trek precaliber brake adjustment

Trek Procaliber manual

manual Trek Procaliber

User manual

Quickstart Guide

View the manual for the Trek Procaliber here, for free. This manual comes under the category bicycles and has been rated by 1 people with an average of a 8.1. This manual is available in the following languages: English. Do you have a question about the Trek Procaliber or do you need help?  Ask your question here

Do you have a question about the Trek and is the answer not in the manual?

• Receive updates on solutions
• Get answers to your question

Question and answer

The Trek Procaliber is a high-performance mountain bike known for its lightweight and stiff carbon frame, designed for speed and efficiency on cross-country trails. It features IsoSpeed technology, which enhances comfort by reducing vibrations and bumps while maintaining pedaling efficiency. The bike is equipped with a 1x drivetrain for simplicity and precise shifting, along with hydraulic disc brakes for reliable stopping power in all conditions. The Procaliber comes with fast-rolling tubeless-ready wheels for improved traction and control on rough terrain. The bike also features a tapered head tube for improved handling and stability, along with internal cable routing for a clean and aerodynamic look. Additionally, the Procaliber is available in a range of sizes to accommodate different riders. Overall, the Trek Procaliber is a top choice for experienced riders seeking a high-performance mountain bike for competitive cross-country racing.

Can't find the answer to your question in the manual? You may find the answer to your question in the FAQs about the Trek Procaliber below.

How do I remove rust from my Trek bicycle?

1. Soak the rusty part in vinegar until completely soaked through. 2. Let the vinegar work on the rust for 24 hours. 3. Remove the rust with a wire brush or aluminium foil.

How much should I exercise as an adult per week?

As an adult, it is recommended to do moderately intensive exercise for at least 2.5 hours per week. Preferably spread over several days.

How can I prevent damage to the dropper post of my Trek Procaliber bicycle when clamping it in a repair stand?

To prevent damage to the dropper post of your Trek Procaliber bicycle when clamping it in a repair stand, follow these steps: 1. Only clamp the dropper post in the upper part of the lower tube in the repair stand. Do not clamp it anywhere else to avoid potential damage. 2. Before clamping, make sure to loosen the seat post clamp bolt and pull the dropper post up. This will provide enough slack in the cable and prevent any tension or strain on the dropper post during the clamping process. 3. Remove the cable from the actuator housing if necessary. If there is not enough slack in the cable, you may need to remove the lever and feed the housing back through the frame to create more slack. 4. Remove the saddle clamp bolts and saddle from the dropper post. 5. Carefully remove the actuator housing, taking care to grip the lower tube securely. By following these steps, you can safely clamp the Trek Procaliber bicycle in a repair stand without causing any damage to the dropper post. Remember to always tighten hardware properly and follow the recommended torque values to ensure the safety and longevity of your bicycle.

What are the recommended replacement parts for the Trek Procaliber bicycle?

The recommended replacement parts for the Trek Procaliber bicycle are Trek OEM (original equipment manufacturer) replacement parts. It is recommended to use only these genuine parts for maintenance and repairs. Please note that using non-OEM replacement parts may affect the performance and durability of your bicycle. It is important to ensure that the replacement parts are specifically designed for the Trek Procaliber model to ensure compatibility and optimal performance. When replacing parts, always follow the instructions provided in the manual for proper installation and torque values. It is crucial to tighten hardware properly to avoid damage to the bicycle and ensure rider safety. Additionally, if reusing fasteners with pre-applied threadlocker, make sure to clean them with isopropyl alcohol and apply new threadlocker before reassembly to prevent loosening. By using the recommended Trek OEM replacement parts and following the provided instructions, you can maintain the performance and longevity of your Trek Procaliber bicycle.

How do I service the dropper post of my Trek Procaliber bicycle?

To service the dropper post of your Trek Procaliber bicycle, follow these steps: 1. Loosen the seat post clamp bolt and pull the dropper post up. Remove the cable from the actuator housing. If there is not enough slack in the cable, you may need to remove the lever and feed the housing back through the frame. 2. Remove the saddle clamp bolts and saddle. 3. Remove the actuator housing. It is recommended to wear gloves for better grip on the lower tube. 4. Remove the cartridge mount bolt and pull out the cartridge. Be careful not to drop the cartridge. To replace the cartridge: 1. Follow steps 1-4 in the "Service the dropper post" section to remove the cartridge. 2. Reinstall the new cartridge following steps 15-19 in the "Service the dropper post" section. It is important to clean and regrease the sliding surfaces of the dropper post at least twice a year. Additionally, consider performing a full service every two years, replacing the necessary parts shown in the manual. By following these steps, you can properly service and maintain the dropper post of your Trek Procaliber bicycle.

