2016 trek precaliber 24

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Trek Precaliber 24 Kids Bike Review

As kids grow older, they often grow more adventurous in their riding. If your kid loves to venture from paved trails with the family to tackling neighborhood dirt trails, the Trek Precaliber 24 may just be their perfect next bike.

Stylized like a mountain bike, the Trek Precaliber is designed for kids who are antsy for a bike with a cool “shock”, but who don’t actually need the expensive components found on a true mountain bike. And for those who want to save a little on weight and price, the Precaliber is also offered without the suspension fork for $30 less!

From sizing recommendations to the Precaliber’s overall capabilities, our review covers everything you need to known to confidently purchase online for your little rider.

Trek Precaliber 24 Overview

RATING : Highly Recommended

MSRP : $439 , $469 (with suspension)

BEST FOR : Everyday adventurous riders on paved or very basic dirt trails. Fork on suspension model is not designed for true mountain trails and is only meant for casual riding.

SEAT HEIGHT:   26″ – 30.5″

WEIGHT:   25 lb. – w/o suspension, 26.5 lb. – w/ suspension (weights with pedals but w/o included kickstand)

SPECIFICATIONS GEARS:  8-speed with Shimano Tourney Grip BRAKES : Dual Hand Brake SUSPENSION FORK : Zoom fork with 45mm travel (for casual use only!) FRAME:  Aluminum Alloy GAIN RATIO : 1.9 – 4.9 TIRE SIZE : 24″ x 2.25″ WHEELBASE : 984 mm DERAILLEUR : Shimano Tourney TX80

• High quality frame with clean welds
• Low center of gravity design (child sits low on the frame)
• Available with or without suspension
• Suspension is functional for around town but is not ridiculously heavy (adds about 1.5 lb.)
• Two different color options
• Assembly and tune-ups available at local bike shop
• Low-end components (Shimano Tourney, non-branded brakes)

Trek Precaliber Video Review

Prefer to watch the Trek Precaliber 24 in action? Check out our video review right here!

Results of our Test Rides

To facilitate this review, we purchased a 2021 Trek Precaliber 24 with suspension (2024 model is the same) from our local dealer and put it to the test on a wide variety of terrains. This review focuses mainly on the suspension model, but the suspension and non-suspension versions of the Precaliber share all the same components except for the fork, handlebar and hubs (more about these differences below).

Trek Precaliber 24 Rigid and Suspension Models

What type of rider is the Trek Precaliber 24 best for?

Trek precaliber with suspension.

The perfect combination of not too technical, yet not too basic, the Precaliber with suspension is an ideal bike for adventurous neighborhood riders who never plan to actually ride in the mountains.

Providing the cool off-road look of a true mountain bike that kids love, but without the expensive high-end components that parents don’t want to pay for, the Trek Precaliber 24 is a win-win! It’s hands-down the best “recreational mountain bike” we’ve ever tested.

To be clear, the design and quality of the Precaliber’s frame is trail-worthy, but its lower-end hand brakes don’t provide the stopping power necessary for true single track riding. Additionally, the “casual use only” labeled fork isn’t designed to handle the strain from mountain trails.

However, the suspension fork does a bit more than just look cool. It’s a huge win for kids because it helps them to easily pop-up their front tire when doing jumps and hops. It also adds a bit of appreciated cushioning on the landing.

Rigid Trek Precaliber (No Suspension)

For those looking to save on some weight, Trek also offers a non-suspension version of the Precaliber 24 that comes with a rigid fork. Weighing just under 2 pounds less than the suspension version, it may be a better option for lightweight riders who don’t plan on getting really aggressive on the bike.

With the same 2.25″ wide tires as the Precaliber with suspension, the non-suspension version is also capable of hitting basic dirt trails.

Performance and Use

From powering up jumps at the DIY neighborhood bike park, to cruising through snow and mud along paved bike trails, our testers were quickly at home on the Trek Precaliber 24.

While riding up hills, the grip shifter didn’t skip a beat, and the v-brakes had no problem bringing the bike to a stop. The 2.25″ wide knobby tires were the perfect match for snow and dirt but weren’t overly noisy or rough while on paved surfaces.

All in all, we were very impressed by the Precaliber’s performance and fit, and it easily ranks as our favorite recreational mountain bike (i.e. a bike with a suspension fork that’s not designed for real mountain biking).

