rolling fast on smooth surfaces, balanced with their suppleness.

• Read our full Lapierre Prorace CF 9.9 review

Trek Supercaliber SLR 9.9 XX AXS Gen 2

• £10,800 as tested
• Pros: Direct feel with capable geometry; direct feel under power; mutes bumps well
• Cons: One-piece bar and stem plus narrow tyres won't be for everyone

The Trek Supercaliber SLR 9.9 XX AXS Gen 2 is a thoroughbred cross-country race bike, delivering razor-sharp handling and a direct feel under power. 

With its IsoStrut rear shock partially hidden in the top tube, the Supercaliber is intended to offer the efficiency of a hardtail with the comfort of rear suspension.

Pair this with the updated and more capable geometry and you have a bike that balances efficiency and composure. 

If you want a top-spec race bike for more demanding trails, the Supercaliber would be a great choice, but you might want to swap in some wider tyres. 

• Read our full Trek Supercaliber SLR 9.9 XX AXS Gen 2 review

YT Izzo Uncaged 7

• £6,299 / $6,499 as tested
• Pros: A riot of a descender that still climbs like the best of them; makes the most of YT’s signature value for money
• Cons: Direct sale won't appeal to all

With the Izzo, German direct-to-consumer brand YT has entered the world of XC with a bang.

Packing 120mm of suspension controlled by a four-bar linkage, the Izzo Uncaged 7’s carbon frame also features adjustable geometry.

A flip chip offers 0.4 degrees of adjustment to the head and seat tube angles and a 5mm bottom bracket height adjustment, enabling riders to set their bike up to suit a variety of trails.

The Izzo’s geometry is very progressive, with a 66.5-degree head angle and 77.5-degree effective seat tube angle in the slack setting. The reach comes in at 475mm in size large.

As we’ve come to expect from YT, the spec offers incredible value for money. The Izzo is equipped with top-of-the-line RockShox SID and SIDLuxe Ultimate suspension, SRAM G2 Ultimate brakes and a wireless XX1 AXS drivetrain.

On the descents, the YT’s balanced suspension and capable geometry make it a riot to ride fast and it comfortably takes on trails well above its pay grade.

Despite packing more travel than most other XC bikes, the Izzo also excels on the climbs, offering a supportive pedalling platform and fast-rolling performance.

• Read our full YT Izzo Uncaged 7 review

Specialized Epic 8 Pro

• £8,000 as tested
• Pros: Power transfer feels incredibly efficient; handling is trail bike-esque
• Cons: Round tyre profile can be unsettled on some surfaces

The Specialized Epic has been a benchmark for cross-country bikes for a long while, with the latest generation setting the bar even higher.

We were impressed by the bike's ability on almost all trails, and found the handling and suspension feel similar to a trail bike.

The three-mode lock-out performs well, with the middle mode acting as a great intermediate for flat pedalling.

Specialized's Fast Trak front tyre makes for some squirrelly moments, with the round profile making the front of the bike dive when cornering.

BMC Fourstroke 01 Two AXS

• £8,300 / $8,999 / €8,499 as tested
• Pros: Decent geometry and an eager climber; great suspension feel
• Cons: Stock tyres are poor; dropper not as responsive as traditional ones

BMC’s Fourstroke piloted Tom Pidcock to Olympic Gold . On our trails, it made for a fairly poised race-ready ripper.

The Fourstroke’s geometry is up-to-date and it climbs with near-impeccable pedalling manners. It pumps through rolling terrain well and the bike eggs you on to accelerate and push yourself towards your limits on a wide variety of trails.

The SRAM GX Eagle AXS drivetrain performed flawlessly and the Fox suspension package felt supple.

However, it does require a tyre change to fully unlock its potential because the stock Vittoria Barzo tyres made the ride feel nervous and skittery. We’re not fully sold on BMC’s RAD integrated dropper seatpost, but admittedly it looks aesthetically pleasing.

• Read our full BMC Fourstroke 01 Two AXS review

Cannondale Scalpel HT Carbon 4

• £2,600 / $2,300 as tested
• Pros: Impressive all-round capability; good spec for the price tag
• Cons: Seat tube bottle boss position limits post-insertion depth

The Scalpel HT Carbon 4 is the most affordable bike in the Scalpel line-up, aimed at the gnarlier end of cross-country.

