Trek X-Caliber 8 (2018)

Well laid-out hardtail offers great bang for the buck

Pros

- RockShox fork usually spec'ed on higher-end models
- always reliable XT
- excellent rider positioning

Cons

- heavy tires

Review

Compared to buying a road bike on a budget, there’s one extra consideration when purchasing a mountain bike at the lower end of the price scale: can it take the punishment that an MTB is supposed to take? A budget road bike may be a bit heavier than an expensive one, or may have some inferior components, but it will still be capable of performing. An MTB, however, has to be able to absorb the bumps, handle the ruts and soak up the landings in order to live up to its name. Trek’s X-Caliber 8 manages to straddle the middle ground between competitive pricing and excellent off-road performance, without compromising too much in the way of componentry.




The frame – the backbone of any mountain bike – is a no-nonsense Alpha Gold Aluminum build, featuring ample tire clearance, internal derailleur and dropper post routing, and both fender and pannier rack mounts. The clean full-length sealed cable housing is a nice touch, and is reflective of a bike in a much higher price range than this one. Not as attractive, but just as functional, are the large welds at each junction within the frame itself; this is not a bike that’s going to fall apart beneath you.

Wheelsets are always the most effective upgrade on a mountain bike, but in this case it may be worth sticking with the originals for a while. Coming standard in 27.5-inch for frame sizes X-Small and Small and 29-inch for the rest of the range, the tubeless-ready Bontrager Duster Elite wheels clad in chunky 2.2-inch Bontrager XR2 tires are robust enough for any terrain, and lighter and more nimble than might be expected. Substantial weight can be shaved off the wheelset by swapping the XR2s for a more lightweight tire, or by converting the wheels to tubeless. A tubeless setup allows for lower tire pressures without the risk of puncturing, therefore providing a smoother ride quality and greater traction on the trail, as well as lower weight and reduced rolling resistance. In order to ditch the tubes, you’ll need to buy the appropriate rim strips, tubeless-ready tires and sealant, but it’s the single biggest upgrade you can make on the bike (after decent pedals) and it’s not a huge expense either.

Out in front, the RockShox 30 Silver suspension fork ensures smaller rocks and ripples in the ground go past unnoticed, and the bigger hits are absorbed nicely too. Along with a crown-mounted lockout for faster flat-road riding and a coil spring preload, the fork offers rebound control – something that is missing from most bikes in this price range – to ensure it doesn’t snap back after being compressed by a rock, log or drop-off.

The smooth, efficient Shimano 10-speed Deore XT shifters are the gold standard in mountain biking, and they’re coupled with a Race Face 36/22-tooth crankset. Combined with the 11/36-tooth rear cassette, the rider can crawl up even the steepest of climbs without too much stress. On the flipside, the 36-tooth big chaninring is well suited to fast off-road use, though it may prove under-geared for those looking to put on thinner tires for commuting.

Shimano also provide the brakes in the form of their M315 hydraulic discs – ample stopping power for any rider, however close to the limit they’re pushing.

The geometry of this bike is what makes it feel more expensive than it really is. The combination of a spacious top tube and a short stem means the rider’s weight sits evenly between the wheels, making for balanced handling. Factor in the relatively short rear end and you've got a comfortable riding position with easy manoeuvrability when the terrain requires. Meanwhile the 720mm-wide, well-swept Bontrager handlebar offers plenty of leverage for confident control of the bike.

Apart from swapping pedals and converting the wheels to tubeless, as we already mentioned, there are only two other modifications to consider (and neither of them cost a cent). Firstly, in both bikes we tested the brake hoses were a little long and therefore looked messy. A good bike mechanic will make sure these are trimmed down to a proper length, but it’s always a good idea to ask them beforehand so you don’t need to go back for an unnecessary visit. Secondly, the bike's short head tube and a large stack of headset spacers allow for plenty of handlebar height adjustment options, so don’t be afraid to ask for the stem to be lowered, assuming you’re comfortable riding that way. It will make climbing, descending and overall handling much more precise and direct.

Is this the best hardtail MTB on the market? Nope, not even close. But it’s still a very good bike at an exceptional price. Go ride one and see for yourself.

- Review and photos by Marcus Speed.