I have a Trek X Caliber 7 from 2021. I installed a Rock Shox Yari with 150mm way , a dropper post , Shimano Deore M 5100 group set with 11 gears and Magura MT 7 Pro brakes . Now it beats a roscoe without problems and it was much cheaper .
Its been SAID many times , this is the Previous version Trek Roscoe Frame (or current Roscoe 6) , and the difference being the shorter fork steepening the HT angle. Being that it has the tapered headtube, you could also get a SlackR headset to make the HT slacker so there are OPTIONs for this bike for sure.
Yep! And that’s why I really like my Roscoe 6! Climbs really well and descends better than you think it would! Put a few upgrades on it like a better fork and 108t engagement wheels and now it’s dialled!
I think a lot of people are misinterpreting this bikes purpose. (At least in my opinion) the x caliber is going to the next step up from the Marlin in terms of XC racing and potential. Are you doing more rocky and steep terrain regularly, then get a more aggressive bike. However, if you are just running the standard trails with an occasional rock feature, then an XC bike like this would be fine.
The X-Caliber is indeed a nice bike but for those of us on fixed incomes and renewing our love for mountain biking, it's hard to justify twice the price of a Marlin 6. I just ordered a Marlin 6 and I'll be looking at upgrades over time if I determine that to be the right course of action. Thanks for another great video, Matty!
I agree with you, you can't compare a Rosco with Marlin Gen 2 and XCaliber. It will be fine if you hit the trail occasionally but it's not a trial bike.
@@mateuszchrzastkowski8078 I think you definitely can compare the X-Cal with the last generation of Roscoe as they had exactly the same frame. i.e. if you swap the fork to 120mm and put 27.5 tyres on it then it's effectively the same as the last generation Roscoe. The X-Caliber is a bit heavier than most XC bikes but has a tougher frame. I think that's an OK trade off.
There's a new trail being built at Lair o the Bear, it will be a downhill only bike only trail that's supposed to open by the end of May. You will climb up Bear Creek trail to get to it.
My wife has this bike and it's the perfect bike for flow trails and a casual rider. Also, great for the beginning XC racer/NICA kid, but only if you can get it on sale or something. It's a bit much to not have a rear thru-axle. If you're a light rider, it should be plenty stiff. But if you're over 200lbs, the lack of the thru axle may be an issue. You can upgrade this thing into a trail bike with wide tires or a light weight XC weapon. Only Issue is finding a hub with Boost 141 compatibility. I had to buy a Koozer with end caps to get higher engagement and rebuild the rear wheel.
I kind of liked the different camera POV. Not for every video but occasionally it is interesting. It makes you focus more to look through the bars-that extra focus is needed when finding the right line.
Great video !i have the 2021 model x caliber 7 !i just love this bike did everything on before i got my polygon t7 ,this bike does 15 miles everyday on gravel i just love it ! And the t7 does the heavy mtb stuff on weekends
Nice video I like how you showed how well the X-Caliber climbs. XC bikes are so versatile and capable these days is one of the reasons I am thinking about getting one myself.
Esi grips are 👌🏼👌🏼. The only downside is they’re not very durable. I also like the xcal series. It just sucks that the rear axle is not a boost thru axle.
Ah, the old "waistband camera mount". Way to improvise in a pinch. I can see those grips being comfortable, I have gloves with thick pads on the palm to reduce forearm fatigue, they work so I assume those would be pretty good. I can see you liking a short wheel base XC bike, they're very comfortable to ride as you're more upright and they're super nimble. A little sketchy on the downhills though, so you have to ride it differently than you would your other downhill-centric bikes.
The geometry of the X-Caliber is so short and steep XC that I wouldn't recommend this bike to anyone unless they were XC racing. In addition, the XC tires would not provide enough traction for most trail riders.