Cannondale has evolved the typical XC race geometry by offering slacker head angles, giving the Scalpel HT handling character similar to an enduro bike. Steeper seat tube angles retain climbing ability and we were impressed by the traction provided by the zones in the rear triangle.

The Scalpel HT Carbon 4 features a RockShox SID SL fork and uses both Shimano XT and Deore drivetrain and brake components.

• Read our full Cannondale HT Carbon 4 review

Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29 1

• £6,999 / $7,500 / AU$9,099 as tested
• Pros: Excellent modern geometry; agile yet confident handling
• Cons: Harsh cockpit; Live Valve takes time to set up right

The Giant Anthem saw a refresh in late 2021 with updated geometry, a longer 110mm-travel suspension fork, and flexible seatstays and chainstay to simulate the articulation of a pivot point.

This particular model uses the Fox Live Valve suspension system . The system has electronic link sensors on the fork and frame, which automatically open and close the fork and shock’s compression circuit when a bump is detected.

With its modern geometry, the bike climbs reasonably well, although there is some bob. Heading downhill, the bike feels stable and secure over loose surfaces with supple suspension (Live Valve settings-dependent).

The Anthem is equipped with a Shimano XT drivetrain and brakes, which offer next-to-identical performance to Shimano XTR. The bike has own-brand carbon wheels and handlebars.

• Read our full Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29 1 review

Intense Sniper XC Expert

• £3,699 as tested
• Pros: Composed on climbs and descents; carbon-everything frameset
• Cons: Dropper post lever prevents remote lockout option

Although Intense is best known for its gravity-oriented bikes, the Sniper XC has an engaging ride quality that’s fast around a cross-country race course.

The geometry is nice and modern, with a long 468mm reach and a 67.5-degree head tube angle, which is slack for a cross-country bike.

The Sniper climbs well, bearing in mind there is no remote lockout. There is some pedal bob though, especially when sprinting.

The bike descends assuredly, offering a smooth ride on rough descents while maintaining stiffness.

Shimano’s third-tier SLX drivetrain performs excellently, as does the Fox Performance suspension. The bike comes with a dropper seatpost.

• Read our full Intense Sniper XC Expert review

Merida Ninety-Six RC 9000

• £7,300 / €8,900 as tested
• Pros: A classic-feeling race bike with inspired handling manners; great spec choices
• Cons: Narrow bar; not the most supportive suspension

Although Merida’s Ninety-Six seems conventional with its 100mm of suspension travel front and rear, it features trail-friendly geometry with a 68.5-degree head tube angle and a steep 76-degree seat tube angle.

The bike features a Shimano XTR groupset, Fox Factory-level suspension and own-brand finishing kit.

We found it to be a rocket ship up the climbs, with the active suspension helping you maintain speed up rough and loose climbs. It has plenty of character through corners thanks to its reactive steering.

On descents, the Ninety-Six is slightly more nervous than the long reach would suggest.

The rear shock can lurch deeper into its travel than expected.

• Read our full Merida Ninety-Six RC 9000 review

Mondraker F-Podium RR

• £7,699 / $7,999 as tested
• Pros: Sorted geometry gives confidence on any terrain; makes ease of steep trails
• Cons: Not the smoothest suspension on choppy terrain; shock not the most accessible

We found the F-Podium RR impressive when pointed down steep trails, with the geometry bolstering confidence and making easy work of technical tracks.

On rougher trails, the suspension damper isn't quite as smooth as competitors, offering a rough feeling through the bike – a softer shock tune may combat this.

The bike doesn't come with electronic shifting, which is surprising for its price range, but the rest of the kit leaves little to be desired.

Pivot LES SL 29 Pro XT/XTR

• £6,750 / $6,199 as tested
• Pros: Geometry inspires confidence; covers ground fast; playful handling
• Cons: Overall value isn’t the best; press-fit BB won’t appeal to all

Pivot's LES SL is a carbon race bike with clean lines and an innovative carbon construction, in that the frames are moulded from the inside out to reduce imperfections. The carbon frames have also been optimised to provide the same ride feel, whatever the size.