What are the steps to replace the cartridge of the dropper post on my Trek Procaliber bicycle?

To replace the cartridge of the dropper post on your Trek Procaliber bicycle, follow these steps: 1. Loosen the seat post clamp bolt and pull the dropper post up. Remove the cable from the actuator housing. If there is not enough slack in the cable, you may need to remove the lever and feed the housing back through the frame. 2. Remove the saddle clamp bolts and saddle. 3. Remove the actuator housing. It is recommended to wear gloves for better grip on the lower tube. 4. Remove the cartridge mount bolt and carefully pull out the cartridge. Be cautious not to drop the cartridge as it can fall out once the bolt is removed. If you are only replacing the cartridge, you can proceed to step 15 in the manual. However, if you need to perform a full service, including replacing additional parts, refer to the instructions provided in the manual. By following these steps, you can successfully replace the cartridge of the dropper post on your Trek Procaliber bicycle.

What should I do if the dropper post of my Trek Procaliber bicycle is not functioning properly?

If the dropper post of your Trek Procaliber bicycle is not functioning properly, you can follow these steps to troubleshoot the issue: 1. Pressing the lever does not lower the dropper post: - Solution 1: Turn the barrel adjuster on the lever anti-clockwise to increase cable tension. - Solution 2: Replace the cable and housing. 2. The post will not maintain its height and lowers during riding: - Solution: Replace the cartridge. 3. The seat post has excessive movement forward and backward: - Solution 1: Torque the seat post collar bolt to the specified torque value. - Solution 2: Replace the bushings. - Solution 3: Perform a complete service overhaul and replace the bushings. 4. The seat post has excessive movement side to side: - Solution: Perform a complete overhaul and replace the keys and bushings. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can address common issues with the dropper post of your Trek Procaliber bicycle and ensure its proper functionality.

Is the manual of the Trek Procaliber available in English?

Yes, the manual of the Trek Procaliber is available in English .

Is your question not listed? Ask your question here

Trek Procaliber 9.5

Trek Procaliber 9.6

Trek Procaliber 9.7

Trek Domane+ SLR 7

Trek Speed Concept

Trek Supercaliber

Trek Rail 9

Trek Powerfly 4 Gen 4

Trek Madone SL 7

Trek Allant+ 8

• Stores Stores

Brake Maintenance

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Cars & Other Vehicles
• Bicycle Maintenance
• Bicycle Brake and Chain Maintenance

How to Adjust Bike Brakes

Last Updated: March 29, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Jonas Jackel and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Hall . Jonas Jackel is the Owner of Huckleberry Bicycles, a bicycle retail store based in San Francisco, California. Jonas has over 20 years of experience managing bicycle retail stores and has operated Huckleberry Bicycles since 2011. Huckleberry Bicycles specializes in servicing, repairing, and custom building road, cross, gravel, touring, folding, and e-bikes. Jonas was also previously sat on the Board of Directors for Bike East Bay, a bicycle-advocacy non-profit organization based in Oakland, California. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 18 testimonials and 89% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,024,411 times.

Routinely adjusting your bike brakes will help them perform better and ensure you’re riding safely. The two main things you’ll want to adjust in your bike’s brake system are the brake pads and the brake cables. Worn down brake pads that are too low or high on the rim can be a safety hazard. Brake cables that are too loose will make it harder to brake. Fortunately, you can easily fix these issues with some simple tools!

Bike Brake Adjustment Guide

Loosen the bolts on the brake pad with an Allen wrench. Then, move the pad up or down until it is centered and re-tighten the bolts. To tighten the brake cables, turn the barrel adjusters counterclockwise. Or, loosen the bolt on the brake cable and pull the cable outward.

Adjusting Your Brake Pads

• If the wear lines on your brake pads aren't labeled, they should be marked by grooves on the side of the pads instead.
• You can order new brake pads online or pick some up at your local bike shop.

• Crouch down to get a good look at the brake pads as you're squeezing the brake lever.

Tightening Your Brake Cables

• Loosen the barrel adjuster attached to the loose brake cable by turning it counterclockwise. Loosening the barrel adjuster will actually slightly tighten the brake cable.
• After you loosen the barrel adjuster, pull the brake lever to see if it fixed the problem. If the brake cable is still too loose, you’ll need to adjust it on the caliper. Leave the barrel adjuster as it is. Don’t tighten it yet.
• Don’t unscrew the bolt all the way. Just rotate the Allen wrench counterclockwise 2-3 times until the bolt is loose.
• If you can't turn the tire at all, pull less hard on the brake cable so it's not as tight.
• Test the brake cables again by pulling the brake levers. When you pull the levers now, there should be 1 ½ inches (3.8 cm) between the lever and the grip on the handlebars.