What size child fits on this Trek 24 inch bike?

The Trek Precaliber 24 is a best fit for kids with inseams ranging from 24″ to 28″.

The Precaliber has a seat height range of 24″ to 30.5″, but its minimum seat height should be considered to be much closer to 26″. When the seat is placed in its lowest possible position, the handlebars are much too high for the rider and makes for a very uncomfortable and awkward fit.

As you can see in the image above, our 6-year old tester with a 22″ inseam can sit on the Precaliber with the seat height set to 24″, but the bike was much too big for him. Our taller 8-year-old tester below, with an inseam of 24″, was a great fit with the seat height set to 26.5″.

On the higher end, our 9-year-old tester with a 26.5″ inseam still fit comfortably on the Precaliber with the seat set to 29″.

Lightweight Bikes Bolster Confidence

Lightweight bikes can be a tremendous help for young riders. Ideally, a 24 inch bike should weigh less than 30% of a child’s weight.

Less weight not only bolsters confidence in their riding abilities, but also helps kids grow or maintain their love for riding! Heavier bikes are more challenging to balance, and are a lot harder to maneuver.

Trek Precaliber 24 with Suspension

As one of the few larger bike manufacturers that actually post the weight of their kids’ bike online, Trek certainly deserves a lot of praise! Trek’s listed weight for the Precaliber 24 with suspension is 26.31 lbs., which is about what we got on our scale with 26.5 lbs.

Surprisingly, the suspension model only weighs about 1.6 lb. heavier than the non-suspension model. To help offset the weight of the suspension fork, the suspension Precaliber model features an upgraded alloy handlebar and hubs (versus steel on the non-suspension model).

Compared to recreational mountain bikes in its $400 price range, the Trek is truly a lightweight. The REI Co-op REV 24 Plus is built for a similar rider (but with plus-size tires instead of a suspension fork) and comes in at 28.2 pounds!

When compared to lower-end 24 inch bikes with a suspension fork, the Precaliber comes out winner again. The $299 BikesDirect Gravity 24″ comes in at 29.3 lb., while the $299 Schwinn Ranger 24″ comes in at 30 lb.

Although heavier than higher-end true mountain bikes (such as the $679+ 24 lb. Pello Reyes ), neither of our riders commented on the Precaliber’s weight and had no problems catching air around the neighborhood.

Rigid Precaliber 24

We did not have a chance to weigh the Trek Precaliber without suspension, but its listed weight is 24.73 lb. Compared to other non-suspension 24″ bikes, the Trek is similar in weight to other bikes for neighborhood riders under $400. At $449, the Priority Start 24 is a bit lighter at 23.3 lb., while the $339 Guardian 24 is slightly heavier at 25.5 lb.

While having less of a “mountain bike” style, the Priority Start 24 and Guardian Ethos are also great bikes for neighborhood riders. The Priority is unique as it contains an essentially maintenance-free internally-geared hub paired with a belt-drive, while the Guardian features a unique SureStop braking system that allows kids to easily and safely stop on a dime.

Suspension Fork for Casual Riding Only

Suspension forks on kids bikes can add up to 4 lb.+ of weight. That’s a lot – especially for a 7 or 8 year old rider. As a result, we typically only recommend bikes with suspension forks for kids who are aggressively riding true mountain bikes, and who need the extra cushioning well-made forks can provide.

But suspension forks look cool, kids want them, and Trek knows this! As a result, Trek made a clever and commendable move and put a featherweight “casual riding” suspension fork on the Precaliber 24.

While the Zoom branded fork is not designed for true mountain biking (it clearly says so on the label), the fork does provide enough bounce to allow kids to tackle small jumps (not drops!) without adding a lot of weight to the bike.

So if your little one loves to jump curbs or even over cracks along the sidewalk, the extra $30 for the suspension fork is worth the investment.

Drivetrain and Gearing

This Trek 24 inch bike comes with a Shimano Tourney 8-speed grip shifter and derailleur. According to Shimano , the Tourney series is “a basic component set for entry sports bikes and riders”.

As the lowest level of components in Shimano’s mountain line, the drivetrain certainly has room for improvements, and for really ambitious riders and parents, they could be swapped out.

For the average rider for whom the Precaliber is designed, our main complaint is with the Tourney’s bulky shifter. The large bump of the inside portion of the grip shift is too large in diameter for most kids to comfortably place their hand around it.

