Currently, it appears we’ve been seeing fewer up to date race-hardtails. The surge of mirco-suspension bikes just like the Trek SuperCal and the Specialised Epic WC changed the necessity for a completely inflexible body. Nonetheless, nothing beats a pure hardtail’s really feel (and 0 shifting components to service). Trek feels the identical and ditched Iso Velocity for a versatile new choice on the up to date Trek ProCaliber Gen 3.
Do We Nonetheless Want Hardtails?
Sure (IMO) however, most of the hardtails we’ve seen have been repurposed into drop bar LifeTime Grand Prix super-gravel racing machines. Nonetheless, there may be nonetheless a spot for the trendy hardtail. Pauline Ferrand Prevot raced her Pinarello Dogma hardtail to an Olympic gold medal this summer time. These tremendous light-weight, nimble machines are precision instruments in the fitting arms.
So, how do you make a hardtail attraction to the altering urge for food of mountain bike customers?
Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 – What’s New?
Now in its third era, the Trek ProCaliber boasts no suspension {hardware} and is the lightest model so far. The ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail leans towards huge tires, suspension, and a extra relaxed entrance finish.
Essentially the most noticeable change is the “suspension,” so let’s begin there. The Trek design staff has put most of their line on a weight loss plan this season, and the ProCal is the newest. The body not has Iso Velocity shifting components, elastomer suspension, or the knock block on the entrance finish.
Get to Know Iso Bow
Changing Iso Velocity is a brand new design Trek calls ‘Iso Bow’; you’ll perceive why if you have a look at it. The design aggressively adjustments the arch of the highest tube, however that each one performs into the suspension design. The highest tube now arcs into the skinny seat stays, with a minimal connection, decrease down on the seat tube.
The staff says it gives the identical profit as IsoSpeed (seated compliance) however is extra easy and lighter. Trek says the brand new design is so comparable in efficiency to Iso Velocity that in on-trail blind testing, riders couldn’t inform the distinction in seated compliance.
How A lot Does the Trek ProCalber Gen 3 Weigh?
- Procaliber 9.6 Gen 3 11.08 kg / 24.43 lbs
- Procaliber 9.5 Gen 3: 12.13 kg / 26.75 lbs
- Procaliber 9.7 AXS Gen 3:10.58 kg / 23.33 lbs
- ProCaliber 9.5 Body (painted): 1150g
*All weights are Med body, with TLR sealant, and no tubes.
To place the body weight into perspective, listed below are some weights of competing hardtails with the precise tire clearance and suspension functionality.
- Canyon Exceed HT: 853g
- Cannondale Scaple Hello-Mod: 895g
- Pivot LES SL: 1045g
- Trek Procal: 1150g
- Santa Cruz Hello-Ball: 1170g
120mm Suspension Replace
The ProCaliber Gen 3 makes use of a contemporary 120mm suspension, 10mm greater than the Trek SuperCaliber. It will make the transition from bike to bike simpler on athletes and provides the brand new ProCaliber Gen 3 a broader vary of using situations to play in.
Slacker and Steeper Geometry
With up to date suspension comes up to date geometry; this time, it’s greater than a slight tweak. To provide the ProCaliber extra attraction to athletes utilizing it as their primary bike, the design staff moved to a progressive entrance finish. The pinnacle tube angle is now at a spherical 67 levels (beforehand 68.8 levels). The efficient seat tube angle will get barely steeper, shifting from 73.8 levels to 74.3 levels.
Trek additionally up to date the attain for the ProCaliber to present the bike calmer dealing with and elevated rider confidence (which will increase pace, IMO). The ProCaliber will get a 10mm longer attain, measuring 460 mm (beforehand 450mm) on a big body. This up to date attain doesn’t match the SuperCaliber, because it measures 465mm for a big body, but it surely’s shut.
Bigger Tire Clearance / Floating Brake Mount
Like hardtail race bikes in 2024-2025, the Trek ProCaliber matches 29 x 2.4″ tires with room to spare.
The Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 makes use of the identical brake mount because the SuperCaliber Gen 2. It isolates braking forces from seat keep flex with an up to date floating brake mount. Trek says the design gives extra constant braking and isn’t affected by seat keep flex.
One Mannequin For the US / Three for Europe
The brand new Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 is available in three completely different fashions: Procaliber 9.5, Procaliber 9.6, Procaliber 9.7 AXS, and a frameset. North America will solely see the Procaliber 9.5 and a frameset. Europe, nevertheless, will obtain all three and higher-end construct choices.
Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 Pricing
- Procaliber 9.5 Gen 3 : Worth: $2,499.99 CAN: $3,399.99
- Procaliber 9.5 Gen 3 Body Set: Worth: $1,999.99 CAN $2,749.99
