Trek's new E-Caliber is a go-faster XC e-MTB

By Ryan Simonovich
published

Trek's new E-Caliber juices up the Supercaliber XC race bike design with a Fazua motor

E-Caliber
(Image credit: Dylan Stucki)

Trek has launched a new XC-focused e-MTB called the E-Caliber, which is based on the brand's Supercaliber XC race full suspension mountain bike. 

The E-Caliber essentially looks like a Supercaliber but with a bigger downtube. The two bikes share Trek's own IsoStrut rear suspension platform, which consists of 60mm of travel and offers the stiffness of a hardtail with the control of a full-suspension bike. 

Each E-Caliber model, ranging in price from $6,499.99 to $12,999.99, is built around a Fazua Evation e-MTB motor system, which offers 55Nm of torque and a range of 43 miles. The drive system weighs 4.6 kg, which leads Trek to claim that the E-Caliber is the lightest e-MTB the brand has ever made, with the top-end model weighing just 15kg. 

E-Caliber

Trek's new E-Caliber has a range of 46 miles, making long XC adventures a reality (Image credit: Dylan Stucki)

An interesting feature of the Fauza drive system is that after riders hit the 20mph pedal-assist limit, the motor doesn't lag or drag making the E-Caliber a fast and efficient machine. 

The bike features three pedal-assist modes that are controlled by a bar-mounted remote. Fauza's drive system also uses a new BLACK PEPPER software, which allows the motor to generate power at a wide range of rider cadences, from 50 to 120rpm. The bike is also Bluetooth compatible, so riders can sync data to a number of devices. 

Compared to the Supercaliber, the E-Caliber uses a 67.5-degree head angle, which is 1.5-degrees slacker than the analog bike. The fork has also been bumped up to 120mm of travel. These changes were made to address the higher average speeds that e-MTB riders experience. 

E-Caliber

The E-Caliber XX1 build (pictured) costs $12,999.99 but a Deore build is available for $6,499.99 (Image credit: Trek)

Riders can turn the E-Caliber into an analog bike by removing the motor system from the downtube and installing a downtube cover. This would lower the weight of the top-end model to 12kg. 

The bikes are available in sizes small through extra-large in 29-inch wheels. The cheapest model uses a RockShox 35 Gold RL in addition to the IsoStrut platform in the rear, which is manufactured by Fox. The model features a Shimano Deore drivetrain with an XT derailleur, Shimano brakes, and a TranzX dropper post. The rest of the build primarily uses components from Trek's Bontrager brand. 

The top-end build kit features a SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS electronic drivetrain, a RockShox SID Ultimate fork, Shimano XTR brakes, and Bontrager Kovee carbon wheels. The two top-end models, an XX1 build and another model with an XTR kit, do not feature dropper posts. 

Each model is offered in four colorways, with the exception of the Deore build which is only available in black. The E-Caliber is available now at Trek dealers or online. 

Ryan Simonovich
Ryan Simonovich

Ryan Simonovich has been riding and racing for nearly a decade. He got his start as a cross-country mountain bike racer in California, where he cultivated his love for riding all types of bikes. Ryan eventually gravitated toward enduro and downhill racing but has also been found in the occasional road and cyclo-cross events. Today, he regularly rides the trails of Durango, Colorado, and is aiming to make a career out of chronicling the sport of cycling. 


Rides: Santa Cruz Hightower, Specialized Tarmac SL4