The bike climbs well, with the frame feeling stiff but not to the point of being harsh. The winning geometry also means there's room to shift your weight around to maintain traction.

Heading down the other side, the LES SL handles well, thanks to its moderately long reach, head tube angle and 60mm stem. It holds its speed well over chattery trails and the handling feels precise.

The LES SL is adorned with a host of Pivot-branded kit, a Factory-level Fox 32 StepCast fork and a Shimano XT groupset, with an upgraded XTR rear derailleur.

The only real criticism we can level at the bike is the spec doesn't represent the best value for money when compared to its competitors.

• Read our full Pivot LES SL 29 Pro XT/XTR review

Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS

• £4,699 as tested
• Pros: A radical but modern XC bike with an internal shock layout; bang up-to-date geometry
• Cons: Integrated shock won't be for everyone

Scott’s latest Spark RC underwent quite a radical update, getting a new internal shock suspension layout and upping the travel to 120mm at both ends.

Despite the shock not being visible, setting up the Spark was incredibly easy and there’s a sag meter printed on the non-driveside seat tube and seatstay junction for guidance.

The updates result in a bike that’s dominant on the descents, despite not being specced with a dropper seatpost or particularly wide handlebars. Grip is excellent uphill and Scott’s TwinLoc remote lockout lever is incredibly easy to control from the bar.

The bike is specced with a SRAM GX Eagle AXS wireless electronic groupset, which impresses all who test it, and the suspension comes courtesy of RockShox, with Scott’s in-house brand, Syncros, featuring heavily for the rest of the build.

• Read our full Scott Spark RC Team Issue AXS review

Specialized S-Works Epic World Cup

• £12,000 as tested
• Pros: Reacts to pedal input like a hardtail; modern geometry
• Cons: Performance comes at the cost of versatility

The Specialized S-Works Epic World Cup is unapologetically XC race-focused.

The bike is an exceptional climber, thanks in part to the tyres and Roval Contact SL wheelset. Pedal bob is virtually eliminated when you run the rear shock in its ‘No Gulp’ setting, making the Epic feel a lot like a hardtail.

The 75mm of rear travel takes the sting out of descents rather than flattering your skills, but with a bit more thought, the bike can certainly compete against 120mm-travel XC race bikes.

This isn’t a hugely versatile bike. The suspension and harsh cockpit will leave you wanting a more forgiving ride when cruising around. But if you’re heading off to a race, this bike will reward your full-gas efforts. 

• Read our full Specialized S-Works Epic World Cup review

Yeti ASR T3

• £8,399 / $8,600 as tested
• Pros: Agile handling; carries speed well on rolling terrain; head-turning looks
• Cons: Rear suspension can get overwhelmed on rough trails

Yeti's ASR T3 is the brand's first XC bike in 10 years, and it lives up to the heritage of old.

The bike handles incredibly well, with agile handling and efficient power transfer making it good fun on mellow trails.

It feels very much suited to track racing and once pointed down a black-graded trail, the rear shock is quickly overwhelmed with large hits giving it no time to recover.

Cross-country mountain bike buyer's guide

What is a cross-country mountain bike.

A cross-country mountain bike is designed to cover a variety of off-road terrain as quickly as possible. It needs to be equally capable of climbing and descending, while also being efficient when pedalling on flatter terrain, or picking a line through tight, twisting singletrack.

Cross-country bikes are usually the lightest type of mountain bike you can buy for a given price and are often made from carbon fibre, although more affordable aluminium options are also widely available.

XC bikes have less suspension travel than trail bikes and enduro bikes , so won’t be as adept on very steep, rough and technical trails. That being said, in the right hands – for example, a professional rider – a cross-country bike is surprisingly capable.

While cross-country bikes are designed mainly for racing, they’re equally at home on mellower trails, or a big day out in the hills when you’ll value the all-round capability of an XC bike on varied terrain.

What about downcountry?

Before we go any further, we need to quickly mention downcountry bikes.

Downcountry is a fairly new term within mountain biking. In essence, it refers to bikes that blur the line between dedicated cross-country race bikes and more forgiving trail bikes.

A downcountry bike will have a little more suspension travel than a cross-country race bike; normally in the region of 120 to 130mm at the front and 110 to 115mm at the rear.

