Trek Supercaliber 9.8 XT

The 2023 ‘Supercaliber 9.8 XT’ model from Trek is a state-of-the-art mountain bike that stands out for its excellent spec and technical sophistication. Priced at 7,499 EUR, this bike is aimed at discerning riders who expect the very best performance.

The frame of the Supercaliber 9.8 XT is constructed from OCLV Mountain Carbon for the main frame and seat stays. It incorporates the IsoStrut system and features a tapered head tube as well as the Knock Block, which prevents the handlebars from twisting. The internal Control Freak cable routing ensures a clean look and protects the cables. The frame offers 60 mm of travel and is designed to the Boost148 standard. The maximum rider weight is 136 kg, whilst the bike itself weighs just 10 kg.

For the brakes, Trek relies on the tried-and-tested Shimano Deore XT M8100 system with hydraulic disc brakes at both the front and rear. The front brake is fitted with a 160 mm disc, whilst the rear brake uses a 180 mm disc. Both discs are mounted via a 6-hole disc mount.

Shifting performance is ensured by the Shimano XT M8100 12-speed shifter, which, in combination with the Shimano Ultegra/XT M8100 drivetrain and the Shimano XT M8100 cassette with a 10–51-tooth range, enables precise and rapid gear changes.

The fork is a FOX Performance 32 Step-Cast with Float EVOL air spring and GRIP damping, featuring a remote lockout. It offers 100 mm of travel and is designed for Boost110 and a 15 mm Kabolt axle.

The crankset consists of an e*thirteen TRS Race Carbon unit with an aluminium chainring (34 teeth) and a chainline of 52 mm. The crank arm length is 175 mm. The wheelset comprises Bontrager Kovee Pro 30 carbon rims, which are tubeless-ready and feature a 6-hole disc mount.

The handlebar is an integrated unit comprising the handlebar and stem, made from OCLV carbon. It is 750 mm wide and has a stem with a -13-degree rise and a length of 80 mm. The grips are ESI Chunky and the headset is an integrated type with Knock Block.

The saddle is a Bontrager Verse Elite with austenitic struts and a width of 145 mm. The seatpost is also made from OCLV Carbon, has a diameter of 31.6 mm, no offset and a length of 400 mm.

The frame geometry is designed for optimum riding performance: the reach is 44 mm, the stack 59 mm, the seat tube length 44 mm, the top tube length 61 mm, the head tube angle is 69 degrees, the seat tube angle is 70 degrees, the head tube length is 9 mm, the chainstay length is 43 mm, the standover height is 76 mm and the wheelbase measures 112 mm.

In summary, the Trek Supercaliber 9.8 XT offers a well-balanced combination of lightness, stability and high performance, making it particularly suitable for ambitious mountain bikers.