{"id":4606,"date":"2022-08-09T08:51:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-09T08:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/?p=4606"},"modified":"2022-08-09T01:08:22","modified_gmt":"2022-08-09T01:08:22","slug":"trek-x-caliber-7-vs-x-caliber-8","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/trek-x-caliber-7-vs-x-caliber-8\/","title":{"rendered":"Trek X Caliber 7 Vs X Caliber 8 Bike ?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hi-tech frames, hydraulic disc brakes, tubeless-ready wheels, and wide-gear drivetrains! Those are some of the specs that describe the X-Caliber mountain bike family by Trek. But how does Trek X Caliber 7 vs X Caliber 8 compare?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trek X Caliber 7 comes with a 1×10 Shimano Deore drivetrain with 10 gears, while X Caliber 8 comes with a 1x12SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain with 12 gears. Overall, SRAM SX is lighter, sleeker, and more high-end than Deore, making X-Caliber 8 costlier.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But while the drivetrain, gear number, and price are their crucial differentiator, these two bikes also differ in weight, suspension range, and suitability.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ironically, X-Caliber 7, slightly low-end, weighs less than X-Caliber 8, which is more high-end.  In terms of suspension, while both bikes come with a 100mm RockShox Judy SL fork, X-Caliber 7 offers you the option of an 80mm travel on its extra-small bike frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And when it comes to suitability, Trek X Caliber 7 is a better entry-level racer, while Trek X Caliber 8 suits serious mid-level cyclists more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note that I\u2019m talking about the 2021 versions of these two bikes. <\/strong>If you look at the generations before 2021, they are likely to differ in a few specs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below is a breakdown of the differences between the 2021 Trek X Caliber<\/strong> 7 and the 2021 Trek X Caliber 8<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Trek X Caliber 7 vs X Caliber 8 Table Comparison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
 <\/strong><\/td>Trek X Caliber 7 (2021 Model)<\/strong><\/td>Trek X Caliber 8 (2021 Model)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Drivetrain<\/td>1×10 Shimano Deore<\/td>1×12 SRAM SX Eagle<\/td><\/tr>
Gears<\/td>10<\/td>12<\/td><\/tr>
Suspension<\/td>100mm RockShox Judy SL fork<\/td>80-100mm RockShox Judy SL fork<\/td><\/tr>
Bike Weight<\/td>29.5 pounds (13.39Kg)<\/td>30.4 pounds (13.80Kg)<\/td><\/tr>
Bike Price<\/td>AU$1,599.99<\/strong><\/a><\/td>AU$1,999.99<\/strong><\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Best for<\/td>Entry-level racing, more so cross country racing<\/td>Mid-level fast laps and long trail rides<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

About Trek X Caliber 7 \u2013 Trek X-Caliber 7 Review<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Trek describes Trek X Caliber 7 as \u2018the perfect entry-level bike for racing and cross country (XC) riding.\u2019 By looking at its specs, it\u2019s hard to argue with this statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For one, this bike comes in a lightweight alpha gold aluminum frame with a tapered head tube that makes it stiffer, thus faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Secondly, its 100mm RockShox Judy SL suspension cushions your rides and comes with an adjustable turnkey lockout to allow you to tune it to your weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other selling points are the MTB\u2019s hydraulic disc brakes, quick-handling geometry, and robust wheels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its hydraulic disc brakes are reliable all seasons regardless of weather and terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for the quick-handling geometry, it makes it easy to maneuver the bike on technical terrains. That\u2019s also thanks to its robust wheels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This bike weighs 29.5 pounds (13.39Kg) and retails at AU$1,599.99<\/strong>. Overall, X-Caliber 7 is a decent choice when you want an XC hardtail that you can grow with.<\/p>\n\n\n

