trek x caliber 7 test

Trek X-Caliber 7 Review

• Alan Muldoon
• June 25, 2014

The £600 X-Caliber 7 was a strong contender in this year's Hardtail of the Year

Product Overview

Overall rating:.

• Top quality frame and good range of sizes
• Saddle won't go low enough

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:.

Beautifully finished and available in two colour options, the X-Caliber 7 sports some great features. These include bridgeless stays for maximum tyre clearance in muddy conditions and a slender 27.2in seatpost to provide a modicum of flex and improve comfort for those long days in the saddle. Rack mounts are also in place, which is great if you plan to use this bike for cycle touring or commuting.

The X-Caliber is so much more than just a trusty workhorse though. Fun, fast and with great tyres and good proportions, this is a bike that really lets you cut loose. Granted, its attitude is a little more serious and race focused than the VooDoo Bizango or the Saracen Mantra Pro , so it’s definitely not as capable on the more technical trails. That said, its descending ability could be greatly improved by simply chopping a couple of inches off the seatpost to get the saddle lower.

The full Shimano drivetrain worked seamlessly, and even though the crankarms use the older and weaker square-taper design, the chainrings are all replaceable, so you won’t have to ditch the lot if one ring wears out. There is also full-length outer casing running from the Shimano shifter to the rear mech, that will help keep the shifting slick, even in the depths of winter.

All of the components on the Trek are bang on the money, the 100mm-travel Suntour XCR fork feels plush and well behaved and there’s a massive range of frame sizes to choose from. So even though Trek has gone with a similar approach to Cannondale by placing the frame centre-stage, the fact it has a better supporting cast puts it one step ahead in the ratings.

>>> Click here to find out more about geometry with our handy guide

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Trek X-Caliber 7 review

Trail-ripping budget 29er

David Rome/Future Publishing

The name X-Caliber isn't new to Trek, but for 2014, it will refer to an entire range of entry level 29er hardtails. The frame of this new X-Caliber range has been entirely redesigned, borrowing much design inspiration from Trek’s World Cup winning Superfly line-up.

Note: We have now reviewed the 2015 Trek X-Caliber 8 .

Ride and Handling: elite handling and confidence for beginners

When it comes to 29in wheels, Trek and their Gary Fisher collection have been doing them the longest. The X-Caliber has their dialled and respected geometry, including Trek’s proprietary G2, which changes the fork offset and aims to create a livelier ride.

We found the X-Caliber nimble and playful on the trail. The combination of a roomy top tube and short 75mm stem made it easy to loft the front wheel and get airborne. With our position centrally between the wheels, long climbs were comfortable, and maintaining power felt natural.

The quick, joyful handling and perfectly balanced geometry went a long way to hiding the overall high weight. It lacked urgency on steep climbs and stop-and-start riding, but once we got the X-Caliber going, the ride was brilliant, helped by the big wheels' fast-rolling tyres .

The SR Suntour XCR fork featured well-sized 32mm stanchions and helped the X-Caliber hold its line though corners and rock gardens. The suspension was basic but effective. A fixed rebound setting offered a balanced feel without harsh spiking or excessive packing down between hits. We found the spring on a medium test bike was ideal for a 70 to 85kg rider, offering respectable control over both small and large bumps.

The fork’s lockout can be activated while on the bike and would hold the position it was locked at. So if you wanted a lower front-end for road riding, you can push down on the fork, lock it, and you’ll achieve a lower position.

Short head tube and plenty of steerer tube length

The short head tube and long steerer tube provided plenty of handlebar height adjustment and we easily found a comfortable height with room to spare, which is not the case with many other entry-level 29ers.

Frame and Equipment: money spent on areas that matter most

The X-Caliber frame is no doubt the highlight of the package, made with Trek’s Alpha Gold aluminium. With heavily shaped and butted tubes, sparkling paint, an internally guided front derailleur cable and a fully housed rear derailleur cable, this frame would be befitting of bikes twice its price.