Good improvise with mounting the Go Pro to the frame but not the best view since the frame and handle bars were in the way. It’s all good cause you had to do what you had to do. ***Note to self pack a back up chesty mount.. I’m just saying..😂
thanks for all of your reviews, I just picked this bike up. What peddles do you have on this x-caliber in the video or which ones would you recommend? Thanks again!
Im thinking of getting this or a Marlin 8 but can people give me their opinions on what i should get cos i think i might get a second hand 8 calibar for cheaper and get it serviced and done up but most parts will already be original but might need replacing?
Number one question How tall are you? How much do you weigh? Estimate of age ? 64, 280 early 60s So I can compare what you’re saying, and how the bike feels
What do you think is that best combination of nourish bike and road bike, as on riding on everyday paths? I need help, so many options. I want something that’s fairly fast and efficient on the roads if possible, but I’m willing to give up a little there. Not looking to spend a fortune, preferably around 1k, but willing to go a bit higher for a great fit.
My friend put this bike together for his son and before I knew it he was done ruclips.net/user/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L When the son came to put it together he was surprised to see it was already done. All he had to do was take the bike to get air and be on his way. My friend did not have any major problems putting this bike together; small issue was putting one of the brakes on straight; however when the son got home he was able to fix it. The bike rides well gears move correctly; good bike for the price. Wrote review after the son took the bike. Sorry.
This bike seems to be what most of us Marlin riders aspire to, but really on these trails I think I'd probably rather go with at least a Roscoe 7. How was the feel of the fork and the geometry to you?
It actually felt pretty good honestly. I was surprised that it wasn’t super chattery. I love how efficient it is on the climbs. Would be a great daily driver for most people
@@nodbag6301 The head angle is 69.5 degrees, modern XC race bike that are considered "twitchy" are 68-66.5 degrees. The seat angle is 73 degrees, that puts you over the rear wheel on steep climbs. want to wheelie up steep climbs? thats the seat angle for it.
I have a Trek X Caliber 7 from 2021. I installed a Rock Shox Yari with 150mm way , a dropper post , Shimano Deore M 5100 group set with 11 gears and Magura MT 7 Pro brakes . Now it beats a roscoe without problems and it was much cheaper .
Plenty of states in the US where it seems this bike would be a pretty ideal setup for the type of riding people are likely to do.
Its been SAID many times , this is the Previous version Trek Roscoe Frame (or current Roscoe 6) , and the difference being the shorter fork steepening the HT angle. Being that it has the tapered headtube, you could also get a SlackR headset to make the HT slacker so there are OPTIONs for this bike for sure.
Yep! And that’s why I really like my Roscoe 6! Climbs really well and descends better than you think it would! Put a few upgrades on it like a better fork and 108t engagement wheels and now it’s dialled!
@@dirtyforksmtb I can't wait until mine comes in. I've ordered a purple one and it's been in backorder for awhile.
@@zolner_on_youtube that’s awesome !!! Mines purple flip as well. Great bike and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed:)
I think a lot of people are misinterpreting this bikes purpose. (At least in my opinion) the x caliber is going to the next step up from the Marlin in terms of XC racing and potential. Are you doing more rocky and steep terrain regularly, then get a more aggressive bike. However, if you are just running the standard trails with an occasional rock feature, then an XC bike like this would be fine.
The X-Caliber is indeed a nice bike but for those of us on fixed incomes and renewing our love for mountain biking, it's hard to justify twice the price of a Marlin 6. I just ordered a Marlin 6 and I'll be looking at upgrades over time if I determine that to be the right course of action. Thanks for another great video, Matty!
I agree with you, you can't compare a Rosco with Marlin Gen 2 and XCaliber. It will be fine if you hit the trail occasionally but it's not a trial bike.
@@mateuszchrzastkowski8078 I think you definitely can compare the X-Cal with the last generation of Roscoe as they had exactly the same frame. i.e. if you swap the fork to 120mm and put 27.5 tyres on it then it's effectively the same as the last generation Roscoe.