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About Trek X Caliber 8 \u2013 Review Trek X-Caliber 8<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The X-Caliber 8 is best for fast laps and long trail rides, according to Trek. But still, you can use this bike for competitive racing, more so when you want an upgrade of its previous model, X-Caliber 7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its 1×12 SRAM drivetrain promises more gears, which means more speed, terrain adaptability, and comfort. Though this bike weighs more (30.42 pounds) and costs more (AU$1,999.99<\/strong>) than X-Caliber 7, its superior drivetrain makes it worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trek retains most of X-Caliber 7\u2019s specs, including an alpha gold aluminum frame, RockShox Judy SL suspension, tubeless-ready wheels, and hydraulic disc brakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps the other difference is that a Trek X Caliber 7 limits you to 100mm suspension while Trek X Caliber 8 comes with 100mm and 80mm travel ranges, depending on the frame size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, if you are looking for an XC bike that suits more serious cyclists, even if you don\u2019t plan to compete, go for Trek X Caliber 8.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Trek X Caliber 7 vs X Caliber 8 \u2013 The Differences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Trek X Caliber 7 and 8 differ primarily according to the drivetrain, gears, suspension, weight, and price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Trek X Caliber 7 Vs Trek X Caliber 8 Drivetrain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is where the two X-caliber XC bikes differ most. Trek X Caliber 7 comes with a 1×10 Shimano Deore drivetrain, while X-Caliber 8 features a 1×12 SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain, which is slightly more high-end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While both options come with a traditional simple, lighter, and easier-to-accelerate 1x drivetrain, they differ in weight, speed, aesthetic, and shifting experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, SRAM SX Eagle is lighter, more aesthetic, and offers you a smoother experience than Deore, thanks to its 11-50t 12-speed cassette, 12 gears, and 12-speed chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below is a table showing how the two compare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong><\/td>Trek X Caliber 7\u2019s Shimano Deore<\/strong><\/td>Trek X Caliber 8\u2019 SRAM SX Eagle Drivetrain<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/td>Slightly heavier<\/td>Lighter than Deore<\/td><\/tr>
Gears<\/td>10<\/td>12<\/td><\/tr>
Aesthetic<\/td>Less aesthetic<\/td>Sleeker and more aesthetic<\/td><\/tr>
Shifting Experience<\/td>Slightly less smooth<\/td>Smoother shifting<\/td><\/tr>
Cassette<\/td>11-46t 10-Speed Shimano Deore cassette<\/td>11-50t 12-Speed SRAM SX Eagle cassette<\/td><\/tr>
Chain<\/td>KMC x10 10-Speed chain<\/td>SRAM SX Eagle 12-Speed Chain<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Speed and Gearing Experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Given that Trek X Caliber 8 offers you a 1×12 drivetrain, which translates to 12 speeds, two more than what you get from X-Caliber 7\u2019s Shimano Deore (which is 10).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, X-Caliber 8\u2019s higher gear count makes it a better climber. Additionally, it allows you to ride faster, even though the speed depends on other factors and not just the drivetrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also worth noting that a higher gear count is gentle on your body. It makes hill climbing comfortable, and that\u2019s what you get from SRAM SX Eagle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And when it comes to terrain adaptability, a wide-gear bike is likely to be more adaptable than a narrow-gear bike. Though both bikes are wide-gear, the two-speed difference gives Trek X Caliber 8 an upper hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. X Caliber 7 Vs X Caliber 8 Suspension<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While both bikes come with a 100mm RockShox Judy suspension fork, X-Caliber\u2019s extra small frame has an 80mm option. Though this factor doesn\u2019t make much difference, it means you can count on Trek X Caliber 7 for uniform shock absorption across all frame sizes.<\/p>\n\n\n

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4. Bike Weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Though you expect X Caliber 8 to come in a much lighter build because of its more lightweight drivetrain, that\u2019s not the case. X-Caliber 8 weighs 30.42 pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While X-Caliber 7 averages 29.5 pounds. That makes X Caliber 7 nearly a pound lighter than X Caliber 8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Trek X Caliber 7 Vs 8 Suitability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Trek X Caliber 7 suits entry-level trail racers more due to its easier-to-handle geometry, lighter frame, and reliable drivetrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, X Caliber 8\u2019s high-end 12-gear drivetrain makes it best for longer trips and faster laps, especially by mid-level cyclists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if you want something more serious, though not for elite competition, then go for Trek X Caliber 8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Bike Price<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I couldn\u2019t get the latest price for the two bikes on Trek\u2019s U.S website, but according to the Australia website, Trek X Caliber 7 retails at AU$1,599.99<\/strong>, while X-Caliber 8 goes for AU$1,999.99<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That means that Caliber 8 is at least AU$400 cheaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note, however, that with Trek X Caliber 8 comes more high-end specs and a better bike for mid-level racers and tour cyclists. So, that makes up for the price difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trek X Caliber 8 Vs X Caliber 7 2021 \u2013 The Similarities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While the differences between the two X-Calibers are apparent, so are their similarities. Let\u2019s discuss the latter next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

a) Frame Type and Size<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both XC bikes come with an alpha aluminum gold frame that is superior to alloy aluminum in weight, stiffness, strength, and durability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their stiffness and lighter weight make them better racers. On the other hand, their strength enables them to bear up to 300 pounds, while their durability is the reason they have a limited lifetime warranty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trek makes both bikes in all frame sizes to suit all adults. Below is a table chart that Trek uses on both X-calibers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frame Size<\/strong><\/td>Rider\u2019s Inseam (inches)<\/strong><\/td>Rider\u2019s Height (cm)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
X-Small<\/td>25.2-28.7\u201d<\/td>64-73cm<\/td><\/tr>
Small<\/td>28.3-31.1\u201d<\/td>72-79cm<\/td><\/tr>
Medium<\/td>29.9-31.9\u201d<\/td>76-81cm<\/td><\/tr>
Medium\/Large<\/td>30.3-33.1\u201d<\/td>77-84cm<\/td><\/tr>
Large<\/td>32.7-34.6\u201d<\/td>83-88cm<\/td><\/tr>
X-Large<\/td>34.3-36.2\u201d<\/td>87-92cm<\/td><\/tr>
XX-Large<\/td>36.2-37.4\u201d<\/td>92-95cm<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

b) Wheelset<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The two bikes\u2019 wheelsets are similar in size, tire type, and rim build. In terms of sizes, both bikes offer you 29-inch and 27.5-inch wheels, with the latter suiting smaller frames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for the tires, both feature Bontrager Comp tires with a wire-bread profile for better trail traction. The two tires are 2.2-inch wide, thus slightly narrower than most MTB tires, giving them a rolling advantage. Simply put, their narrowness enables you to ride faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And when it comes to the rims, they both come with double-wall 8-hole Bontrager rims, which are tubeless-ready and robust, thanks to their 14g stainless steel spokes.<\/p>\n\n\n

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c) Brakes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both bikes come with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes that self-adjust with usage, unlike mechanical options. Hydraulic disc brakes are usually high-end promising crisp and powerful stopping, regardless of how wet or steep the terrain is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their only downside is that they are costly to replace and even maintain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Components<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These two bikes also resemble each other when it comes to these components:<\/p>\n\n\n\n