Community Q&A

Things You’ll Need

• Allen wrench

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.mensjournal.com/gear/repair-maintenance-how-to-adjust-your-road-bike-brakes-w434268
• ↑ Jonas Jackel. Bicycle Shop Owner. Expert Interview. 18 February 2020.
• ↑ http://www.cyclingweekly.com/videos/bike-fit-and-maintenance/how-to-set-up-your-brakes-video
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qba8JOggjbA&feature=youtu.be&t=167
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg6s596PPRY&feature=youtu.be&t=36
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg6s596PPRY&feature=youtu.be&t=92

About This Article

To adjust the brakes on your bike, start by checking your brake pads, which are the pads that clamp down on the front tire of your bike when you pull the brake lever. Pull on the brake lever and see where the pads hit the rim. They should hit the center of the rim with an equal amount of space above and below them. If they're hitting too high or low on the rim, you'll want to adjust them. Just loosen the bolts holding the brake pads in place with an Allen wrench, and move the pads up or down so they're centered on the rim. Then, retighten the brake pads with your wrench. You might also need to adjust your brake cables if your brake levers hit the grip on the handlebars when you pull on them, which is a sign that the cables are too loose. If your cables are just slightly loose, loosen the barrel adjuster attached to each cable by turning it counterclockwise. This will tighten the cables. If one of the cables is still too loose, unscrew the bolt that's holding the cable to the caliper. Then, pull the brake cable out away from the bike and hold it taut to tighten it. You want the cable to be tight enough that there's some resistance when you turn the tire, but not so tight that you aren't able to turn the tire at all. Once you've found the right position, tighten the bolt that's holding the cable on the caliper. Finally, tighten the barrel adjusters you loosened before. For tips on how to tighten or loosen the brake cables on your bike, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Matt Jackson

May 28, 2019

Did this article help you?

Jul 7, 2019

Sherrie Murray

Jan 27, 2020

Charles Bouchard

Aug 11, 2019

Aug 19, 2018

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

• Trek Manuals
• Bicycle Computer
• Owner's manual

Trek Bicycle Owner's Manual

• Owner's manual (40 pages)
• Installation instructions (4 pages)
• Owner's manual (24 pages)
• page of 41 Go / 41

Table of Contents

• Bicycle Type and Use Condition

Chapter 1: Guide to Safe On-And-Off Road Operation

• Before a First Ride
• Examine the Frame and Fork
• Examine the Wheels
• Examine the Tire Inflation
• Examine the Brakes
• Examine the Chain
• Examine the Handlebar and Stem
• Examine the Saddle and Seatpost
• Rules to Ride Safely
• Know and Obey Local Bicycle Laws
• Examine the Suspension
• Examine the Lights and Reflectors
• Wear a Helmet and Bicycle Clothing
• Ride Safely in Wet Weather or Wind
• Make Sure Other People Can See You
• Think about Safety When You Ride
• Riding Instructions
• Use Your Brakes Carefully
• Change Gears Correctly
• Use Pedal Systems Carefully
• Safeguard Your Bicycle
• Prevent Theft of Your Bicycle
• Safely Park Your Bicycle
• Include Repair Items When You Ride
• Only Install Compatible Accessories
• Clean Your Bicycle
• Avoid Incidental Damage to Your Bicycle

Chapter 2: Maintenance

• Clean Your Bicycle with a Moist Cloth
• Each Three Months Clean and Polish Finish

Maintenance Schedule

Chapter 3: adjustment.

• A Word about Torque Specifications
• Examine Headset Bearing Adjustment
• Examine Cables for Wear
• Examine the Operation of Shift-Levers
• Examine Derailleurs
• Rear Derailleur
• Internal Gear Systems
• Examine the Internal Shift System
• Examine Brake-Pads
• Examine Brake Bolts
• Brake-Levers
• Examine for Loose Spokes
• Examine Wheel Bearing Adjustment
• Examine Rims for Wear
• Wheel Installation
• Tire Installation
• (Accessories)
• Examine Suspension Fork Bolts
• Examine Rear Suspension Bolts
• Examine Accessory Bolts
• Training Wheels

Chapter 4: Lubrication

• Bottom Bracket
• Apply Lubricant to Handlebar Stem
• Apply Lubricant to Seatpost
• Replace Grease in the Pedal Threads and Bearings
• Bracket Bearings
• Derailleurs
• Brakes and Brake-Levers
• Suspension Forks
• Rear Suspension
• Apply Lubricant to Derailleurs
• Apply Lubricant to Suspension Forks
• Examine the Crankarms and Bottom Bracket . 18 Apply Lubricant to Brake-Levers
• For more Instructions

Advertisement

Quick Links

• 1 Change Gears Correctly
• 2 Handlebar
• Download this manual
• Table of Contents 4
• Maintenance Schedule 18

Related Manuals for Trek Bicycle

Summary of Contents for Trek Bicycle

• Page 2 Complete the Registration Future Reference Bicycle registration is the only record we have of who owns this bicycle. If it is necessary to This manual shows how to ride your new give you new instructions, your registration Even if you have ridden a bicycle safely.

