Trek Supercaliber Generation 2: What can the next generation of the Supercaliber do?

Four years ago the first generation of the Supercalibre on the market. Now Trek is launching the next generation of the bike: Supercaliber Generation 2. According to the American bike manufacturer, the improved version also incorporates the knowledge gained from the Supercaliber Generation 1.

Highlights of the Supercaliber Gen2

What has changed and what highlights does the next generation of the Supercaliber offer? Firstly, the suspension travel has been increased from 60mm to 80mm at the rear and from 100mm to 110mm at the front. The carbon frame is now available in two versions: SLR and SL. The tried and tested IsoStrut suspension has been improved and the geometry has also been revised. Let's take a closer look at the bike.

Revised geometry and frame variants

The geometry of the Supercaliber Generation 2 has undergone some changes. The reach is slightly longer at 465mm instead of 455mm. The head angle, on the other hand, has been flattened slightly and is now 67.5 degrees instead of 69 degrees - more stability on high-speed descents. In terms of frame shapes, there are SLR and SL variants, with the only difference being the carbon fibre layering and the cable routing elements.

Variant SLR vs. SL

The two frame variants differ mainly in terms of their weight - the fibre-to-air weight ratio (FAW). The SLR uses material with a lower FAW and is therefore around 200 grams lighter than the SL. The weight of the SL is comparable to the first generation of the Supercaliber and also has internal guide tubes for easier cable routing.

The SLR, on the other hand, has no guide tubes - which also saves weight - and is mainly fitted wirelessly. This variant is used in the Supercaliber 9.8, 9.9 SLR models and comes with carbon wheels and a 1-piece carbon handlebar/stem. The Supercaliber 9.6, 9.7 SL models rely entirely on an aluminium cockpit and wheels.

Improved IsoStrut suspension

With the new version of the Rockshox suspension fork Sid Lux IsosSrut the rear suspension travel is longer at 80 mm. With a higher leverage ratio, an attempt was made to improve the XC performance compared to its predecessor. Another advantage of the IsoStrut is the easy maintenance of the suspension. There is no locking mechanism and access is via 4 M5 bolts.

Further highlights of the Supercaliber Generation 2

Trek has given the new Supercaliber a floating brake mount for the brakes - this is intended to isolate the braking forces from the flexible rear stays. The frame offers space for the 2 water bottles - one bottle on the seat tube and one on the down tube.

FAQ: 5 facts about the Supercalibre Generation 2

1. is there protection for the down tube?

Yes, there is a transparent 3M adhesive film on the underside of the down tube that protects the frame and paintwork from impacts on the down tube.

2. can tubeless tyres be used with the Supercaliber?

Yes, tubeless tyres can be fitted as required.

3. which SAG is specified for the new RockShox IsoStrut?

The Supercaliber Generation 2 was developed for an IsoStrut SAG of 25% to provide a balance between rider efficiency and suspension response. You can adjust the pressure in the range of 15-35% SAG, as marked on the new RockShox IsoStrut, to fine tune the setting according to your preferences and riding conditions. Higher pressure/lower compression = higher ride height, firmer pedalling and more efficient riding. Lower compression/more deflection leads to lower ride height, smoother handling and better damping on rough terrain.

4. do I need special knowledge to adjust the suspension for the Rockshox IsoStrut?

There are deflection gradients on the shock that help you to easily set and tune your desired deflection depth.

5. what is the maximum chainring size? Minimum chainring size?

The chainline is only 55 mm. Minimum chainring: 30T, maximum chainring: 38T

All variants of the Supercaliber Generation 2 at a glance

Supercaliber Generation 2 SLR 9.9 XX AXS

(the lightest possible structure)

Wheels: Kovee RSL carbon wheels
Gear system: XX SL AXS gear system
Fork: SID SL Ultimate fork
Seatpost: Fox Transfer SL
Brakes: Level Ultimate 4-piston brakes
Price: 11499 Euro

Supercaliber Generation 2 SLR 9.9 XTR

Wheels: Kovee RSL carbon wheels
Fork: ox Factory 34 SC fork
Drivetrain: XTR
Seatpost: Fox Transfer SL
Brakes: XTR 2-piston brakes
Handlebar/ stem: RSL
Price: 10999 Euro

Supercaliber Generation 2 SLR 9.9 X0 AXS

Wheels: Kovee Pro carbon wheels
Gears: XO AXS drivetrain
Fork: SID Ultimate fork,
Seatpost: Reverb AXS
Brakes: Level Silver 4-piston brakes
Handlebar/ stem: RSL
Price: 8999 Euro

Supercaliber Generation 2 9.8 SLR GX AXS

Wheels: Kovee Elite 30 carbon wheels
Gears: GX AXS drivetrain
Fork: SID 110mm fork
Seatpost: Line seatpost
Brakes: Level Bronze 4-piston brakes
Handlebar/ stem: RSL
Price: 6999 Euro

Supercaliber Generation 2 9.8 SLR XT

Wheels: Kovee Elite 30 carbon wheels
Drivetrain: XT
Gears: GX AXS drivetrain
Fork: Fox Performance 34SC 110mm fork
Seatpost: Line seatpost
Brakes: XT 2-piston brakes
Handlebar/ stem: RSL
Price: 6499 Euro

Supercaliber Generation 2 9.7 SL

Wheels: Kovee Comp 25 wheels
Gears: GX AXS drivetrain
Fork: Reba RL 110mm fork
Seatpost: Line seatpost
Brakes: SRAM Level Bronze 2-piston brakes
Price: 5499 Euro

Supercaliber Generation 2 9.6 SL

Drivetrain: SLX/Deore drivetrain
Fork: Recon Gold RL 110mm fork
Seatpost: JD seatpost
Brakes: Shimano MT500 2-piston brakes
Price: 3999 Euro