Trek Supercaliber 9.8 XT Gen 1

Trek’s 2023 “Supercaliber 9.8 XT Gen 1” is a state-of-the-art mountain bike that stands out for its top-of-the-range specifications and innovative technology. Priced at 6,499 EUR, it is aimed at ambitious riders who value performance and quality.

The frame is made from OCLV Mountain Carbon and features an IsoStrut system, which ensures optimum handling. The main frame and stays are designed to incorporate a tapered head tube, a Knock Block and internal Control Freak cable routing. With 60 mm of travel and Boost 148 standard, the bike is ideally equipped for challenging trails. The maximum rider weight is 136 kg, whilst the bike itself weighs just 10 kg.

The braking system consists of Shimano Deore XT M8100 hydraulic disc brakes at both the front and rear. The disc brakes have a 6-hole mount and are fitted with 160 mm and 180 mm discs respectively. This ensures reliable and powerful braking performance in all conditions.

The drivetrain of the Supercaliber 9.8 XT Gen 1 is based on the Shimano XT M8100 12-speed gear system, which enables precise and fast gear changes. The fork is a FOX Performance 32 Step-Cast with Float EVOL air spring and GRIP damping, which features a remote lockout and offers 100 mm of travel.

The e*thirteen TRS Race Carbon crankset, featuring an aluminium chainring (34 teeth) and a chainline of 52 mm, together with the Shimano XT M8100 cassette with a range of 10–51 teeth, ensures efficient power transfer. The handlebars are an integrated unit made from Bontrager RSL OCLV carbon, with a width of 750 mm and a stem length of 80 mm.

ESI Chunky grips and an integrated headset with Knock Block provide additional comfort. The wheels are Bontrager Kovee Pro 30 Carbon Tubeless Ready, renowned for their lightness and durability. The Bontrager Verse Elite saddle, with austenitic rails and a width of 145 mm, and the Bontrager Pro seatpost made from OCLV carbon round off the high-quality spec.

The bike’s geometry offers a balanced combination of stability and agility: a reach of 46 mm, a stack of 59 mm, a seat tube length of 47 mm, a top tube of 62 mm, a head tube angle of 69 degrees, a seat tube angle of 71 degrees, a head tube length of 9 mm, a chainstay length of 43 mm, a standover height of 79 mm and a wheelbase of 114 mm all contribute to a dynamic ride.

In summary, the Trek Supercaliber 9.8 XT Gen 1 is a first-class mountain bike that impresses with its high-quality components and well-thought-out geometry. It offers everything ambitious riders need for challenging trails.