Page 3: A Word About Bicycles, Accidents, And Safety

Page 4: table of contents, page 5: bicycle type and use condition.

• Page 6 Condition 3 Condition 5 A bicycle made to ride on Conditions 1 and 2, plus A bicycle made to jump, ride at high speeds, rough trails, small obstacles, and smooth technical ride aggressively on rougher surfaces, or areas, and also areas where tires momentarily are complete jumps on flat surfaces.

Page 7: Chapter 1: Guide To Safe On-And-Off Road Operation

Page 8: checklist: check before each ride.

• Page 9 To examine for a change of rigidity (flex test) We offer a generous crash replacement program. Do not ride, but use the part in the usual If you crash your carbon bicycle or part, visit your manner while someone carefully examines dealer to learn more about this program.

Page 10: Examine The Wheels

Page 11: examine the chain, page 12: rules to ride safely, page 13: wear a helmet and bicycle clothing, page 14: riding instructions, page 15: change gears correctly, page 16: safeguard your bicycle, page 17: clean your bicycle, page 18: maintenance schedule, page 19: chapter 3: adjustment.

• Page 20 Minimum spacers with a direct-connect stem two to three turns. 2. The stem is held by the stem wedge. To On a bicycle with an aluminum steerer, there decrease the tightness of the stem wedge, should be at least one 5mm spacer under tap the top of the expander bolt with a mallet the direct-connect stem.

Page 21: Saddle

Page 22: headset, page 23: pedals, page 24: front derailleur, page 25: rear derailleur, page 26: internal gear systems, page 27: examine brake-pads.

• Page 28 To put a direct-pull, cantilever, or road brake in To release the brake for wheel removal the center • For most road calipers, lift the brake release 1. Turn the center-adjust screw (Figure 27, lever (Figure 29) to the UP position. To close, Figure 28, or Figure 29) in small increments.

Page 29: Brake-Levers

Page 30: wheels, page 31: wheel installation.

• Page 32 To remove a wheel with a FIGURE 40: Front lever position traditional quick-release 1. Release the quick-release lever; move it to the OPEN position (Figure 36). 2. For the front wheel, decrease the tightness of the adjustment-nut; turn it three turns. 3.
• Page 33 (the parts of • Lift your bicycle and hit the top of the tire with the fork that hold the wheel). a solid blow (Figure 49). The wheel should not FIGURE 44: come off, be loose, or move from side to side.
• Page 34 Make sure the lever does tire. The wheel should not come out of the not turn fork ends. If the Clix system does not pass this test, transport your bicycle to your dealer for repair. FIGURE 51: Adjustment position with marks in alignment 1.

Page 35: Tire Installation

• Page 36 FIGURE 52: 7. Push the second bead into the rim with your Tire beads in bottom of hands. Start at the valve stem. rim well • Be careful not to pinch the tube between the rim and the tire (Figure 55) when you mount the tire.

Page 37: Suspension

Page 38: training wheels, page 39: chapter 4: lubrication, page 40: derailleurs, page 41: for more instructions, rename the bookmark, delete bookmark, delete from my manuals, upload manual.

We are a reader supported site. We earn an affiliate commission when you buy through our links.

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

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

We're Hiring! Learn More and Apply Here.

• Account Account
• Stores Stores
• Subtotal : $ 0.00 Checkout Cart

Availability

• In-Store 90
• Kool-Stop 10
• Bontrager 5
• Show More Brands
• Cane Creek 1
• Problem Solvers 1
• Wheels Manufacturing 1
• Show Fewer Brands
• Not Designated 16
• 10,12,14,16,18,20,22 and 30mm 1
• 2000 x 5.5mm 1
• Show More Sizes
• 26.0mm clamp 1
• 31.8mm clamp 1
• Show Fewer Sizes
• Up to $10 5
• $10 to $19.99 24
• $20 to $49.99 43
• $50 to $124.99 19
• $125 to $199.99 3
• $200 to $499.99 2
• Show More Model Years
• Show Fewer Model Years
• Bicycling Catalog

Brakes/Levers/Pads

Shop in-store for even more deals!

