The Supercaliber from Trek is a radical new short-travel cross country bike that revolutionises the way you race. It’s faster in both sprints and climbs than its predecessors, and you have more control than a hardtail. If you’re wondering how this is possible, well it’s all down to the IsoStrut, a structural, frame-integrated shock created in partnership with FOX suspension engineers. More on this later.
The Trek Supercaliber redefines what it means to reach the Gold Standard as it scorches the competition on the world stage. From Olympic Champion, Jolanda Neff and World Champion Evie Richards to Activ’s very own racing superstar Kish Bakrania, this bike eclipses the top-tier standard of engineering to create the very best of hardtail efficiency and full suspension control in one rapid ride. You don’t have to choose between them anymore!
This bike is for the rider who doesn’t need long travel, but will do steady miles cross country that requires full suspension. You don’t need to be a professional racer to appreciate this bike to the fullest; the range’s entry option is the 9.5 if you’ve just made the decision to start racing seriously. For a step up choose the 9.7 model, its got carbon wheels making the bike even lighter, even faster. Coming in at the elite level is the top dog model that makes you say ‘Hot Diggity’, the 9.9 boasts carbon everything, frame, wheels, bars, seatpost and crank and this one has electric gears for ultimate speed and ultimate control.
Now for the technical talk
The frame, much like the wheels, bars, and seat post, is OCLV Mountain Carbon, which we love because it makes the bike as light as they can be, and it boasts a Straight Shot down tube for extra stiffness. It also has Knock Block to prevent damage from spinning handlebars and fork crowns, and Control Freak Cable Routing to protect your cables and prevent them from snagging on trail debris. The groupset is SRAM GX Eagle, which works beautifully with the rest of the bike, even during the gnarliest climbs.
The IsoStrut is a frame-integrated shock that provides 60 mm of damped, tuneable rear travel for XC racers. Trek designed the IsoStrut within the structure of the bike to eliminate extra hardware normally associated with full suss bikes, and the extra weight that comes with carrying an independent shock and linkage system. It’s encased in a structural stanchion that prevents twisting, flex, deflection and shock damage. This makes the bike practical and safe while also changing the game on technical advances in XC racing. And let’s be honest, we love the sleek minimalist aesthetic.
Pictured: Trek Supercaliber 9.7 From £4,600.00
Kish’s Hot Take
What’s great about this bike is that it’s so lightweight, but so sturdy. You have the security and control on XC terrain without losing the speed it takes to win the race. This is a capable bike that exceeds expectations. I really like the 100mm fork because it creates an even smoother ride, and the 60mm rear travel feels like so much more.
The upgrades I’ve made to my own supercaliber start with the Rotor oval chainring which smooths the dead spots and creates a better power transfer which is faster and more efficient. I’ve got Schwalbe Racing Ralph and Racing Ray tyres I chose for elite racing. Lastly, I have a OneUp dropper post because it’s better for descents.
Pictured: Trek Supercaliber 9.8 From £5,600.00
If you’re a gnarly speedster (who isn’t?) who wants the crème de la crème in cross country racing (who doesn’t?) then the Trek Supercalber is the one for you. Its a bike that’s won the biggest events all around the world and it’s the personal favourite of our team.
To learn more about the Supercaliber, book a test ride, and come and speak to our friendly, expert team at either of our showrooms, in Ashford and in Folkestone. Remember that when you buy a new bike from Activ you’ll benefit from a FREE bike fit, FREE delivery if needed and can spread the cost of your new bike with 0% finance available.