Rear pannier mounts add extra versatility

It has great off-road potential, and more versatility boxes are ticked with solid rear rack mounts. A change to 700c road tyres would make it a fast commuter for mid-week use too.

There's no chainstay or seatstay bridge at the rear of the frame, so tyre clearance is generous with little place for mud to hang onto. Sadly, the cheap front derailleur undid these clearance benefits, and if you want to fit a wider rear tyre you will need a slim-profile front derailleur.

Basic Shimano gears – the front derailleur didn't leave much tyre clearance

Given the entry-level price of the X-Caliber 7, something had to give – and in this case it was the drivetrain, and what a smart decision that was. The industry norm is to spec a high quality drivetrain, save money elsewhere and let the customer make their purchase decision based on the level of Shimano equipment. But the truth is that the Shimano parts are the cheapest to replace and the most likely to get damaged, so instead Trek have invested in longer lasting, more crucial components, such as the brakes and fork.

The 27-speed drivetrain provided plenty range and the mix of Shimano Acera and Altus performed better than expected, although the soft rear derailleur caused excessive chain slap. The Acera shifter offered a better feel than commonly used cheaper shifters. The basic Shimano chainset is hefty and the plastic leg guard won’t last many missed log hops, but replaceable chainrings were a bonus.

The XR1 tyres were fast and grippy

The Bontrager XR1 tyres were fast rolling, full of traction in dry conditions and well-suited to the versatile X-Caliber. Tyres sizes are mixed, with a wider front tyre for traction and a slimmer rear for weight. Trek's componentry choices show real off-road knowledge.

Much of the finishing kit is from Trek’s house brand, Bontrager , a well-respected component brand in their own right. The basic Bontrager parts offered a few highlights, such as the comfortable Evoke saddle, the secure and slim twin-bolt seatpost, and the super wide, perfectly swept handlebars. Even the wheels (with their bling red hubs) felt stiff and capable enough for serious off-road use – they were only let-down in the weight department.

The Shimano M395 hydraulic brakes offered consistent braking performance and low noise, they are our favourite brake for the price point. Our only gripe is the continual use of a cheaper 'resin only' brake rotor, which prevents the use of a more durable sintered brake pad. An adjustable reach lever blade is another bonus, something omitted from often-seen basic Tektro units.

The included pedals are basic plastic numbers, best suited for car park tests. Be sure to factor in the additional expense of a pair of metal platform or clipless pedals, because you'll want them.

The X-Calibre is a true class act, with an amazingly well executed frame with exceptional geometry, well behaved fork and quality finishing kit. Ride the guts out of it and upgrade the derailleurs once they break or wear – the X-Calibre is a top pick.

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Trek X Caliber 7 Review

February 22, 2023

‍ Key Takeaways

• The Trek X-Caliber 7 is optimized for fast cross country riding and long days on the trail.
• This bike is great value with hydraulic disc brakes,
• This lightweight hardtail feels nimble, fast, and fun on flowy trails.
• The durable alloy frame is light and stiff for responsive handling.
• The X-Caliber 7 is the perfect entry point for someone wanting to get into serious XC riding.

‍ There’s a lot to consider when shopping for a hardtail. In this Trek X-Caliber 7 review, I dig into the details to help you choose if this is the bike for you.

The Trek X-Caliber 7 is a fantastic entry-level bike for someone wanting to get into racing or long cross country singletrack rides. For only $1,099, this bike gives you a full range of modern features including an advanced aluminum frame, hydraulic disc brakes, and a wide-range 1x10 drivetrain.

While I’m no racer, I love going fast and far on capable cross-country bikes. I’ve ridden most of the best entry-level XC bikes, and for this review I dug into the specs and performance of the Trek X-Caliber 7 to see how it measures up to some of my favorite hardtail speed machines.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

‍ Trek X-Caliber 7 Performance

This is definitely a cross country machine that emphasizes speed and light weight over aggressive downhill riding. The X-Caliber 7 feels awesomely light and nimble and is easy to steer around obstacles.