As a result, most kids adjust their grip to the side of the shifter, which still allows them to shift, but places their hand farther away from the brake lever. In order to brake, kids must then angle their fingers across the grip. While not a deal-breaker, it does make braking more challenging for small hands.

This same shifter, however, is very common on bikes in the Precaliber’s price range and can also be found on the Specialized Hotrock 24, the Cannondale Quick and the REI REV Plus.

Lower Gain Ratio than Higher-end Kids Bikes

The gain ratio of the Trek Precaliber 24 ranges from 1.9 to 4.9. From long paved trails to powering up dirt ramps, the Precaliber’s range presented no problems for our testers.

For those looking for a higher top gain ratio to bust out long distances on flat terrain, be aware that the Trek’s 4.9 max gain ratio is significantly lower than other brands with ranges that max out between 6 and 7.

The woom 5 , Prevelo Alpha Four and the Pello Reyes all have higher ranges, BUT they are also much more expensive and are designed for beginning trail riders versus casual neighborhood riders.

Brakes Are Basic and Non-branded

The v-brakes certainly aren’t high-end, but they provided plenty of stopping power throughout our test rides. The brake levers are child-sized and adjustable to minimize the reach for younger hands.

Compared to Tektro v-brakes, the Precaliber’s v-brakes require a little more effort to pull and don’t feel as solid. Because quick stopping is essential to true mountain biking where kids can quickly reach high speeds, brakes with more stopping power are ideal for aggressive trails.

Pedals Have Wide, Grippy Platform

The Precaliber comes standard with Bontrager’s satellite platform city pedals. Our testers enjoyed the grip and wider platform the pedal provided, but they certainly have a unique style to them. One of our kid testers thought they didn’t look enough like “mountain bike pedals.”

Swapping the pedals out, however, is quick and easy with any 9/16 thread pedal set.

Color Options

The Precaliber (suspension and non-suspension) both come in Radioactive Red as well as Magenta. Although we wanted the Radioactive Red it was out-of-stock so we ended up with the Magenta which oddly enough looks pretty red!

As a comparison, here’s a side-by-side image of Trek’s Radioactive Red and Magenta. The Red is certainly lighter and brighter than the Magenta.

The suspension version of the Precaliber 24 is also available in white with pink and orange accents as well as a black with yellow and green accents.

Local Bike Shop Assembly and Support

Another major benefit of purchasing a Trek is professional assembly at your local bike shop. From brake levers to tire pressure and shifting, you can rest assured that your Trek comes ready to roll from day one. Most local bike shops also include a complimentary tune-up after several months.

When purchasing a Trek online you have the option to pick up the bike at your local bike shop already assembled. If you don’t have a local Trek dealer , some models are available to ship directly to you, but you would have to assemble the bike yourself.

Trek Precaliber 24 Bottom Line

Offering great quality and performance for the price, the Trek Precaliber 24 is an amazing bike for kids eager to tackle ambitious jumps and trails around the neighborhood, but not quite ready to hit real mountain bike trails.

Coming with or without suspension, the Precaliber also offers that look and feel of a real mountain bike, without having to pay for high-end components.

FTC Disclosure: Affiliate links are included in this review.  No monetary compensation was provided for this review and product shown was purchased by Two Wheeling Tots. All opinions and images are that of Two Wheeling Tots LLC.  All content and images are copyrighted and should not be used or replicated in any way. View our Terms of Use.

About The Author

Natalie Martins

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TREK Precaliber 24 Review

A versatile children’s bike called the Precaliber 24 8-Speed was created for young explorers who enjoy riding off the tarmac and into the mud. Its 8-speed gearbox, powerful suspension fork, and durable yet lightweight aluminum frame make it ideal for riding trails and routes with family, tearing through the woods, and racing home from school. 8 to 12 year old’s, 51 to 59 inches tall.

Specification

  pros & cons, check specifications here.

Specifications

Check specifications here

If you enjoy cycling in the great outdoors and your child enjoys going on adventures with you, then this bike is ideal for them. For your aspiring singletrack shredder, you’re looking for a high-quality kids’ bike that is cozy, strong, and equipped with trail-ready equipment.

a front suspension fork with 45mm of travel to smooth out bumps, a sturdy, lightweight aluminum frame, and an easy-to-use Shimano 8-speed gearbox. Additionally, there are rear rack mounts, a kickstand, and a saddle with a handle that can be switched out for a taillight attachment. This bike is made to last, so when it is passed down to younger siblings, it will still feel brand new.

