Trek E-Caliber: Electric Meets Cross-Country MTB
Can cross-country riding and full MTB performance coexist? With Trek, the answer is a resounding yes. The all-new Trek E-Caliber brings electric assistance into the XC world, following in the footsteps of the highly acclaimed and somewhat controversial Supercaliber. This latest model combines lightweight agility with innovative e-MTB technology, proving that speed, efficiency, and trail performance can coexist seamlessly.
In a Nutshell: Trek E-Caliber (2021)
- Suspension: 120 mm travel at the front, and 60 mm at the rear thanks to Trek’s innovative Iso-Strut shock absorber, providing efficient pedaling while maintaining rear compliance.
- Motor Unit: Equipped with a Fazua motor, delivering up to 55 Nm of torque and a range of up to 70 km, perfect for long rides or steep climbs.
- Customizable Motor: The entire e-drive can be modified, letting riders save up to 2.8 kg if desired.
- Weight: Starting at just 15.8 kg, making it one of the lightest e-MTBs in its category.
- Pricing: Ranging from €6,799 to €12,999, depending on configuration and components.
Last year, Trek made headlines with the Supercaliber XC bike, which featured a shock absorber ingeniously integrated into the top tube in collaboration with Fox. Now, Trek is electrifying this technical marvel, combining American innovation with German engineering in the Fazua motor to create a truly cutting-edge e-MTB. The E-Caliber maintains the cross-country agility that riders love, while adding the extra push and endurance that an electric assist provides.
Delicacy and Innovation: The IsoStrut Shock Fully Integrated
One of the standout features of the new Trek E-Caliber is its IsoStrut shock absorber, elegantly and fully integrated into the top tube. This design not only preserves the bike’s clean lines but also optimizes rear suspension efficiency, allowing the bike to maintain exceptional pedaling performance while still absorbing bumps and rough terrain.
At the heart of the E-Caliber is the Fazua Evation motor, a lightweight, unobtrusive system designed to provide a gentle, natural boost rather than the aggressive push typical of Bosch or Shimano motors. Key specs of this Munich-engineered unit highlight its subtlety and efficiency: 55 Nm of torque, 250 Wh battery capacity, and just 2.8 kg of total system weight.
The Fazua system’s real advantage lies in its modularity: both the battery and motor can be completely removed, instantly transforming the E-Caliber into a lightweight, motorless XC bike. This makes it incredibly versatile, allowing riders to enjoy both assisted and traditional cross-country riding without compromise.
The E-Caliber also comes with several significant geometry and suspension updates compared to its predecessor:
- Front travel increased from 100 mm to 120 mm, providing more capability on technical terrain.
- Rear travel remains at 60 mm, maintaining the bike’s efficiency for climbing and pedaling.
- The steering angle is slightly slackened to 67.5°, improving stability at speed.
- Reach has been extended by 15 mm across all frame sizes, offering a more comfortable and balanced cockpit for aggressive riding.
Thanks to these updates, the E-Caliber an unusual E-MTB with cross-country roots becomes even more trail-friendly, handling technical descents and rough terrain with confidence while retaining the agility and maneuverability that XC riders love.
The E-MTB Goes Cross-Country
The Trek E-Caliber is available in five distinct models, starting at €6,499, with four color options to suit a variety of tastes. Each model is carefully designed to balance lightweight XC performance with e-MTB capability, making it a versatile choice for both competitive riders and trail enthusiasts.
The entry-level model comes equipped with reliable, high-performance components at Shimano XT level, providing excellent functionality and durability for riders who want solid performance without breaking the bank. At the other end of the spectrum, the top-of-the-line 9.9 XX1 AXS model impresses with premium high-end parts, including a wireless drivetrain, and manages to weigh in at just 15.8 kg remarkably light for an electric MTB.
The E-Caliber also features an integrated mini computer, giving riders easy access to battery status and riding modes. With the press of a single button, you can switch between “Breeze”, “River”, and “Rocket” modes, allowing for intuitive control of the motor’s assistance level depending on terrain and riding conditions. This combination of lightweight components, high-end technology, and versatile motor control makes the E-Caliber a truly capable e-MTB for cross-country adventures, without compromising the agility and responsiveness XC riders expect.
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