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In this article, I’ll help you navigate the Trek X-Caliber and Procaliber hardtail mountain bike families by comparing the X-Caliber 8 and 9 and Procaliber 9.5, 9.6, and 9.7.
You’ll learn about the differences between each model, who they are best suited for, and more.
Plus, I’ll tell you which model gives you the best value for your money to help make your decision easier.
In short:
The main difference between X-Caliber and Procaliber mountain bikes is that X-Calibers have a lower-end aluminum frame and more high-end components. Procalibers have higher-end carbon frames and an IsoSpeed decoupler for a more comfortable ride and lower end-components.
Trek X-Caliber 8 and 9 vs. Procaliber 9.5, 9.6, and 9.7
The following table summarizes the main differences between all X- and Pro-calibers.
| X-Caliber 8 | X-Caliber 9 | Procaliber 9.5 | Procaliber 9.6 | Procaliber 9.7 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,599.99 | $1,929.99 | $2,449.99 | $3,099.99 | $4,449.99 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum | Carbon | Carbon | Carbon |
| Available sizes | XS-XXL | S-XXL | S-XL | S-XXL | S-XL |
| Suspension fork | RockShox Judy SL (air spring) 100mm travel | RockShox Recon Gold RL (DebonAir spring) 100mm travel | RockShox Judy SL (Solo Air spring) 100mm travel | RockShox Recon Gold RL (DebonAir spring) 100mm travel | RockShox Reba RL (Solo Air spring) 100mm travel |
| Wheels | Bontrager Kovee, tubeless-ready | Bontrager Kovee, tubeless-ready | Bontrager Kovee, tubeless-ready | Bontrager Kovee Comp 23, tubeless-ready | Bontrager Kovee Elite 23 carbon, tubeless-ready |
| Wheel size | XS, S: 27.5″ M-XXL: 29″ | S: 27.5″ M-XXL: 29″ | 29″ | 29″ | 29″ |
| Tires | Maxxis Ardent Race (2.35″), tubeless-ready | Maxxis Ardent Race (2.35″), tubeless-ready | Bontrager XR2 Team Issue (2.20″), tubeless-ready | Bontrager XR2 Team Issue (2.20″), tubeless-ready | Bontrager XR2 Team Issue (2.20″), tubeless-ready |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Deore/XT 1×12spd | Shimano XT/SLX M8100 1×12spd | Shimano Deore M6100 1×12spd | Shimano XT M8100 1×12spd | SRAM GX Eagle 1×12spd |
| Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, lock-on | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, lock-on | Bontrager XR Trail Comp, lock-on | Bontrager XR Trail Elite, lock-on | ESI Chunky, slip-on |
| Brakes | Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc | Shimano MT4100 hydraulic disc | Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc | Shimano MT4100/MT410 hydraulic disc | Shimano MT501/MT500 hydraulic disc |
| Weight | 13.05 kg 28.78 lbs | 12.75 kg 28.11 lbs | 11.88 kg 26.21 lbs | 11.43 kg 25.21 lbs | 10.44 kg 23.02 lbs |
| Buy | Buy X-Caliber 8 | Buy X-Caliber 9 | Buy Procaliber 9.5 | Buy Procaliber 9.6 | Buy Procaliber 9.7 |
Specifications source: trekbikes.com, updated 26/04/2023
X-Caliber Pros & Cons Summary
I summarized the pros & cons of the X-Caliber series below.
X-Caliber Pros
- Relaxed geometry
- Modern 1X drivetrain
- Tapered head tube
- Availability in multiple sizes and colors
- Compatible with racks, kickstands, etc.
- Partially internal cable routing
- Lifetime warranty
X-Caliber Cons
- Relatively heavy
- No full-suspension
- Only aluminum frame
Procaliber Pros & Cons Summary
I summarized the pros & cons of the Procaliber series below.
X-Caliber Pros
- Racing geometry
- IsoSpeed Decoupler
- Knock Block to prevent your handlebars from spinning in a crash
- Modern 1X drivetrain
- Tapered head tube
- Availability in multiple sizes and colors
- Partially internal cable routing
- Lifetime warranty
X-Caliber Cons
- No full-suspension
- No dropper post
- Pricey
X-Caliber and Procaliber Main Features
Let me now explain the most important features of the Trek X-Caliber bikes.