It will also have geometry that leans more towards descending performance than pedalling efficiency. For example, a slacker head angle, longer reach and longer wheelbase.

Finally, the componentry will be chosen with descending in mind, with more powerful brakes, larger/grippier tyres and a dropper post.

For riders who want a fast, versatile bike for a variety of terrain, downcountry bikes fill that gap. If this sounds like the type of bike for you, then check out our buyer’s guide to the best downcountry mountain bikes .

Hardtail vs full-suspension for XC racing

The first decision you need to make when buying a cross-country bike is whether you want a hardtail or full-suspension bike .

A hardtail only has suspension at the front through the fork , while a full-suspension bike has suspension at the front and rear.

There are pros and cons to each for cross-country riding, and this will influence which option will be best for you.

Hardtail bike for XC riding

For a given spec, a hardtail will nearly always be lighter than a full-suspension bike. So if you live somewhere hilly, or just prioritise climbing performance above all else, then a hardtail could be a good option.

With suspension only at the front of the bike, a hardtail is simpler in its design, making it easier and cheaper to maintain than a full-suspension bike.

Finally, for the same cost, a hardtail can often come with a better spec than a full-suspension bike, so may require less, if any, upgrading in the future.

Full-suspension bike for XC riding

While a hardtail will typically be lighter, more affordable and simpler to maintain than a full-suspension bike, when it comes to descending performance, a full-susser will win every time.

They’re also more comfortable than a hardtail, which is especially important for longer rides or races.

On rough, flat terrain, full-suspension bikes will often enable you to pedal more efficiently because the rear suspension soaks up any bumps in the ground.

As we’ve already mentioned, they will usually be heavier. However, this gap has narrowed over recent years, and at the top end, they may only weigh a kilo or two more than a hardtail.

For many riders, the relatively small weight penalty of a full-suspension bike is worth the benefits of better descending, more comfort and increased pedalling efficiency on rough terrain.

What to look for when buying a cross-country bike

Now you’ve decided between a hardtail and full-suspension bike, here’s what else you need to look out for when buying a cross-country bike.

Cross-country bikes have traditionally had ‘steeper’ geometry figures than trail or enduro bikes. The logic was that the ‘quicker’ handling made cross-country bikes better in tight singletrack and elbow-to-elbow racing.

However, modern cross-country racing now takes place on much tougher courses, which are equal parts tricky descents and lung-searing climbs, so geometry has had to keep up with this trend.

Head angles as slack as 67 degrees and reach figures once only seen on trail bikes are not uncommon on modern cross-country bikes.

They will also have steeper seat angles of around 74 to 75 degrees, which puts a rider's hips in a better position over the bottom bracket for pedalling efficiency.

Prime examples of modern cross-country geometry are the Specialized Epic and the BMC Twostroke.

Frame material

There are two main frame materials to choose from: carbon fibre and aluminium.

When it comes to professional racing, every rider will use carbon fibre; it’s lighter than aluminium and can be designed to be stiffer, so makes perfect sense if all you're worried about is going as fast as possible, with little concern for budget.

The downside of carbon is it’s more expensive than aluminium, and in certain situations, more susceptible to crash damage.

Aluminium is more affordable and better at resisting damage from certain impacts. This makes it ideal if you’re looking to save money or want your bike to be as durable as possible. The latest aluminium frames can be impressively light, too.

Titanium and steel cross-country bikes do exist, but these are in the minority.

How much does a cross-country mountain bike weigh?

Your power-to-weight ratio is important for success in cross-country, so naturally riders want the lightest equipment possible, while still being able to withstand the demands of hard riding or racing.

You might find a top-spec hardtail weighing in at under 8kg, which is incredibly impressive considering what these bikes are capable of. More affordable models typically weigh anywhere from 9 to 11kg.

When it comes to full-suspension bikes, a top-spec model could come in just under 10kg, with more affordable bikes weighing anywhere from 12 to 14kg.

While overall bike weight is a factor, especially if you’re an elite racer, there are much better and cheaper ways to get faster when you’re starting out – such as training.

So, try not to get too hung up with weight early on. There’ll be plenty of time to start counting those grams and emptying your wallet as you progress gradually through the ranks.

