Trek Supercaliber

NBD: Trek Supercaliber Generation 2

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Details of the next generation Trek Supercaliber. Unsurprisingly for a World Cup XC bike, everything about this bike designed to be fast. “Not just a light bike, a fast bike.”

Trek Supercaliber

Trek press launch details:

Trek Supercaliber Generation 2

Highlights

Increased travel 60mm→80mm rear
100mm→110mm front

Two levels of carbon frame: SLR and SL

Improved IsoStrut suspension

Updated geometry

New SL and SLR frames

SLR

World Cup Lightweight

About 200-250 grams lighter than SL

No internal guide tubes:

  • Saves weight
  • Mostly wireless spec.
  • Lightweight foam tubes included

Models: Supercaliber 9.8, 9.9 SLR

  • Carbon 1-piece bar/stem
  • Carbon wheels

SL

Weight comparable to Gen 1 of Supercaliber

Same rear triangle as SLR

Includes internal guide tubes for easier cable routing

Models: Supercaliber 9.6, 9.7 SL

  • Alloy cockpit
  • Alloy wheels

Engineering Notes:

There are no differences in frame shapes between SLR and SL. Carbon laminate and cable routing features are the difference. The difference is in the main frame—we’re sharing swingarms between SLR and SL.

The primary difference in the material is fiber aerial weight (FAW), modulus, and amount of material. The SLR has lower FAW material, more higher modulus material, and overall less material (i.e fewer plies).

An innovation in speed

NEW RockShox Sid Luxe IsoStrut

  • RockShox
  • 40mmstroke
  • 240mmE2E
  • Longer stroke for more rear travel (80mm) Did not sacrifice fitment nor weight

Geometry update

XC courses more technically demanding. Geometry needs to balance descending with pedaling performance

More travel for technical features

Longer reach and slacker headtube for stability descending and at high speed

Floating Brake Mount

Isolates braking forces from flexing rear stays

Improves braking performance

9.9 SLR XX AXS

20.5lb 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 RSL carbon wheels, XTR drivetrain, Fox Factory 34 SC fork, Fox Transfer SL dropper, XTR 2-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

Weights

Supercaliber Gen 2 FAQ

What is different about the frame compared to previous generation of Supercaliber?

The frame is completely new to make it a more capable bike without sacrificing any of the speed. The travel has been increased from 60mm to 80mm rear travel and the front suspension has increased from 100mm to 110mm. The geometry has been updated with a slightly longer reach and slacker headtube angle. There are now two unique Supercaliber frames. There is a lightweight SL frame and a super lightweight SLR Supercaliber frame. The frames look identical, however the SLR frame has a lighter carbon layup and does not have the internal cable routing guides on the mainframe. There is also a new RockShox SIDLuxe IsoStrut on all models.

What is the rear brake mount? What is the max rotor size?

160mm direct post mount. Minimum and maxiumm rear rotor is 160mm.

How much dropper post insertion does the frame have?

SM – 215mm
MD – 225mm
M/L – 250mm
LG – 270mm
XL – 330mm

What is the hub spacing?

The frame uses 148mm hub spacing and has a Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) for SRAM Eagle Transmission compatibility.

Which frame will be available as a frameset?

The lighter weight SLR frame will be offered as a frameset.

What is the maximum fork axle-to-crown and/or travel?

The bike is designed for a 110mm travel fork, but it is compatible with 100 and 120mm forks. This allows the rider to choose the fork and travel that best suits their preference for geometry, weight, and performance. The maximum axle-to-race is 525mm.

Is there any downtube protection?

Yes. There is a clear 3M adhesive film placed on the underside of the downtube to protect the frame and paint from downtube strikes.

Is it compatible with SRAM T-Type transmissions?

Yes. It has a universal derailleur hanger that can be removed and a hangerless T-Type transmission used in its place.

What is the seattube dimension?

31.6mm

What size tire is spec’ed on the bikes?

All models get 29×2.4” tires except for the Supercaliber SLR 9.9 XX SL T-Type which has 29×2.2” tires on it to help save weight and because the new RockShox SID SL fork on that model has a max clearance for 29×2.35” tires.

Is it compatible with other wheel/tire sizes?

No. The bike is designed around fast-rolling 29” wheels on all sizes.

What is the maximum tire size?

Frame: 2.40″ Fork: See manufacturer

Are these bikes tubeless compatible? What additional parts are required?

Yes. All models are tubeless out of the box. They include TLR strips, valves and sealant.

Can tubeless inserts be used with Supercaliber?

Yes, tire inserts can be installed if desired.

What type of bottom bracket does it use?

Like the previous generation, it uses a press-fit 92 bottom bracket.

Is it compatible with cranks with 30mm spindles?

Yes, but you’ll need to supply your own a 30mm bottom bracket and compatible crank.

What is the maximum chainring size? Minimum chainring size?

55mm chainline only. Min chainring is 30T, max chainring is 38T

Is the new frame compatible with the previous FOX IsoStrut?

No, the frame is only compatible with the new RockShox SIDLuxe IsoStrut due to several dimensional changes (eye-to-eye, stroke, diameter).

What is the recommended sag for the new RockShox IsoStrut?

New Supercaliber was designed around 25% IsoStrut sag for a balanced level of rider efficiency and suspension response. Riders can also adjust setup pressure throughout the 15-35% sag range, as marked on the new RockShox IsoStrut, to fine tune their setup based on preference and riding conditions. Higher pressure/less sag = higher ride height and firmer and a more efficient pedaling bike, while lower pressure/more sag provides lower ride height and softer and more compliance through rough terrain.

Is there any special suspension setup knowledge needed for the RockShox IsoStrut?

There are sag gradients marked on the strut to help you easily setup and tune your preferred sag. Also, the IsoStrut rebound has numeric labeling: 10 is slow rebound and 1 is fast rebound. Ya know, just like the podium you’re racing for. #1 is fastest and higher numbers are slower. (Hope that helps you remember.)

Are there IsoStrut air volume spacers?

Yes. However, installing the RockShox air volume spacers is different than FOX. A walk-thru is available on Trek U.

Can all sizes fit 2 water bottles?

Yes, all sizes can fit 2 water bottles – 1 on the seattube and 1 on the downtube.

Are there any unique tools required for this frame?

There is a unique bushing tool needed for service. See the Supercaliber service manual for details.

What is the warranty?

Standard Trek warranty. Lifetime for the main frame of original owner.

trekbikes.com

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Orange Switch 6er. Stif Squatcher. Schwalbe Magic Mary Purple Addix front. Maxxis DHR II 3C MaxxTerra rear. Coil fan. Ebikes are not evil. I have been a writer for nigh on 20 years, a photographer for 25 years and a mountain biker for 30 years. I have written countless magazine and website features and route guides for the UK mountain bike press, most notably for the esteemed and highly regarded Singletrackworld. Although I am a Lancastrian, I freely admit that West Yorkshire is my favourite place to ride. Rarely a week goes by without me riding and exploring the South Pennines.

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