Trek Procaliber Alu: The XC hardtail is now also available in light alloy

Christian Schleker

· 26.10.2023

In future, you can buy into the Procaliber model range for €1299. This makes the Alu 6 model the cheapest Procaliber ever.

The light metal also runs through the steering centre of the entry-level models: Bontrager aluminium handlebars are fitted to both models.

The entry-level model features the RockShox Judy Silver with lockout and 15mm Maxle thru axle. The more expensive Procaliber Alu 8 is fitted with the Rcoshox Recon Gold RL.

Good news for DIY riders: Trek is not following the trend of internally routed cables through the headset bearing on the new Procaliber Alu.

The Trek Procaliber Alu 6 is available in 2 colour variants. Version one in black.

8 Images

Photo: Trek

Hardtail fans who are keeping an eye on their budget have the chance to get their hands on the new Procaliber XC race hardtail from Trek at a lower price. The aluminium model replaces Trek's X-Caliber and, together with the Procaliber Carbon, forms the new Pro family. With prices starting at 1299 euros, Trek's entry into this category is now even more affordable.

In 2016, Trek introduced the Procalibre hardtail with IsoSpeed joint one. In its first season, the "soft" carbon hardtail was unfortunately not available for less than 3000 euros. The lightweight carbon frame alone cost 2400 euros! The successor was launched in 2021: the IsoSpeed bearing, which decouples the top tube and seat tube from each other so that the seat tube can absorb shocks and impacts, remained untouched. Only a small rubber seal on the inside was new. The pricing policy was also new: the model series now started at € 1800. With the Procaliber Alu, the entry-level price drops significantly again: the new Procaliber Alu 6 starts at €1299 and there is a frame kit for DIY fans for just €799!

The new Trek Procaliber Alu in detail

A central element of the Procaliber Carbon was the Isospeed joint, which was intended to give the bike good comfort values. This innovative component is missing from the new aluminium frame. The frame is classically welded at the seat joint and therefore less flexible. So you can't expect comfort values like the more expensive model. However, as the Procaliber Alu is intended more as a replacement for the popular X-Caliber, this point is acceptable for the target customer. In return, they now get a geometry that should be much closer to the Procaliber Carbon, and have the option of adding a Sram Transmission can be retrofitted. Trek specifies the maximum tyre width as 2.4 inches on the rear wheel. The tyres come tubeless ex works, even on the cheaper models. A 120 mm suspension fork swallows up rocks and roots, while the internal cable routing - which is not routed through the head tube here, but rather through the down tube behind it - ensures a tidy look.

Trek Procaliber Alu 8: Classically welded at the seat knot and thus without the comfort advantage of the ISO-Speed joint, which is found on the more expensive carbon model.

Photo: TrekTrek Procaliber Alu 8: Classically welded at the seat knot and thus without the comfort advantage of the ISO-Speed joint, which is found on the more expensive carbon model.

Technical data of the Trek Procaliber Alu

Manufacturer information

Category: XC
Price Procaliber 8: 1,499 euros / Procaliber 6: 1,299 euros / Procaliber AL frameset: 799 euros
Frame material: Aluminium
Wheel size: 29 inch
Suspension travel: 120 mm (front)

For people who want to use their Procaliber Alu more as an everyday bike, Trek has fitted mounting points for a pannier rack and even a kickstand.

Photo: TrekFor people who want to use their Procaliber Alu more as an everyday bike, Trek has fitted mounting points for a pannier rack and even a kickstand.