Trek have launched a completely redesigned version of their XC weapon, the Supercaliber. First introduced in 2019, Trek have used the lessons learned from four years in the market to amplify the Supercaliber’s speed and capability by reducing weight, increasing suspension travel and revising the geometry. Here’s what’s new in a nutshell:
Suspension travel increases:
- Rear up from 60mm to 80mm
- Front goes from 100mm to 110mm
Two carbon layup options:
- SLR – 200-250g lighter than current frame
- SL – approximately the same weight as current frame
Updated geometry:
- Longer reach (up to 465mm from 455mm on a Large frame)
- Slacker Head Tube Angle (down to 67.5 from 69 degrees on a Large frame)
Check out the full press release from Trek here:
Trek’s new Supercaliber proves fortune favours the fast
Trek sprints into XC Worlds today with an all-new Supercaliber that’s faster than ever before. The new Supercaliber builds on a legacy of gold and rolls forward with more front and rear travel, modern cross-country geometry and two different carbon lay-ups for riders who want the lightest possible race rig.
The second-generation Supercaliber is completely redesigned for more capability without sacrificing speed. On the front end, suspension has been increased to 110 mm, while the updated rear IsoStrut gets a boost up to 80 mm. New geometry throughout the bike keeps riders perched on climbs while adding control for the gnarly terrain peppering modern cross-country courses.
Riders will be pleased to find two different carbon lay-up options, with the Supercaliber SL offering a light ride for all-out hammering and the even lighter Supercaliber SLR that shaves weight way down for World Cup-ready speed. The SLR model reduces weight by omitting guide tubes for internal cable routing and opting for a higher modulus carbon lay-up that matches the stiffness of Supercaliber SL while reducing material.
New Supercaliber sports Trek’s updated IsoStrut with RockShox SIDLuxe. The updated IsoStrut delivers the same hardtail efficiency and real damped suspension as its previous iteration, but set-up is easier than ever with laser-etched sag indicators and a numbered rebound dial.
XC race spectators can watch Trek Factory Racing XC team put new Supercaliber to the ultimate test at World Championships in Les Gets, France over the weekend of 12 August.
| Model | Key Specifications |
| 9.9 SLR XX AXS | 9.3kg lightest build possible. Kovee RSL carbon wheels, XX SL AXS transmission, SID SL Ultimate fork, Fox Transfer SL dropper, Level Ultimate 4-piston brakes |
| 9.9 SLR XTR | Kovee Pro carbon wheels, XO AXS transmission, SID Ultimate fork, Reverb AXS dropper, Level Silver 4-piston brakes, RSL bar/stem |
| 9.9 SLR X0 AXS | Kovee Pro carbon wheels, XO AXS transmission, SID Ultimate fork, Reverb AXS dropper, Level Silver 4-piston brakes, RSL bar/stem |
| 9.8 SLR GX AXS | SLR Frame, Kovee Elite 30 carbon wheels, GX AXS transmission, SID 110mm fork, Line dropper, Level Bronze 4 piston brakes, RSL Bar/Stem |
| 9.8 SLR XT | SLR Frame, Kovee Elite 30 carbon wheels, XT drivetrain, Fox Perf. 34SC 110mm fork, Line dropper, XT 2 piston brakes, RSL Bar/Stem |
| 9.7 SL | SL Frame, Kovee Comp 25 Wheels, GX AXS transmission, Reba RL 110mm fork, Line dropper, SRAM Level Bronze 2 piston brakes |
| 9.6 SL | SL Frame, SLX/Deore drivetrain, Recon Gold RL 110mm fork, JD dropper, Shimano MT500 2 piston brakes |
South African Availability and Pricing
Supercaliber SLR9 XX AXS – R220 000.00 – Project One
Supercaliber SLR9 9.9 X0 AXS – R210 000.00 – Project One
Supercaliber SLR 9.9 XTR – R200 000.00 – Project One
Supercaliber SLR 9.8 GX AXS – R145 000.00 – Arrival Early September
Supercaliber SL 9.7 AXS – R100 000.00 – Arrival Early September 2023
Supercaliber SL 9.6 – R85 000.00 – Arrival Early October 2023
Learn more at trekbikes.com
Donder...... at R 220k I am way out of ever getting a new bike.
Would anyone ever ride that offroad or in the mud as they were originally meant to be ridden.? I think not so much....