With a lower-than average reach and a steep 69.5-degree head tube angle, this bike is definitely designed more for efficiency than charging down technical descents. This bike feels fun and fast on moderate flowy singletrack, but as trails get steeper, the forward riding position will start to be pretty sketchy.

The 100mm Solo air spring fork works great for smoothing out trail vibration, but it definitely isn’t enough for really rocky, rough hills. If you want a hardore hardtail for ripping down technical descents, this is definitely not the bike for you.

The X-Caliber 7 really excels while climbing. The stiff aluminum frame does a great job of sending all your power straight to the rear wheel. At 29.5 lbs, this bike definitely won’t feel like it’s weighing you down.

If you like crushing up long climbs, you’ll feel right at home on the X-Caliber 7.

The main shortcoming of this build is in the drivetrain gear range. The 10-speed Shimano drivetrain is a common one on bikes in this price range, but the rear derailleur is limited to a11-46 cassette. This is a descent range, but it may leave you wanting a lower gear on really steep climbs.

Trek X-Caliber 7 Frame and Geometry

The X-Caliber 7 is built around a lightweight and durable alloy frame. Trek is at the top of the game when it comes to aluminum frame manufacturing, and it really shows in this bike. This frame feels exceptionally light and responsive on the trail.

The frame has decent tire clearance for cross country tires, though you won’t be able to fit big 2.6” knobby tires on here.

The tapered head tube and internal dropper post routing make this frame future-proofed and upgrade-ready.

Specs and Components

For just $1,099, the Trek X-Caliber 7 comes with a solid and capable build kit. There are a few compromises that Trek made to hit the price point. Here is a breakdown of the key components and what to expect in terms of performance.

The Trek X-Caliber 7 comes with a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain. This drivetrain is used on a lot of bikes around this price range, and it offers very reliable shifting performance with a sturdy rear derailleur that will hold up to abuse.

The downside with this drivetrain is that it has a limited 11-46 cassette size. Top end drivetrains typically have 11-51 or even 10-51 cassette range. With a 46-tooth big gear, you have a limit to low-end gears for climbing.

If you get this bike, the drivetrain may be the first thing you want to upgrade.

The X-Caliber 7 is fitted with the RockShox Judy SL Solo Air Spring Fork. This fork only has 100mm of travel, so it won’t soak up big hits, but it is smooth and responsive and works great for smoothing out the smaller vibrations of cross country trails and keeping your front tire in contact with the ground.

This fork is great for fast cross country riding, but will bottom out on rockier trails.

The Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes included on the Trek X-Caliber 7 aren’t the most high-performance brakes available, but they are great for this price point.

With a 180mm front rotor and 160mm rear rotor, you’ll get plenty of braking power for cross country riding.

The X-Caliber 7 is fitted with Bontrager Kovee double-wall aluminum wheels with Formula hubs. These rims are tubeless-ready out of the box, which is great so you can upgrade to tubeless easily without needing to buy new wheels.

The rims are fairly lightweight for aluminum, and they’re durable and will last you a long time.

The Bontrager XR2 Comp MTB Tires that come on the X-Caliber 7 are heavily focused toward speed and low rolling resistance. They have very low-profile knobs and don’t have great cornering traction.

For cruising on easy singletrack, these tires are fast and won’t slow you down. If you ride on loose trails, you’ll probably find yourself wanting more grip.

Competition for the Trek X-Caliber 7

The market for mountain bikes around the $1,000 price range has tons of options to choose from. The X-Caliber 7 measures up pretty well with the competition and offers great value for what you pay. If you are looking for the lightest, raciest cross country hardtail in this pricepoint, the X-Caliber is a great choice.

Here are a few of the top competitors for the X-Caliber 7 and how they compare.

Trek X-Caliber 7 vs Cannondale Trail SE 4

The Cannondale Trail SE 4 is a direct competitor with the X-Caliber 7. At $1,175, it’s a tad more expensive, but it’s easy to find on sales.

The Trail SE 4 has a pretty similar design to the X-Caliber. They have the exact same Shimano 10-speed drivetrain, and a fork that has 20mm more suspension, but is coil sprung.

