2020 Calibre Bossnut First Ride Impressions – Super affordable fun!

First ride impressions of the 2020 Calibre Bossnut, a bike that proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to have fun on 2 wheels.

I have to admit to being a Calibre Bossnut virgin. Although, I have ridden and reviewed the Calibre Sentry this was my first time riding its little brother.

Now you could all save yourselves a few minutes here as I’m going to basically go on about how good this bike is. The geometry is sorted. It’s balanced, confidence-inspiring and fun. Now go and buy one! But if you want more I have more.

Before even riding the 2020 Calibre Bossnut I was impressed. Just look at that metallic paint, the smooth welds and overall attention to detail. Does this bike really only cost £1100?

Speaking with Mike Sanderson, the designer of all those Calibre Bikes getting rave reviews, had me more excited. The level of detail Mike goes into when designing and speccing these bikes is impressive. To work with Rockshox on specific shock tunes, to ask WTB for an OEM High Grip tyre they don’t even make (and get it), and to even listen to rider input about the grips and change them! That’s the level of commitment that I like to see. I was stoked and couldn’t wait to ride.

I’ve seen plenty of Bossnut riders playing in the woods, riding at bike parks and trail centers, so for my first impressions, I rode where the Bossnuts ride.

• Read our Calibre Bossnut first look here.

2020 Calibre Bossnut First Ride Impressions

You know you’re on a good bike when during a photoshoot the rider is the one saying “I’ll do it one more time” “Let me hit that again” “Oh, sorry I thought you said ‘go’ not ‘no’.” While the photographer becomes increasingly tired of your enthusiasm.

The Bossnut is a riot and I totally understand why these bikes are so popular with new riders and seasoned riders alike. Mike has designed a balanced bike that encourages you to push more, jump a little higher, and if you get it wrong the Bossnut won’t spit you off or scare you. It just holds it’s line, and tells you to go and do it again, and again, and again.

Seeing how much fun I was having on the Bossnut, our photographer for the day had a spin on it too. “Does this cost £1100?” “Yes!” “Could have bought 2 for the price of mine, but there’s no way my bike is twice as good!”. I have a feeling the new Bossnut may have found it’s first customer that day.

As well as jumping, skidding, riding berms and trying to wheelie, we climbed, sprinted and generally did everything you’re supposed to do on a mountain bike. The Bossnut does it all, and it’s fun, really fun.

The specification is spot on for riding in the woods, and playing at the bike park. SRAM Level T brakes are surprisingly good, the 1 x 12 Eagle drivetrain has plenty of range for climbing, and the suspension is very good for flowy, fun, jump lines.

I did notice on multiple big hits the forks do feel a little choppy, and out of habit I kept reaching for the dropper post remote, but in all honesty, the smile factor outweighed these minor details.

Over the next few weeks, I intend to ride the Bossnut more, take it on rougher and longer days out to see how it handles a wider variety of riding.

2020 Calibre Bossnut Specifications

• Frame // 6061 Hydroformed alloy frame. 130mm travel. 12 x 142 bolt thru.
• Fork // RockShox Recon Solo Air, custom tune 130mm travel
• Shock // RockShox Monarch R, custom tune, 190 x 51
• Hubs // Formula
• Rims // WTB ST i29 TCS 2.0
• Tyres // WTB Vigilante High-Grip Comp 27.5 x 2.3 front, WTB Trail Boss Comp 27.5 2.25 rear.
• Chainset // SRAM SX Eagle Powerspline 170mm, 32t
• Rear Mech // SRAM SX Eagle, 12-Speed
• Shifter // SRAM SX Eagle, 12-Speed
• Cassette // SRAM Eagle, 12-Speed, 10-50t
• Brakes // SRAM Level T, 180mm front / 160mm rear rotors
• Stem // Calibre 45mm
• Bar // Calibre Alloy, 780mm, 30mm rise, 31.8
• Grips // Calibre lock-on
• Seatpost // Calibre Alloy 30.9 x 350mm
• Saddle // Calibre Trail
• Size Tested // Large
• Sizes Available // Small, Medium, Large & XL
• Claimed Weight // 15.2 kg (5.66lb)
• RRP // £1100

Review Info