Alpha Almunum Frame

With the same quickness and affordability that have historically made aluminium such a popular material, the Alpha Aluminum frame was created to offer more versatile frames. Using an all-encompassing strategy for frame design and production, Trek is able to fine-tune frames to be stiff where essential and supple where it is practical. You will therefore have more chances to enjoy your aluminium frame on the journey.

If you have Alpha Aluminum, you won’t have to second-guess going on a multi-day tour or hitting the gravel. Aluminum bikes are the only ones you’ll ever need for leisure, travel, exercise, and competition.

Linear Pull Brakes

A common type of brake is the linear pull. Despite being more simpler to adjust than conventional cantilever brakes, they are nonetheless cable-actuated. In comparison to cantilever brakes, pads are also more simpler to replace. Good all-around; simple to instal and maintain; simple to find replacement pads for. On a frame component known as a “braze-on,” each arm pivots. The pivots are situated below the rim, just like cantilevers. At a linkage and “noodle,” the cable housing fastens to one arm. A pinch bolt on the other arm is reached via the bare cable.

Shimano Revo Shift

The Shimano Tourney SL-RS45 shift lever offers simple and dependable shifting. By requiring only a twist of the thumb and index finger to shift, the REVOSHIFT shifter enables riders to keep a firm and stable grip on the handlebar. Compared to the SRAMs, the shifter is much smoother.

Oh! What a feeling

This bike can introduce your child to an enjoyable, healthy, and ecologically beneficial lifetime pastime.

Kids may easily change gears when their terrain changes thanks to the intuitive twist shift.

To increase visibility on family outings and solitary trips, you may swap out the saddle’s integrated handle for one with an integrated light mount.

Like all Precaliber bikes, this one has a lower frame height to make it simpler for kids to leap on and off.

It’s worthwhile to spend money on a kids’ bike from a reputable bike brand—

Trek’s kid’s bicycles are created and put together by biking experts.

Pros & Cons

Aluminum frame makes it a very light bike

Smooth and easy shifting, positive ride, a comfort factor, hand brakes are responsive, amazing at handling, not much color choices, what does precaliber mean.

A kid’s bike is the Trek Precaliber. These bicycles are appropriate for young riders between the ages of 5 and 8. Although there is a Precaliber for boys edition, the model is appropriate for both boys and girls. These bikes are lightweight and ideal for introducing your youngster to road racing or mountain biking (safely).

How much does a trek 2022 Precaliber 24 weigh?

The 2022 Precaliber 24 weighs around 11.93 kg / 26.31 lbs.

Precaliber 24 bike has a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 175 pounds (80 kg).

What size tires are on a trek Precaliber 24?

How do i know the ideal trek precaliber 24 size for my kid.

The charts below illustrate our suggested sizes based on height, but other elements, such as arm and leg length, can affect how well something fits. You’ll see some overlap in our suggestions as a result. For example, not every rider who is 5’8″ will fit on the same size bike. Consult the specialists at your neighborhood retailer for the greatest advice on finding your ideal fit.

Does trek 2022 Precaliber 24 have tubeless tires?

Unfortunately no, it has Bontrager XR1, wire bead, 27tpi, 24×2.25”.

The XR1 Kids’ tyre is a tough, kid-friendly option that offers the same dependable traction and performance as the adult models. Little rippers can quickly get up speed and maintain momentum through turns and over hills because to its quick rolling, varied tread, and low weight.

Total score

Our rating​.

This tough, high-quality bike promotes enjoyment and trail skill development. With an 8-speed drivetrain and a front suspension fork that smooths down trails, it’s ideal for kids just starting out in off-road riding.

The Precaliber 24 with suspension is the ideal bike for adventurous neighbourhood riders who never intend to actually ride in the mountains since it strikes the optimum balance between being neither overly technical nor underwhelming.

The Trek Precaliber 24 is a win-win because it gives youngsters the awesome off-road appearance of a real mountain bike without the pricey high-end components that parents don’t want to pay for.

The Trek Precaliber 24 is a fantastic bike for kids eager to take on challenging jumps and trails around the neighborhood but not quite ready to ride real mountain bike trails because it offers great quality and performance for the price.