Frame and Geometry
All X-Caliber bikes have the same aluminum hardtail trail frame, available in many sizes and a few colors that vary between models. Procalibers have an OCLV carbon frame with an IsoSpeed decoupler (more about it later). They are also available in multiple colors and sizes.
Unlike Trek Marlin bikes, all sizes have the same shape and no curved top tube.
X-Calibers and Procalibers have almost the same geometry. It’s relatively average compared to other HT XC mountain bikes. Procalibers are slightly more aggressive. They have a slacker headtube angle, giving you more confidence when descending. Both will allow you to climb effectively.
So, the main difference between these two families is the frame material. Naturally, carbon frames are more expensive.
Suspension
All X-Caliber and Procaliber mountain bikes have suspension travel of 100mm, suitable for cross-country. It can be limiting for riding demanding terrain or technical trails. For these terrains, consider Trek Roscoe instead.
Remember that the small sizes (XS) have a shorter travel (80mm) due to the small frame size.
The forks differ across all models, ranging from RockShox Judy SL (air spring) to RockShox Reba RL (Solo Air spring). These are not the best suspension forks on the market, but they are sufficient for these bikes’ intended use and price range.
Another difference between X-Calibers and Procalibers is the IsoSpeed decoupler found on Procalibers. You may know it from Trek road bikes. It absorbs small bumps and vibrations, making your ride more comfortable. It also reduces the strain on your lower back.
I have a friend who has experience with it. He told me it’s a nice to have feature. However, it adds some weight and complexity to the bike.
Wheels and Tires
The wheel size is 29 inches on all Procaliber bikes. The smaller sizes of X-Calibers come with 27.5″ wheels, which accelerate faster and are more agile, but offer less stability and speed than the 29-inch wheels.
The individual models also differ in the rims. The Procaliber 9.7 has carbon wheels (Bontrager Koove Elite 23). Other bikes come with aluminum rims only. However, it’s worth noting they are all tubeless-ready.
The X-Calibers come with wider tires (2.35″ vs. 2.20″). The higher-end Procalibers are equipped with better tires.
Groupset
The X-Calibers and Procalibers differ mainly in their groupsets, which is often crucial for many buyers. The good news is that they come with 1×12-speed drivetrains.
1X drivetrains are popular because they are simple to maintain and shift, and they are lighter compared to 2X or 3X groupsets found on some Trek Marlins.
However, the downside of 1X drivetrains is that they have a smaller gear range, which may make it challenging to find the right gear for your desired cadence.
Today, Shimano and SRAM groupsets have similar shifting speed and precision. Therefore, you pay more for lower weight and slightly better performance.
Brakes
The feature worth paying for more are the brakes. While all these bikes use hydraulic disc brakes, some use 2-piston, and some 4-piston ones.
The 4-piston ones provide the better stopping power and are suitable for heavier riders or those who push their bikes to their limits.
The X-Caliber 8 and Procaliber 9.5 use 2-piston Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes, while the other bikes use 4-piston brakes.
Extras
X-Caliber and Procaliber bikes have partially internally routed cables to improve their appearance. They have internal cable guides to prevent rattling inside the frame.
X-Caliber 9 comes with a dropper post. The other bikes don’t. However, they are compatible with it, so you can upgrade it later.
Procalibers also have a Knock Block feature that prevents handlebars from spinning in a crash, preventing potential damage to the suspension, frame, etc.
All frames also have a double-sided chainstay guard. Procalibers also have a downtube guard for protection on rough terrain.
X-Caliber frames have mounts for kickstands and racks, making it easy to install these accessories. Procalibers don’t have them.
Lastly, all bikes except the Procaliber 9.7 come with lock-on grips that are easier to install and replace than slip-on grips.
Trek X-Caliber FAQ
My Verdict
Which mountain bike is better for you, the X-Caliber or the Procaliber, and which bike within each family offers the best value for the price?
In my opinion, the X-Caliber line is a good choice for those who want a hardtail MTB that is reasonably lightweight and fits a tighter budget.
The X-Caliber 9 appears to be a better value option due to its 4-piston hydraulic brakes, improved groupset, fork, dropper post, lower weight, and only being $330 more expensive.
On the other hand, Trek Procalibers are more appropriate for experienced mountain bikers who want a quality carbon frame.
The Procaliber 9.6 provides the best value, in my opinion, as it is less expensive than the Procaliber 9.7 but still offers a high-quality Shimano groupset and 4-piston disc brakes. Furthermore, you can always upgrade its components later.
