Details
X-Caliber 8 is a cross country mountain bike made for fast laps and long days on the trail. It's built with special attention to value and the parts that make the biggest difference in performance. A Shimano drivetrain, RockShox fork, and hydraulic disc brakes make it a great choice for new mountain bikers and XC racers searching for fast, fun, singletrack adventure.
It's right for you if...
You're looking for a fast mountain bike for singletrack—one that's fully capable of taking on races, marathons, and competitive group rides. You want something that is reliable and fun with dependable, lightweight parts.
The tech you get
A lightweight Alpha Gold Aluminum frame, a RockShox 30 Silver suspension fork with a lockout and an air spring that's lighter and more adjustable than a coil spring, Bontrager Kovee Tubeless Ready wheels with Boost141 hub spacing, and a smooth, efficient Shimano Deore/XT 2x10 drivetrain with a Shimano XT Shadow rear derailleur, which stays tucked out of the way to avoid snagging on trail debris.
The final word
With X-Caliber 8, you're getting a performance frame paired with performance parts, like a RockShox air fork and a rear derailleur that's the gold standard for MTB performance and reliability. Plus, it's equipped with durable, lightweight alloy rims that save weight and are easy to upgrade to tubeless.
Why you'll love it
- It has the price of a more basic hardtail and the performance of a more expensive one
- The RockShox air fork can be tuned to the rider's weight, so you always have a custom ride that's right for you
- The frame is fully compatible with higher-end parts, like race wheels and a dropper post, if you ever find the need to upgrade
- Smart Wheel Sizing means you'll get the fastest wheel that fits (29" wheels on larger frames, 27.5" wheels on smaller frames)
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Specs
| Frame | Alpha Gold Aluminum, tapered head tube, internal derailleur & dropper post routing, rack & kickstand mount, G2 Geometry |
|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox 30 Silver, Solo Air, rebound adjust, TurnKey hydraulic lockout, tapered steerer, G2 Geometry w/51mm offset on 29ers, 100mm travel (13.5: 80mm travel) |
| Headset | Semi-integrated, cartridge, 1-1/8" top, 1.5" bottom |
| Axles | Rear: Boost 141 |
| Rims/Wheels | Bontrager Kovee 28-hole Tubeless Ready, tubeless rim strips and valves sold separately |
| Hubs |
Front: Formula DC20 LW alloy Rear: Formula DC2241 |
| Tires |
Bontrager XR2 Sizes 15.5 – 15.5: 27.5 x 2.20 Sizes 17.5 – 21.5: 29 x 2.20 |
| Crankset | Race Face Ride |
| Chainrings | 36/22 |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano BB52, 73mm |
| Chain | KMC X10 |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Deore M617 |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore XT M781, Shadow |
| Cassette/Rear Cogs | Shimano HG50, 11-36, 10 speed |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore M6000, 10 speed |
| Handlebars | Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, 5mm rise, 720mm width (13.5: 690mm width) |
| Tape/Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, nylon lock-on |
| Stem | Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm, 7 degree, Blendr compatible |
| Brakes | Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc |
| Pedals | VP-536 nylon platform |
| Saddle | Bontrager Arvada |
| Seat Post | Bontrager alloy, 2-bolt head, 31.6mm, 12mm offset |
Part Numbers
| Option | UPC | MPN | Store SKU |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardinal / 15.5-inch / 27.5-inch | 601479860753 | 565602 | XCA2414591L |
| Cardinal / 17.5-inch / 29-inch | 601479860777 | 565604 | XCA22799774L |
| Cardinal / 18.5-inch / 29-inch | 601479860784 | 565605 | XCA22838778L |
| Cardinal / 19.5-inch / 29-inch | 601479860791 | 565606 | XCA22532423L |
| Cardinal / 21.5-inch / 29-inch | 601479860807 | 565607 | XCA22759938L |
| Cardinal / 23-inch / 29-inch | 601479860814 | 565608 | XCA21441672L |
| Gravel / 15.5-inch / 27.5-inch | 601479860678 | 565594 | XCA22908955L |
| Gravel / 17.5-inch / 29-inch | 601479860692 | 565596 | XCA20211971L |
| Gravel / 18.5-inch / 29-inch | 601479860708 | 565597 | XCA2024668L |
| Gravel / 19.5-inch / 29-inch | 601479860715 | 565598 | XCA20663675L |
Reviews
Read 9 Reviews
Write a ReviewREVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Lightweight (5)
- Comfortable (4)
- Stylish (2)
- Durable
- Good value
Cons
- Seat (2)
- Orange Paint
- Pedals, seat, tires
- Bottom Bracket
- Pedals
Best Uses
- Trail (2)
- Riding
- Bikepacking
- Day trips
- Moderate jumps
- Mountain biking
- Racing
- Roots
- Anywhere
- Dirt roads
- Mtn Biking
- Swamps/mud
- Single track, trails, city, woods, wherever
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 9 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-9
Comments:
Your price is to high for a 2017 on the xcaliber 8 I'm getting a 2018 for this price.....it's not a deal!!
