trek x caliber 9 mtb

2023 Trek X-Caliber 9 Review

Are you in the market for a new mountain bike? There are many different models and features to choose from, but if you’re looking for an affordable and high-performing hardtail on a budget, then the 2023 Trek X-Caliber 9 is the perfect choice.

Trek’s X-Caliber series has long been known as one of the most reliable mountain bikes on the market. 

With its lightweight frame, innovative components, and trail-ready geometry, it’s no wonder that this model has quickly become a customer favorite.

In this review, we take an in-depth look at the 2023 Trek X-Caliber 9 and provide our honest opinion on its performance and design. 

The Trek X-Caliber 9 has been taking the mountain biking world by storm since its release. 

It’s a lightweight, fast and responsive bike that’s perfect for riding trails or cross-country.

Packed with features like an ultra-light aluminum frame, Shimano components and dropper post, this mountain bike provides the ultimate off-road experience. 

Here is a review of everything that makes the Trek X-Caliber 9 one of the best mountain bikes on the market.

The 2023 Trek X-Caliber 9, a mountain bike perfect for bikepacking and gravel grinding that offers an amazing riding experience. 

It features a lightweight Alpha Gold Aluminum frame and Boost141 hub spacing, Shimano 1×12 drivetrain with a wide range of gears with the 10-51t cassette, hydraulic disc brakes offering plenty of stopping power, and Maxxis Ardent Race 2.35″ tires for ultimate traction wherever you go.

Experience incredible adventure with this versatile bike that will make all your cycling dreams come true.

– Lightweight Alpha Gold Aluminum frame provides easy handling and a comfortable ride

– Shimano 1×12 drivetrain includes a 10-51t cassette paired to a 30t Shimano crank

– Shimano hydraulic disc brakes deliver powerful braking performance

– Maxxis Ardent Race 2.35” tires provide great traction for bikepacking and trail ripping rides

– Rack mounts let you add panniers for long bikepacking trips

The Alpha Gold Aluminum frame of the Trek X-Caliber 9 is exceptionally light and the total weight of the bike is 28lbs, ensuring nimble handling and added agility on the trails. 

The frame is designed to be extremely strong and durable to handle any terrain you might ride over.

The double wall Bontrager Kovee wheels have a 23mm internal width to allow for tires of up to 2.40″ wide to provide extra grip and stability when cornering or descending from obstacles. 

They also use an extra-strong alloy rim to ensure reliable performance during extended rides on rugged terrains.

This mountain bike comes with Shimano components that make up its 1×12 drivetrain system, made of a 10-51t cassette and 30t chainring – providing smooth gear changes so you can pick appropriate gears for different terrain types quickly and easily.

Handlebars & Fork

The 750mm wide Bontrager handlebars allow riders to take control navigate their way around tricky sections of track, while also maintain good posture while covering longer distances on more level ground. 

Additionally, they are fitted with additional features such as an integrated grip sleeve which helps improve comfort during long days out. 

A RockShox Recon Gold RL suspension fork takes care of difficult terrain with 100mm of travel front travel which gives the rider improved comfort and control over rough sections of trail.

Stopping power is provided by Shimano hydraulic disc brakes which offer better modulation than mechanical systems so you can end quickly safely no matter what situation you find yourself in out on the trails or at speed down a hillside descent.

Dropper Post

A TranzX dropper post goes one step further when it comes to maneuverability by allowing riders to switch between heights via a quick button press or lever pull so that you can always be in control no matter what type of obstacle is ahead. 

This feature also reduces fatigue levels by allowing riders to lower their body closer towards the ground when navigating steep drops or technical sections where having maximum power transfer through your legs is essential!

Bottom Line

Overall, there’s plenty of features packed into the 2023 Trek X-Caliber 9 that make it one of the most desirable mountain bikes available right now – lightweight nature coupled with tremendous handling gives riders exceptional responsiveness when navigating tough tracks along with added durability from its frame and wheel construction means it should last many years before needing any significant service work done on it.

Order online and have it shipped to your local dealer for final assembly!!

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• Rider Notes

2016 Trek X-Caliber 9

A 27.5″ / 29″ aluminum frame crosscountry bike with high-end components. Compare the full range

For This Bike

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A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

X-Caliber 9

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Trek's budget-friendly hardtails have evolved on two distinct paths, an affordable XC steed and a fun trail machine. Born out of the same frame, find out how these two bikes compare. - Mtbr.com

Read Review

If you're looking for a rapid handling cross-country hardtail then the X-Caliber delivers in spades, but it's a bit of a handful when the trail turns downhill thanks to steep geometry and a dated cockpit. Buyer's guide to mountain bikes - get the best MTB for you The best mountain bikes for under £1,000 - the best budget buys ridden and rated Trek launch updated 2020 X-Caliber aluminium hardtail cross-country bike The X-Caliber range is Trek's entry to their proper cross-country hardtail offerings, designed to tackle proper off-road riding rather than being a multi-sport machine.