The X-Caliber is a bit heavier than most XC bikes but has a tougher frame. I think that's an OK trade off.
There's a new trail being built at Lair o the Bear, it will be a downhill only bike only trail that's supposed to open by the end of May. You will climb up Bear Creek trail to get to it.
Definitely gotta check that out. I didn’t even know about that
My wife has this bike and it's the perfect bike for flow trails and a casual rider. Also, great for the beginning XC racer/NICA kid, but only if you can get it on sale or something. It's a bit much to not have a rear thru-axle. If you're a light rider, it should be plenty stiff. But if you're over 200lbs, the lack of the thru axle may be an issue. You can upgrade this thing into a trail bike with wide tires or a light weight XC weapon. Only Issue is finding a hub with Boost 141 compatibility. I had to buy a Koozer with end caps to get higher engagement and rebuild the rear wheel.
My son just got the XCal 9 for the same sale price of the xcal 8 at our local trek shop. $1350 out the door!
@@Reeltinyphish
Good deal! Congrats!
I kind of liked the different camera POV. Not for every video but occasionally it is interesting. It makes you focus more to look through the bars-that extra focus is needed when finding the right line.
I’ve been riding X-Caliber 9 for a year now, really enjoying this setup.
I love my Marlin 6 but when I see a X-Caliber 8 on sale for 900GBP, it is hard to admit it is a better bike than Marlin 8 and is worth buying.
Hello, saw your comment. My local shop has a sale just now. The XC8 2023 is up for £695. Bargain? (It's either that or a marlin 6 gen 3 for £750)
Great video !i have the 2021 model x caliber 7 !i just love this bike did everything on before i got my polygon t7 ,this bike does 15 miles everyday on gravel i just love it ! And the t7 does the heavy mtb stuff on weekends
the Indian restaurant above the shop is amazing too
Nice video I like how you showed how well the X-Caliber climbs. XC bikes are so versatile and capable these days is one of the reasons I am thinking about getting one myself.
I was thinking the same too. I wonder how it compares to the Santa Cruz chameleon. I think it is also versatile.
Esi grips are 👌🏼👌🏼. The only downside is they’re not very durable. I also like the xcal series. It just sucks that the rear axle is not a boost thru axle.
I can listen to that hub sound all day long, NICE!!
Can you do a timestamp for when you've heard it well
@@norwit1162 3:42 , I have a really good pair of stereo monitor headphones.
Great video! I love my 2021 X-caliber 8. Great follow up video would be a deep dive on what parts you'd upgrade and in what order!
For XC I would upgrade the wheels. The stock wheels are heavy. Some 1500g XC wheels would really wake that bike up and make it race ready.
The grips are fire.
I am enjoying the hell out of this bike replaced a 35 year old Rock Hopper LOL It's a sick bike on the trails
Ah, the old "waistband camera mount". Way to improvise in a pinch. I can see those grips being comfortable, I have gloves with thick pads on the palm to reduce forearm fatigue, they work so I assume those would be pretty good. I can see you liking a short wheel base XC bike, they're very comfortable to ride as you're more upright and they're super nimble. A little sketchy on the downhills though, so you have to ride it differently than you would your other downhill-centric bikes.
The geometry of the X-Caliber is so short and steep XC that I wouldn't recommend this bike to anyone unless they were XC racing. In addition, the XC tires would not provide enough traction for most trail riders.
I’ve seen some kid rip one at a bike park no problem
Keep it up man.
Good improvise with mounting the Go Pro to the frame but not the best view since the frame and handle bars were in the way. It’s all good cause you had to do what you had to do.
***Note to self pack a back up chesty mount.. I’m just saying..😂
plan to buy this one X8 crystal white🥳
thanks for all of your reviews, I just picked this bike up. What peddles do you have on this x-caliber in the video or which ones would you recommend? Thanks again!
Nice video. I like your humble narrative style.
Thank you. I appreciate you watching!