If you’re looking for a more capable all-around bike, the Trail SE 4 is probably a better choice. It has more aggressive geometry with a 66.5-degree head tube angle, and the frame has more advanced modern features like flex zones in the rear triangle to mute trail buzz. The Trail SE 4 also has thru-axles, which are a better design and more compatible with modern wheels if you want to upgrade.

The X-Caliber is almost two-pounds lighter, and is better for a race-focused cross country rider.

Trek X-Caliber 7 vs Specialized Rockhopper 29 Expert

The Specialized Rockhopper 29 Expert is one of the most popular entry-level hardtails on the market. It has the same Judy air fork as the X-Caliber, and there really isn’t much difference between the frames: they both have quick-release axles, .

The Sram SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain on the Rockhopper offers better gear range than the 10-speed on the X-Caliber, though it may be a bit more difficult to get dialed in just right.

There really isn’t much differentiating these bikes other than the drivetrain. Your choice will probably depend on what is available at the bike shop and what color you like more.

Trek X-Caliber 7 vs Canyon Grand Canyon 5

The Grand Canyon 5 is a fantastic aluminum hardtail that comes at a shocking price because of Canyon Bicycle’s direct-to-consumer business model. At $899 plus $100 shipping, it’s still $100 less than buying the X-Caliber at a bike shop.

The Grand Canyon 5 has a lot going for it. It has more aggressive geometry, longer fork travel, and a significantly better Shimano 12-speed drivetrain.

If you are really focused on weight and pure speed, the X-Caliber makes sense, but for a more fun all-around bike at a lower price, it’s hard to argue against the Grand Canyon 5.

Where to Buy the Trek X-Caliber 7

For 2022-2023, Trek has phased out the X-Caliber 7 to leave room for other models, so you can’t purchase it directly from Trek. It may still be in stock at your local bike shop.

The bike that’s replacing the X-Caliber 7 in Trek’s entry-level cross country hardtail lineup is the Trek Marlin 7 Gen 2 . It is almost identical to the X-Caliber in terms of frame, geometry, and components. Here are a few places you can shop for the Marlin 7:

• Direct from Trek
• Windsor Bikes and Sport
• You local Trek dealer

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About THE AUTHOR

Jakob Thygerson

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

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Is The Trek X-Caliber 7 Worth Buying? [Trek X Caliber 7 Review]

Table of Contents

The nimble and funny Trek X-Caliber 7 makes for a great riding experience .

Trek X-Caliber 7

• Trek x caliber 7 Price Price: $949
• Weight: 13.4 kg
• Travel: 100mm front
• Frame: Aluminium
• Drivetrain: 1 × 10
• What we like about it: Attractive in price and quality and a stiff fork. 29’er gives me much more straightaway speed and reduces my effort.
• What we don’t like about it: The grip is not ergonomic and my hands feel tingly on long trips.
• Rating: 4.7/5

The mountain bike introduced today is the X-Caliber 7 known as the track conqueror, and for 2014 Trek will give it a whole new meaning: a new line of entry-level 29ers.

The frame of the new X-Caliber series borrows heavily from their World Cup winner’s superb design and will be unveiled with a fresh look.

Needless to say, everyone knows: the X-Caliber7 has always been the best-selling model among mid-priced mountain bikes, bar none.

Nowadays, if you want to get a brand new X-Caliber7, you need to buy it in the hands of collectors. Of course, we can see it on second-hand trading websites such as eBay.

Trek put all the hardtail experience of XC racing in this brisk bike. It not only incorporates the light and precise racing frame technology of the Trek XC racing car, but also the extremely rigid wheel system, the extremely smooth transmission system, etc., bringing you an unparalleled driving experience. Sports and fitness are not a problem, cross-country laps, marathons, 24-hour endurance races or single-track races are all excellent choices.

You can have wheels that fit your frame size for every frame you choose.