Check latest price of TREK Precaliber 24

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• Precaliber 24 8-Speed Suspension

Trek Precaliber 24 8-Speed Suspension

Precaliber 24 8-speed is a rugged kids' bike built for young adventurers who love riding off the pavement and into the dirt. It has a sturdy yet light aluminum frame with a performance suspension fork and an 8-speed drivetrain perfect for racing home from school, zipping through the woods, and riding trails and paths with family. It's right for you if... You love exploring nature on your bike, and your kid loves adventuring with you! You're looking for a high-quality kids' bike that's comfortable, durable, and has trail-ready parts for your up-and-coming singletrack shredder. The tech you get A strong, lightweight aluminum frame, a simple Shimano 8-speed drivetrain that's easy for kids to handle, and a front suspension fork with 45mm of travel to absorb bumps. Plus, a kickstand, rear rack mounts, and a saddle with an integrated handle that can be swapped out for an integrated taillight mount. Everything on this bike is built to last, so it'll still feel like new when handed down to younger siblings. The final word This rugged, high-quality bike encourages fun and skill-building on the trail. It's perfect for kids who are getting into off-road riding, with a trail-smoothing front suspension fork and an 8-speed drivetrain. Why you'll love it - This bike can get your youngster hooked on a lifetime hobby that's healthy, environmentally friendly, and fun - Intuitive twist shift makes it easy for kids to switch gears when their terrain changes - You can replace the saddle's integrated handle with an integrated light mount to boost visibility on family adventures and solo excursions - Like all Precaliber bikes, the frame is lower so it's easier for kids to stand over and hop on and off - You shouldn't buy your kid's bike where you buy your cereal—Unlike big box brands, Trek kids' bikes are assembled by people who know bikes

Due to supply-chain issues, Specs are subject to change without notice.

* Subject to change without notice.

Trek Precaliber

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2016 Trek Precaliber 24

Cool Features

• Trek Precaliber 24 21-Speed Boy’s 2016

Bike summary

Bike components.

24" Dialed frame size, Alpha Silver Aluminum

Rear Derailleur

Shimano Tourney TX35

Front Derailleur

Shimano Tourney

Shift Levers

Shimano Tourney, 7 speed twist

Sun Run freewheel, 14-28, 7 speed

Dialed adjustable length 127mm - 152mm, 42/34/24

Dialed 9/16", platform

Alloy hubs, alloy rims

Bontrager XR1, 24x1.85"

Alloy linear-pull, Dialed alloy levers

Bontrager quill, 25.4mm, 25 degree

Bontrager alloy, 25.4mm, 25mm rise

Adjustable ball bearing

Dialed 24" size, padded

Steel, 27.2mm

Bike geometry

Model overview.

Precaliber 24 21-Speed Boy’s completes the Trek Precaliber model. Trek launched 110 bikes of this model so far. You can get a glimpse at all models from 2016 , by clicking on this link .

When cycling always take safety very seriously. Wear a helmet, obey the traffic rules and wear hi-vis clothes. In short, take care of yourself so others can take care of you.

Youth bikes average price

If you want an acceptable Youth bike you should know that the average price is 278 $ . However, even if your budget is less than the average, you might still be able to get a top-quality Youth bike. As a general rule of thumb, you should always read reviews about the bike and its components before buying it to ensure you don’t pay too much.

Precaliber 24 21-Speed Boy’s components

Wheels size.

When leaving the production line, the Precaliber 24 21-Speed Boy’s model has 24″ aluminum wheels. The 24″ wheels are a good fit for folding bikes, BMX, or children bikes. In conclusion, you can use them better on-road, and less on technical terrain.

For your safety, it is important to have quality breaks on your bike. Trek Precaliber 24 21-Speed Boy’s has Rim brakes installed. Rim brakes are cheaper than hydraulic brakes, and also easier to maintain. However, they have problems in wet conditions.

Trek Precaliber models from 2024

Trek precaliber models from 2023, trek precaliber models from 2022, trek precaliber models from 2021, trek precaliber models from 2020, trek precaliber models from 2019, trek precaliber models from 2018, trek precaliber models from 2017, trek precaliber models from 2016, trek precaliber models from 2010, trek precaliber models from 2009, trek precaliber models from 2008.

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• Precaliber 24 21-Speed Girl's - 2016