On modern cross-country bikes, nearly every model will feature 29in mountain bike wheels .

While 29ers took a while to truly catch on, they’re now considered a smart option for many riders, thanks to their ability to roll over obstacles more easily, and arguably provide better pedalling speed.

In some circumstances, such as for particularly short riders, it may be best to go for smaller 27.5in wheels, but for most people, 29ers are the way to go for XC bikes.

If you want more information, we’ve got a guide to mountain bike wheel sizes , covering the pros and cons of 26in, 27.5in and 29in wheels.

Tyre choice comes down to a balancing act between rolling resistance/speed and grip, so the best cross-country tyres will usually have smaller tread blocks than trail or enduro tyres.

XC tyres may also have thinner sidewalls to save weight, and in some cases be made out of a slightly harder compound, which can roll faster.

However, remember a harder compound will, in theory, provide less grip, and thinner sidewalls offer less puncture protection. As we said, there’s always a compromise to be made somewhere.

Cross-country tyres were traditionally much narrower than trail or enduro tyres – but, as the sport has changed, the tyre sizes have increased, so you’ll now find cross-country tyres in the 2.2in to 2.4in range.

How much travel do you need?

When it comes to suspension travel , nearly all cross-country bikes will have 100mm of front and rear travel.

As we’ve already mentioned, downcountry bikes up this travel a little, with around 110-115mm at the back and 120-130mm on the front.

That said, it’s also worth bearing in mind how the Scott Spark, a pure XC race bike, now has 120mm at both the front and rear. As we said, XC race bikes are changing.

Scott knows a thing or two about making great cross-country bikes – the outgoing Spark was hugely popular on the XC scene – so it’ll be interesting to see if longer travel on dedicated race bikes will start to catch on.

Just like the best trail mountain bikes , cross-country bikes have almost exclusively moved to 1x drivetrains , with Shimano and SRAM mountain bike groupsets dominating the market.

1x drivetrains have one chainring at the front (removing the need for a front derailleur), with a wide-ranging 11- or 12-speed cassette at the back to still provide a big spread of gears.

Stronger professional riders have been known to run up to a 38-tooth chainring at the front. However, at the amateur level most riders will normally go for a 32- or 34-tooth chainring instead.

Cassette sizes usually range from a 10- or 11-tooth sprocket for the hardest gear to a 51- or 52-tooth sprocket for the easiest climbing gear.

This is a pretty big spread and should keep those legs turning up the steepest of climbs.

Cross-country bikes will commonly be fitted with lightweight disc brakes. These will have smaller rotors, with most riders opting for 160mm front and rear.

Some particularly powerful riders may pop a 180mm rotor on the front, and the lightest riders may go for a 140mm on the rear, but in general, 160mm is what’s seen most commonly.

XC disc brakes won’t be quite as powerful as the brakes you’ll find on an enduro bike, but they’re more than capable for the job at hand.

On the most affordable bikes, these may be cable-actuated disc brakes, but from the mid-range and up, you’ll find hydraulic mountain bike disc brakes on all cross-country bikes.

Dropper posts

The best dropper posts enable you to lower your saddle height at the touch of a button or lever mounted on your handlebar. This helps with descending because you’re able to move the bike and your weight around more easily.

Droppers were once unheard of in cross-country racing because most riders thought they were too heavy and unreliable. But as the sport and dropper technology has progressed, they’ve become more popular, with many pro riders making the switch.

Dropper posts aren’t necessarily cheap, but if you can afford one, or your bike already comes with one, they can be a great addition for a relatively small weight penalty (around 400 to 500g).

For many riders, adding a dropper post can really increase the descending capability of a bike, which is why it’s one of the smartest mountain bike upgrades you can make.

How much should you spend on a cross-country bike?

You can spend anywhere from £500 all the way up to £10,000 on a cross-country bike. While elite riders may want the best money can buy, most keen amateur racers will usually spend between £2,000 and £5,000 on their XC bike.

That said, more affordable bikes in the £750 to £2,000 range are still excellent options for beginners or riders looking to save money.

As ever, it’s a case of weighing up your priorities when it comes to price, component choice, weight and so on, before taking the plunge.

• Best mountain bikes under £3,000
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