Related Reading: Is The Trek X-Caliber 7 Worth Buying? [Trek X-Caliber 7 Review] Is Trek X-Caliber 9 Worth Buying? [Trek X-Caliber 9] I s The Trek X-Caliber 8 Worth Buying? [Trek X-Caliber 8 Review]

Riding Experience

Regardless of the type of race, a fast descending is one of the best roads to outpace your opponents. And hardtail mountain bikes don’t get a lot of credit for comfortable descending.

When our testers rode the X-Caliber7, they were impressed with its light and nimble frame.

Even though it only has a RockShox Judy SL air fork with 100mm of travel, it’s more than enough for off-road terrain. In addition, the Trek X-Caliber 7 has 2.2-inch tubeless tires, which are fast and light, and can easily paddle over gravel on the way to fast descending.

What we marveled at in our many ride tests was its ability to descend quickly and nimbly. But all this performance can’t hide the fact that it has no dropper, has some vibration from rough ground, and is not as comfortable as its sibling, the Trek X-Caliber 9.

Combining its descending performance, we believe that it is not suitable for long-distance trail riding, but is more in line with the positioning of the Trek X-Caliber 7. The strong performance of off-road terrain is enough to let you participate in a race.

The Trek X-Caliber 7 is a fast climber in our opinion. This is also aided by its large 29-inch tires and 69.3° head tube angle.

Our testers have given the Trek X-Caliber 7 high marks with multiple rides on steep uphill roads and long uphill terrain, and while it’s not a brand new mountain bike, its performance still no less than the Trek X-Caliber 8 2022.

In the steep uphill road test, soft dirt was one of the obstacles to climbing. We needed to climb it fast to experience the comfort of the Trek X-Caliber 7. Of course, this also brings a problem, when we climb slower, it will be a little difficult. That doesn’t mean the Trek X-Caliber 7 doesn’t have room for improvement, and its front and rear tires can be expanded up to 27.5×2.80″ or 29×2.40″ wide tires. If you like to ride on winding uphill roads, you can do some replacements at the tires.

Since it’s equipped with a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain, it feels a little underwhelming, and this is the biggest compromise this bike has made in components.

We like to ride it on long, gentle uphills, regardless of tire width. The 73° seat tube angle also keeps the body in a comfortable riding position, which can give full play to the rider’s riding skills.

General terrain

For a lightweight hardtail mountain bike, our main concern when riding in general terrain with little undulation is its ability to ride long distances.

The Trek X-Caliber 7 has designed the head tube angle, seat tube angle, and reach length to be as comfortable and fast as possible in the geometric design, so it still uses the same frame geometry in its follow-up models.

This bike converts well into a recreational mountain bike. It has a rear seat out for a rear rack, and two water bottle holders. In addition, he is also compatible with fenders, and has the characteristics of both adventure riding and leisure riding. It is hard not to like it.

It’s not easy to get tired on a long 20-mile ride. And the 10-speed drivetrain is exactly what you need.

If you want to travel by bike, it can support up to 20 pounds of weight in the back seat, so it is easy to take it to the campsite and go on an adventure with friends.

Main Features

Frame (4.9/5).

The X-Caliber features an Alpha Gold aluminum frame. Trek’s unique technology, the lightweight aluminum alloy is continuously cold-pressed to a fixed thickness, making it more durable.

This material allows engineers to better design and shape the tube according to your needs, and adjust the stiffness and adaptability of the tube accordingly. It’s designed this way to create a lighter, more responsive quality that’s ready to go with you anytime, anywhere. The frame reserves a large number of functional settings for competition use.

This bike is available in a variety of specs and price options. The trek x caliber 7 frame size is available in 7 different options and comes with the Dailed Fit system.

The high-quality RockShox fork is equipped with a locking function to ensure smooth, reliable, and adjustable suspension, able to absorb bumps caused by uneven road surfaces. The locking function on smooth surfaces allows the body to run at full speed while achieving greater riding efficiency.

In order to match the Boost 141 rear hub, the rear triangle of the frame has become wider, providing more tire clearance. At the same time, the length of the chainstays has been shortened, making the rear easier to handle when you are cornering.