Pros
- frame, weight, price
Cons
- Pedals, seat, tires
Best Uses
- Single track, trails, city, woods, wherever
Comments:
I've had the Xcal 8 29er for almost two years and w/o any issues. I'm 6'5', 220 pounds, and ride the 21.5" frame. Upgrades have been made to the pedals, grips, and seat.
Pros
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Value
- Components
Cons
- Pedals
- Saddle
Best Uses
- Dirt roads
- Roots
- Swamps/mud
- Bikepacking
- Day trips
- Moderate jumps
Comments:
Man, where to begin? I've put roughly 700mi on this guy in the last few months and have loved (most of) them. Most recently I used it to do the HuRaCaN300 in Central Florida and it performed admirably especially for a mid-level rig. This is my first 29er and has served as a great entry point. I've taken it through rooty singletrack, dirt downhills, swamp bogs with Cypress knees, fluffy sand, wet clay roads, etc. and have had little issues. I'm really surprised that the front ring shifter failed on me so quickly but never to fear; Trek warranted it with little questions via my local shop. Both derailleurs are crisp and responsive and the brakes are powerful. Naturally, you'll need to replace the platform pedals and maybe even the saddle if you're going to be doing longer trips but that's to be expected. I couldn't be happier with my purchase!
Pros
- Lightweight
- Black Gloss Paint
- Tires
- Front Shock
- Shifters
Cons
- Seat
- Orange Paint
Best Uses
- Anywhere
Comments:
I like the bike so far. The seat is not so good. The bikes forks have eaten all the curbs and stumps I've come across. The people at Bike Barn in Atascocita let me try all the bikes in my price range and I finally zeroed in on the x caliber.
Comments:
I am 6 foot 3 and 250 pounds. I was looking for something that could handle a big dude. I have beat the snot out of it, and have done over 40 miles just this weekend. ( on some pretty rad Colorado trials) nice, smooth, and most importantly sturdy. I love this bike!
Pros
- Great Beginner Race Bike
- Comfortable
- Good Value For Price
- Stylish
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Mtn Biking
- Trail
Comments:
Love my x cal 8!!! I ride this bike at least three times per week in single track courses and on the road. It has always handled everything I throw at it very well. It is pretty fast and agile but gets a little shaky around very tight sections. Good components for the dollar but I will be upgrading some of the drive train as stock parts start to wear out over time. Great bike :)
Pros
- Lightweight
- Good value
- Looks Good
- Stylish
Cons
- Seat
Best Uses
- Trail
- Mountain biking
Comments:
I love my xcaliber for my first mtb bike I think it's really good, I replaced the saddle it was really uncomfortable but everything ails is really good, my feature upgrades will be to tubeless tires
Pros
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Confidence Building
Cons
- Bottom Bracket
Best Uses
- Riding
- Racing
Comments:
I bought this bike and raced it in the 29 Mile Ore-to-Shore in Marquette, MI. Great bike and great race. The only issues I had were with the bottom bracket and front brake. The bottom bracket kept coming loose, even after multiple adjustments. It came loose again at the starting line of the Ore-to-Shore, but tightened on its own during the first mile of the race. It's been good since then. The front brake is noisy. I'll try a new disc.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments:
just bought it yesterday. minimal seat time thus far. very comfortable, good components.
Displaying reviews 1-9
