The X-Caliber 6 pedals feature Wellgo nylon pedals. The price of the Shimano M371 is acceptable. It’s stiff enough to improve performance with each product update.Īlthough it is not the current mainstream single-disc drive, there is absolutely no problem in function, but it does not feel as smooth as SRAM. How should we rate the Shimano M371 crank? Shimano M371 cranks feel good in terms of stiffness, durability, and lubricity. Shimano M371, 44/32/22 cranks are compatible with 3×9 speed drivetrains.
The X-Caliber 6 cranks are Shimano M371, 44/32/22. The gears are clear and tough and the hand feel is clear during riding. My self-perception is that the X-Caliber 6 is paired with an SRAM X4, a 9-speed shifter, and an SRAM X4 front and rear derailleur. In theory, it can support any brand of hydraulic brakes.īecause the SRAM X4 shifting system is entry-level, its shift paddle stroke is relatively large, and the speed of continuous up and down shifts is not very fast, but it is enough to meet our daily riding needs. The position of the window has avoided the oil tank on the hydraulic brake lever.
The SRAM X4, 9-speed shift dial window is designed on the top of the handlebar, which has no visual impact. Trek X-Caliber 6 is ideal for models fitted with SRAM X4 parts. The SRAM X4 9-speed Trigger Shifter is a reliable and budget-friendly component that keeps working quickly even in the toughest riding conditions. The highlight lies in the matching SRAM X4 front and rear derailleurs, which operate smoothly in the case of the urgent need for shifting, and the shifting is smooth. The precision and shift feel of the X-Caliber 6 SRAM X4 shifter is not only reflected in the name X4. There’s also enough room within the 1,250mm wheelbase to decide where to place your body weight for maximum grip and control, rather than having weight distribution dictated by the terrain.The X-Caliber 6 shifter uses SRAM X4, 9 speed, and the front and rear derailleurs use SRAM X4. The fork’s steerer tube is left nice and long, so there’s scope to experiment with bar height to find the ideal fit (with the other bikes I simply had to put up with a low front end). The bike’s 14.4kg / 31.7lb weight makes it (marginally) the heaviest too, but because of the roomier riding position, I was happiest covering ground and climbing steep hills on the Calibre.ĭescending is where it shines brightest, though, with the long front-centre (the distance from the front wheel axle to the BB) and slack head angle making for confident, predictable handling on steep and technical terrain. While the 11-46t cassette gives easy enough gears for most climbs, the 32t chainring and 29in wheels mean the bottom gear is actually the stiffest on test. RockShox’ Recon RL fork is relatively supple over small bumps and tracks the ground well. The RockShox Recon fork settles into its early travel more readily than the X-Fusion RC32 on the Sentier too, helping the front tyre to keep in touch with the ground. However, a much longer reach (495mm) makes the Calibre more comfortable and manageable when climbing steep gradients.Įxtra room between the saddle and grips creates a more open body position, making it easier to gulp down air, and brings the torso forward so it’s easier to maintain front-wheel grip. I measured the effective seat angle at 73.8 degrees, which is slightly slacker than that of the Vitus. If you’re not sure, make sure to try a bike for size at GO Outdoors. This means the bike will be too small for anyone with an inseam over 90cm or so, unless there’s another £100-plus in the budget for a longer post. At 190cm and with an inseam of 93cm, I found the saddle was about 30mm too low with the seatpost at its maximum height in the frame. While Calibre’s size guide suggests that the XL bike should fit riders from 183cm to 198cm tall (6ft to 6ft 6in), this is a bit optimistic. One thing to be aware of is the Line 29’s super-short seat tube (485mm, XL), especially because it’s combined with a short seatpost (270mm from the minimum insertion line to the saddle rails). This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s something that could be improved.īeing picky, I’d also prefer an 800mm handlebar to the 780mm stock bar, but this is personal preference. However, while the Vigilante here is tubeless-ready, the Trail boss isn’t, so I wouldn’t swap them round for fear of flatting. I’d prefer the larger-volume, faster-rolling Trail Boss on the rear (for more cushioning, because it’s a hardtail) and the grippier Vigilante tread pattern up front.
One odd choice is the decision to spec a 2.6in WTB Trail Boss tyre up front and a 2.3in Vigilante out back. While taller riders will need a longer post, the KS dropper works well Steve Behr