The secret to the Terk, from my years of riding experience, is in its frame. Putting aside the drivetrain, this frame has a feel that sends power to the rear wheels almost every time you pedal. This feeling is very relaxing, and it gives the feeling that you want to leave others far away. It is not as slow as other mountain bikes, and the starting time will be longer.

When it comes to 29in, there is no other line with more history than the Trek and Gary Fisher lines. The X-Caliber inherits the sophisticated body geometry of the series, including Trek’s patented G2 design: a distinctive fork drift that makes the ride feel more dynamic.

G2 Geometry, advanced frame geometry, and a custom offset fork that allows precise handling of the 29ers at low speeds without compromising stability at high speeds, we call it G2 Geometry. Because our 29er handlebar is better than any other in its class.

The SR Suntour XCR fork has a diameter of 32mm, which helps to maintain stability in tight corners and rough roads. The rear shock is the base model, but it’s good enough, and the fixed rebound setting provides balance in the face of impact. I feel that the medium-sized bike tested is very suitable for riders of 70~85kg, and it can handle both large and small collisions with ease.

The front fork can be controlled remotely and can be locked in different positions to better cope with different terrains. The head tube uses a 1-1/8″ threadless, hidden bearing headset, taking into account the weight and strength, the large Trek Logo on the front of the car is very eye-catching, and the head tube has been reduced in diameter.

The short head tube and ample steering tube Length. The short head tube and long steerer tube provide plenty of handlebar height adjustment, and I was able to get to the right height easily with room to spare, which is not common on entry-level 29ers.

Components and Specifications

Drivetrain(4.5/5).

Given the entry-level price of the X-Caliber 7, compromises on components are inevitable. The X-Caliber 7 makes some compromises on the drivetrain, but it’s a wise decision.

Trek’s design philosophy has always been to configure high-end transmissions, and others can be ordinary, allowing customers to configure on the basis of Shimano.

For the 27-speed drivetrains on traditional older bikes, they have a lot of room to shift, and the Shimano Acera and Shimano Altus mix are ​​surprisingly good, but the rear derailleur isn’t stiff enough to hit the chain. The Acera has a good feel in the hand. This basic Shimano chainring is heavy and replaceable for convenience.

The transmission line tube adopts the inner wiring of the upper tube and the lower wiring of the whole tube, which can effectively avoid the problem of unsmooth shifting caused by muddy water pollution.

The cable fixing port is far away from the head tube, which can effectively give the shifting cable tube relaxation space and reduce the friction between the cable tube and the head tube. Built-in wiring provides a cleaner body appearance and easier transitions.

Wheels (4.7/5)

Tubeless-ready wheels are designed to reduce tire pressure for greater traction and control on bumpy, complex surfaces while reducing body weight.

The specifications of the wheels also reflect design excellence. We know that bigger wheels are faster, but smaller riders often have a hard time getting used to larger wheels. So we went with 27.5-inch wheels for smaller riders.

The medium and large frames are equipped with 29-inch wheels, which are more suitable for the fastest speed. This design approach is also known as smart wheel sizing.

The 29- and 27.5-inch wheels feature Trek off-road mountain-bike geometry, with short chainstays and a long top tube, which allow you to better distribute power and control the bike in the best way possible.

This is where the X-Caliber takes you to the winning finish on the mountain track.

Tires (4.7/5)

The Bontrager XR2 tires rolled smoothly and had good traction on dry ground, making them a perfect fit for this X-Caliber.

This tire has a good performance. The center tread on the tire surface is not only uniform and orderly, but also has a relatively compact connection in the center tread, so it provides good low rolling resistance and strong grip.

The front and rear wheels are different sizes, the front wheel is wider to increase traction, and the rear wheel is slender to reduce weight.

These configurations fully demonstrate Trek’s thorough understanding of off-road sports.

Brake (4.4/5)

Hydraulic disc brakes for better braking performance and control.

The Shimano M395 hydraulic brakes on the 2020 Trek X-Caliber 7 are high-performance, quiet, and affordable.

The only complaint is that the brake disc material is resin, so more durable hot-pressed brake pads cannot be used. Tektro adjustable brake levers are another highlight.