Exvaliber 9 is top one crazy bike❤it
Im planning to do xc races do you think it is more suited than a marlin ?
Yea I do for sure
Im thinking of getting this or a Marlin 8 but can people give me their opinions on what i should get cos i think i might get a second hand 8 calibar for cheaper and get it serviced and done up but most parts will already be original but might need replacing?
I feel like I missed it, but where was this ride at? Also, how did you like the grips? I have them and was not a fan at first, but now i love them.
I love them honestly, lessened the vibrations by a lot and gave me a lot of grip. This is lair o bear trail in Morrison Colorado
You should try an xc race
Did this x-caliber share the frame with the old roscoe? That could handle a lot, so im sure this X-caliber can do the same.
Number one question
How tall are you?
How much do you weigh?
Estimate of age ?
64, 280 early 60s
So I can compare what you’re saying, and how the bike feels
What do you think is that best combination of nourish bike and road bike, as on riding on everyday paths? I need help, so many options. I want something that’s fairly fast and efficient on the roads if possible, but I’m willing to give up a little there. Not looking to spend a fortune, preferably around 1k, but willing to go a bit higher for a great fit.
Question ... could u put a rigid carbon front fork on this frame?
I bought an xcaliber 8, but I have been experiencing an intermitent clicking sound when i pedal on steep climbs, am I the only one with this issue?
Probably just need to adjustment the derailer
Is it possible to install 29" x2.10 size tyres on the existing rims of this one?
I’m not sure actually
Great video.
Nice bike. What trail is this?
Lair o bear in Morrison Colorado
What you recommend x caliber or roscoe 9?
If you do more technical mountain biking I would do the Roscoe 9 but if you’re doing more XC trails i would do the x caliber
Oh I see. Makes sense thanks 😁
So how does this compare to that Roscoe 9?😀
It climbs better but that’s about it lol
My friend put this bike together for his son and before I knew it he was done ruclips.net/user/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L When the son came to put it together he was surprised to see it was already done. All he had to do was take the bike to get air and be on his way. My friend did not have any major problems putting this bike together; small issue was putting one of the brakes on straight; however when the son got home he was able to fix it. The bike rides well gears move correctly; good bike for the price. Wrote review after the son took the bike. Sorry.
I think the weight limit is 300 on this bike
This bike seems to be what most of us Marlin riders aspire to, but really on these trails I think I'd probably rather go with at least a Roscoe 7. How was the feel of the fork and the geometry to you?
It actually felt pretty good honestly. I was surprised that it wasn’t super chattery. I love how efficient it is on the climbs. Would be a great daily driver for most people
Roscoe 7 ftw caliber nope ur done good luck in trail
Thank you Sir. New subber here. You still diggin that remedy ?🤘
Thank you! Loving the remedy!
I'm curious about ride differences between the x-caliber & the Marlin?
For what i see only headtube is the diff, dont know why they're still QR -.-
I just picked up the same bike last Saturday! Those tires are 2.35" What pressures were you running?
Nice! I was about 23 front and 25 rear
👍
Make Your bike collection video
Too bad it's quick release front and rear wheels.
Just got this for £760
Should I be concerned about the 141 rear strength? Or is it just the bike industry brainwashing us
Underrated? Its Overrated
no thru Axle is A Bummer!
Completely outdated bike. The head and seat tube angles are utter crap. It looks like a 2016 bike. XC race bakes have slacker head angles.
It's intended primarily as a reasonably priced entry level bike for NICA kids.
A harsh comment for a guy that is obviousley starrting out and learning the sport
@@nodbag6301 The head angle is 69.5 degrees, modern XC race bike that are considered "twitchy" are 68-66.5 degrees. The seat angle is 73 degrees, that puts you over the rear wheel on steep climbs. want to wheelie up steep climbs? thats the seat angle for it.
@@mustclime5311 I know that and you know that. The rpresenter will find out in due course as he gets more experienced. Thanks for the reply