Shop in store for even more deals we can't advertise!

Mountain Bike Suspension Service

Trade In Your Bike

• Base Layers
• Mountain Bike Shorts
• Bibs, Tights + Knickers
• Mountain Bike Shoes

SAFETY GEAR

• Adult Helmets
• Youth Helmets
• Road Helmets
• Casual Wear
• Road Bike Shorts
• Bibs, Tights & Knickers
• Road Bike Shoes
• Accessories/Parts

Safety Gear

• Women's Helmets
• Road Bike Helmets
• Mountain Bike Helmets

WHEELS & TIRES

• Road Wheels
• Mountain Bike Wheels
• Mountain Bike Tires
• Wheels Accessories and Parts
• Derailleurs
• Chains & Cassettes
• Cranks and Chainrings
• Bottom Brackets
• Cables and Housing
• Power Meters

BRAKES & PEDALS

• Clipless Pedals
• Flat Pedals
• Mountain Bike Brake Sets
• Mountain Bike Brake Pads
• Road Bike Brakes and Pads
• All Brakes/Levers/Pads

Forks & Cockpit

• Grips and Bar Tape
• Rigid Forks
• Suspension Forks

Accessories

• Car Rack Accessories
• Electronics
• Front Lights
• Tail Lights
• Locks/Security
• Media/Resources
• Bicycle Mounted Racks
• Pumps/Inflation
• Tools/Maintenance
• Trailers/Strollers
• Trainers/Rollers
• Travel/Storage
• Water Bottles & Cages

Brand Guides

Bike buyer's guides, gear guides, new bike releases, summit bicycles online (855) 245-3663 [email protected] email, burlingame (650) 343-8483 [email protected] email, summit outfitters (408) 878-3252 [email protected] email, los gatos (408) 399-9142 [email protected] email, san jose (408) 264-2453 [email protected] email, palo alto (650) 304-0035 [email protected] email, summit bicycles mobile we'll come to you schedule mobile service today, (855) bike-one - for online orders and rental inquiries.

• Account Account
• Subtotal : $ 0.00 Checkout Cart
• Bicycling Catalog
• Children's Bikes
• 20-Inch (5-8 yr. old)
• Precaliber 20

Trek Precaliber 20

Precaliber 20 Coaster Brake will have your little rider begging to go out for a pedal on their first real big kid bike. It's a great transition model from training wheels. It has one speed, a coaster brake, and a saddle with an integrated handle that can be swapped out for a light mount. For kids ages 6-8, between 45"-52" tall. WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT - One speed is all you need—a simple set-up gives kids confidence and helps them stay in control - Coaster brakes are simple and intuitive for kids to use—they just pedal backward to stop! - 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 - Investing in a kids' bike from an established bike brand is worth it—Trek kids' bikes are designed and assembled by people who know bikes IT'S RIGHT FOR YOU IF… Your kid is ready to leave training wheels behind, and you want to get them a fun, durable, bike that's simple to use. You don't want to settle for a big box brand, because you know the value of a high-quality bike that will keep your kid confident and in control. THE TECH YOU GET A lightweight Alpha Silver Aluminum frame, one speed, and a coaster brake. Plus, a kickstand 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 bike is the perfect choice for young riders who want to transition from a little kid bike to a big kid bike, with a simple, quality frame that will keep them upright and smiling while they ride at the park with friends or on the local bike paths with your family.

* Subject to change without notice.

Roadmachine 01 AMP TWO USA

Part numbers.

• Precaliber 20

We'll take care of you. Period.

It's our mission to provide you with world-class hospitality every time you visit us online or in-store. We're always here to help you. It's the Trek way.

Free shipping and professional assembly

All bikes ordered online ship for free to your local Trek shop for professional assembly. Participating retailers will even deliver your new ride to your doorstep!

30 Day Unconditional Guarantee

If for any reason you aren't 100% happy with your trekbikes.com purchase, you can return it in like new condition within 30 days - no questions asked.

How to help your kids be seen

Their future is bright. Their lights should be, too

Generation A to B

During the global pandemic, kids’ bikes skyrocketed to must-have status for millions of families. What we do now to keep our kids rolling will determine the health of our future and theirs.

Product features

Alpha aluminum frame.

Trek's lightweight, high-performance aluminum is durable and rustproof.

Coaster brake

Speed control is all in the legs for the little ones.

Hand brakes

Confident stopping for youngsters who are ready to control their speed with their hands.

Singlespeed

No shifting necessary, so beginners can learn balance and basic riding skills.