Jul 2016 · Alan Muldoon

The Trek looks amazing and has a decent spec, it’s just a shame the frame isn’t more trail-focused

Quality frame and spec

Fork is under sprung for frame size

Dec 2014 · David Rome

With ride handling that defies its price point, the X-Caliber remains a top pick for anyone seeking a proper starter mountain bike

Last updated June 29 Not listed for 2,550 days

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Trek X-Caliber 9

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / XS, SM, MD, MD/LG, LG, XL, XXL

At a glance

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Specifications

• Frame Alpha Gold Aluminium, tapered head tube, internal derailleur and dropper post routing, rack and kickstand mount, Boost141, 5 mm QR
• Fork Size: XS, S, RockShox Recon Gold RL, DebonAir spring, Motion Control damper, lockout, tapered steerer, 37 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Maxle Stealth, 100 mm travel; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, RockShox Recon Gold RL, DebonAir spring, Motion Control damper, lockout, tapered steerer, 42 mm offset, Boost110, 15 mm Maxle Stealth, 100 mm travel
• Hubs Bontrager alloy, sealed bearing, 6-bolt, Shimano MicroSpline freehub, Boost141, 5 mm QR
• Wheels Bontrager Kovee, double-wall, Tubeless Ready, 28-hole, 23 mm width, Presta valve
• Wheel Size 29" 27.5"
• Tires Size: XS, S, Maxxis Ardent Race, tubeless, EXO casing, folding bead, 60 tpi, 27.5x2.35""; Size: M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Maxxis Ardent Race, tubeless, EXO casing, folding bead, 60 tpi, 29x2.35"
• Chain Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed
• Crank Size: XS, S, M, Shimano MT611, 30T steel ring, alloy spider, 52 mm chainline, 170 mm length; Size: ML, L, XL, XXL, Shimano MT611, 30T steel ring, alloy spider, 52 mm chainline, 175 mm length
• Bottom Bracket Size: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Shimano SM-BB52, 73 mm, threaded external bearing; Size: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, XXL, Shimano BB-MT501 BSA
• Rear Derailleur Shimano XT M8100, long cage
• Shifters Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed
• Brakeset Shimano hydraulic disc, MT4100 lever, MT410 calliper
• Handlebar Size: XS, Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, 5 mm rise, 690 mm width; Size: S, M, Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, 5 mm rise, 720 mm width; Size: ML, L, XL, XXL, Bontrager alloy, 31.8 mm, 15 mm rise, 750 mm width
• Saddle Bontrager Arvada, steel rails, 138 mm width
• Seatpost Size: XS, S, M, TranzX JD-YSP18, 100 mm travel, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 361 mm length; Size: ML, L, XL, XXL, TranzX JD-YSP18, 130mm travel, internal routing, 31.6 mm, 425 mm length
• Stem Size: XS, S, Bontrager Elite, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 60 mm length; Size: M, ML, Bontrager Elite, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 70 mm length; Size: L, Bontrager Elite, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 80 mm length; Size: XL, XXL, Bontrager Elite, 31.8 mm, Blendr-compatible, 7-degree, 90 mm length
• Grips Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on

Q: How much is a 2023 Trek X-Caliber 9?

A 2023 Trek X-Caliber 9 is typically priced around €1,649 EUR when new. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and also look to the used market for a great deal.

Q: Where to buy a 2023 Trek X-Caliber 9?

The 2023 Trek X-Caliber 9 may be purchased directly from Trek .

Q: What size wheels does the 2023 Trek X-Caliber 9 have?

The 2023 Trek X-Caliber 9 has 29" and 27.5" wheels.

Q: What size 2023 Trek X-Caliber 9 should I get?

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• X-Caliber 9

Trek X-Caliber 9

X-Caliber 9 is the top-end model in the X-Caliber family. It's a fully race-ready cross country mountain bike built with parts designed to compete. A RockShox Recon fork, a 1x12 Shimano XT/SLX drivetrain, and a wide-range cassette make it a great choice for fast singletrack riders who want a great bike that's ready to race right out of the box. It's right for you if... You measure your rides in speed and distance, and want a fast XC bike that will help you cover more trail in less time. You race, or you could see yourself getting into racing, so you want a hardtail with competition-level parts that can give you an advantage on the trail. The tech you get A lightweight aluminum frame, a RockShox Recon Gold 100mm suspension air fork, a Shimano XT/SLX 1x12 drivetrain with a wide range of gears for easier climbing. Plus, tubeless ready wheels with wider Boost141 hubs for increased wheel strength and better tire clearance, and a dropper post for getting low on descents. The final word X-Caliber 9 is a speedy, nimble, and efficient XC hardtail that's perfect for riders with a racing pedigree and anyone who dreams of covering epic distances out on the trail. Why you'll love it - It's a great bike for someone who's just getting into serious racing: you get high-end XC parts on an awesome frame with enough cash left over for entry fees - There's nothing as sweet as a silent ride: the clutch rear derailleur prevents chain slap, even in the rough - The frame is fully compatible with higher-end parts, like race wheels, if you ever find the need to upgrade - The 1x drivetrain delivers a wide range of gearing with the simplicity of a single shifter Wheel size: - Size Small: 27.5-inch - Sizes Medium – XX-Large: 29-inch

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

* Subject to change without notice.

Part Numbers

Trek X-Caliber 9

£ 1,525.00 Original price was: £1,525.00. £ 1,199.00 Current price is: £1,199.00.

X-Caliber 9 is the top-end model in the X-Caliber family. It's a fully race-ready cross-country mountain bike built with parts designed to compete. A RockShox Recon fork, a 1x12 Shimano XT/SLX drivetrain and a wide-range cassette make it a great choice for fast singletrack riders who want a great bike — Read More

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Specification

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Description

X-Caliber 9 is the top-end model in the X-Caliber family. It’s a fully race-ready cross-country mountain bike built with parts designed to compete. A RockShox Recon fork, a 1×12 Shimano XT/SLX drivetrain and a wide-range cassette make it a great choice for fast singletrack riders who want a great bike that’s ready to race straight out of the box.

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