The rear brake caliper is installed inside the rear triangle of the frame, which can effectively improve the strength and make it more convenient to install the rack.

In the latest 2021 Trek X-Caliber 7, the brake system is upgraded to Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc, which improves the braking performance and makes it safer for mountain off-road.

Suspension (4.5/5)

Most models come with a 100mm front shock. It reduces the force of a collision, allowing you to maintain control at all times.

The smaller 13 5 size comes with an 80 mm suspension fork. Because of this, the center of gravity can be lowered even further while ensuring good control.

The X-Caliber’s fork has a locking lever that improves riding efficiency on smoother roads, long climbs, or standing sprints. The X-Caliber 7 design also has this suspension lockout feature.

A locked suspension means your fork remains inactive, increasing pedaling efficiency, and making it ideal for long stretches of road. In this condition, efficiency is more important than shock absorbers.

X-Caliber 7 Spece

• How do I determine what Bottom bracket I need?

An X-Caliber 7 bottom bracket that fits 73x113mm square taper is supported by the 2018 model.

• What is the width of the handlebars?

The Bontrager alloy is 31.8mm, has a 5mm rise, and measures 720mm wide.

• Hi, I was wondering if there were any differences between the 2017 and 2018 models? Thank you.

Almost all the parts on the bike are the same except the 2018 crankset is a double while the 2017 had a triple. The most significant change is in the frame! Unlike the 2017 frameset, the 2018 frameset is droppper post compatible.

• Is it possible to upgrade the 1×11 drivetrain on my 2018 X caliber 7?

Yes, the frame is compatible with 1×11 speed. Depending on the system you choose, you will need a new crank, bottom bracket, drivetrain, shifter, and perhaps a new rear wheel as well. For specific pricing and labor, please contact your local retailer.

• How much does a Trek Xcaliber 7 weigh?

Trek x caliber 7 weight 29.53 lbs.

• What heights of riders is this bike suitable for?

Trek X-Caliber 7 size chart：

Comparison Chart

Trek 820 vs trek x-caliber 7.

Both the X-Caliber 7 and the 820 are hardtail off-road bikes. The X-Caliber 7 has an aluminum frame, 27.5″/29″ wheels, better components, better, larger forks, and a 1×10 drivetrain that offers more gears; while the 820 has a steel frame and 26″ wheels. Explore the differences below.

Many customers complained to me about the weight of the 820. The steel frame of the 820 makes the overall weight reach 15.3kg, while the X-Caliber 7 uses an aluminum alloy frame and weighs only 13.4kg.

The X-Caliber 7 uses hydraulic disc brakes, while the 820 still uses rim brakes. Rim brake systems require heavy tracks for the pads to rest on. This requires the 820’s rim brake rim to be much heavier than the X-Caliber 7 disc brake rim.

The 820’s saddle is Bontrager Sport, which is so stiff that many customers change the saddle to a larger, more padded one after receiving it.

820 is the most affordable we introduce a series of mountain bikes, are those who are interested in mountain bikes, but still want to have a car as well as for hybrid bicycle light rail and city streets of beginner’s ideal choice.

Learn more: Is The Trek 820 Mountain Bike Really Suitable For Newbies?

Trek X-Caliber 8 vs Trek X-Caliber 7

Likewise, the X-Caliber 8 drivetrain is a 1 × 12 and the X-Caliber 7 drivetrain is a 1 × 10. So, the X-Caliber 8 is better for descents and sprints, while the X-Caliber 7 excels on climbs. And in terms of price, the two are closer. Of course, the X-Caliber 8 is a bit more expensive.

In terms of geometry, the two are exactly the same. The X-Caliber 8 is a replica of the X-Caliber 7.

In terms of kits, let’s talk about some of the models used by the two. Brakes, both use Shimano MT200 hydraulic discs. For the chain, the X-Caliber 7 uses a KMC X10, 10 speed, and the X-Caliber 8 uses a Shimano Deore M6100, 12 speed.

