Trek has just launched their updated 2020 X-Caliber line, with new bikes retaining the same low price and cross-country credentials. The two of the three bike range gets a 12 speed drivetrain with the most expensive only priced at just over a grand. 

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Our 2017 Trek X-Caliber review was one of our most-read reviews of the year, proving to us that this must be a pretty popular bike. The 2019 model got a makeover and as such things are massively different this year in terms of the geometry and travel, it's still a 100mm hardtail with entry level XC racing at the forefront of its capabilities. There are some key spec and component changes this yeat that we reckon might please a lot of prospective owners. 

The top of the range bike in 2020  is the X-Caliber 9, it gets a mixture of 1x 12 speed Shimano XT and SLX, Shimano MT401 hydraulic two piston brakes, a Boost RockShox Judy Silver fork, Boost  141mm QR rear end and a mostly Bontrager finishing kit all for £1,100 at full retail. 

Trek 2020 X-Caliber 9

The middle of the range bike, the X-Caliber 8 is equipped with SRAM SX Eagle 12 speed, Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes and RockShox 30 Silver fork. This one comes in at £850 with the same Bontrager finishing kit. 

Trek 2020 X-Caliber 8

The bottom of the range bike (X-Caliber 7) costs £750 and is the only bike to rock a 2x 9 drivetrain, this one's a Alcera/Alivio mix. It gets the same fork as the X-Caliber 8, the same brakes and all those Bontrager cockpit components too. 

Trek 2020 X-Caliber 7

All bikes get the same geometry as the 2019 bikes, give or take a few millimetres here and there. The geometry is relatively steep and conservative, think XC race or long distance gravel grinder, (the bike gets rack mounts a the rear) see below for the geometry chart.

Interestingly, aside from the internal cable routing, the bike also gets routing for an internally routed dropper post too. Most bikes use a 29er wheel size aside from the XS and S which get 27.5" wheels. 

The X-Calibre looks like a great way to access a fast bike for XC racing at a budget price, we look forward to getting one in for test soon.

• For more info head to - www.trekbikes.com

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