For the rear derailleur, X-Caliber 7 uses Shimano Deore M5120, long cage, and X-Caliber 8 uses Shimano XT M8100, long cage.

As can be seen from the above, the X-Caliber 8 is manufactured with special attention to value and the parts that have the greatest impact on performance.

Learn more: Is The Trek X-Caliber 8 Worth Buying? [Trek X-Caliber 8 Review]

Trek X-Caliber 9 vs Trek X-Caliber 7

The Trek X-Caliber 9 weighs 12.5 kg and the Trek X-Caliber 7 weighs 13.4 kg, not much difference.

The X-Caliber 9 drivetrain uses a 1 × 12 and the X-Caliber 7 drivetrain uses a 1 × 10. So the X-Caliber 9 is better for descents and sprints, while the X-Caliber 7 excels on climbs.

The geometry of the X-Caliber 9 and X-Caliber 7 is basically the same.

If we really want to compare, let’s take a look at the Top Tube Length. The X-Caliber 9 has 20 mm more top tube length than the X-Caliber 7.

This means you’ll be slightly stretched forward while riding the X-Caliber 9 than the X-Caliber 7.

Although the stack height and reach of the X-Caliber 9 are slightly longer than those of the X-Caliber 7, the stack height/reach ratio is still slightly larger than that of the X-Caliber 7, but there is only a gap of 0.03. I think it can be neglected.

In conclusion, the X-Caliber 9 is the high-end model in the X-Caliber family. It is a fully race-ready off-road mountain bike. The RockShox Recon fork, 1×12 Shimano XT/SLX drivetrain, and a wide-range cassette make it the best choice for fast singletrack riders.

Learn more: Is Trek X-Caliber 9 Worth Buying? [Trek X-Caliber 9]

Pivot Switchblade Race X01 vs Trek X-Caliber 7

The X-Caliber 7 is 27 mm lower than the Switchblade Race X01 stack. This means the X-Caliber 7 will keep you leaning forward during the ride, while maintaining a more comfortable upright position on long Switchblade Race X01 rides.

Therefore, we can see that the X-Caliber 7 is more inclined to be dedicated to competition, which can make you more aerodynamic.

The Switchblade Race X01 is better suited for some longer endurance road riding, its geometry puts your body weight further forward, helping you transfer power to the pedals more efficiently.

The length of the head tube (Head Tube Length) raises and lowers the rider’s position on the bike, the X-Caliber 7 is 90mm long, while the Switchblade Race X01 is 102mm, which is 12mm higher than the X-Caliber 7.

Geometric Gap

Under the assumption that the same wheel size and the same effect on the head tube angle result in the same head tube angle for the X-Caliber 7, the head angle is 3.5° higher.

The X-Caliber 7 head tube angle is steep enough to effectively climb technical singletrack at low speeds, yet slack enough to keep you from flying over the bars on descents.

The X-Caliber 7 is 21 mm lower in reach than the Switchblade Race X01. Compared to the Switchblade Race X01, the X-Caliber 7 will keep your weight farther away, helping to maintain rear-wheel traction on slick terrain or steep climbs.

Alpha Gold Aluminum is used in the construction of the X-Caliber 7, tapered head tube, internal derailleur & dropper post routing, rack & kickstand mounts, Boost141, and 5mm QR. The Switchblade Race X01 still uses the Switchblade, there is nothing special about it.

Final Evaluation (4.6/5)

The X-Caliber 7 is a full-featured 27.5-inch/29-inch hardtail cross-country mountain bike with mid-to-high-end components at a low-end price point for X-Caliber models, making it the perfect entry point for fast trail riding and racing.

The X-Caliber is the perfect choice for off-road racing, or it can take you on a variety of road conditions. Even if you’re not familiar with mountain biking, it can keep you hooked on the activity.

With its excellent frame design, lightweight alloys, and easily upgradeable body components, this affordable mountain bike with racing pedigree is the perfect entry-level mountain bike for many riders.

So we think the Trek X-Caliber 7 is a mountain bike worth buying. We ended up with a rating of 4.6.

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